I had heard so much about this place and salivated over the tantalising menu which was at very very reasonable prices Almost half of what you pay anywhere else But then this is why you can't expect service Instead of going for their awesome hot food options I went for something in their glass cabinet A prepare lamb parcel and some iced coffee I waited for 20 minutes despite having my coloured yellow tile on my table I saw at least six staff serving and saw three tables sever before me with freshly cooked meals After 20 minutes of waiting I received an iced coffee with the ice cream having made a disappearance The waitress inquired whether it was for me But here I had my yellow tile on the table I aslkef where my food was She slowly walked away and five minutes later came with my food Surely you can carry a drink and a plate together toserve Very very disappointed with the service And food was average read more

I had several entries here. Most delightful people. The place is small, but seating is offered out back. The lentil burger is awesome! And the Eggs on toast also very delightful (mine were scrambled) the desserts and savories are so tasty! And they have the day olds to offer too if your spending on a budget... The prices overall are affordable! Coffee is set off by the environment! Just perfect come home style! read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Went in and asked for a seat by someone who clearly worked there and they looked me up and down and walked away. There were staff frantically running around with plates for wrong tables or wrong orders. I went to order at the counter and only after I had completed my.order holding my phone up to pay by card that I asked to with at the start of my.order, I was told they don't take card. After asking "why is this not advertised ANYWHERE?". She said it's "sorta expected that we don't". Didn't bother and left. read more

i love illy! Well that's what i was calling it because of the 'illy' sign right next to (It was seriously what we were calling it for months!). This stunningly quaint cafe is cheap, healthy and always 'happening'. It might be busy but we've always managed to come in and find a spot to accommodate us. The breakfast is scrumptiously grand and cheap (Everything is under $16 on the main chalk board) and there's quite a few options for those of us who herbivores (vegetarian to those who didn't study dinosaurs in primary school). There's vintage items all over the place, posters, furniture you name it. It's uber cool and hip providing an ambiance that makes you proud to be dining inside. We regularly catch up at this spot, it's a real treat on the Sydney road stip. Coffee's are perfecto too! read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

There's nothing more annoying than ordering a basic breakfast of eggs with sides and finding out that the bill comes to over $20. $4 each for tomato and avocado? Really? Thankfully, just as I was loosing faith in Melbourne's breakfast scene along came Green Refectory. Situated on Brunswick's painfully hip Sydney Road, Green (as the locals call it) is the classic hipster café cliché of mismatched furniture and vintage posters. However, this place has real substance. What makes Green so great is the painfully simple combination of great food and reasonable prices. You have to wonder why so few other places have caught on to this winning formula. Seriously. For instance, Green's Breakfast Stack, a delicious combination of mashed potato, bacon, grilled tomato, spinach, haloumi cheese, basil and a fried egg comes in at only $10. In fact everything on the chalkboard menu is under $15. As well as the awesome meals, the counter is stacked with the most amazing array of muffins and cakes that you'll every feast your eyes on. Furthermore, somewhat miraculously for Melbourne fresh juices are under $6. There's really nothing not to love about this place, I only wish there were a whole lot more just like it. read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Not a very catchy name for a café, but it seems to work here, as this place is always busy. The single fronted shop isn't designed for the amount of people they get through. During a busy lunchtime you can hardly get in the door for people trying to order food or pick up their take away lattes. The front room is definitely where all the action is with the huge counter taking up half the space. There are a plethora of food options in the display fridge. There are lunchtime breads or a decent range of salads or a good mix of hot food. There is a dedicated pastry display and that's before you get to the cake fridge. No wonder this place is busy. The downfall is without doubt the counter ordering system - they just haven't got the space to accommodate it. I popped in yesterday afternoon for a coffee and cake and yet again, packed. I found a seat in the side alleyway that leads to the tiny courtyard out back. It's definitely not the comfort factor that keeps people coming back - it's the cake, it's all about the cake. Simply divine! read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

By far, the coolest place in Brunswick, the Green Refectory is always always jam packed, so expect to squeeze in close to your neighbour at the big communal tables. The brunch dishes come in Massive proportions, and are very inexpensive. At $10 the veggie burrito will keep you full for a week! There are also lots of small savoury options, such as a variety of little pies (try the haloumi and mushroom!) and quiches for about $4! If you're after a healthy option there are a variety of salads available each day, usually of the quinoa/roasted beetroot/chickpea/feta variety. The deserts are not to be missed. Especially amazing are the cheesecakes, of which you can get varieties such as mars bar, tim tam or raspberry, depending on the day. A slew of sweet and savoury muffins are also always good. You can easily eat and drink to your heart's content, and still have change left over from a $20. Green is also especially especially amazing for people watching. read more

