After a considerable wait in the alleyway beside Hardware Societe (a contrast with the touting cafes of Hardware Lane to the south), my friends and I were shown to a pleasant outdoor setting. Staff were attentive, taking drink and food orders quickly, and with prompt delivery of both. Food came out surprisingly quickly, but this might reflect the basic, but pleasant fare. Cons: Few negatives, though overall good experience for the group. - Does not allow alterations to menu (including the addition of anything as a side). - Water glasses smell like they're washed in same sink as crockery that held eggs. This is often something that disgusts me. - Does not accept cards - strictly cash only. read more

The baked eggs and chorizo is sublime! It is soooo good! You will not regret ordering it. Truly one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. Combined with a friendly server and host and our experience at Hardware Societe was top notch. Great way to cap off our vacation. Will surely return when we come back to Melbourne. read more

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Lived up to the hype from my point of view and likewise for my friend. The breakfast was superb, the coffee lovely and the service efficient and affable. Not cheap but it's an excellent experience. Recommended. read more

Hardware Societe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Had a great brunch here. The staff were helpful and found us a table outside. There was a line (like most places in Melbourne), but the wait was worth it. I had the Croque Madam which I'm still not entirely sure what it was, but it's one of the specialities and I would highly recommend it. Coffee was also good. read more

Lovely people in lovely place! I've been here once but it was great and I loved my breakfast and coffee! Everything wss perfect for a sunday brunch! Cool people! read more

I hmmmmm... ok... loved this place! So one drizzly morning (or "so one normal morning" in Melbourne), I decided to make a large detour in my walk between my hotel and office (I travel for work), largely because of a recommendation from my colleague Jane Corder (holler if you're on Yelp). From what I can tell, she's quite with it when it comes to class and food. Despite spending a significant amount of time in Melbourne for someone who isn't from there, owing to a combination of family, work and the Australian Open, I struggled to find this place. Don't worry Melbournites, it just me, not you. I get lost trying to walk along the river to Rod Laver arena and have been lost on American highways with a map in hand. The photo I found of the cafe didn't help either - it was one of a neo-sleepy, suburban minimalist setting, so I wasn't looking out for a bustling cafe in a lane. Boy was I glad to have persisted! I sat down and ordered a hot chocolate. I like places which serve chocolate which didn't taste like sweet brown water. Or sweet brown milk for that matter. Let's put it this way, after drinking this chocolate I had wanted to take some (powder/flakes/melt bits) home to Sydney with me, but alas I wasn't able to find any on the shelves. Granted, I didn't ask about it. But it was that good. From memory, it wasn't a supremely high cocoa content (somewhere between 45-60%, and normally I'm a 75% person and even top shop-purchased chocolate with cocoa powder), but sometimes with chocolate, it's the way it's prepared, it's where the chocolate's from, it's whether they put in a pinch of salt. I already have quite a bit of chocolate at home from all those other wow moments, I didn't really persist this time. Might as well stock it in the memory and leave something to look forward to next time. My breakfast consisted of a skillet of baked eggs and chorizo, romesco, roasted roma tomatoes. The eggs were done just right (and in front of me), the chorizo was slightly spicy (which I loved) and the fat in the sausage was activated and made aromatic by the hot pan... mmmmmmmm it's good enough to fly back to Melbourne for! Despite being this good, I took my time, stretching out the enjoyment. I wasn't too fussed about going to my class late. Definitely worth 5 stars! read more

It's busy busy busy! Waited about 40 mins on a Sunday morning to bag a table for 2. I didn't mind cause it gave me plenty of time to catch up with my breakfast buddy. Hot Chocolate is a must order! It's not any ordinary hot choc. It comes with steamed milk on the side and in your mug you get what I think is a scoop of chocolate mouse and cream.. mix it all together and it's the perfect cup of steaming chocolate goodness. Mmmmm.... And let's get to the main meal. After much deliberating stuck with the classic Baked Eggs with Chorizo and yep no regrets here either. Runny egg, spicy thick tomato sauce and crusty baguette to mop up all the goodness. Warm, hearty, perfect for winter breakfast! Sign me up!! read more

4.5 popular brunch spot. had the baked eggs with chorizo, very runny in the center, mix of textures, nice cheese. try the bread with the jams read more

