Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (54) coffee (50) brunch (37) great (31) nice (30) wait (28) Melbourne (24) staff (21) delicious (21) crab (20)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nik Aliff Nik M. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was fantastic! Presentation was excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. Tried this place for breakfast. I had the Char Siu Benedict. I was impressed by it all. Coffee was good, probably a 8 out of 10 but the food definitely made the experience worth it. The place itself is really nice too maybe getting loud when so busy and a lot of movement happening around so not so much a place to be if you want to chill and relax. Would recommend and will be back there with friends for sure !
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Foodie Q. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome dishes, friendly staff and great vibe in general! Easily one of my top 5 brunch places in Melbourne, I’ve been coming back here a few times since 2018 😍 I really love how they change their menu each year and I was eager to try the dishes they currently offer. If you haven’t been here and you live in Melbourne, you’re really missing out on good stuff! Better book a table now and get yourself here ASAP ‼️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Roy C. 2 months ago on Google • 352 reviews New
    The overall experience was good. The staff was nice and the food was really good. Just you may need to wait for 45 mins outside under the sun lining up outdoor. The toast with soft-shelled crab was really good and the coffee was nice as well. The sweet pancake wasn’t as good as I thought though - it is still worth a try.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cecil S. 2 years ago on Google
    Was sceptical at first but absolutely loved this place. The food was great! Had the char siu Benedict, chilli omelette and the smashed avo. Biggest hit among the drinks was the kaya macha latte but the others were really good as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Matt K. 1 year ago on Google
    The menu has interesting and creative dishes. They were nice but I thought the taste could be better. The omelette was a bit bland. The coffee was very strong, which is nice but it would have been better if it came in a bigger cup. Maybe its just me but there was a steady stream of customers so this restaurant should be fine for most people.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jenny T. 1 year ago on Google
    Waited for 30 min to get a table last Sunday. Waiting time for food to come out (30+min) and the server to come provide the QR code after we sat down (15-20min) are the let-downs on top of the additional 10% Sunday surcharge imposed. I guess we were not attended immediately because of outdoor table, until we went inside to notify that we were waiting to be served. Afterward, it was all good. The lady who served us was very friendly and accommodating. The food were delicious though. Must try this soft shell crab omelette! Hopefully, the whole experience could be better during the weekday.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spoorthy R. 3 months ago on Google • 147 reviews New
    Nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating close to flagstaff gardens. Be prepared to wait for while if you visit on weekends. Usually busy. Great options in the menu. I had the corn fritters, could definitely use more seasoning. Their iced coffee was the best!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ziyang L. 1 month ago on Google • 138 reviews New
    A popular brunch place near Flagstaff garden. Came on a weekday at 12, waited around 30 minutes. Service was prompted. I am not a coffee person but the matcha latte was nice. The food presentation was great as well. The taste was however just above average, can't really remember one dish that's stand out. Worth a try if you are around and there is no line.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haiting L. 6 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Very nice brunch, kind of like fusion food. Love the bread here, very tasty. A hearty meal no doubt!! But the coffee is too bitter for me😅. Anyway, for the meal, worth to go!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abhishek R. 4 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Check the google review for Operator 25 Café below: What an incredible brunch experience at Operator 25 Café! Despite the initial wait for a table due to the bustling crowd, the overall dining experience more than made up for it. The restaurant's quirky and playful ambiance immediately caught our attention, setting the stage for a delightful meal. The menu, seamlessly blended Asian flavours with Australian brunch favourites. We started with the single origin coffees by Code Black, and they were exceptional. The Matcha Hotcake was served with blackberry coulis, fresh berries, matcha white chocolate sauce, and boysenberry ice cream. Each bite was a burst of flavours, a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The soft-shell crab omelette was another highlight. The open omelette was filled with fried soft-shell crab, complemented by Baladi chilli relish served on multigrain toast. The combination of textures and flavours was exquisite. We also tried the Congee, an Asian rice porridge topped with poached eggs, prawn crackers, and fried shallots. The dish was comforting yet sophisticated, a testament to the culinary fusion at Operator 25. Despite the busy atmosphere, the service was impressively quick. We highly recommend this café to anyone looking for a unique and satisfying brunch adventure. We'll be returning to explore more of their culinary delights in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 N J. 7 months ago on Google • 39 reviews
    You can explore new interesting fusion food here but the taste is a little blend for me(the food just not my taste) and as a lot of reviews, many people love the food just not me 😅 i order salmon and rice - it quite like im eating normal salmon sushi for me, the sauce here is only mayonnaise, the portion is big which is good. The staffs are really nice, friendly and helpful. I didn’t try their coffee this time, anyway a lot of people said their coffee is really good may be I will go back to try coffee next time
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris L. 4 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    Thought I'd try something different to my norm, so I had Soft shell crab omelette with clever drip coffee and was happy I did so. The flavors and presentation was outstanding. They make the Clever drip when ordered, so there is a 10 to 15min wait on that. Service was good and professional. Attended to as soon as I walked in. Overall, really good experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deyanelis “Nell” D. 5 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Had the tofu scramble and added roasted tomatoes. So so good! Would recommend to try even if you're not vegan. The atmosphere is great and coffee is really good as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Divya J. 3 months ago on Google • 188 reviews New
    Corn fritter and fresh juice.. yummy! Still miss those after more than 2 weeks. Good service and nice cafe for breakfast.