This place is really really good! It has very good quality food and is unbelievably cheap for what it has on offer! I had a really nice raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake - which really hit the spot on a hot day (you cant go eating big heavy chocolate cakes in 34 degree heat) and the hedgehog slice was nice and crunchy! Ive been here a number of times over the years and I can also remember having a very very nice breakfast here once - one of those breakfasts with the works. Despite having a lot on the plate it was very cheap. I have 2 small criticisms though: 1. Firstly, the sign on this place is so small that nobody actually knows what the place is actually called. It has a huge "illy" sign sticking out from the outside wall and Im not the only person who thought the place was called illy for many years!!! (I didnt know that illy was a type of coffee) 2. Secondly it is very small when you have a double pram - although Id hardly hold that against them. read more

The pies here are cheap and magnificent. I've been 20+ times and adore it. Sometimes it's very busy which can be annoying but the owner cooks most of the pies and does an amazing job. A wonderful place. read more

Spoilt for choice. No matter if you're really hungry or just looking for a quick bite to eat. Great food. Great price. Good selection. Too easy! read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - A lovely window out the back - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place never disappoints. Absolute gem. Great menu at a very affordable price and friendly service. I just want to try everything on the menu. The baked goodies in the glass shelf look so tempting. Will be back again soon. read more

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Just a quick trip from Uni and everything brunswick. I go for the Sausage Rolls - Big delicious and Cheaps! Everything is fresh. Staff are top quality and the Cakes are all delicious - Cant go wrong. read more

Everything they've said is true about the Green Refrectory. Firstly, there is only a small signage with the word 'green' that confirms that you are in fact here. Right outside is a pedestrian crossing, and the cafe is always busy, they open till late, and they serve freshly squeezed juices. The menu is on the chalkboard behind the counter, and you'll find a myriad of cakes and treats on the display. the pre-cooked hot dishes i.e. pies or quiche are deceivingly amazing. they dont look like much but packs a punch. Fresh juices on offer and array of salads. Opens till later than other cafes. The only negative are staff can be a bit too relaxed once the sun has set, not great for when you are on the go but awesome when you have time to kill. read more

This place is absolutely buzzing on the weekend. It sports a large display case jam-packed with delicious looking salads and pastries...yet from looking around at the tables you could almost be mistaken for thinking they only serve one dish - The Stack. For $10, the stack is the perfect combination of potato, bacon, tomato, spinach, haloumi and relish. Soooo good. The coffee was terrible (which is why I couldn't bring myself to an otherwise 4 star rating) and the service doesn't exist because you pay at the counter. As far as cheap and tasty meals go however, this place is on to a good thing. read more

This place is p-u-m-p-i-n-g! A group of colleagues and I recently visited the Green Refectory for a farewell lunch. We arrived at 12 hoping to beat the lunch rush but I soon realized this is not possible! We nabbed a table in the back dining area (near the kitchen) and took it in turns going up to the counter to order. I was settled on the delicious looking chorizo and mushroom frittata I could see in the deli cabinet beside me, until I progressed in the queue and saw the delicious pastry treats! I went with the lamb and pine nut parcel (for only $4) with some calamari salad on the side. I was not disappointed! This place is definitely cheap and definitely cheerful! My friend ordered a veggie burger ($8) and it was MASSIVE! Rather than table numbers, when you order you are given a small canvas print of a symbol or character (think heats, bombs, Mike y Mouse and the like)! Cakes and coffees are also winners! read more

Melbourne's coffee / cafe's have got me hooked. I swear, the coffee scene is reason enough to never want to leave. From long blacks, flat whites, chai tea's with honey and so much more, I've forgotten about my long-term relationship with the well known name brand- Illy. I remember my first time having a shot of Illy espresso in Vegas. Let me just say, I didn't think it could get any better until today. I got a long black & a slice of raspberry white chocolate cheese cake and the combo was just perfect. I've recently moved in with some mates on Union Street off Sydney Road and couldn't be happier to have rediscovered this joint. Will definitely be finding myself in there more often from here on out !! MUST TRY: WARM SAVORY MUFFIN, NOM NOM NOM read more

