The Hardware Societe

The Hardware Societe

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+61 3 9471 1448+ Add website
Hours
Sun
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mon
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tue
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Wed
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Thu
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Fri
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,888 reviews
Excellent
1,170
Very good
519
Average
134
Poor
37
Terrible
28

Bill W
Tasmania131 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 couples
Lovely friendly greeting, quirky modern and cosy atmosphere and the most friendly and knowledgeable staff we have ever come across. As it was our first visit our waiter took the time to ask about our food preferences and then explained the entire menu to us. It was without doubt one of the most memorable breakfasts we have ever had. Quite simply it was amazing.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WizFizz
Brisbane64 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 none
This is a snazzy hipster gem hidden behind a modest exterior in Katherine Place. We visited the morning of our first full day in Melbourne, as it was opposite our hotel. The food is very OTT, and aligns itself very much to the trope of pretentious Melbourne dining. Generally the meals were tasty. The 'Mushrooms on Toast' was delicious, but my 'Benedict' was nothing exceptional. All show, but little flavour. The coffee was generally fine. Not the best coffee we've had (sorry, Melbourne cafes - you've got a lot of competition interstate now), but was still quite drinkable. We did get takeaway coffee there a few times that week, due to convenience, and it was consistently fine. Overall, it is a nice cafe restaurant with a pleasing aesthetic, and a place to treat yourself to now and again.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

turts02
Albany22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 couples
We were welcomed and served quickly and relatively politely, then seated basically straight away. Skinny latte was amazing. Long black nice and hot. As I waited for our food to arrive, I started to notice the well oiled machine that was the kitchen, and foh staff. Music was wicked and super relaxing feel to the place. Toasted brioche was so pretty looking but tasted just as good as it looks. The croque madam on the other hand was a little overdone. Bacon not evenly spread across the bread. Overall super enjoyable experience, I'd come back
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

twofromLonnie
192 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 couples
We chose to go out of our way to visit this Katherine Place establishment for a quick breakfast between plane and rail journeys. At 8.30 am, it was not busy. Considering the positive reviews and culinary claims online, we expected that the kitchen could serve the pre-baked cheese and ham croissants warmed all the way through rather than the ‘very cold from the fridge in the centre and lukewarm on the outer’ version that we received. Adding to our disappointment, this very basic offering was double the price of a better version elsewhere. When we politely mentioned to the table attendant that the kitchen staff might take on board the need to give these pastries more time and love before serving, he trilled offhandedly that they were “naughty boys”; not a respectful response for diner or manager. Happily, the hot chocolate was as good as it should be but sadly did not make it enough of a positive experience for these regular Melbourne visitors to return. Those establishments who continue to give close attention to delivering food and service in a quality way in competitive times see repeat visitors.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Louise H
Melbourne1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 family
Service was rushed and in a couple of cases, rude. Coffee was weak, lacking flavour and only just warm. Space was cramped. Food was underwhelming and expensive, Out of 4 of us who adore food, no one enjoyed their breakfast. Staff cleared barely touched meals without question.Quite a let-down after the reviews.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LisaEstella
Adelaide1156 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 couples
Was looking forward to finally coming here as we stayed on hotel in same street. Service was quick and nice, not a wait during the week. We ordered two different variations of a Sugo style egg. Mine was ratatouille and it was not to my liking. It didn’t seem properly cooked and not very hot. My coffee wasn’t very hot either. My friend said she loved it so much and went three times in a week. But for us, nothing else on the menu appealed enough to pay $25 for a small breakfast.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pawan_Prabhat
New Delhi45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 business
The cafe serves one of the best coffees in Melbourne. The best part is that the person in charge understands the difference between vegetarian and vegan and he served me on of the best croissants I have ever had. A great place. Small but great.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

