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CBD & Inner › Southbank › Trend Cafe and Restaurant Southbank
Trend Cafe and Restaurant SouthbankBWorth Trying
Unit 1/35 Coventry St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
· Restaurant, Cafe, Italian restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (775 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively all-day cafe with wood-fired pizzas and broad brunch menu; friendly service and great coffee praised, but consistency and speed can vary during busy periods.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Trend Cafe delivers reliable cafe-bistro comfort with solid food quality across brunch, pizzas, and burgers, supported by friendly and attentive service. However, quality variation on pizza and occasional service lapses during busy periods, combined with inconsistent wait times, prevent it from reaching higher territory. A worthwhile neighborhood spot with pleasant Southbank setting and good value, though not a destination fine-diner.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off the arts precinct, Trend feels warm and inviting with easygoing staff and space for both couples and big groups. Guests describe coffee as a reliable perk and service that is often friendly and helpful, with the room looking sharper than expected for a casual cafe. One diner summed it up: "Relaxed vibe, tasty plates, and I felt looked after." The cooking leans cafe-bistro comfort with wood-fired pizzas, generous brunch plates, and a few global detours rather than theatrics. Think hearty favorites like parmas, burgers, and seafood linguine, plus Turkish baked eggs and vegan bowls. Most meals land well, though a minority report bland pizza or the odd slow ticket during peak times, so timing matters for the best experience. Families are well served: pizzas, burgers, parmas, fries, and a fluffy pancake stack mean kids will find something familiar. Portions are generous and seating is flexible, making it easy for groups. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, but the menu’s breadth covers picky eaters without fuss.
At a Glance
- Friendly, accommodating staff and comfortable indoor-outdoor seating
- Broad menu from brunch to wood-fired pizza with solid vegan options
- Good value at lunch and generous portions
- Service speed can slow significantly when busy
- Pizza and some dishes vary in seasoning and execution
What Sets It Apart
- wood_fired_oven
- broad_vegan_section
- live_music_evenings
What People Love
- Welcoming, helpful staff
- Consistently good coffee
- Comforting parmas and burgers
- Pleasant decor that feels nicer than a typical cafe
Points of Concern
- Wait times for food can reach 40-90 minutes during peak periods
- Occasional bland or dry pizzas; seasoning sometimes light
- Coffee temperature and cold drink prep inconsistent on some visits
- Pricing for alcoholic drinks can feel high without happy hour food purchase
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegans: Vegan Pizza (A$19) or Vegan Green Risotto (A$23) offer satisfying mains
- Value path: Starter bruschetta (A$15) + pizza (A$18-19)
- Kids often enjoy Pancake Stack (A$19) or Margherita (A$17)
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-museum brunch near the Shrine and NGV
- Casual family dinners with pizza and burgers
- Groups needing easy seating and bill-splitting
- Relaxed coffee catch-ups with light bites
Location Insights
Area: Inner-city arts and residential precinct near NGV and Shrine; attracts office workers, museum visitors, and locals.
Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with good lighting; busy on weekends and event days.
Nearby: Close to Shrine of Remembrance, NGV, St Kilda Road offices, and Southbank Promenade.
SouthbankSouthbank offers a dynamic dining environment with a variety of cafes, casual eateries, and upscale restaurants. It attracts a diverse crowd including locals working in the city, visitors attending nearby theaters and galleries, and residents of modern apartment complexes. The atmosphere is lively and cosmopolitan, with a focus on contemporary urban lifestyle.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–16:00
Tuesday08:00–21:00
Wednesday08:00–21:00
Thursday08:00–21:00
Friday08:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–16:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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