  • 5/5 Daniel van H. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm a simple guy, but this was one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long while. The bread was delicious! Also great and fast service. Really affordable too. ??
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R C. 4 years ago on Google
    Still keeping their standards and heart in delivering good food in this climate. Keep up the good work Operator 25! Shout out to the Hojicha latte and the Char Siu Benedict. Also you guys are too kind to gift us a complimentary muffin!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little cafe close to The Jazz Corner Hotel (where we were staying) attended daily for excellent coffee during our recent stay in Melbourne. Their offers of single origin coffee was excellent!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casey M. 4 years ago on Google
    Super cute and cozy cafe! Theme is adorable. Really good chai latte! We got the teriyaki mushroom and french toast and added poached eggs and both were great! Service was very friendly as well. Would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gaëlle B. 4 years ago on Google
    My first breakfast in Melbourne and it was amazing ! They have delicious dishes, very original and so esthetic ! No matter what you prefer, you’ll find something for you. The personal was really nice and we felt welcomed as soon as we enter the place. The inside is also amazing !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jun L. 4 years ago on Google
    Satisfyingly crunchy corn-flake coated fried chicken in a charcoal bun with thin potato crisps and a coffee x tropical spritz mix (surprisingly good). A trendy, lively eatery that serves great food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bernard M. 3 years ago on Google
    A real hidden gem in the Melbourne CBD, modern yummy brunch food, Japanese style, very well presented and colourful; plus great coffee; very busy, but great atmosphere; clean environment and quick service; staff are very friendly/helpful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rein S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing coffee and the waffle must try it. Purple potato with sesame ice cream on top also with fresh fruits is just OMG AMAZING.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christopher T. 4 years ago on Google
    Beauiful little spot for a brunch on a Sunday morning. This place was around the corner from the hotel I was staying in. I had a hankering for a good coffee that Melbourne is famous for as well as a good feed. This place delivered on all accounts. The history of this cafe is very interesting as well and makes it a little bit more special. The staff were extremely welcoming and service minded. The venue is neat and clean and delivers on all fronts. Next time I am in Melbourne, I shall be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John S. 2 years ago on Google
    Operator25 markets itself as a brunch place, and commands one of the highest ratings on Google Maps for any restaurant in Melbourne! With an Asian twist on a number of classic brunch items, I was a little taken by surprise by the flavours. I’d argue that while the food is still great, the Asian twist places the food a little more in the ‘lunch’ basket than a traditional ‘brunch’. Fantastic aesthetic and venue though, and the food was good, but I wasn’t exactly blown away.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sylvia L. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was really above my expectations. Well the coffee is fine but the orange juice was really fresh and juicy. Please choose orange juice instead of iced long black. And the two meals are really delicious and well packaged. Just see the photos I posted. A sunny day with such great food is the only thing I can get happiness now.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenny W. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious brunch Cafe on the outskirts of the cbd. Great coffee options and plenty of choices for meals or a snack. Friendly service, minimal food wait times. Quality and presentation of food is incredible! Can't wait to come back next time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruben S. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved this place. We didn't have to wait for too long. Just 15min. We got a table outside. Food was delicious and not too pricy. Fresh juice $7 and it was big. Staff very friendly and kind. 10% surcharge on Sundays. 15% surcharge on Public Holidays
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hilda Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed the food and service at Operator25 but the coffee was a let down. We arrived 45mins early for our booking and was told our table was not yet ready, so we decided to order a takeaway coffee while we wait. Unfortunately the coffee was completely tasteless and we were both very disappointed. The coffees for dine in were presented very nicely so I'm not sure whether there is a difference in standard between takeaway and dine in, but $5 for a takeaway coffee which essentially tasted like milk was just not worth it. However the food and service was excellent. Once we were seated we were served by a lovely girl named Sai and she was very friendly, attentive and accommodating. We ordered the bulgogi tacos, corn fritters and ube egg waffle and all the meals were well presented and so delicious. Overall it was a positive experience and we would definitely return for the food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kingsley L. 1 year ago on Google
    This was our first visit to the cafe and were thoroughly impressed with the food and the attentiveness of our hosts, I highly recommend booking at this venue because it is such a busy cafe and there is limited seating. So the coffee was beautiful the barista certainly knows how to make a good coffee, and as for the food wow such flavour and variety I am thoroughly impressed with flavour combinations they work so well and how quickly the food is served as well. Well done we will be back again!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muntaha A. 1 year ago on Google
