Trend Cafe and Restaurant Southbank — Restaurant in Melbourne

Rating: ★★★★★ Nestled in the heart of downtown, The trend Café is a delightful gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by the warm ambiance, charming decor, and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Atmosphere: The café strikes the perfect balance between cozy and chic. With its soft lighting, comfortable seating, and eclectic artwork adorning the walls, it feels like a home away from home. Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to read a book or a lively spot to catch up with friends, Trend has it all. The outdoor patio is particularly lovely during the warmer months, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Menu: The menu is a delightful mix of classic favorites and innovative dishes. Their breakfast offerings are a standout, especially the avocado toast topped with poached eggs and a sprinkle of chili flakes – it’s a must-try! For lunch, the gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads are both satisfying and beautifully presented. The coffee is exceptional, sourced from local roasters and expertly brewed. The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to recommend the perfect brew or create a custom drink. Don’t miss their seasonal specials, which showcase unique flavors and ingredients.

Service: The service at Trend is impeccable. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing a great experience. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcome and valued. I was particularly impressed when the server offered to customize my order to accommodate my dietary preferences without hesitation.

Desserts: Save room for dessert! The selection of pastries and sweets is heavenly. The homemade chocolate cake is rich and decadent, while the seasonal fruit tart is light and refreshing. Pair it with a cup of their house-made chai latte for the perfect ending to your meal.

Overall Experience: Trend is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where people come together to enjoy good food and great company. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this café is a must-visit. With its inviting atmosphere, delicious menu, and outstanding service, it’s no wonder that trend has quickly become my favorite spot in town. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their...

I walked in on a Saturday morning, there were 4 tables with couples (this is a big place, so they weren't busy) and 2 people in front of me getting take away coffee. No one even looked at customers coming through the door. I got to the counter, barely received a greeting, no smile. I ordered an espresso to have here and a flat white to take away. After I paid, I was asked what size of espresso I wanted (?!) and the staff immediately realised it and made up an excuse for the faux pas. The espresso was very acidic, not good at all. The next day (Sunday) I went for breakfast. Again, I walked in at 9.30am, there were 2 tables occupied. I was ignored and had to approach a staff member on the floor to ask if I could sit at a table. After 3 different people came to my table (one to bring water and menu, the other to take the order, the first one coming back asking if I had to order and a third one to bring the plate, but they were all very nice), I had the pancakes. They were very well presented, but unfortunately very stodgy: thick, slightly burnt on the outside and not cooked properly on the inside. I had about 1/3 of them, but still got sick to my stomach afterwards. $25 for a scoop of ice cream and bits of bananas and strawberries was a waste of money. When I went to pay, the person I suppose was the manager or owner (he didn't introduced himself) asked me how everything was and I replied "It was alright". He then asked me why not good, so I told him and he said he would give feedback to the kitchen, which was nice. He called another guy over to take care of my payment and again, no greeting or smile, he just told me the amount and asked if I wanted the receipt. I hope they improve as they gain more experience in the industry, but there are many great cafes in the area, so this one will not be an option I'd take into...

UPDATE 16/01/2025: The restaurant has taken three months to finally respond to me, despite responding to other reviews almost instantly within that time period. The lack of specificity or a plan to improve tells me that the response was likely written by AI. I have updated my review to three stars as I am not satisfied with the response given.

We have come here twice, once a week ago for lunch and last night for dinner.

For lunch we ordered the steak sandwich and chips to share, a mocha, and a flat white. The steak sandwich tasted low quality and the meat inside had an astringent aftertaste, while the chips were decent. The coffees were excellent but my partner was not able to finish her mocha as it was taken away without asking with 20% left in the cup.

For dinner we ordered the meatlovers pizza. This was quite good being woodfired, but the toppings were somewhat sparse. We asked for some oregano as the seasoning was a bit lacking. The price was fairly cheap so this wasn't a deal-breaker.

Towards the end of the meal, I had already finished my half of the pizza while my partner was eating her last slice. The waiter who had been sitting and chatting at another customer's table most of the time came over and took everything off the table while my partner still had pizza in her hands, too quickly for us to register what had happened. We had to ask the waitress for some serviettes to both eat off and clean up with.

Overall I think we would definitely come back for the pizza and coffee, but the ingredient quality and attentiveness of some staff needs a bit of...