Hardware Societe in Melbourne

Hello yummy French/Spanish inspired Bourgeois breakfast!

Tucked away in Melbourne’s well-planned city of streets and laneways resides the Hardware Societe; a quirky little gem which offers the greatest coffee I’ve ever encountered in this cultured borough.

After an hour workout in the hotel gym, my best friend Amelia and I ventured here for an innovative French/Spanish inspired Bourgeois breakfast. And aren’t we glad we did! The owner, chef and waiter delivered their fare with a warm, fast and personal service - making our Melbourne trip a real delight. Nothing beats fresh Mediterranean ingredients uniquely fused together for an unforgettable cafe experience.

First up on the menu was a Mocha ($3.50). It was cleverly served with a cup of espresso and a side jug of hot chocolate so you make it according to your own preference. If you think that’s cool, then you would absolutely adore the finishing touch: a cute anisette spiked miniature cinnamon donut sitting snugly on a teaspoon. Yummy!

Looking around, we began marvelling at more finer details of this hot spot. There’s a herb garden growing out the front, the teapots are adorably clothed with knitted rainbow covers and canary yellow bare light bulbs dangled over our table. Even the staff rock their own style. I had a love affair with the chef’s nerdy black on transparent optical frames.

For my main I opted for the tomato and Kipfler potato omelette ($14); a delicious protein fix complemented by two slices of a freshly baked, olive-oil drizzled traditional sourdough baguette.

Mealsie chose the porridge with dates and labme ($9) which was equally lovely. The luscious dates literally melt in your mouth as they slowly expelled a sweet flavour that worked well with the oats.

With no room to fit in a much-raved about blueberry macaroon, we shared a pot of peppermint, lemongrass and liquorice tea ($4). Although I usually drink a peppermint/lemongrass tea back home, the liquorice addition really gave my cup some bite and surprised me with its prominent aftertaste. It was perfect to wind down and savour the scrumptious meal I previously consumed.

I am without doubt pencilling this place into my schedule again to try a lunch main next time I adventure down to Melbourne. I am yet to find a Sydney cafe which ticks all the required boxes like this coffee shop does.

PS: I’ve been updated by the wonderful staff that they often get bored offering the same menu and are currently in the process of reinventing their breakfast menu with a Spanish cheese omelette ($14) and a black pudding omelette ($14). Mmm!

120 Hardware St
Melbourne, 3000
(03) 9078 5992