THE NICHOLSON COFFEE & EATERY

Unit 1/34 Union St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
+61 3 9939 0642
$$$ Cafe , Halal restaurant , Restaurant
(254 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

THE NICHOLSON COFFEE & EATERY in Brunswick offers a blend of café culture and halal-friendly dining, making it a versatile stop for locals looking for quality coffee paired with thoughtful, fresh food options. Nestled on Union Street, this spot balances a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that invites solo visitors, remote workers, and small groups to linger comfortably.

The café’s focus on specialty coffee is clear — their espresso drinks, including the Magic Coffee and iced Vietnamese salted crème coffee, are crafted with attention to richness and balance. The quality of their coffee draws a steady local crowd, many of whom appreciate the smooth and well-tempered brews that hold up well alongside the food menu.

Food offerings at THE NICHOLSON lean into hearty, flavor-driven breakfast and lunch fare, with options that cater to various dietary preferences. Notable dishes like the Shakshuka Tagine and the granola bowl with poached apple provide both comforting and fresh choices. The breakfast burritos also stand out, especially the vegetarian-friendly Brekkie Burrito that layers scrambled eggs, smashed avocado, and sweet potato in a soft tortilla. Those seeking something more indulgent often opt for the peanut butter brownie, which is both vegan and gluten-free.

Despite its modest size, the eatery manages to maintain a smooth, welcoming rhythm. Staff are regularly mentioned for their friendliness and attentiveness, creating an inviting environment where guests feel at ease whether they’re here for a quick caffeine fix or a relaxed brunch session. The café welcomes dogs and is generally accessible, though there is a minor accessibility note regarding restroom access.

The vibe here strikes a calm, chill note—ideal for a quiet morning or early afternoon break. Visitors often relish time alone, appreciating the peacefulness that contrasts with Brunswick’s usual buzz. The well-executed balance of service, food, and coffee make it a practical choice for locals who want a reliable neighborhood spot without fuss.

Best times to visit tend to be weekday mornings or early afternoons when the café is less crowded, perfect for settling in with a laptop or catching up with friends over a relaxed meal and great coffee.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

254 Reviews
Adventurewheels_melb

19 Dec 2025

This cafe has exceptional coffee and the food was amazing. The staff were very lovely and provide great customer service. They are dog friendly, wheelchair accessible (except the toilets as there is one step to access them) The iced Vietnamese salted crème coffee is a must try. They also have good quality Chai and food selections. Please see my full review on Instagram @adventurewheels_melb

Vy Nguyễn

09 Dec 2025

Got in here solo on a random Wednesday morning and had such a good experience I felt like I had to write a review. The staff were super friendly, the vibe was peaceful and chill, perfect spot to hang out alone for a bit. Got recommended the Benedict Nicholson. now it’s hands down one of my favorites. Absolutely a vibe !

M BELL

30 Nov 2025

This café hits every single time! My order was the Egg Benedict with beef bacon, and it was absolutely delicious, the switch to beef bacon added a smoky, fragrant touch that paired perfectly with the creamy, tangy sauce. I also ordered a hot taro latte, and it was such a cozy, comforting drink that matched beautifully with the meal. The staff were always friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. A lovely spot for breakfast and a must-visit for anyone who loves great brunch and local vibes.

Tuan Truong Vo Anh

24 Nov 2025

This place is a real hidden gem in Melbourne! I had the Lamb Benedict and Smash Avocado with add-on mushrooms, both were flavorful, fresh and beautifully done. Every sip of the coffee was pure perfection - rich, smooth, and absolutely worthy of the specialty coffee title. The service was charming, and made you feel right at home. A perfect spot for brekkie and seriously great coffee. Do yourself a favor and give them a try!

đoàn nguyễn

22 Oct 2025

As someone who often visits many cafes around town, I had the chance to stop by Nicholson Coffe & Eatery on multiple days, and I must say, I was genuinely impressed. The café may not be massive in size, but it runs incredibly smoothly. Every detail feels intentional, and the overall atmosphere is both relaxed and professional. What stood out the most was the staff’s ability to handle situations insightfully attentive without being intrusive, and always on point with service flow. The drinks are bold and flavorful, with the coffee made from Abrica beans that carry a light acidity making it approachable even for those who aren’t hardcore coffee drinkers. My top drink recommendation is definitely the Mocha-rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Comes to food, Nicholson serves Halal options only (no pork). The menu offers a surprising range of flavors—sour, spicy, and sweet—all layered through their meat dishes. I highly recommend trying the Smoked Lamb Mandi, which is beautifully aromatic and tender, and the Shakshuka Tagine, a warm, hearty dish with depth in every bite. In general, Nicholson delivers a thoughtful experience—where food, drink, service, and ambiance all align effortlessly. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or a full meal, you’ll leave feeling like every element has been well considered.

Hungry J

20 Oct 2025

Food = delicious Service = friendly Atmosphere = tucked away off a secondary street (would be easy to miss) Highly recommend the shakshuka - has a tarty, tomato taste to it.

Sixfoot & Salty

20 Sep 2025

Stopped in for brunch, place was jam-packed. Coffee was tasty, and a solid all day menu. Restaurant serves beef bacon, which was a unique twist, and I enjoyed it in my wrap. Partner had a haloumi and egg roll that was massive. Definitely a local fave.

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