When browsing Melbourne real estate, there's one crucial question that plagues us foodies; but where can I eat? For some, the variety of cafés and restaurants within close proximity to the home is a huge factor to consider before taking the plunge and buying their new home.
"For those looking to buy, Maroondah and surrounds are great areas to consider with their range of schools, shops and family friendly locations. Not to mention its brilliant café culture, which people travel from all over to enjoy!" Raves Fletchers Maroondah director, Reilly Waterfield.
To help those unfamiliar to the area find their perfect Sunday brunch spot—or a place for a morning coffee dash—the staff from the Maroondah office have shared their favourite café picks and the orders they swear by.
Rubiki (13A/204-206 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North)
Rubiki's Benedict
"A great local café serving consistently delicious, fresh food."
– Reilly Waterfield, Director & Auctioneer
Source: Rubiki's Instagram
Fingers Crossed Café (64 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood)
Poached eggs with a potato rosti, pulled pork, and hollandaise
"I've perfected this customised non-menu order over time, and it's the best breakfast you could ever wish for! The café itself is very cosy and comfortable, with very friendly staff."
– Melissa Honan, Personal Assistant to Reilly Waterfield
Crispy fried chicken burger
"A fantastic local meeting point, great atmosphere, and the outdoor beer garden is an added bonus."
– Matthew Shearer, Property Consultant
"It turns out the burgers aren't better at Hungry Jacks, they're better at Fingers Crossed!"
– Nick Holmes, Property Consultant, Licensed Estate Agent & Auctioneer
"Great atmosphere in a newly renovated café with friendly staff. The food is always fresh and delicious." – Lachlan Williams, Property Consultant
Av'n'Av
"Fresh and tasty food, and the staff are lovely!"
– Georgia Kraushofer, Personal Assistant
Scrambled eggs with avocado
"Best place in Ringwood for coffee and breakfast!"
– Sam Blease, Property Consultant
Source: Fingers Crossed Cafe's Instagram
Lot 7 Espresso Bar(9 Seymour Street, Ringwood)
Morning coffee
"Being just two doors down from our office, Lot 7 is my go-to café for my morning coffee every day. The service is always really speedy and friendly."
– Colby Waterfield, Property Consultant
Chai latte
"The best chai latte in the area, and only a few steps from our office!"
– Patricia Grados, Senior Property Manager & Team Leader, Licensed Estate Agent
The Moo Wine Bar Café(9/91 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark)
Eggs benedict
"Great food, great coffee, great spot."
– Daniel Bolton, Senior Associate & Auctioneer
Littorio's(168 Main Street, Croydon)
Breakfast bruschetta
"You always get large quantities, awesome food, and great service."
– Lisa Sorrell, Property Consultant
Eggs benedict
"Exceptional service and food in a great location."
– Jarrod Robinson, Property Consultant
Leaf and Vine(34 Panfield Avenue, Ringwood)
Coffee
"Best coffee in the area and perfectly positioned for me – very close to both home and work."
– Sean Cui, Property Consultant
Source: Leaf and Vine's Instagram
Chapter Too(3 & 4/110 Canterbury Road, Heathmont)
Chicken focaccia
"Great atmosphere and décor with delicious food."
– Nicole Freene, Property Consultant
Brewhouse Café (105 Bedford Road, Ringwood East)
Corn fritters
"The best corn fritters I've ever had – and within walking distance from home!"
– Brooke Chapman, Sales Secretary
Coffee and whole beans to grind
"Their coffee is liquid gold, and their Community Roaster beans that I buy to grind at home are always consistent, delivering a smooth and well-rounded flavour. I also love the parking right out the front; so convenient for school drop-off/pick-up, after the gym, or a must on my way to work!"
– Lainie Martino, Assistant Property Manager
Bekendales (1/50 Main Street, Croydon)
Chermoula chicken pide (African spiced-chicken on bread)
"The food, the people, and the atmosphere at Bekendales is what makes it!"
– Luke Simms, Senior Associate
Source: Bekendale's Instagram
Recovery Café (inside Genesis Gym: Corner Seymour & Market Streets, Ringwood)
Recovery meal (grilled chicken, sweet potato mash, salad and brown rice)
"It's fantastic that you can go in, order what you want, work out, and it's ready for you by the time you finish."
– Adam Harris, Senior Associate & Auctioneer
The Rusty Owl(12 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark)
Coffee
"Great coffee and atmosphere and very friendly staff."
– Matthew Tanner, Property Consultant
Café Emjay(1/48-50 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East)
Eggs benedict
"Delicious, generous-sized meals and very friendly staff!"
– Rod Burton, Property Consultant & Auctioneer
Brioche by Philip (171 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood)
Bronutella donut with caramel glaze
"It's all about the bronut and the great vibe!"
– Kelli Hugo, Personal Assistant to Adam Harris
Source: Brioche's Instagram
by Reilly Waterfield in Miscellaneous