    Just discovered another stunning restaurant for brunch! Absolutely loved the food, the presentation, the atmosphere and the staff as well☺️. I tried their Teriyaki Mushrooms and Soft Shell Crab Omelette (I’ve added pictures of the Menu, in case someone wants to check out the description💕) Everything tasted absolutely delicious👌🏼Amazing food quality👌🏼 Will definitely go again!❤️ (The restaurant closes at 4pm, but in case you’re planning to go, keep in mind the kitchen closes at 3:30pm)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Wendy L. 1 year ago on Google
    3 great things about this place: - Great decor dishes with variety of options. - A range of drinks including tea and coffee. We ordered a soy hojicha which is a roasted type of tea. - Great location. 2 minus things: - No split bills - Can be very crowdy even on week days.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Forough Y. 1 year ago on Google
    First time we came to this cozy, super busy and lovely cafe for brunch. We where so impressed by quick order delivery, the beautiful coffee art and plate design. I ordered French toast and it was beautiful, tasty and rich. We definitely get back. You make sure do your booking 12 hours before as it is so busy on weekends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vegard N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great brunch place next to Flagstaff gardens. Operator 25 has an exciting and novel menu of classic brunch food with a unique Asian twist! This place also deserves credit for their interesting desert menu and extensive drinks list. While we had mixed reviews about the food we had, the menu was exciting enough that I would definitely come back here 😊 Balinese pork burger - Very tasty. Healthy serving. The Balinese flavours come through nicely. Would order again. Chili scrambled eggs - Fairly plain. The sambal chili adds some flavour but overall the dish is still a little lacking. Has potential but as it stands I would not order again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Наталья Ткаченко (. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing! It was so delicious that we had 3 breakfasts there out of 4 we had in Melbourne. Mind you, on Sunday you need to book a table in advance, because you will have to wait about an hour. When we are back in Melbourne we will definitely start our day at this restaurant!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Avin H. 9 months ago on Google
    We had the pecking duck leg which was super delicious and flavourful, however the pork belly eggs Benedict was lacking a bit 😅 just tasted like spam and instead of a bread base they used hash brown, still good!!! But I think it just makes you feel full easily 😂😅 also more pricey than other brunch places too, but good service and vibes 😁 overall pretty good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hello. i. 9 months ago on Google
    Treat yourself to an Asian fusion brunch at @operator25cafe where you can find dishes like Ube Waffles and Salmon Aburi. With plenty of options, there's something for everyone. Cozy and casual, it's a great spot to refuel. Food delivers in terms of flavours and textures, those with a super sweet tooth will definitely love the Ube Waffle and Choc & Cheese French Toast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K G. 11 months ago on Google
    Super tasty food and worth going. The Smashed Avocado was superb and ordered Scrambled Eggs on the side (first image and the fourth image was another time I went). The Corn Fritters were yum and very flavorful. I can’t wait for next time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rue F. 8 months ago on Google
    Went on weekend so queued up outside for more less half an hour. They don’t do bookings on a weekend. It was worth waiting. While this place may seem busy, the serving time for the food was quite quick. Great coffee and food. The soft shelled crab omelette was delicious. Also had the ube waffle, must try. Will definitely go back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miky Y. 6 months ago on Google
    Very busy cafe even on a monday morning! Coffee and Matcha white chocolate were good. French toast was good. Soft shell crab was okay, was expecting something with more flavors. Probably will be back to try other dish
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael X. 5 months ago on Google
    They do savory and sweet both very well. Coffee bean was a bit too tangy, I'd rate their coffee around 4.5. Food was great though, 5/5. Even though we waited around 25 min, it was worth the wait. The duck and the waffles, was scrumptious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leok L. 4 months ago on Google
    The fusion soft shell crab Omelette is very good. Good balance of the tastes. It is spicy but I like heat from it. It really light up the dish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Ainishah H. 3 months ago on Google • 134 reviews New
    Really wanted to like this place but didn’t have the best experience, for both food and service. When we first got there, the host sat a group at the table they were setting up for us even though this group got there after us without a reservation. Upon ordering food, we asked for an iced drink slightly sweetened with simple syrup and were told that they don’t do that “because the baristas get annoyed by it”. It was bizarre but they ended up doing it anyway. When the food came, most of it was not too bad. The bulgogi taco and salmon aburi were the standout dishes. The smoothie bowl tasted like coconut curry so I wouldn’t recommend that. The fritters were alright. Overall it was an alright experience but don’t think I’ll be going back.