I've been here twice, both times before peak hours so it didn't take long to get a seat. Service was good on both occasions even as they got busier and more packed. The waitresses were attentive and charismatic. I've tried both of their baked eggs with scallops and chorizo and have fallen in love with their mastery of mixing ingredients. The flavors were so distinct and complementary and rich without being over the top. Their fresh garnish on the baked eggs were such a nice touch to bring in all the other flavors. This is a lovely brunch spot to try in the CBD if you've got time. It's very popular so try to come outside peak hours to avoid a queue. read more

Consistent. Delicious. Very much what you might find in France. I've had dreams about the rice pudding. Service is great. I love this place! read more

Hardware Societe - Pork belly with fried eggs. And the best rice oudding on the planet! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This was our first breakfast in Melbourne. It was busy but the line moved quickly and the staff was very accommodating. Ex. Our bistro table was a bit exposed to the elements but when another sheltered table opened we were moved. Our waiter was friendly helpful and attentive. I had the croissant,vanilla yogurt, pears; my husband the scrambled eggs with marinated bacon. Both orders were scrumptious. The total : with 2 oj and a shared pot of tea for 2 ; $53.00 Money well spent. read more

Well Hardware Lane is an interesting place, to be sure. It's tiny, and feels like a street in Rome with all the barkers from the restaurants trying to convince you to try their food. Up at the far north end, there's a little place that you might easily miss since it is only open for breakfast and lunch. Go at these times though, and you'll see a small crowd formed, eagerly awaiting one of their few (8 I think) tables to open up. Coffees are spectacular here (as they are in most of Melbourne's better brekkie spots), as are the teas. The best food, in my opinion, is the baked eggs dish with chorizo, peas and tomatos. It's almost like a rich, egg-based paella, in a little iron pot. Comes with some seriously good toast, which makes for a great 'spoon' to use in the eggs. Get there early, or fight the crowd for a table! read more

Beautiful ambiance, great staff and amazing food. The menu is really well thought out and sourced.

Get Lost! Visiting Melbourne early in the morning, I realize I'm all alone because the rest of my entourage continues their recovery mode in unconsciousness at the hostel, while I search for mercy via food and drink. I'm thinking about eggs this morning and I'm lost in a city that doesn't support my kind of breakfast as the United States supports my kind of breakfast. I gallantly strive into a curious alleyway. Apparently, here in Melbourne, businesses take up every square inch of space and there's not much room for seedy nooks. So alleyways are full of sunshine, smiles and positive surprises, like The Hardware Societe. This breakfast/brunch, upscale hole-in-the-wall offers me a healthy selection of sinful breakfasts, mostly honoring the egg. Strike gold! Examples include: baked eggs in a mini vegetable cauldron, fried egg a la pork belly, egg and Spanish-style chorizo. Accompanied by elegant crostini-cut toast, these sufficiently-proportioned dawn dishes remind me that it's time for the letter of the day: Mmmmmm. The only caveats include sardine space inside, lengthy line outside, no substitutions available: I wanted them to create something for me. They were really strict on set menus. Good reason for it too. What was that letter of the day again? read more

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First meal after landing in Mel, very tasty and special, different layers with different senses for ur tongue. read more

Hardware Societe - Baked egg & chorizo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Horrible service! Giving this place 1 star not by choice but because I cannot give them a zero. I waited in line with a friend of mine today at around 11:30 am for about 20 minutes and when we were seated, we were taken to the tiniest oval communal table I've ever seen with 7 other people already seated. There was seriously no space to even move my elbows out once I was seated, it was insanely cramped. When the waitress came over, my friend and I ordered coffees and we asked if we could move to a table when one comes free. The waitress told us we had to get back in line if we want to wait for a table. I told her that's really silly since we already waited and she said she'll go talk to her manager. While we waited for her to come back, a couple that were sitting to the right of us left the table. When the manager came over, she asked us if we wanted to move over to their seats and we said we would prefer it if we could get a table as we could see a few tables becoming free. After all, we came before lunch, so it wasn't as busy as it usually is. She said it's not possible and she can't help us. So I told her that we wouldn't have stood in line if we knew we would be seated on an insanely tiny table eating our lunch with the whole of Melbourne. So we got the coffees we ordered to go and left. Eating out in Melbourne is expensive and this cafe can't even cut out 2 stools (they weren't even chairs but those really short stools) so their customers could breathe! But you know, greed. And btw, coffee was just drinkable. read more

Great, fast service and delicious specials. I ordered the sweet brunch special without even looking at the menu, and it was worth it. Loved this place! It's busy though, so come In a small group, or come early. read more

Hardware Societe - Nutella and grilled banana on brioche French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

