Holding Its Own Among Giants

Located between coffee powerhouses Seven Seeds and Auction Rooms, Code Black’s North Melbourne flagship holds its own with a refined café experience and a strong coffee program. Seasonal blends headline the espresso menu, while filter brews and single origins are roasted onsite in a compact in-house roaster, designed to complement production at the main Brunswick facility.

A Thoughtful All-Day Menu

Executive chef Steve Rangiwahia has curated an approachable yet thoughtful menu. Highlights include a signature breakfast of applewood-smoked salmon with horseradish hollandaise and crisp potato rosti, or a vibrant granola with rhubarb. For lunch, there’s the “T-rone” steak sandwich – layered with jalapeño mustard and fried haloumi – named in tribute to a local street artist. Lighter options like turmeric-poached chicken salad round out the offering.

Sleek, Contemporary Design

The fit-out, by Zwei Interiors, takes a softer, more polished approach than its Brunswick sibling. Lacquered green steel beams, blonde timber slats and cushioned stools create a warm, contemporary space. Overhead, a mezzanine level provides extra seating and a quiet perch above the open kitchen.