Yuca Melbourne — Restaurant in Melbourne

Not my usual review, but after today, it’s a necessary one. We live in such a fast-paced world that it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down & showing appreciation. Whether it’s for someone close to us or people we cross paths with in our day-to-day. Today’s post is a little different. It’s not about the coffee, the food, or the ambience, it’s about the people behind it all. The tireless, hardworking team at Yuca who show up every day and give their best, even when things get hectic.

Working in hospitality isn’t easy. There are days when it’s non-stop, when breaks are skipped, and when the pressure is high, yet these wonderful humans still greet you with a smile and genuine warmth. That’s something I’ll never take for granted 🥺

Today, I saw how hard the staff worked. It was unusually busy, but every single person pitched in, FOH, barista, even the kitchen team, all working in perfect sync to make sure everyone was looked after 💫

A special mention to Nic and Brooklyn, your kindness, calmness under pressure & attention to detail truly stood out. You both have this rare gift of making people feel seen, cared for, and welcome, no matter how busy it gets.

Nic, the way you checked in on everyone, the attention to detail you put into everything, from checking in on customers to remembering the little things, the little moments of care you showed, that’s the kind of hospitality that stays with people long after they’ve left. It’s a reminder that great service isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about heart. You go above and beyond, and it shows. You make people feel at home, and that’s something incredibly special ❤️❤️❤️

To the team at Yuca: on days when you might feel unseen or unappreciated, know that there are customers like me who notice, value & deeply appreciate what you do. You make a difference, not just through the food or the coffee, but through the way you make people feel

A reminder to everyone, in a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind. It costs nothing, but it means everything.

Thank you, Nic, Brooklyn, and the rest of the team for all that you do, every single day! You’re the reason people keep...

Yuca has fast become one of my favourite hidden gems in the South Eastern suburbs. I love that it’s local to both home and work, perfect for a quick coffee, a light bite, or even a full feast.

What sets Yuca apart for me compared to local cafes is their pour over coffee. Their current offering, Elkin Guzman from Colombia (strawberry co-fermented natural) is simply exceptional. It’s bright, intensely fruity, and layered with tropical sweetness that lingers beautifully. This offering has left such a lasting impression that it’s now a regular in my order whenever I dine-in.

Brooklyn, their head barista is incredibly knowledgeable and always a joy to chat with about coffee, from bean varieties to tasting notes to processing techniques. I loved that she took the time to speak with me🥰😊 I especially love fruit-based co-fermentations for their vibrant flavour profiles, and I’m thrilled that Yuca offers one. They also have reserve espresso, which you don’t often find in many cafes!

The food here has been consistently excellent across my visits. My go to is the Turkish eggs, though I’m keen to work my way through the rest of the menu.

All in all, Yuca has easily earned a spot on my list of weekly coffee stops, definitely a gem for anyone who appreciates great coffee, good food, and the warm hospitality and attentiveness from their FOH staff,...

Recently visited Yuca in Toorak!

Tried two dishes this time: 🌟 Scotch Egg Finally got to try the classic Scotch egg! The pork sausage wrapped around the egg, fried to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping it tender inside. There were some walnut bits at the bottom as well—delicious! 😋

🍞 XO Folded Eggs Made with a fluffy scrambled egg mixed with shrimp, placed on top of sourdough toast, and topped with XO sauce, spring onions, and garlic. Honestly, nothing too special in terms of technique but good for the aesthetic and something new.

☕️ Tried the Marshmallow Latte for drink It looked really cute. Its spoon was so beautiful.

Yuca's overall vibe is super cozy and full of design elements. The lighting fixtures are especially artistic—like floating pieces of art—making it perfect for photos! 📸

A perfect spot for a weekend brunch...