The Nong Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

This little gem would normally be missed at such a busy intersection - but if you take the time to look around, there's a rewarding feature in this area - with plenty of parking and time to stop for a delicious feed and a cuppa! This is a popular stop for Trades, cyclists, pedestrians and take-away fanatics - but the real surprise begins when you spend time inside... Upon entry you will be greeted with open arms and smiles from the owner - Jay - and the staff will keep you in high spirits with the level of service you will experience. Sash the chef is quite skilled and will whip up just about anything with a smile. The seating areas are enough for 30-odd so be reassured that you can invite friends! There are a number of options on offer here, including well-balanced breakfast/lunch options that will leave you fulfilled. My choice today included a signature steak dish, eggs benedict and in-house big breakfast. As the photos imply, the wood platter takes centre stage here with a well seasoned steak (cooked as you prefer it) and breakfast options are also presented in this way. It is a welcome feature as the steak knife glides perfectly when it meets timber when carving tender & juicy meat. Accompanying the well-portioned steak is a healthy filling of chips and salad, but the star of the show has to be the mushroom sauce. A magnificent serving of carefully portioned and sauteed mushroom in a wine-based (thick) sauce that leaves you wanting more (I could have done with thrice the helping). Without the sauce it would certainly need a helping of BBQ sauce or chutney. Thumbs up on the mushroom sauce! Breakfast was on the larger end for portions and the eggs benny hit the spot with creamy sauce and spinach on soft turkish-style bread. Again the food presentation was inviting and left me salivating! Coffee is also on the safer side but so good that you could order another! Again it's good to see that a great mix of beans is used in the house blend. Plenty of hot/cold drink choices makes it extra special, and rarely do you see several choices of chai! I prefer wet chai for flavour, but masala is also tempting with meals - lucky it's offered here. The decor takes a back seat when you are presented with such lively dishes, great service & wonderful coffee odours - however it is adequate an inviting enough to feel homely. There are plenty of menu photos in these reviews so I missed the opportunity on this occasion, but happily I will encourage anyone to enjoy this cafe as the prices are more than reasonable. I am very pleased that Jay has decided NOT to hit you with weekend surcharges and they take AfterPay as a payment method also! I encourage all to visit as this is a wonderful cafe filled with laughter and charm and you will leave with a lasting impression! All in all I commend Jay for his humble endeavors here and class this eatery up there in the top 1%. A whole hearted...

FOR MUSLIMS! Long story short: pork in the halal friendly item.

Whole story: I ordered the big breakfast last week on uber eats, since it was written halal friendly in the description. First of all I didn’t even know what that means coz a food is either halal or not halal(haram). My food arrived and to my surprise the bacon looked too pale for a halal bacon, I called them and asked if it was halal? The guy on the phone said no after checking my order details. When I asked why is it written halal friendly then? He said you can choose halal option, I opened uber eats and there was not an option but an add-on for halal bacon for +5$. So almost the same meal costs 5$ more if it’s halal?😂 what? Anyway the guy did apologise and I got my refund and threw the food away BUT I told them halal friendly is very confusing and if they can change the description and make it more clear or at least add another add-on or option for pork bacon and require the customer to choose between pork bacon or halal beef bacon. After a week I checked today and they still have not changed the description or options, and that is why I’m a bit frustrated and leaving a review and a 1 star. To be honest if you’re muslim and care about eating halal it’s not even worth it to take the risk and order from this store since pork is being cooked and prepared in the same kitchen as your food, and we got some other places who offer almost the same food but totally halal.

P.S. I recommend this place if you’re not muslim, coz the food looked good although I didn’t eat it and was in good proportions and cheap. The guy talking to me didn’t seem to be so sorry about it but he handled it professionally, so I have to give...

Nong Café isn’t just a place to grab a coffee, it’s an experience of warmth, creativity, and care. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that feels equal parts cosy and vibrant. The space is beautifully put together, with little touches that make it feel both homely and stylish, and you can sense that everything has been created with intention.

The coffee? Outstanding… smooth, rich, and clearly made by people who take pride in their craft. The food is equally impressive: fresh, thoughtfully plated, and full of flavour. Every dish feels like it’s been made to nourish, not just to fill.

What really makes Nong Café special, though, is the people. Jay and his staff are legends of the game. There’s a genuine friendliness that makes you want to linger a little longer, whether you’re catching up with a friend, working quietly, or just pausing in your day. It’s rare to find a café that balances quality, atmosphere, and heart so seamlessly.

If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. Nong Café is exactly the kind of place every neighbourhood...