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Inner East › Richmond › Burnside
BurnsideB-Worth Trying
87A Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
· Cafe, Breakfast restaurant, Coffee shop
· 4.7/5 Google (297 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Neighborhood cafe for coffee and simple sangas; recent ownership change shows mixed consistency but strong hospitality keeps many locals returning.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Burnside delivers reliable neighborhood cafe appeal with warm, thoughtful service and quick execution, but inconsistent quality post-ownership change and limited seating comfort prevent a higher grade. The solid coffee and sandwich program keeps regulars returning, though recent reports of weaker coffee and smaller portions suggest the cafe hasn't fully stabilized under new management.
Restaurant Summary
On Smith Street, Burnside feels like a neighborhood pit stop with warm, easygoing service and window seats that catch the street buzz. Reviewers describe small kindnesses—"they brightened my morning with a thoughtful touch"—that give this simple cafe a friendly, local vibe. Recent changes have sparked mixed opinions, but many still swing by for a reliable caffeine fix and quick sandwiches. The cooking keeps things straightforward: toasties, croissants, and muesli rather than chef theatrics. Expect comfort-first, classic cafe fare with coffee as the headliner. Some regulars report softer coffee and smaller sangas since the change of hands, while others still find consistently tasty combos like ham and cheese croissants or fresh focaccia sandwiches. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly staples like croissants, ham and cheese toasties, and simple chicken or tuna sandwiches. There is no explicit kids menu, but portions and formats are flexible, and a hot chocolate or babycino-style order fits right in for a quick, low-stress stop.
At a Glance
- Friendly, thoughtful staff with quick service
- Solid coffee program with many loyal fans
- Reports of decline post change of hands (weaker coffee, smaller sandwiches)
- Limited and low seating comfort for lingering
- Good options for vegetarians with a vegan-available sandwich
What Sets It Apart
- thoughtful gestures by staff
- window perch on Smith Street
- reliable quick coffee stop
What People Love
- Kind, personable service gestures
- Smooth flat whites and iced coffees
- Fresh focaccia and classic toasties
- Easy in-and-out convenience
Points of Concern
- Some diners report weaker coffee and smaller or oilier sandwiches since ownership change
- Seating comfort is limited; very low tables mentioned
- Noise or music volume can be a bit much at times
- Pricing has increased from old A$10 menu to A$17–A$18 in recent reports
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average CostA$20-30 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Vegetarians: cheese, tomato, beetroot sandwich (vegan-available).
- For kids: ham and cheese croissant with hot chocolate.
- Coffee-forward diners: flat white or iced latte with a simple toastie.
Perfect For
- Morning coffee runs on Smith Street
- Casual solo breakfasts at the window
- Simple sandwich-and-coffee lunch
- Quick meetups before heading into the CBD
Location Insights
Area: Creative inner-north strip with indie shops and casual dining; popular with locals and office workers.
Safety: Generally safe, lively foot traffic daytimes and evenings; typical urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Smith Street retail, other cafes and bakeries, tram routes linking to CBD and Collingwood.
FitzroyFitzroy is Melbourne's premier bohemian neighborhood, famous for its alternative culture, independent boutiques, and thriving café scene. The dining environment is casual yet trendy, with many cafes, brunch spots, and innovative eateries attracting a hip, youthful crowd.
Smith StreetSmith Street is a bustling strip within Fitzroy known for its diverse dining options, from casual cafes to vibrant bars, popular with locals and visitors seeking a lively atmosphere and quality food.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday06:30–14:30
Tuesday06:30–14:30
Wednesday06:30–14:30
Thursday06:30–14:30
Friday06:30–14:30
Saturday07:30–14:30
Sunday08:00–14:30
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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