A very average cafe in regards to Melbourne standards. Luke warm coffee, over priced meals and over complicated breakfast. I recommend going to the cafe across the lane called Hash. read more

Service and atmosphere was top knotch at Hardware Société however I found the food to be so/so. I got the scrambled eggs with salmon. The salmon was light and tasty however the bread it came with was a little too thick and dense for my taste. The eggs were cooked perfectly and such a big portion. Definetely couldn't finish it all by myself. Also love the little donut given with each hot beverage! read more

Hardware Societe - Scrambled eggs with salmon. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

One of my staples for Melbourne Brekkie. MENU: Everything is pretty consistent, go nuts VIBE: Alotta hype around this place and for good reason, quite busy. but everything is quick and efficient RECOMMENDATIONS: Lobster Benedict, Fried Brioche and the OJ read more

I went there three times, at first and second time, it was good. The service was Fast and waiters friendly. Dishes were tasty, besides expensive. But at third my partner and I asked fried brioche and bircher and both were terrible!!! We just couldn't have them. Totally different from the pictures because they change The menu every week. Without raspberries, cherries, chocolate, or any good thing. We got fully disapoitment!!!! read more

Hardware Societe - Bircher - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Truly excellent Service and food. It was a culinary delight. We had the scrambled eggs with chorizo and asparagus and the baked eggs in a pot. Highly recommended. What was most delightful was the service model where the entire team worked together to assure that everyone was taken care of. From seating to check out : perfection read more

The brunch here was sooooooooo good. Many creative takes on classic dishes with top notch ingredients. Cool vibe and service on a quaint little alley. Hardware Societe a is a clinic in what brunch should be! If you find yourself in Melbourne and are into this sort of thing, don't hesitate, you won't be disappointed! read more

I'm not a huge breakfast person beyond good coffee but felt compelled to leave a review because it was so good. I ordered the barrata, which was fantastic and vegetarian to boot. It was fun watching the kitchen staff make everything from the counter. It was busy but not packed on a Friday morning. read more

We all know this is the Mac daddy in Melb for breakfast. Always huge waiting line and the food explains why. Friendly and efficient staff- the meals are delicious and heavy - perfect place to eat after a big night out read more

Overrated experience. For some unknown reason, the infamous baked eggs at Hardware Societe has attracted flocks of brunch-lovers since its opening as an affirmation to Melbourne's uber-cool hipster food scene. But if you're hoping to test out the waters of this city's brunch culture, you can prepare yourself for at least hour-long waits into the midday, rude waitresses snapping at the lines that (understandably) flood the narrow laneway, and the inevitable disappointment of being served food far below the hype. After asking for recommendations and having half the menu halfheartedly recited to us by a distracted waiter, our group of four settled on trying the popular baked eggs. Here's a lesson to all: Don't order this just to try it out because the idea of baked eggs sound unique and interesting, because you won't enjoy it. I honestly have no idea what all the fuss is about - this dish is one of a select few that have the rare combination of being both heavy yet tasteless. The portion was impractically large and left no one satisfied. Honestly, it left me wishing that some things, like brunch, were better left untouched by the city's hipster food creators. read more

Worth the long wait - cute spot for brunch with date or catch up with friends over the weekend. Pork belly was rich but perfectly cooked. Be prepared to make some new friends if you are a small group and you get placed on the large communal table. Fun and helpful as you get to see up close and ask what people ordered before you order from their impressive menu. Definitely coming back to try their other items! read more

one of the most popular restaurants in melbourne, therefore really busy. luckily i was by myself that morning and didn't have to wait to be seated. i sat by the kitchen and got to watch them make the food which was amazing. i would suggest the baked eggs or the salmon or the lobster benedict with a coffee (pretty coffee art!). i wish i came with someone so i could try more dishes! read more

This is a rare find in the CBD! A cafe that actually does a good breakfast and has a bit of character! The line of 20-30 people outside this small cafe on a Sunday morning suggests it's a winner and I couldn't agree more. I got in early (9am) on a Sunday and even this early had to go on a wait list to get in for a table of 2. It's was definitely worth the wait however. Me and my dining partner both had the fried eggs which come with thick cut bacon and polenta sitting on top of a delicious slice of bread. Such a simply thing but done so well. We were sat at a communal table with a young family which was really nice as we joined their conversation and they have us great suggestions on what to order. The group that sad down after them however not so friendly. The service was good (would have preferred my coffee a little quicker) with good coming out within 10 mins of ordering and coffee shortly after. The team there are really attentive and know their product well. I will keep coming back to this not so hidden gem in the CBD read more