  • 4/5 Cher 4 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    Place is usually so crowded that it was tough to get a seat indoors, at least they have seats outdoors (but it got quite cold at times because of the strong winds!) food was great though! poached eggs were cooked just right and the pork & fennel sausage was so flavorful. Coffee was also really well brewed - flavours of milk + coffee blended really well.

  • 5/5 Jasmine Y. 1 month ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Although my partner and I had to wait for a while because it was packed during lunchtime and it’s one of the popular cafes here, this is one of my favourite cafes in Melbourne! The food is on the pricier side but it’s definitely worth it. The food was presented beautifully and the coffee was amazing and I’m willing to try the other foods on their menu. I’ll definitely be back if I come back to Melbourne again :) I just have to make a booking prior

  • 5/5 Nat K. 3 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    A really unique brunch menu, with beautifully presented dishes that tasted great too. Staff were prompt and efficient, coffee was great & we enjoyed trying the Nutella and peanut butter drink. Our kids shared the French toast, which was a little decadent for their tastebuds but delicious all the same, the smashed avo was a huge serving and really tasty and the fritters were a really tasty combination of flavours. Would definitely dine here again.

  • 3/5 zoraida b. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    The place is really nice, the service was good, they were nice and friendly. But the food it’s too complex. We ordered a scrambled eggs with crab that were really spicy, and the crab did not have much flavour. And also ordered the matcha hotcakes that were good but missing something about the flavour. Good but too overrated

  • 5/5 Alice H. 1 month ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    Couldn't go wrong with their French toast, so creamy, rich, fresh, fruity and crispy sweet toast. Easily accessible cafe with in-house and outside seats in CBD, average price, good menu

  • 5/5 Matthew N. 1 month ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    Excellent rendition of Corn Fritters with the eggs & additional pork & fennel sausage. Unclear if sausage was Housemade or brought-in however the quality of it was above average. Friendly service with comfy outdoor seating. Looking forward to trying the other items in the menu.

  • 5/5 Nick H. 3 years ago on Google
    Good vibes, good food, phenomenal coffee.

  • 5/5 Juliana F. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place. Always visit when I am in Melbourne and always walk out happy I returned. Staff are great. Food is great. The dedicated baristas are amazing! Highly recommend the chia pudding if you like a breakfast on the sweet side

  • 5/5 sudu 4 years ago on Google
    When we were visiting Melbourne this time, we stumbled upon this corner cafe and thought of giving it a try. Am so glad we did. It turned out to be a gem of a place with great food and a lively ambiance. I tried their ube waffle and it was one of the prettiest & beautifully plated waffle I had ever seen. The taste was really good too. Definitely recommend it to people visiting Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Alexia D. 4 years ago on Google
    The coffee is excellent. I tried the croissant too, it tastes like a real French one. I’ll recommend to go there.

  • 2/5 Gracy B. 3 years ago on Google
    highly instagrammable but the food itself? hm..

  • 5/5 Ritta 3 years ago on Google
    Cute

  • 5/5 Theresa H. 3 years ago on Google
    Dining here was awesome, a little bit of cuisine from different countries.

  • 4/5 Marcos D. 3 years ago on Google
    waffle must try they are just amazing.

  • 5/5 K P. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious coffee!

  • 5/5 Rebecca S L. 3 years ago on Google
    Impressive meals - bring your out-of-town friends and family

  • 4/5 Byun 3 years ago on Google
    Egg Benedict was on point, loved the thick and soft bacon. The omelette with squid, tomato sauce and sourdough was disappointing, not worth its price! The squid smelled like sea water and definitely did not go well with omelette egg. The sourdough bread was hard to cut with a knife so it was difficult to share with a friend. The atmosphere was just okay. I will probably visit again for Egg Benedict, but won’t recommend this place to my friends.

