Punchbowl Canteen

Burrowed in the industrial side streets of Port Melbourne, Punchbowl Canteen is a local escape from the rush in Bay Street and delivers a brunch oasis of nourishing and delicious options. 

Occupying the space that was one the old Salford Lads Club and in another era, the Red Tulip Easter Egg Factory in Fennel Street, the space is both striking and resplendent. A 10-foot mural brings colour and vibrancy while high lofty ceilings, expansive windows and splashes of brass throughout the venue, makes for a sunny and warm dining experience.

Head Chef Elizabeth Milroy (formerly the head chef at St Ali) proudly subscribes to the philosophy of keeping things simple but doing it well. The food at Punchbowl Canteen is a twist on simple, delicious food, carefully prepared with a particular emphasis on accessible food and local produce. 

As expected of any good Melbourne café, the coffee is excellent. The coffee is specialty and hails from Fitzroy roaster, Industry Beans. All coffee is roasted from a 6kg roaster which maintains quality assurance and the flavour profile of the coffee.

From the menu, an absolute must-have is the baked semolina gnocchi. The light pillows of gnocchi were accompanied by a rich cauliflower and cheese sauce and lashings of hazelnuts. It was comfort food at its best - simple but done well.

We also loved Punchbowl's take on the Avocado on toast - Addition of umami-laden blackbean dressing works a treat with house tea-smoked trout and perfectly poached egg encasing dripping yolk. Just yum!

For something sweet to start your day (or finish your meal at Punchbowl) the Pumpkin Doughnuts are just heavenly. Light and fluffy, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with luxurious whipped yoghurt and freeze dried mandarin.

A café catering for the discerning Melbourne brunch seekers, Punchbowl is Port Melbourne's hidden gem. 

Location: 1A Fennell Street, Port Melbourne
Phone: (03) 8534 9957
Link: punchbowlcanteen.com.au/