Breakfast, we are told, is the most important meal of the day, but unfortunately very few…read morerestaurants get it right. The Diplomat Cafe in Highett I'm pleased to announce is one of the few. This cafe is centrally located on the main strip across the road from the Highett train station. The cafe itself is really well designed with a small show kitchen pumping out meals to a rather large minimalistic dining room. It really has a great vibe. The first thing that I was impressed with was the staff. Upon arrival I was greeted warmly, and escorted to my table, offered water and a coffee to start with. This in itself seems to be a lost art in today's restaurant scene. I ordered a jasmine pearl tea to start, which, when arrived was presented on a wooden board, with a cup, an iron teapot and a box with three sandglass minute timers. The first one set at one minute, the second at three mins and the third at five minutes. Each timer representing the strength of the tea. A pretty cool concept. The menu looked awesome, but all I really wanted was poached eggs, bacon and mushrooms. So that's what I ordered. Now it's generally at this stage when I ask the waiter if I could have my bacon crispy, but in all honestly I forgot, so I was a bit concerned. My breakfast arrived in a reasonable timeframe, and my first impression was, that it looked pretty good. It wasn't good, not at all, it was awesome. Let's start with the eggs. Perfectly poached, soft and gooey yolks, and perfectly poached whites. As much as the eggs impressed me it was the bacon that wowed me. Crispy but still juicy and full of flavour, just the way I like it. I have to say this was one of the best bacon and eggs I've ever had. The food that was coming out of that kitchen was amazing. So if you find yourself down Highett way check out The Diplomat, it truly was amazing.

WOW what a place! And what a find. The staff are extremely friendly, helpful and nothing was too…read moremuch trouble. Both the breakfast and lunch menu options were varied. I had the smashed avocado and poached eggs and it was absolutely scrumptious. Couldn't recommend this establishment enough. The atmosphere was buzzing and filled with laughter and cheer. A must try if you ask me.

Very attentive staff, good food and fabulous Aperol Spritzs'. The interior of the converted church…read morewas light, bright and comfortable and we could enjoy without feeling rushed.

Excellent all around. Accidentally ended up here when we parked in front intending to go somewhere…read moreelse. The outdoor area looked inviting so we chose to breakfast here. So glad we did. Everything was excellent: the coffee, the fruit bowls, the avocado on toast, the burger (the fries!!). Aesthetically plated. And good value. 5 meals and coffees for $120.

I don't know why it took me so long to ever try a meal here. It's always busy, with lines out the…read moredoor at times, and people lining up for take away coffees. Tried it today for the first time ever, and I was glad I did. The breakfast and brunch menu have some different items than the rest of the cafes in Melbourne (who all have pretty much the same menus). While I only chose the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, the others in the group had different items, and we all enjoyed what we had. The service is friendly, the decor is lovely, the food is tasty. IF I had to be picky over anything, it would be the pricing. I do think some items were really high, especially for things you can easily make at home. Also, no effort whatsoever to attempt any substitutions with things in a dish. With that said, I'd definitely come back again. It was also a really nice touch that they gave me a complimentary cupcake with sparkler for my birthday. It just made the whole experience that little nicer still.

Such a good breakfast place. The food was fresh and the atmosphere was very laid back and chill…read more The service was incredible and there was no wait to get seated. Scrambled eggs are perfect.

This is a super cute place on Bay Street in Brighton. Loads of outdoor seating and big communal…read moretables gives it a very homey comfy feel. I popped in for a great coffee and couldn't resist a brownie - which had a great hard choc top. I even got a takeaway chicken baguette which I enjoyed later for lunch!

Bossy Boots is one of the locals favourite in Brighton area. Just recently renovated to a fresher…read moreand much modern look has once again became the popular cafe on the area. They have 5 chefs with various background working on their breakfast, lunch and take away menu. Love their lasagna.

We stayed in a VRBO in the neighborhood and were really pleased to find this terrific coffee shop…read moreless than a block away. The staff was friendly and remembered both our names and our drinks by the second day. Pastries are surprisingly good and seating was available inside or outside. There are plenty of options close by but this one is the best! Be sure to read the back-story in the menu.

YES! Favourite cafe. Ever…read more The staff and owner are wonderful, knowledgable, friendly and funny people who will answer all of your questions and make your day. The atmosphere is modern and industrial while being warm, inviting, cozy and flowing. The tables on rails are cool. The back patio is cute, too. Even the bathrooms will have you reading the story of Omar. Everything here just works perfectly. We brought the whole family along, and everyone was blown away. The breakfasts and brekkie sangas are priced really well for Melbourne, and are BETTER than most of those other fancy pants places anyway. The pastries at the till are yummy, too. They aren't big on wanky latte art either, just great tasting and best of the best high-quality coffee with no cheap gimmicks. Come here for some of the best coffee of your life - filter, espresso or capp. You will not be disappointed. I've also purchased the best coffee beans for home here. They source and roast to perfection. All-around winning, here.

What a beautiful hidden gem for the foodies. Welcoming to all and even specific dietary…read morerequirements. Really nice and tentative staff, I lovely variety of foods that alters little with the seasons so that all the dishes made with fresh vibrant Quality produce. The place has a lovely atmosphere for families, couples, just going by yourself with the book, ect... This cafe is also quite accessible for people with disabilities although you wouldn't be able to get a scooter in then there is a small step that separates inside the cafe so there are two levels first is accessible second one would be excessive unless you are in a electric on motorised wheelchair however they are considering a small portable ramp and it is easy to park and find. The staff and management very proud of their food and so they should be it is absolutely delicious fresh vibrant and easy on the eyes. They really care about presentation just as much as making your taste buds smile. I had the French toast which was absolute amazing. You can also get takeaway if you like but sitting down for coffee for a bit is a lovely experience this is definitely a must see and experience place.

