Levanter Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

There’s absolutely everything to love about this gorgeous little cafe on busy Carlisle St. This was my first visit, having read the many 5 star reviews when searching for a cool spot with good vegan options for breakfast. Sam was welcoming from the moment I stepped in. The ambience is warm and inviting, the middle eastern music was lively but unobtrusive. The smell of coffee was soooo enticing - but I can no longer have caffeine, and felt a little deprived when reading all the delicious coffees on offer. And then I saw the pistachio coffee and just had to have it. I really had no idea what to expect and when it arrived, I was instantly transported to the beautiful cafes of my travels through the Middle East. The presentation was gorgeous, on a little tray with a generously sized, melt in the mouth piece of baklava heaven hiding under a little domed lid. But the coffee…I don’t think I’ve ever drunk anything so divine! Seriously. Try it - even if you CAN drink caffeine! I ordered the Ful Mdamas, a bean stew with fresh tomato, olive oil and lemon juice with fresh parsley. This arrived with a little plate of salad and pickles and REAL pita, soft and squishy and perfect for mopping up the lemony sauce. Sam noticed I’d inhaled my bread early with still half my bowl left, and brought me more pita - where do you get that attentive level of service these days?! The food was just delicious, and generously portioned. The menu is full of tasty options for everyone, but it’s the welcome and the service where Levanter truly elevates itself above others! Sam’s genuine, warm greeting when anyone walks through the door feels like you’re visiting a good friend’s home. And it’s obvious that others feel the same and have become regulars, as the warm welcomes and familiar conversation between customers and Sam and Helen behind the counter demonstrate. I live 3.5 hours away from Levanter but I visit Melb regularly, and I fully intend to become one of those ‘regulars’ whenever I’m in town now too! It’s not every day you find cafes with this much love and passion invested, so I’ll be seeing you again very soon...

I stopped in for a morning coffee and loved it. While the oat milk add-on made the price a bit high, it was worth it for the quality. They offer a variety of milks and have a nice selection of snacks and drinks.

The space itself is lovely, with a cozy spot out back to sit in the sun and plenty of seating indoors. It’s a quiet, inviting spot, perfect for sitting down to work, and they serve coffee from 7am to 7pm, which is fantastic. Overall, it’s a wonderful little nook worth stopping by.

Update, October 2024: As a local, I come here often now and have fallen in love with their halva. I’d love to learn to make it myself, but until then, this is my daily stop! My girlfriend is a fan of their chai lattes, and I think the hot chocolates are some of the best in the area. She even brought her parents here, and they loved the atmosphere, food, and drinks too. The outdoor seating area is spacious with a beautifully relaxing vibe.

Don’t miss this place if you’re passing through Balaclava. My original review barely does justice to this gem it’s truly a Balaclava staple and a beautiful...

I have been coming to Levanter since the day it opened. Carlisle St is not short of cafes and if you like indifferent service, coffee made by stressed and sulky hipsters, noise, crowds and trashy music, there are plenty of choices. If not, go to Levanter. The owners Sam and his mum Marcelle remembered my name from my first visit; they always greet you with a friendly smile and they always have time for a chat. It’s always quiet, spacious and tranquil inside with a huge variety of healthy and interesting food to choose from – it’s such a welcome relief from the usual pannini and slider cliches. I love my Saturday morning Turkish coffee served on a silver platter with a Turkish delight – like a little slice of the Levant itself. It’s little touches and rituals like this, and of course the food and warm hospitality, that make this a special place and keep you...