Operator Diner — Restaurant in Melbourne

Welcome to Operator Diner, the cafe with the most perfect food rating by me. Everything here is faultless - the breads are warm and toasty yet still fluffy, and the filling sandwiched in between is pure gold.

Sausage egg cheese muffin (4.5/5): Never going back to Macca’s for their McMuffins. This is honestly the most addicting muffin I’ve had and I could eat 2 loads of these if I could. The muffin was so fluffy and full of texture. The sausage wasn’t too peppery which I prefer but had tonnes of flavour packed into that patty. The folded egg was perfect, super creamy just like how their cafe, Operator25 do it. The bacon tomato chutney was what brought the breakfast muffin to light - such a tangy yet powerful element that makes each bite so addicting.

Katsu Kick (5/5): fried chicken is coated with panko crumbs and fried to perfection - not too oily and super crispy. The creamy curry mayo complimented the crispy contrasting texture and added extra flavour that was unprecedentedly the best thing ever. It’s also not like your Keen’s curry powder but just like the Japanese curry taste straight from Tokyo’s Coco Curry! It was somehow so light and addicting.

Not Tuna Melt (5/5): move over Tuna Melt, salmon melt toasties are superior. I prefer this over the regular tuna melt as salmon has a general fattier creamier taste which does not need as much mayo. There was a hint of sweetness which was another unspoken flavour that should be more pronounced in today’s cooking. The sourdough bread was toasted to perfection and the pickled onions and gherkins lifted the heaviness from each bite, enjoying it all the more.

Hash brown (3/5): pretty big in size and crispy where you need it to be and soft where it has ro be. Has a bit of herbs hidden in the hash which was delightful. Would I eat this over McDonald’s infamous hash brown? Probably not, still prefer that greasy super golden deep fried bite of goodness from Maccas. Also needs a bit of that chunky salt on top.

Despite the unique take on American and Western breakfast options, do not be afraid to try their amazing sandwiches across the board. From a food reviewer who is relatively critical when trying out new restaurants, this cafe is all you really need.

Food: 4.75/5 Value: 4.75/5 Ambience:...

Very unfortunate to give a place low score. It really bugs when i have to do that but hope it helps fix things. My visit felt like Karens Diner more than normal diner. Food was average nothing to go out of your way for. Service was lowest point for me.

First expect to wait. Its a tiny place and most likely you will need time to be seated. This is not an issue for me and i appreciate the managers great organisation skills to try to accomodate many people as fast as possible. So kudos there. Now on to the tough parts. Second, servers are not curtious nor try any effort to be so. No greetings from our server when my too nice wife says "goodmorning". Not even a smile, just waiting for the order. I understand the pressure and hard work they do and never expect much but at least a reply to a greeting would be nice if you dont want to greet us, especially that we have kids and a nice experience is what brings people back. Food and coffee are just placed onto table in a rush no questions of whos who. Do it yourself. Cutlery and napkins given after food. Spoons to stir coffee optional and you need to ask for. Third, food takes a long time which is fine. But the excruciating thing is coffee takes even more. Litterally they brought coffee as we were finishing our food. When we asked 30 min after we ordered wheres our coffee we were told it will take more time they are busy. I mean for a sec i thought am i at Karens or is there a hidden camera somewhere??!!

The funniest part of the whole experience was when you pay they give you option for tips!! That was the cherry on top as they say. Would have given tip gladly if there was one ounce of effort there.

It doesnt take much to be nice. If this is the experience this place is going for then its not for us for sure.

Could be our luck or one off experience. Try...

The team behind iconic Operator 25 Cafe has opened up a cosy, retro style diner serving simple and hearty breakfast items, sandwiches and good coffee by @codeblackcoffee! @operatordiner is classic and straightforward, but still has a playful approach in terms of menu, vibes and concept.

Classic all day breakfast diner dishes such as pancakes and brekkie muffins, as well as sandwiches on the menu from 10.30am! Highly recommend the katsu burger, cheeseburger and tart slice with rotating flavours. A comforting space for you to have a breather in the middle of the bustling city.

🥞𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 ($15)- maple pecan butter with additional bacon for the ultimate sweet/savoury combo.

🍗𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤 ($15) - the crispy and juicy panko fried chicken was excellent, Japanese curry mayo was the perfect pairing + in a soft potato bun (best kind). Highly recommend!

🍔𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 ($14) - beef patty, American cheese, pickles in a potato bun with added fries. The patty was a little lean but components were reminiscent of my fave burger spot which had me wishing it was smash patty instead- overall a decent burg, keeping it simple is best!

🍎𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 ($9) - rotating flavours, served with a generous dollop of thick cream. On this visit we had apple crumble, would recommend to ask for the tart to be warmed up!

Thank you @operatordiner for the amazing...