Brass Monkey — Restaurant in Victoria

My day began quite average with a delayed flight on my way home from a work trip. However, everything improved the moment I stepped into The Brass Monkey for breakfast, taking advantage of the unexpected free time.

The floor staff were attentive and friendly, setting a positive tone for my visit. I ordered the Rueben Benedict and a caramel latte.

The latte arrived promptly and was absolutely brilliant. It was served at the perfect "you can drink it now" temperature, a testament to a barista who not only masters their craft but also adds a touch of love to every mug they make.

The food followed shortly after, and it was to die for. My only disappointment was wanting to order another serving just to savour the flavours a little longer, but knowing it would definitely not fit.

The Rueben Benedict was a well-executed twist on a classic. The deep flavours from the meat, combined with a perfectly complementing mix of thick but not overly crunchy toast, eggs, and sauerkraut, came together beautifully.

This was my first time in Mildura and my first visit to The Brass Monkey. I am happy to say their high ratings are very well earned and deserved, and am already looking forward to my next visit.

Enjoyed it so much I didn't take photos; you'll just need to come try it...

Weekend breakfast reservations are necessary at Mildura’s popular Brass Monkey cafe, with walk-ins relegated to sidewalk tables. Not only are those seats warm this time of year, you also miss out on admiring the extraordinary vaulted ceiling lined in original pressed tin. A clever collection of copper lights encourage you to look up in the spacious, more than a hundred-year-old building.

Coffee is by Melbourne roaster Code Black, in a blend called Ex-Wife. “Probably because it’s strong and bitter,” jokes a staff member, before quickly adding, “but not bitter because of how we make it.” It’s the best cappuccino ($5.50) I’ve had in a while; with a strong flat white ($6) showed off the powerful roast.

We tried two different breakfasts built over house-made herb and garlic focaccia. Both showed personality and appropriately sized portioning. The chilli scrambled ($24) drizzles beautifully soft scrambled eggs in crispy chill oil with tiny crumbs of feta to break up the heat. The hot honey Benedict ($27) uses crisp green apple and mustard seed pickle to cut through the richness of poached eggs, honey-glazed ham and hollandaise. I couldn’t pick...

Once each week we jump in the car and go out for lunch. Living in the Riverland, it might be Renmark for fish & chips one day, Truro for a Cornish Pasty or today, Mildura, an almost 2 hour drive from home.

Because we decided Mildura late, our 'usual' stop was almost closed so we decided to look up a new place and found this gem, with most giving it 5 stars - and it is easy to see why.

I'm not an indoorsy type person so we sat outside in partial sunshine, it was a bit fresh, which is apt for a place called 'Brass Monkey' I guess. We ordered and paid inside but service was prompt and to the table outside.

I chose the Deluxe Smash burger minus the rabbit food and I have to say it is one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. My wife had the Brass 3 piece, a yummy crumbed chicken with a cracker of a sauce (I know, I tried some). Fries and salad sides, prepared to perfection garnished the plate.

It is a bit pricey but with the quality of food and the level of service, you'd be hard pressed to argue about...