Best in the West: #BrunchGoals

If you live in Melbourne's west, such as myself, it can be hella tiring and hella impractical to take the 40+ minute trip across the city to visit the brunch venues dominating Instagram at the moment. Luckily, the Western Suburbs has come to hold its own within Melbourne's brunch scene so you can #supportyourlocal and save on fuel. Check out my top picks below (and trust me when I say there's many more to come that I just haven't had the chance to try yet) 😜

Barker's Cafe- Footscray 🐶

There's no denying that I am a staunch Western Bulldogs supporter.  From the day I was born, the red, white and blue has been running through my blood. But regardless of your football affiliations, there's no better reason to get down to Whitten Oval than for a delicious brunch at Barker's Cafe.

They have such awesome variety across their menu, packed with some traditional Aussie favourites (such as your Chicken Parma or Steak Sandwich) but also a smashed avo which would rival any hipster, inner-city eatery. A dish I have ordered time and time again is the Scrambled Special (pictured).  I think this may just be the best Chilli Scrambled Eggs I've had in Melbourne.  The rocket on top is dressed with marinated feta and hunks of smashed avocado, a fresh break from the hearty flavour of the eggs. I'd recommend pairing this with one of their deliciously healthy smoothies (the Pash is a winner).

Barker's Cafe has a super spacious fit-out looking out onto Whitten Oval- you may even be lucky enough to catch your favourite player for a quick picture or autograph (nothing better than a Bulldogs Big Breakfast with a side of the Bont), or as I once have, spy the 2016 Premiership Cup. Work off the calories with a kick on the ground itself, or check out this season's merchandise at the adjoining Bulldogs Shop, whichever tickles your fancy.

Leroy's Cafe- Newport

Very conveniently located within walking distance of Newport Station, Leroy's Cafe radiates urban chic, with a stylish modern fit-out and cosy, heated outdoor area for all your brunchin' needs. 

The menu boasts some super funky inventions such as the OMG Pancake and Magic Mushrooms (no, not those magic mushrooms but I'm sure these babies have the same euphoric effect after consumption). But, I can't go past the cacao porridge (pictured).  Bathed in maple syrup, the sweetness of the porridge is contrasted by the tang of the berries, the seeds and freeze-dried fruit adding some fun texture to the dish. If you're looking for something a bit more macho, their lunch menu takes on an American vibe with the addition of the McLeroy Burger, Leroy's Fried Chicken (LFC) and the crazy Big Dog. Whatever you order, you're bound to be impressed (and full as a boot) when you walk out the door.

Mezmez- Williamstown

Mezmez offer gozleme, pides and platters packed with hummus and falafel, alongside all your brunch favourites which are infused with a distinctly Middle Eastern flair. My visit entailed the scrambled eggs (pictured bottom) with slow roasted tomatoes, caramelised onion, and mizithra on sourdough and the grilled soujouk (pictured top) with wilted greens, spiced potatoes, fried egg and dukkah. It sure was clear to me that Mezmez was all about affordable, flavour-filled comfort food. 

Plus, you can satisfy your sweet cravings with their Turkish Delight milkshake (!!) or Nutella doughnuts (or maybe even both at the same time). It's a win-win situation really.

HealThy Self Co- Yarraville

HealThy Self Co's menu promises healthy, organic and ethical food, which it sure delivers with one hell of a flavour punch. On my first visit, I had the Hawaij Baked Oats (flaxseed, coyo, bee pollen, black doris plum and walnuts) and it's cemented my return. These weren't your regular oats, packed with such flavour partly from the delightfully unexpected layer of stewed fruits hidden beneath. Not to mention the beauty of the rustic-style presentation.

 If you're not yet sold, their super smoothie list nearly equals the size of their food menu, drop in for a take-away one after a routine jog at the nearby Yarraville Gardens, or your early-morning yoga sesh.

Black Seed Cafe- Werribee 

Take a break from the noisy hustle and bustle of Werribee's Watton Street and step into the cosy Black Seed Cafe to be treated to the most friendly service and a delicious meal. Their raspberry hotcakes rise high, surrounded by a delicate, pink mousse and their avo is perfectly smashed and topped off with a killer beetroot relish. But the dish I can't go without is the Coconut Chia Pudding, as light and fluffy as snow but it certainly packs a tropical punch with lashings of passionfruit compote, pineapple, mango, lychee and raspberries. Not to mention the rosewater jam which is to die for. Just thinking about it, I've marked the date in my calendar to return. 

Alfa- Seddon

Seddon is certainly home to a wide array of brunch venues, but Alfa is definitely right up there as one of the best (There's also it's sister, the original Alfa Bakehouse in Yarraville, if that's a tad more convenient). Take shelter from the winter chill in this buzzing cafe, they have such an awesome spread it's hard to narrow your choice down to just one meal. I mean, Breakfast Bruschetta or Chilli Eggs?! The struggle is real.

If there's one dish I can't go past, it's the King Alfa (pictured).  This is one big breakfast not to be messed with, serving up all your favourites: eggs your way, bacon, roast tomato, smashed avo, braised mushrooms and a housemate hash brown (which btw is one of those awesome soft hash browns that kind of tastes like expertly-seasoned mashed potato in the middle).  Pair it with a freshly-squeezed juice or a bang-on coffee and I guarantee you'll leave satisfied any day of the week!