strayatraveller
Adelaide24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 none
We went to The Hardware Society for brunch on a Friday. There was a 30-minute wait to get a table for 5, but one of the staff took our names down so we wandered around the streets for a while. I would recommend booking a couple of days in advance to avoid the wait. The atmosphere and interior were really nice once we got in, and all the staff were super friendly and helpful. We each ordered something different from the menu, plus a couple of drinks, and there was a short wait before the food came out. The food was excellent, super tasty and quite filling. Top quality! I really would recommend coming here for brunch.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lynda Y
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 business
Rude staff!!! I arrived 7:15am, door was open so I walked in and I a weirdly dressed man approach me to tell me they open at 7:30am, I politely asked if I could sit down at a table yo wait, he rudely repeated himself by saying abruptly “we open at 7:30am” so I walked outside and waited in the cold at the door. Very inconsiderate and poor customer service. Very disappointing. If I wasn’t meeting interstate work colleagues I would have just left and gone somewhere more friendly and better customer service.
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AmeliaJack
Sydney349 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
On previous trips to Melbourne we've headed to Hardware Society (Katherine Place) for a coffee, but there was always a queue of people waiting to get in, so we've decided against it. On this trip to Melbourne, although we didn't make a booking, we headed over to the cafe once again, and we were in luck, no queue, and we were able to grab a table. In fact, we came to the cafe twice during our quick trip to Melbourne. The customer service is good, coffee and meals didn't take that long to come out, my only little gripe is that on one of the occasions we dined at the cafe was that we were seated at a table where I constantly had to manoeuvre my seat so that staff and deliveries could access the kitchen, and my coffee was warm, not hot, but despite that my coffee still was still good. I had the "Breakfast Trifle", which I absolutely loved, it was divine. I'm sure I'll have the Breakfast Trifle again (hopefully Hardware Societe will still be making it) on my next trip to Melbourne and the cafe.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jpvin
Bexhill-on-Sea560 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 none
This was bright and vibrant restaurant space, with efficient staff, and a very interesting menu. Here for breakfast, our burrata & eggs, and mushrooms & eggs were delicious, with eggs poached perfectly. To accompany, coffee, earl grey tea and banana smoothie all equally good. It is an unassuming entrance at the quiet bottom-end of town, but don’t be fooled - lots going on here! Better to book, as you might have to wait otherwise.
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wendy-Dean-Charlie
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 none
What can I say??? We had the most wonderful experience at Hardware Societe yesterday for brunch (Wednesday 2nd Feb). From entering the gorgeous premises to the time we (begrudgingly) left, we were treated to a wonderful experience. I visited with my Mother (for her birthday) and my daughter, and we all had the most memorable experience. The service was prompt, gentle, experienced - and made us all feel so very welcome. I do not have enough words to describe the delicious meals we all had, except to say we will be back again (and again, and again) to work our way through the menu. To top if off, the divine sweet that was presented to my Mother for her birthday was one of the most simple yet extravagant sweet dishes ever!! Thankyou so very very much for helping to make my Mother’s birthday even more special; and for giving us a new place to enjoy. I have not stopped telling anyone who will listen how wonderful Hardware Societe is!! Congratulations Team – and thankyou again.
Written 2 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TWal1
Canberra2918 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 couples
We found this delightful cafe in central Melbourne for a Sunday brunch. Located in a lane way, it had a great Melbourne vibe. The meals were fantastic and their version of scrambled eggs was hard to refuse. The coffee was very good. We enjoyed dining outside which seemed to enhance the experience.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tanya SR
Maryborough142 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
Sunday morning breakfast stop while visiting Melbourne. So glad I picked this cafe, staff were friendly and welcoming. 8am on a Sunday and I needed a coffee and it didn’t disappoint. Menu options had variety and had difficulty choosing what to have. Went with a savoury dish and it was perfect, so tasty. Went for a second coffee and it also didn’t disappoint. Would definitely return to try something else.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

roach56
Kerang46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 none
Well, first off, what wonderful ambiance this place has! My son and I ate brunch here on a busy Tuesday morning. We were promptly seated by a very friendly staff member. Our order was taken quickly and was delivered not long after. My son ordered a UN Smoothie: banana, date, peanut butter, maple, oat milk and I had a pot of English breakfast tea. My pot was delivered snug in a gorgeous tea cozy (available for purchase!), accompanied by a beautiful fine china teacup and saucer. Both drinks hit the spot. Food-wise, my son ordered the baked eggs: DEUX— chorizo, potato, piquillo peppers, queso mahon, toasted almonds, aioli, which he devoured slowly and he said the portion size was perfect. I ordered the rice pudding: pistachio rice pudding, fresh strawberries, cardamom & strawberry coulis, pistachio crumbs which is totally out of the norm for me. I made the correct choice. It was delicious. I too, was full. We both walked away extremely happy with our choice of restaurant and the food we ordered. We'll be back! YUMMO! :)
Written 26 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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THE HARDWARE SOCIETE, Melbourne - Central Business District - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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