The Hardware Sociéte: Café, CBD Melbourne (26 May 2012)

118-120 Hardware Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Well-loved cafe in the CBD

The Hardware Sociéte seems to be one of Melbourne's most popular cafes in the CBD with 90% Liked on Urbanspoon after 2684 votes and has expanded its premises next door since I visited the previous year. The Organic orange juice ($4.50) was good although I thought the serving size was quite small. The Cappuccino ($3.50) was very good with nice roasty yet smooth flavours requiring no sugar. It came with a tiny round donut on the side which was a nice touch. The Baked eggs with chorizo sausage, romesco, roasted roma tomatoes ($16) had quite nice flavours although a little awkward to eat out of the pot to spread onto the toast which I would have preferred slightly more toasted. Sitting near the kitchen you could see how busy they were, frantically plating the orders due to their popularity but somehow managed to keep afloat. Service was friendly and welcoming and the vibe buzzing.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Friendly service, Buzzing atmosphere, Reasonably priced menu, Produce supplies available for purchase, Free range eggs used

CONS: Will need to wait for a table during busy times although sitting for one near the kitchen seemed more available, Limited weekend brunch menu but it's a small kitchen, Cash only

MUST TRY: Coffee

VERDICT: If you're lucky enough with the times for a seat you'll be rewarded with hopefully a good coffee and friendly service

—

Cappuccino ($3.50)

Pepper, salt and sugar

Organic orange juice ($4.50)

Baked eggs with chorizo sausage, romesco, roasted roma tomatoes ($16)

Menu

Eggs are free range but bills cash only

Wooden boards still the rage in this kitchen

Busy kitchen theatre getting through the orders

Tempting French lollipops

A few tasty products in store

Don't be shy: Position of sink to urinal very awkwardly close

View Larger Map

Visited 4 May 2011

Mocha ($4.50) — mix as you desire

Fried eggs with jamon, manchego, herbed olive oil, olive bread, paprika ($15) — flavours that work well together