Great for breakfast and coffee. Friendly staff always make you welcome. Also try the deli two…read moreshops down.

An excellent addition to the sometimes bland end of Elwood Village…read more A nice, open space with a wide variety of clean eating options (including breakfast salads) and a wide variety of drinks including the increasingly hip almond matcha latte. I alternate between the pancakes with bacon (delicious!) and a breakfast salad if I have been going too hard. Always the almond matcha latte. They also have a range of tasty treats for take away like spurilina balls and sugar-free slices. Well worth a visit.

In a town where breakfast is everywhere, this place has a clean atmosphere, great service,…read morefantastic coffee and one of the best breakfasts going. Very relaxed on a Saturday morning

I remember coming here for a coffee before a movie a few years ago, however it wasn't until I…read morewalking down Bay Street a few weeks back that I remember that this place actually existed. As such when I was back down this way (to see a movie of course) I decided to come in here for a bit of breakfast. The asian chilli eggs, which is what I ended up grabbing (because it looked a little different) were quite nice, and not hugely spicy, but spicy enough to give it a pretty nice edge. The coffee was okay, but not the best, though the staff were really good. I do quite like the deck out the front, though I ended up sitting inside. Mind you, the order was a little slow in coming out, but it was certainly worth the wait.

I'm one of THOSE people that read the menu ahead of time, so I deliberately went to Elwood Bathers…read morestarving, so I could try three courses (It's the weekend, ok?). Entering the restaurant, there was the must incredible smell and while possibly heightened because of my hunger, I'm sure it would have smelled as delicious even if I weren't hungry at all. We sat down and immediately realised that the other reviews are right when they mention how loud it is in here. Big floor to ceiling windows and concrete floors don't do much to absorb the sound, so you might need to preserve your voice until you arrive, so you can yell over to the people you're dinning with. The table was very narrow and hard to fit in drinks and water and phones and cutlery and plates etc, but we managed eventually. The food came out really quickly and was presented beautifully. The salmon entree was superb and light, fresh and delicious. Really good. When the main came out, I was a little disappointed. The Fish 'n Chips were great tasting, but there was SO much salt coating it all, that I had to leave a big chunk of it (and remember, I'm still hungry at this point). The batter tasted good, but it was dense and doughy. The fish inside was beautifully cooked and white. Dessert didn't disappoint. Not only was it also very pretty on the plate, but perfect on the palate. I asked for an ice cream flavour substitution and they obliged correctly. It was a delicious chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and freeze dried strawberries. So yum. The service here was pretty much spot on as well. Our waitress was friendly and nice, and when my companion didn't like their dessert, she offered another at no charge, or to have it removed from the bill. Everyone was accomodating and happy. The negatives were ... Expensive parking. There's plenty of parking, but for two hours, it cost $12. The food is a bit on the pricey side, but that's why you come here for an occasion. The acoustics aren't great. When I say it's noisy, I mean it sincerely. It's loud. But the view of the water is gorgeous and the decor is nice, and overall I must say I will DEFINITELY come back again to try other menu items (and maybe try it for breakfast one day).

In general, I am not a fan of cafe food, it always seems to disappoint and fall short of…read moreexpectations while overcharging and under servicing. This is so far from an accurate description of Cornerstone, you probably won't believe the following paragraphs. But as over the top and neurotic as it sounds, it's all true! I go to Cornerstone and have been there many times as my boyfriend lives walking distance away, I even added them to Yelp so I could share their greatness with the community, because I had this unreasonable fear that they were in an unusual location and they were at risk of being unnoticed so I had to help get people in so I could keep going there! I've had many things on the menu, some pictured, some not. All perfection- honestly- and I've looked high and low for the most minuscule faults. I've had poached eggs in countless different dishes and I am yet to encounter a yolk that isn't gooey and oozing with salty, buttery goodness that only an immaculately cooked egg yolk can provide. The side salads they put on your plate, suit the meal you are eating and are creative and perfectly dressed, rather than your cafe style 'green salad' that breaks down your soul with the lack of effort put in to it knowing you paid $22 for a plate you could have made at home. Did I mention I'm in love with Cornerstone?! For meals between $10-$25, you're bound to find something to satisfy you. Deserts are very reasonably priced too. If Cornerstone was open for dinner, I wouldn't go anywhere else. They have a set menu with Italian/modern Australian/Asian fusion dishes and weekly specials that will blow your mind. They use Organic coffee. BonSoy. Their bread from an organic bakery. Their vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful plus their desert cabinet is always full of fresh, new and exciting options that tempt you into submission! The staff are attentive, knowledgable and quick, plus friendly! The owner- Michelle- is an absolute delight, I could just sing their praises day and night. Cornerstone is a fantastic addition to Hampton, Melbourne and in my opinion anyone not up to that standard is officially failing. Next time you're in or around Hampton, try out Cornerstone, there is no possible way this impressive establishment will let you down!

The Italian/Japanese fusion is brilliantly put together and the relaxed atmosphere and ambience…read moremakes for a cracking little bayside style cafe tucked away from the main road shops. We will definitely be back!