  • 5/5 jann 2. 3 years ago on Google
    Reasonable price and nice taste.

  • 4/5 Elie I. 3 years ago on Google
    A nice experience - restaurant is lovely, staff are attentive, food was the slightest bit unusual given it was Japanese breakfast style but was tasty nonetheless. I’d recommend this place to try for yourself

  • 5/5 Kanika A. 3 years ago on Google
    BEST MUFFINS EVER. THE SOFTEST JUST LIKE A CLOUD MUFFINS. BEST BEST BEST MUFFINS EVER

  • 4/5 LEMON_NING 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The plate is exquisite, the meal is delicious, the CP value is full, the portion is also ok, it is worth a try (Original) 擺盤精緻,餐點好吃,CP值滿高,份量也可以,值得一試

  • 5/5 楊欣庭 4 years ago on Google
    Great coffee and nice brunch

  • 5/5 Charlie S. 4 years ago on Google
    Serves great coffee and above average food. However, the place is always so packed that it's best to go when you have longer than usual lunch breaks

  • 5/5 darnell m. 4 years ago on Google
    They have great coffee always nice and smooth they were our regular morning coffee shop. The teriyaki mushrooms were full of flavour with just a nice teriyaki taste which did not overwhelm the mushrooms and yes they cater for both gluten free and Celiacs. The staff are super friendly and it's popular so some times you have to wait for a table. the place and staff are beautiful, the meal was fantastic, there is NO INTERNET which was a pitty as I arrived to this place wanting to eat breakfast and lunch there over a few coffees and emails.

  • 5/5 Tanya B. 4 years ago on Google
    They have great coffee always nice and smooth they were our regular morning coffee shop. The teriyaki mushrooms were full of flavour with just a nice teriyaki taste which did not overwhelm the mushrooms and yes they cater for both gluten free and Celiacs. The staff are super friendly and it's popular so some times you have to wait for a table.

  • 5/5 Vikram I. 4 years ago on Google
    French toast was excellent as was the coffee. Good service.

  • 4/5 Matthew L. 4 years ago on Google
    It gets crowded on holidays, usually requires few minutes wait but not for long. Iced Peanutella is a chocolate milk with cream and peanut brownie on top. Iced latte with coffee jelly was nice as well. French toast is a bit sweet but nice texture. Love the chilli scrambled egg with seafood twist.

  • 5/5 Phillip Edward N. 4 years ago on Google
    Easily my favourite place for breakfast or brunch in Melbourne. This is as close to a brekka Mecca as you’ll get. There are some interesting twists to classic favourites like the Char Siu Benedict and creative creations that will knock your lid clean off and leave you saying “What? How.”. Dirk had barely even tasted his meal before the flavours wreaked havoc on his genetic composition and his head began to bend like a banana in a black hole. The staff are also friendly and so efficient, so skilled - also good hair advice. I’d give this place 6/5 if I could. I can’t though so 5 will have to do.

  • 4/5 Gary G. 4 years ago on Google
    - gluten free options. - vegan options. - wheelchair access via side entrance. - the shichuan duck was melt in the mouth tender and also fodmap friendly <3 - the meals that arrived at our table were beautifully presented. - generous servings. - pleasant atmosphere and surrounds, although if you dislike sharing a table you might not enjoy it so much. - friendly helpful staff. Recommended, will definitely return!

  • 5/5 Sara H. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious!!!

  • 5/5 My D. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and chill morning for a delicious brunch in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Tables are organised inside, make you feel very comfortable. Foods are quite nice and not expensive. Staffs are friendly and polite. I had Char siu benedit which you wont be able to find other stores. Like spending Sunday morning here.

  • 5/5 Hanna Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Good coffee and brunch

  • 4/5 Alexander U. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow - new favourite breakfast spot in Melbourne CBD. 5* for the food Chilli scrambled eggs were very tasty and a large serving size. Would order second piece of toast next time Eggplant was nice and the dessert waffle was absolutely amazing -1* for a poor check out system . After finishing our meal we had to wait in a 15 person line with people ordering take away coffee etc just to settle the bill . No payment available at table

  • 5/5 Geoff R. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic, as always

  • 5/5 smolkovaluu 4 years ago on Google
    Such a hidden small Café. Beautiful coffees. Uncommon food combination. Defo coming back

  • 5/5 Alexandra Keeling D. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic restaurant and service. They are currently doing a char siu eggs benedict and it is to die for!

