Flovie

Flovie is a wonderful addition to Carlton’s tree-lined Queensberry Street and has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite and foodie destination for breakfast, lunch, coffee and unique floral arrangements.

Co-owner, Jia Wang and florist, Valerie Wang (not related) joint forces to create Flovie, a dual-space serving both as a cafe and florist. A cheeky blend of the words ‘flower’, ‘love’ and ‘life’, Flovie stands out from the crowd. The double fronted, two-storey Victorian terrace exterior is painted lilac purple, with the entrance bordered by floral bouquets featuring rare varieties such as cotton flowers and imported orchids. Hanging floral garlands and dried foliage adorn the exposed brick wall. Embodying old and new, Flovie incorporates both contemporary design with antique pieces. A large haberdashery pigeon hole cabinet is used for displaying flowers and a German-made piano takes centre stage among hanging candle chandeliers that hold dried roses. These whimsical touches are juxtaposed with the large custom-made granite coffee station serving drinks on one end and Valerie’s floral workshop on the other. Pendant lighting made from recycled plumbing pipes and industrial timber display shelves accentuate the building’s lofty ceiling.

At the helm of the kitchen is Japanese-Filipino head chef, Hiroshi Okuda whose menu delights with an Asian-fusion menu. We loved everything we sampled. The tender Chinese BBQ Cha Sui Pulled Pork with Eggs Benedict was absolutely stunning. We loved the melt in your mouth morsels of umami laden pork which was served with a vibrant orange Mandarin hollandaise atop fluffy pan-fried mantou, fresh cucumber and fried shallots.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, the decadent Black Forest Soufflé Hotcakes is a winner. Think a stack of fluffy soufflé hot cakes served with tart cherry compote, decadent chocolate crème anglaise, cherry chocolate ganache, mascarpone Chantilly and chocolate soil.

As expected of any great Melbourne cafe, Flovie serves excellent coffee that is poured by adept baristas. In addition, the rest of the drinks menu carries Flovie’s floral theme such as the Rose Tea Latte with roasted pistachio and coconut milk and Butterfly Pea Latte with vanilla, sea salt and soy milk. Other must-try drinks include Flovie’s unique ‘perfume’ mocktails named after Disney films – Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Frozen, topped with edible flowers and served with mineral water filled perfume bottles and potion bottles containing 100% natural floral extracts which customers can pour into their drinks.

With inviting and warm interiors, Flovie is the perfect destination for a coffee, breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the outdoor seating or cosy up inside and don't forget to grab a nice bunch of flowers when you go!

Location: 261-263 Queensberry Street, Carlton

Phone: (03) 9348 1279

Link: www.flovie.com.au