I had pork belly & fried eggs with a cup of soy latte. I love the pork belly. The portion is good. It's a good place to have brunch. It does get real busy during weekend. My advise is to go on weekday before lunch hour. I had to wait awhile before I got my place. read more

I'm addicted to the Baked eggs with Chorizos. One of the busiest breakfast/brunch places in Melbourne. Be prepared to queue up for 30-40 minutes If you're a late starter. read more

Fabulous coffee. Great eggs - baked eggs, Lobster Benedict. Innovative and yet done perfectly. You cannot go wrong with any item on its all-day brunch menu. Great ambience and wonderful friendly staff to assure you of a great dining experience. Be warned tho' ..... the queue can get pretty long, so either time your visit or be prepared to spend some time catching up whilst staying on the queue. read more

My wife and I came here on a Saturday for brunch and were able to get a seat within 20 minutes despite a long appearing line. We got the hot chocolate which was delicious -- the chocolate base was not a powder but a chocolatey butter. So. Good. We got the mushroom toast served on a walnut bread with a bean purée, hazelnuts and poached egg. This was hands down the best mushroom toast we've ever had -- every component was cooked to perfection and it was clear that the chef paid attention to aesthetics, flavor, and texture. We finished with the fried brioche served with s chocolate chantilly and passion fruit custard topped with a meringue. The dish was a culinary adventure and a great one at that. We have had many a French toast and brioche and this topped the ones we've had at nopa in SF and the kitchen in providence. read more

This cute french influenced cafe is quite the charm in Melbourne. In the not so popular alleyway hides a busy cafe that has lines even on a weekday. That would surely tell you how good this place is. If you want to grab coffee ahead of time while you are waiting for breakfast, they have a coffee bar where you can order and enjoy your cup of joe. I had the decadent french toast that seemed to be one of the most popular items on the menu. My friends enjoyed their baked eggs. What was nice is that their options were either vegetarian or not. I say that this place creatively presents their breakfast a plate to serve. Table sharing is mostly required and don't be shy because the french cafe is as cozy as it can get. They try to squeeze as many patrons indoor and outside the store front. Coffee here was amazing and I got to savor my flat white to the very last drop. Come check this place out! read more

Great breakfast place hidden off what seems like an alleyway. The baked egg No. Deux was great and the Lobster Benedict was good, but seemed to be missing some flavor. The Fried Brioche was phenomenal, but a little rich. It is a little pricey, but well worth it. Everything here fit, the decor, the food and the ambiance. read more

Was my first meal when I arrived to MLB. Great and unique food. The service was prefect. Don't miss Dux baked eggs I consider it a signature dish. read more

I'm not in Melbourne. I've not eaten here since 2013. Yet two years on and my husband and I still compare every Croque Madame we eat to the one we had here at The Hardware Societè. And you're getting 5 stars because you're still the best :-) read more

The worst customer service of all time. So incredibly rude. Our group was sat at two tables, the other people on the big table left, so the rest of the group joined, and we get the old 'we don't like people moving tables, it's confusing' and then continue to treat us like sh*t. It's also 2017, split bills. Handing a table of 9 a docket that's says 'brunch brunch brunch' really easy for us to workout the bill read more

ambiance//***** adorable decor that resembles something of a sidewalk chic and homey cafe reminiscent of scandinavian eats outdoor tables for those that enjoy the breeze indoor seating allots for small groups or communal dining service//***** my waitress was extremely friendly...providing delicious recommendations and bantering with other diners...like checking out their cool nintendo controller mobile phone covers since i was dining alone, i was seated at a communal table with an excellent view of the hustle as bustle of their morning crowd...i like that their waitstaff patiently served me for over an hour as i waited for my cousin to finish up at the gym so we could meet up elsewhere later i never once felt rushed just because i already finished breakfast food//***** i got a lemonade and the recommended chorizo baked egg which is accompanied by 2 slices of toast oh man~ one of the yummiest baked eggs yet! =9 melbourne has got portland beat...i know part of it is because i don't like eating overly salty foods...and theirs have all the wonderful elements without leaving you parched if the chorizo baked egg is any indication of their other signature dishes.....you are in good hands! ~*~ i stumbled across this place on yelp when i had time to kill and a stomach to feed although it's definitely hipster to the max, they do it in a way that's just right no snobbery or doucheyness just chill . fun . delicious! read more

I really loved this place. Make your coffee order as long as you like. Not a problem. Food is creative and delicious. Only downside is the wait outside for a table at peak times. read more