Jackson Dodds Cafe Melbourne — Restaurant in Melbourne

I wasn’t sure how to rate this place at first because first impressions count. From the outside it has a large colourful mural and outdoor seating with plastic chairs. Inside is pretty basic and nothing hipster about it at all. We ordered a pot of tea each and shared pancakes. That’s when I discovered why this place has over 700 reviews and is rated so highly. The pancakes looked superb. The swirl of coulee and fresh berries with dollop of creme was a mouth-watering site. Pancakes were light and fluffy s delicious. Despite the cuppa tea being served in pots that looked like they come from an office canteen, it was nice and very hot. Staff were lovely. Very friendly and quick to take our order. Update: 2024: Back again - albeit several years between visits. I review so many places that I’m actually rapt to come back and see how things have changed - or not. Pleased to say that #jacksondoddscafe still has its mojo and more. It’s maintained its cosiness and warmth and on this chilly winter day, it was lovely to dig into some wholesome fresh food with my adult kids. The menu isn’t vast which I find refreshing. The choices suit most palettes including vegans and vegos. My fritters were tasty with a side salad that was delicate and light with a tangy dressing. Other meals looked incredible: the burger was enormous, for the very hearty. The French toast nicely prepare and as asked, the toppings put on the side. Have to say the “Boss Benny” pulled beef was awesome with a jammy, sweet taste and an abundance of slaw on the side. @jacksondoddscafe ambience is unique and I find the decor inviting and warm. Staff can make or break a cafe and everyone from wait staff to chefs were fast, efficient and friendly. Thank you. I’ll be back, hopefully not as long as last time. Notes: parking as time limits so beware. Dietaries catered for. Kid friendly. Toilets outside and although ramped, not wheelchair accessible.

#thewanderingreviewer #prestoncafe #prestoncafes #jacksondodd #jacksondoddscafe Takeaway coffee available. Only downside was as we were there later one the day, they’d started vacuuming while we were still seated and was hard to hear over the Dyson buzzing. Note: wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Good parking in Gilbert Street or in the side...

11/10 this place is boss.

Food portions are v large so come hungry. Had the chilli scramble, which is my go-to for brunch, but this one was exceptional; Some chilli jam and another flavour twist i couldnt quite put my finger on, crispy onion/shallots sprinkled over, with all the usual ingredients just made this dish pop like no other.

Sweet, salty, savoury, umami, an (optional) splash of lemon for sour - it was an extremely well balanced, full palette dish clearly made and planned with love.

Each dish coming out of the kitchen was like a stop-and-stare affair - make sure to read the menu beforehand, because decision paralysis is real!

I also strongly strongly suggest trying a drink from their specials - the first thing that comes to mind is "what if fancy cocktails but breakfast?"

I ordered the coconut cloud, which was surprisingly not "coconut" flavour rich, which the waitress did explain. Instead what i got was a whiskey glass half filled with a delightfully cool, refreshing liquid, and topped with a thick, almost whipped maringue/tiramisu like cream.

The perfect dessert. Not too sweet, not heavy. Just a brilliant palette cleanser.

The staff were absolutely slammed today as well, so hats off to those guys - even with all the stress and (rightfully) queues of people trying to get in, the waiters/waitresses were smiling, I was checked on multiple times while waiting for a table, and then while seated. The meals were served perfect, hot, fresh. These guys have it dialled in - i have no idea how the chefs managed to create so many plates of art under such a pump, but there we were.

The only downside is I didn't stop to take a photo before hoovering my food up. Oh well, I'll just have to come back and continue working...

Cute little cafe on the corner of Gilber Road, deco was cute and the whole set up was pretty impressive….

But, walked in with no one really greet us, and staffs seem unhappy/disinterested to be there.

Food was okay, like normal Melbourne standard brunch style. Coffee was very disappointing, though.

Ordered a cold brew and it tasted burnt and bitter…a COLD BREW tasted burnt and bitter(?) I’ve mentioned that to their Head Barista (he looks like it) then he apologized and told us because he running out of time so the coffee wasn’t good enough (?) For me, it sounds like an excuse, and he didn’t even take the cold brew out from my bill since I only had like 3 sips.

I work as a Head Barista at a cafe as well, and I know the hospo industry can be hard, but there’s no reason to be unfriendly/providing the professional service toward to the customers. If anyone complain or show their frustration about my coffee then I’d take it off their bill straight away because it’s just something we as hospo workers do!

I wouldn’t go back again because there are many other nice cafes in Melbourne and I don’t need to be at one while their service/quality of products aren’t even standard. And I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go there.

Ps. The OJ was pretty good though. 2 stars for the juices...