An icon of Melbourne brunch culture with substance behind the style.

Top Paddock: The Benchmark of Brunch

When Top Paddock opened in Richmond, it quietly changed what a café could be. No longer just smashed avo and coffee — this was café dining with restaurant-level polish. Every plate looked like a composition, every detail thought through. The light-filled space, the locally sourced produce, the disciplined service — it all set a new tone for daytime dining in Melbourne.

Years later, it still holds that same clarity and calm. The design remains timeless: blonde timber, natural light and soft greenery shaping an atmosphere that’s refined but never pretentious.

The Food: Elegant Simplicity

The menu balances innovation and comfort. Their famous ricotta hotcake remains one of Melbourne’s most photographed dishes, but it’s more than a visual statement — warm, airy, perfectly balanced with fresh fruit and cultured cream. The chilli scrambled eggs, trout with soba noodles and market-fresh salads show a focus on produce and restraint. Coffee, roasted by their sister brand Square One, is flawless — smooth, consistent and handled with quiet confidence.

Top Paddock’s strength lies in its precision. Every detail, from plating to temperature, feels intentional.

The Vibe: Calm Energy

The hum of conversation, the clink of cutlery, the soft soundtrack — it’s busy but never chaotic. The service moves with calm rhythm, and there’s a quiet pride in the way everything runs. It’s a place for slow mornings, design lovers and those who appreciate refinement without attitude.

Top Paddock isn’t chasing trends. It’s the café that made Melbourne famous for caring about brunch — and it still does it better than anyone else.