  • 5/5 André L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice food and very nice staff as well

  • 5/5 Gaurika W. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to have breakfast, crowded and there is a queue. Food is good and service is quick. Recommended!

  • 5/5 Happy W. 4 years ago on Google
    Very busy for brunch. Good taste, but a bit overpriced.

  • 5/5 Koen A. 4 years ago on Google
    Good coffee, good seats.

  • 4/5 yoon j. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's brunch or not (Original) 익 각격 죽곡 먹을 브런친아님미다ㅎ

  • 5/5 Chih Ying L. 4 years ago on Google
    French toast is good

  • 3/5 Zoe X. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered Egg Benny and chill scrambled egg. Egg Benny was alright, quite yummy. However, the chill scrambled egg was SUPER oily, though the staff explained they sprinkled with olive oil on purpose. And olive oil was mentioned on the menu. I personally don’t like oily food, and the oil was heavily soaked in the oil. Very busy at weekend, waited about 30 minutes, and waited around another 40 minutes to get our food ready. The entire vibe is really good. I also notice they offer seasonal menu, so the guys must have been putting effort in delivering food. You could try, and order other food, maybe they will be good, but I personally won’t comeback again.

  • 5/5 Liah A. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a warm and welcoming environment. Very tasty breakfast and coffee. I love the service at this place they always takes care of their guests to offer the best. This place is indeed perfect for studying and chilling out. I just want to keep coming back to this place. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Anne T. 2 years ago on Google
    Super stylish Café (love the little details that this was a place for an operator), perfect for brunch/meetings or heaps options for a self treat. Loving this place for my perfect “oat-latte”. The bubble waffle is highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Rachel C. 2 years ago on Google
    Food presentation was really beautiful and it tasted really good. A little on the pricey side but still a very trendy cozy place. Had a variety of savoury and sweet options. Definitely worth checking out for brunch or cafe date.

  • 5/5 The Office N. 2 years ago on Google
    This is probably the best pulled pork I've ever had. Super tender, soft and moist. Decent portions and rather cheap pricing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • 5/5 Lucy L. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love this place. Was there for brunch and catch up with friends. The staff are very friendly, the food and drinks are great. I had matcha latte and pulled pork, my friends had Mala duck udon and Egg on toast with avocado. They are all amazing. Will come back again with no doubt. We enjoyed.

  • 3/5 Grace V. 2 years ago on Google
    Famous for their sweet potato waffle, worth to try but i still like the egg benedict more

  • 5/5 Haider R. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything was perfect! Loved the coffee and chilli open omelette was so delicious. Will definitely visit again next time in town.

  • 5/5 Deb L. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a good feed. And a really great atmosphere to have conversations with people. The staff are friendly & helpful & the food is great!

  • 5/5 Stefan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was delicious and the overall customer service and staff were amazing. Great food and vibe, fun fact it's called operator 25 because it used to be a switchboard back in the days when phones were just starting out. How cool is that! 😎

  • 5/5 San A. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been here only once, but the Ube waffle I tried was pretty nice! It has several different yummy flavours together which I don’t get very often. I’ll be back 😛

  • 4/5 Junior H. 2 years ago on Google
    We got there during a busy time and was estimated 20 mins wait, having to wait 45 mins was not ideal. Fortunately, it was worth the long wait. One of the tastiest coffees I’ve had in Melbourne, the aromas and flavours were spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed the Balinese pork burger, the pork was tender and juicy and there was plenty of sauce to complement it. Definitely recommend this burger and the sweet potato fries were great too. I’d definitely be coming back and hoping next time there will be a shorter wait.

  • 4/5 Jasmine G. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a nice brunch place. I do wish they had more savoury items on the menu as well. The ChaSiu pork Benedict is definitely good but the the salmon wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. The purée was delicious though.

  • 5/5 Tuyet D. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is always exceptionally amazing here. 2nd time visiting here from Adelaide and can not fault anything. We had an ant crawling in our desserts half way through the dish, they offered to get us a new one. Latte art is amazing here. Whether you live or visit Melbourne, it's a place to visit. Beware that there will be a wait during the peak times on weekends.

  • 5/5 Jeremy 2 years ago on Google
    Since the beginning of the year I’m trying to have breakfast out every Saturday, I usually have the açai bowl. We went to operator 25 around 9’am and it was really busy, staff was very welcoming and found a table for us, service was quick and I was impressed by how well organised it was. The breakfast itself was really nice and generous. I was left with a full tommy until past lunchtime. My partner enjoyed the eggs on toast and overall it was great value. I do recommend the place, maybe worth to book a table !!