Took them half an hour to grill a ham cheese and tomato croissant that was sitting in the display cabinet

Love the food here, the savoury muffins rock. So do the sausage rolls, and the breakfast burrito and pretty much everything really. The only issue is the lay out, so hard to get a table and just getting through the door can be a real challenge so I tend to avoid it when it's flat out, which is often. But those savoury muffins...drool read more

A regular favorite breakfast location for my husband and I. Savory dishes are generally good. Large sizes, so think about sharing if you're getting a main. The sweet breakfast options are often too sweet, particularly the pancakes served with ice cream. Breakfast burrito, tofu scramble, and oatmeal are all delicious. Great option for freshly made juice to your specifications, decent coffee, and a classy casual ambience. The food can take a bit of time to come out, especially when the place gets a bit busy. Lots of pastries, sweet and savory, on the counter for fast and tasty bites if you're are in a bit of a rush. read more

Brimming with food that has questionable hygiene, this favourite millennial haunt is always busy and popular due to cheap prices. Cash only so don't line up without it. The cakes and slices are the real drawcard. But takeaway is a better option. All seats are filled with uni students armed with laptops who appear to 'sit and observe' the world around them, as they write their memoirs with idealistic hopes for the future. Be prepared to hear 'literally' a lot in conversation or talk about tinder dates blasted into your ear. Aside from Students, there seems to be a few old daft hippies, wearing green felt clothing and chatting about their latest volunteering venture. read more

The premade cakes, pies and mufffins are always good. And so cheap! It's late hours mean I get to pick up a slice of hedgehog after work, it's hard to go past at $2.50. The muffins are consistently good and the veg and vegan pies are simple but tasty. The only downside is that there is always a bottle neck at the front counter, making it hard to order or sit in. I've tried to eat in here more than once and have always ended up frustrated. Between forgetting the food or poor timing, (drinks came long after we had finished eating), the cramped space and the difficulty ordering at the counter, it's best to take away. read more

Came here for brunch with a few friends during the week. Great coffee and a good selection of items on the menu. Staff were happy to alter meals to be vegetarian/vegan. The prices are also fantastic and very affordable! Only critique would be the lack of music playing when we got there which made the atmosphere fairly boring. read more

I've eaten lunch here more times than I care to admit and I love it. The meat pies and pockets are quite good and a very quick option if you're in a hurry. Nevertheless, don't neglect their main menu. The enchiladas and lasagnas are particularly tasty. Beware, it gets a bit packed around 12:30 and with all the customers it can be hard to maneuver through the restaurant. Despite this they still manage to keep a relatively speedy service even during these peak times. read more

I love this place. Its so cheap! The weekends are very busy but i always seem to get a table without a long wait. You pay at the counter when you order. The breakfast was really nice and the coffee is Illy, which personally i think is very nice. I have had the following: The Stack - @ $10 - Value For Money! Wow. Its filling and delicious. I would say its the most popular. I would give the Stack a 9/10. Big Breakfast - (i think its $15 -16) Its huge. Big is an understatement. I would give this a 7.5/10. Positives: Value for money! Filling. Tasty. Big plate & covers all the big breakky needs; egg, bacon, sausage, hash brown, toast. Negs: Just a bit sloppy. Just sayin. Sausage Rolls ARE AMAZING and supeeeeerrrrrrr Cheap! From memory they are $2.50 and one of the best i have had in melbourne. Salads are nice too. The coffee is illy = delicious! The more i think what i have tried at GR the more i just say LOVE LOVE LOVE! Get on board if haven't already! Be sure to get a sausage roll. You will be back! Facts about GR: - Cash only (atm across the st) - illy coffee - pay at counter - chalkboard menu only. - get your own water from fridge if waiters are busy - breakfast is key here ;) :) read more

