i’m always on the lookout for new cbd cafes. i have a few go-to favourites, but being an inner-city dweller i am always wanting to venture out on a weekend to somewhere nearby and different. enter cherry + twigs.. a delightful cafe that i happened upon the other day.

this pale-timbered cafe is in a quiet and serene spot in one of the lesser-known melbourne laneways – downie street, just off flinders lane on the southern-cross station end of the city. don’t be deterred by the empty chairs… i was one of the first customers at a very not-cool 7am!

oats porridge with banana, cinnamon + raisin with panela sugar on side and topped with apple + strawberries

this dish was a great morning-starter – comforting + filling with a good dose of healthy. the cinnamon + raisins were strongly emphasised, a combination that i’ve not found on many other menus. the soft poached pears complimented the crisp green apples well + the addition of sweet plump strawberries was the final element of fresh fruit. overall, a really enjoyable dish.

there are also other enticing menu items on offer including a ‘french toast with berry compote, poached pear, strawberry, green apple, mascarpone cheese + mint’ (yum!) and an intriguing sounding ‘avocado breakfast pudding with honey, homemade granola + fresh cut fruit’ (on the list for next time).

the coffee was exceptional – as you would expect with a ‘mailing room’ blend – vibrant + smooth with a very pleasant and sweet after-taste.

this is a great little find in the south-west corner of melbourne’s cbd – whether you’re a southern cross weekday commuter, or a city or docklands local… this would be a great one to add to your list.

verdict: super cute, cosy and comforting!
find: https://www.facebook.com/cherryandtwigs