Hoppa and Joe: A Brunch Spot That Breaks the Mold

Kirsten Taylor understands that breakfast matters in Melbourne. That’s why you’ll find avo on the menu at Hoppa and Joe – but not in the usual way. Here, it’s served on a breakfast bruschetta with torn bocconcini and cherry tomatoes. The Benedict comes on a thick slice of pumpkin bread with duck rillettes and a runny duck egg. And the baked eggs arrive with cheesy cauliflower and a chorizo crumb just as important as the eggs themselves.

A Personal Venture with Deep Roots

This is Taylor’s first solo venture after managing Chez Dré and its sister patisserie, Bibelot. Hoppa and Joe is a much smaller operation, and that’s exactly how she likes it. There are just 36 seats – half of them outside – and a tight-knit team of six, including chef Craig Towers (ex-Hairy Canary and Taxi Dining Room) and Taylor’s husband, Richard, who lends a hand in the kitchen.

Designed with the Neighbourhood in Mind

Taylor designed the sunny, corner café herself, transforming the former sandwich shop with a calming palette of blues, greys and white. It’s very much a neighbourhood spot – and while the brunch game is strong enough to impress Melbourne’s fussiest diners, Taylor hasn’t forgotten her regulars. She added burgers to the menu for the mechanics working across the street.