  • 5/5 Kaoru U. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food. Ordered the Char Siu Benedict and the Smashed Avo - and wow did not disappoint! Also got greedy and had some dessert (Ube Waffle) afterwards - the presentation is just so beautiful.

  • 4/5 Derek C. 2 years ago on Google
    The pork belly burger with sweet potato fries is good. The Korean bulgogi tacos was good, but a bit too salty, and heavy to eat all four tacos. Was quite busy on a Sunday 12:30pm, expect to wait 30-40 minutes before getting food.

  • 5/5 Alice 1 year ago on Google
    A very busy cafe, recommend to make booking (40 min wait on weekend for walk-in). Outdoor seating at the front. Friendly staff and quick service. Great hojicha latte. I like the Bulgogi beef taco. Soft shell crab omelette was good, nice fluffy egg with tom yum sauce. 10% Sunday surcharge and 15% public holiday surcharge.

  • 5/5 Princess Karen G. 1 year ago on Google
    Coffee was gooood it made me want to move to Melbourne! 😂 My husband got Korean chicken burger while I had soft crab omelette. I felt there was way too many eggs on my plate I couldn’t finish it, and just 1 soft shell crab. It was delicious nonetheless.

  • 5/5 Kira L. 1 year ago on Google
    Love love love this place. Beautiful modern vibes, amazing and unique Asian inspired menu. And most of all the food is absolutely delicious and looks as good as it tastes. Only down side was we waited more than 30 minutes for our food as they were very busy, understandable though and we'll worth the wait.

  • 5/5 I T. 10 months ago on Google
    Great experience. Reservations can be made at least two weeks before. Recommend to make reservations in advance as the restaurant is pretty small and can get super crowded. Food is fantastic! One of the best brunch I had so far. Ordered the toast with scrambled eggs and salmon. Smoked Salmon is nicely done. Cauliflower with pumpkin is delicious and crunchy. Barramundi is nicely cooked and does not taste / smell fishy. Also ordered a flat white which was superb. Good place for breakfast with friends.

  • 3/5 Tuyen T. 10 months ago on Google
    Was busy and had a line at 9am weekday They have Filipino inspired/fusion breakfast which is different. Did not have any expectations when I visited so wasn’t impressed nor disappointed. They do have good quality coffee!

  • 5/5 Huong N. 9 months ago on Google
    Great cafe for breakfast. The menu is continuously changing with dishes you won't see anywhere else. Be warned that there is a long wait on weekends but it is well worth it.

  • 3/5 Vahid S. 1 year ago on Google
    My expectations was much higher regarding great google review. However, I couldn’t find anything interesting on menu (very basic). Also, food tastes could be much better. Pulled pork Benedict was a bit tasteless, you could feel that they just put stuff together and designed them. On other hand, French toast was really sweet(Too much syrup). Thanks 🙏

  • 4/5 Nicola C. 10 months ago on Google
    Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this stunning café usually draws long queue outside. We arrived early and were fortunate to secure a seat right away! The café was quite busy but the staff were still attentive. They offer heaps of sweet and savoury brunch options to ensure everyone’s palate. Here's what we ordered: White Chocolate Matcha Latte Flat White Ube Waffle Soft Shell Crab Omelette The latte art was truly impressive! However, it was quite sweet for my liking and the matcha flavour wasn't strong as I expected. The ube waffle was an absolute delight! The vibrant purple hue f waffle was visually striking and it was seamlessly matched with the black sesame ice cream. The soft shell crab omelette was spicier than I expected and added an exciting kick to the dish. The soft shell crab was crunchy and was pairing perfectly with omelette and the sourdough bread. Despite the bustling atmosphere, we quite enjoy the delectable food!

  • 5/5 Hiep Vo (. 10 months ago on Google
    One of the best spot I’ve have been too for brunch, I love the selection available on their menu. We order the pan fried barramundi and absolutely love it 9/10 other dishes we had was the Salmon Aburi 7.5/10 and soft shell crab omelette 7.7/10. All meals were very tasty. Be sure to get a fresh mixed juice to wash it down. The cafe has heaps of tables indoors and also seating outside.

  • 5/5 N C. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a great place for a quick brunch. Food is good and unique. The atmosphere is cozy and busy but not fantastic to spend too long here. I found some of the items too sweet so just beware if that’s your concern.

