Seedling Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

Incredible on all levels – drinks, food & customer service: impeccable. Everything is wheat & gluten free (nota bene: no “gluten free” oats are used – highly appreciate it!!!). Most food options are dairy free as well, coffee can be prepared with non-dairy alternatives. I’ve been twice in a short term to have a delicious, satisfying breakfast that kick-started my day both times. The range may seem to be small, but it is a small café after all; and what is being served is highest quality food. The Hulk is a smoothie bowl, with a lovely creamy texture and succulent flavour. The smoothie base is not too sweet, yet the fresh berries on top satisfy any sweet cravings perfectly. Also, the crunch of the roasted buckwheat kernels gives the dish a very interesting texture, from first to last bite it does not become dull. It is a very generous portion size and a very refreshing meal. The Banana Hot Cake is a definite “must try” too! The cake is soft and fluffy and the ideal foundation for all the deliciousness on top: fresh fruit, crunchy buckwheat and creamy coconut. To my taste it got very, very sweet towards finishing the dish as it is topped off with maple syrup as well, however, the micro greens on top made such a nice, distinct contrast that I did not mind – I have never had sprouts on a (sweet) breakfast dish before and it’s definitely something I will include into my breakfast routine, gamechanger!! As I am used to paying higher prices for food that accommodates my dietary requirements, their prices are very reasonable (I’d even say cheap considering the high quality of food and service). Lastly I’d like to say that service and kitchen staff also do an amazing job; they are absolutely knowledgeable in regard to dietary requirements (finally someone who understands that gluten free oats are still oats and therefor belong to wheat derivates and are not suitable when suffering from a wheat allergy/serious gluten intolerance). I also had a short chat with the chef, and he was very open and respondent for feedback and compliments. If ever I should come back to Melbourne, this will be my “go to”-café. Highly,...

The reviews were really complimentary of this Cafe so we thought we'd give it a try. We came slightly after the busy rush hour during lunchtime.

To our disappointment, it did not live up to the standards or reviews of what others have written. We initially wanted to order through the QR code (on the table) which is pretty convenient, only to notice a $5 "saturday surcharge". We visited during a weekday, so not sure why this was still being implemented.

Ordered at the counter instead and the staff told me that the kitchen was closed despite witnessing other staff members preparing hot food, which was a combination of potatoes, frittatas etc. It seemed the staff were too lazy to cook up smashed avocado and a poached egg........not that difficult surely and if it is, why have it on your menus?

We reluctantly had the veggie frittata to which was cold in the middle.

Staff weren't that friendly, particularly the one at the counter. She didn't seem like she wanted to be there or have a positive attitude.

Very disappointing experience and won't be...

First time here and I ordered the vegan shakshuka. The young man who took our order shouldn’t be dealing with food. When someone asks for vegan, it means the entire meal vegan, not just a fraction of it. That’s not your choice to make. If you’re not sure, then you ask for help. Also a lack of accountability from staff where I had to ask for an apology due to the error. I probably won’t be coming back because of how it was handled and how the young man didn’t know what he was talking about. If you work in hospitality you should have a basic understanding of common allergies and be clear on your menu knowledge. The menu states “vegan option: swap eggs for chickpeas & Yay vegan feta”. It’s a good location away from the bulk of...