This place is almost always busy but I somehow always get a seat too. It is close to my house and probably my number one go to breakfast spot. And afternoon snack spot. I pretty much want to eat everything here. All the delicious items in the deli case make it difficult to order an actual meal. I have ordered the breakfast stack 3 times. Consistently tasty. It also makes me give my "I'm a bacon-atarian" speech to whoever I'm eating with. I sorta wish there more a few more options like the breakfast stack but with different ingredients. Sometimes I don't feel like the sweet and spiced (not spicy, just a lot of spices) tomato relish that is all over it. Coffee is pretty good. Awesome selection of veggie pies. Desserts to make you drool. Someone said to me the other day after hearing I live near Sydney Rd. So do you go to Green Refectory and then Savers on Sundays? I just laughed. Yeah. I do do that. This place is a winner. read more

super loving this place. let's start with the fact that they have amazing looking cheesecakes (I'm yet to try them) like rhubarb cheesecake or chocolate one. looks delicious and I'll be back to try these. now back to my actual visit. we went there for breakfast. they have a huge selection of breakfast items (including lots of veg items like tofu scramble-yum) for about $10 a plate. and they also have tons of sandwiches to choose from for under $8. I got myself a delicious pumpkin sandwich. there are also few sitting zones: front inside, back inside and cute long back patio. not sure if there is seating upstairs. there are benches to sit on and cute vintage chairs. yep I'm definitely coming back. read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Order signs they give you - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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This place is just adorable. Sometimes I think it's a bit ahead of the curve as far as Brunswick goes. The place is tiny, and almost nameless. It's like they've been around for years and have a cult following already...isn't that Fitzroy's job? The place serves all-day breakfast too. And quite tasty. My only problem with it are the prices. I've said it before and I'll say it again....eggs shouldn't cost this much money!!!! Also great coffee? Again, is this Seven Seeds or something. It's like they made a little recipe off the successes of other neighborhoods to make you something great and small in Brunswick? Sadly, it's too small, and is packed out daily at lunchtime. That, and the prices are a bit high... read more

Very cheap but high quality meals. The atmosphere of the cafe is so relaxing and pleasant, makes it a nice place to stop. Very flexible menu options such as vegan milks. The side lane terrace garden thingo is a nice relaxing garden great for taking photos in. Definitely will come back when I'm in Brunswick again. read more

Went to the smaller Green Refectory across from Barkly Square. Was only person in cafe and took 15+ minutes to cook two eggs. Very frustrating when 6 employees are there glancing at you. read more

I'm going To be the odd one out int the reviews I think.. But I must review poorly. I have mainly visited this establishment for take away and on occasion sat in. Coffee is good. But my goodness do you have to wait for it! The barista slow and more concerned about chatting to her colleagues than getting the coffees out! The food in displays and menu looks great- but really I can't bring myself to return after numerous occasions of waiting forever and with indifference from the staff that work behind the counter. Customers make your job worth doing! If it is takeaway that upsets you- perhaps don't offer it! read more

Extremely large variety of muffins/deserts and great tasting coffee. Very busy and wasn't able to get a seat being the peak hour morning rush read more

Oh the amount of times I have delicious cakes at this lovely cafe. If you get anxious around crowds, then you won't like it here, because the word is out and people love it. Not a bad dish on the menu! read more

Green refectory has some pretty good take away lunch options that are very inexpensive (pies, salads and wraps among other things). They also have a large range of yummy sweet treats. It's always very very busy in Green and it can be difficult to get a table at the best of times, and ordering is a bit of a debarcle as you're often waiting at the squishy counter for quite some timeworn people constantly trying to squeeze past you. I definitely prefer some of the other cages in the area over Green, but it's a good option for a cheap take away lunch. read more

Breakfast was very good. I had breakfast stack and really like the tomato chutney. Staff could gave more smile though

If you have a craving for a friand, tasty fruit filled muffin, almond croissant or amazing vanilla slice with passionfruit icing, this is the place to go. Late afternoons and early morning are best for the claustrophobic. read more

I love this place so much! Cakes are so good, and I could actually eat a breakfast stack everyday.

Green is the freshest best value tasty food in the North. Catering for all tastes and variety of food preferences the staff are extremely helpful and pleasant. You will never get a bad meal or cake from here. read more

Having lived around the corner from here a couple of years ago, this place was a fond favourite. Forgiving the always-ajar window, the staff were friendly, food fresh and plentiful and coffee consistently good! However coming this morning, the staff surly (and not the good kinda surly either), food not-so-fresh read more

My top five places for breakfast, that excited feeling I get before coming here. Good quality food for a great price read more

Green Refectory Pop Up Cafe - Scrambled Tofu and Lentil burger - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Can the staff get any ruder? Often come here and I am starting to ask myself why I do, because every time I visit, staff are rude. Luckily they have a lot of vegan options or else I'd never go back. Maybe telling your staff to smile at people might help business?? As a cafe manager, I'd be appalled if my staff were acting like this. Sort it out guys. read more