  • 5/5 John K. 8 months ago on Google
    Operator 25 food and coffee are super delicious. Service is also very good. We had soft shell crab omelette, Bulgogi burger, salmon Aburi, Miso Pork Benedict, French Toast

  • 2/5 Ryan Z. 8 months ago on Google
    I had high hopes for this brunch, especially considering its popularity and the long wait. However, the duck was really really dry and mostly went to waste. The sushi rice in the salmon aburi was too sour. Luckily, the ube waffle wasn't too bad.

  • 4/5 Felix 7 months ago on Google
    The chicken congee was good. But the salmon was really sweet Maybe because too much mayonnaise. Could have been better. Service was okay, very quick. Will comeback to try some more. Would recommend to others. ~.~

  • 3/5 Charlie J. 7 months ago on Google
    Came down for breakfast with my companion, ordered a drink and the crab meat scrambled egg, thinking it might be an easy to digest light meal. It wasn't, it was a massive meal with giant fried crab on top. It wasn't the cheapest and my preference was that the dish was just too much. Staff were friendly, but the place is pricey. Appears very popular with very long queues at times.

  • 5/5 Chris Q. 7 months ago on Google
    The first time we went to Operator 25 was a year before the spicy cough came, it was amazing then and it was superb again this time, the black oats was just unreal. Great

  • 5/5 Simeng Y. 8 months ago on Google
    Average brunch food is served here. The food was represented nicely, which is suitable for taking photos. I ordered flat white and waffle. The waffle had many ingredients, but the flavour was not very impressive. I took great pictures. The place was a bit too crowded, and there was a long waiting time. The stool was really tall and not very comfy to sit on. The staff was friendly and sufficient. But it seems like it could have one or two more people to help so the customers can have more attention.

  • 4/5 Nicole 7 months ago on Google
    Had one of my most interesting meals in Melbourne here at Operator25. I had a very long and tiring day and decided to stop by this place after peak hours so I was able to get a seat right away. I passed by during lunch and there was a line so I didn't go in that time but if you're dining solo and they have a table near the counter, there's a possibility you might get a seat right away like I did. Worth noting though that even during off peak hours, there were still a lot of people here. I tried their Ube Waffle which was topped with varieties of fruits like strawberry, peach, and macapuno and with one scoop of ice cream to add more flavor. It also had ube syrup which was a good plus. The serving was huge for me but I think normal in terms of how big the servings are in most restaurants here. I also had a cup of White Chocolate Match which balances with the waffle because it was bitter and sweet and had its own distinct flavor. I would say it was an expensive meal but it was worth trying especially for brunch and cafe lovers like me.

  • 3/5 Adeline 6 months ago on Google
    I was pretty disappointed at the difference in portion sizes observed from the 3 plates that came out of the kitchen. While our portion only had a measly serving of roughly 3 pieces of soft shell crab, the one opposite us had at least double of that (see the 2nd photo attached). Service wise, the host was very pleasant but we did have some trouble getting service, and one waitress in particular had a very nonchalant attitude, bordering dismissive. Perhaps she had a bad day? Taste wise - your standard brunch fare. Great avocados though. 🤗

  • 5/5 Barry 6 months ago on Google
    Had the matcha hotcake and a flat white. The hotcake was soft and moist; it didn't have a strong matcha flavour but was still tasty and paired well with the blackberry coulis and boysenberry ice cream. There was also a good amount of mixed fresh berries. Coffee was pretty good, decent coffee strength and was not milky.

  • 3/5 Low Wee H. 6 months ago on Google
    This restaurant must have appeared in some guide book/list frequently visited by Asians. It is definitely popular among Asians and tourists, because when we stepped in, we could see that the restaurant were also filled by Asians. You can see why, and that the menu is influenced by Asian cuisines. Be prepared to join a long queue.

  • 5/5 Ash D. 4 months ago on Google
    The food is amazing. Really unique dishes and a lot of variety to cater to different people. Weird and wonderful drink options. The only down side is that their waitlist is specifically for tables inside. If you’re happy to sit outside you can generally be seated right away but if you don’t know this you wait for a table inside which is generally 30-40 minutes. Just need a little improvement on communication

  • 5/5 Kaleedra 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Cafe is quite popular, one day we walked passed but decided to come the next day. It was well worth the wait. We ordered the smashed yuzu avocado toast with extras and the corn fritters with extra mushrooms. The servings were large and extremely filling but absolutely delicious. We would definitely come again and picked the other dishes to try! Highly recommend to visit if you’re in Melbourne!


Call +61 3 9670 3278 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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