Hats off to owner Jessie, the amazing staff, and the entire team at Merchant & Maker –a cafe that's an absolute gem in Mcrae, Melbourne! Our impromptu family outing turned into an unforgettable drive down to the bay, all thanks to your unwavering commitment to excellence. The inviting ambiance, tantalizing food, and impeccable service came together seamlessly, creating a perfect symphony of flavors and experiences. Nestled conveniently opposite the lighthouse and the beach in Mcrae, the cafe's location further enhanced the overall charm. The views coupled with the delightful atmosphere provided an unparalleled backdrop to our meal. Jessie's leadership and the team's dedication truly shine through in the seamless blend of flavors, hospitality, and the warm family-friendly vibe that embraced us. Our visit was nothing short of awesome, and we're eager to return for more of those moments and to experience more menu items. A heartfelt thank you to Merchant & Maker for curating an experience that was nothing short of perfect. Here's to more cherished memories waiting to be created at your outstanding cafe! Thank you.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Always a delight, Merchant Maker is my go-to for guaranteed fantastic coffee amidst the lively hustle and bustle. Their food is consistently incredible, each bite full of taste and surprise, never once disappointing. The staff, including the friendly house manager, add to the charm with their welcoming nature. It's refreshing to visit a place where excellence is a constant. The space boasts a variety of tables, catering to both locals and groups. This diversity often sparks interesting table conversations, adding an intriguing crust to the overall experience. Merchant Maker isn't just a café, it's a community hub where quality and warmth are always on the menu.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Avocado Toast
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
Straight parking normally can find a car park. Otherwise, you can park across the road in the dirt car park.

Usually this is my favourite place for coffee on the peninsula as they serve common folk coffee, which is exceptional. (another great place that serve common folk coffee is The Kitchen on Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook but I digress) And the baristas they have here, two of them are awesome. Nat and Max. The food is pretty good also and one of my favourite items on the menu is the pokè bowl with smoked salmon, edamame beans, pickled ginger,radish, pickled seaweed and brown rice and dressing. The new owner Jess is always nice and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. And they have a variety of staff that are always pleasant and accommodating and call you by name once you become a regular. If you're a local or just visiting the peninsula give Merchant and Maker a look in and you won't regret stopping by. The coffee is so good that you can't stop at just one! Keep it up guys☺️
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

My Partner and I came here for New Years Breakfast. We have both worked in hospitality- my partner Steph is still working in hospo, amongst coffee herself. Yes, it was busy, however the environment was lively. Cool people behind the counter, staff were hard working and we loved that they could crack a joke and have fun even though they were slammed. We respect how much pride they take in their coffee and the lengths they go to to share that experience. The food was unbelievable. It came out pretty quickly. We really cherish cafes that have soul and heart behind them. It shows throughout the whole atmosphere. So thank you Merchant & Maker. Until next time, you absolute legends. Ps, this was written by my partner Steph while I sat down staring at the roof and picking at her food
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60

Nasi lemak bowl is great! It captures all the important aspects of a good nasi lemak (if i may say so myself as a Malaysian). Friendly staff who always assisted us with more spoons and sharing plates after noticing that we are sharing the food. One level-up will be an option of crispy fried chicken to go with the nasi lemak bowl. Yummy!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Umami Mushrooms, Nasi Lemak Bowl
Vegetarian options
Friendly to vegetarians and offers a variety of Asian fusion dishes!
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
Street parking is not a problem.

We had a lovely family brunch here on a Monday morning which wasn't too busy. The corn fritters bowl was perfectly balanced and flavourful and each dish had a something unique about it. The manager was lovely and food came out in good time. Baristas forgot to bring milk with the tea and had to be asked twice, and spilled one of the coffees - but coffees were great too. One diner with us got the toast with eggs option, but would have appreciated at least some butter on the side so suggest asking for this. Overall a fantastic experience and we would happily go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Food was plated beautifully and atmosphere in the restaurant was great. Staff were really friendly and quick. I got the bao buns for $24 and the Chocolate shake for $10. The bao buns looked amazing yet the meat lacked flavour and was extremely saucy (I love lots of sauce but there was way too much). The chips lacked seasoning too. The chocolate shake was nice but nothing special for the price point. It's named mornington peninsulas best Cafe but I found it a little underwhelming. Would go back but maybe I'll have to try a different dish next time.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

My partner and I just had the most amazing brunch experience here! The shakshouka and eggs ben we ordered were really good. Particularly enjoyed the shakshouka — it’s a great addition to the menu. :) Coffee was incredible as well! We had one with our food and couldn’t resist but to get another one to go. Special shoutout to the barista who was warm and attentive (he gave us 2 chocos to go along with our coffee, which we felt was a really sweet gesture)! Highly recommend trying both their coffee and food! Hands down one of the better cafes we’ve been to in the area. :)
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A large group of us dropped in for lunch recently. Nothing was too much bother. The staff quickly organised a large table to seat all of us, menus and water bottles were produced in a flash, and service was started immediately. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. I had the pulled pork and potato hash served with paprika aioli, salad, poached egg, grilled tomato and sourdough bread. It was delicious. Highly recommend this cafe if you’re in the vicinity.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We went there to lunch and practice speaking Italian. It was a quieter day being mid- week in winter so it worked excellently for us. The staff was engaging and flexible in changing the menu to suit my diet. The older waitress was particularly engaging and helpful.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
I’m doing keto so the chef was kind to remove the waffles and add two kinds of salad instead.

Excellent food, Orange juice and coffee. Even though they have a strong vegetarian menu there are still some meat options on it and everybody can find something. The breakfast roll was excellent!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Vegetarian options
Very good veggie options.
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
In front of the Cafe
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair accessible

The shrooms were delicious and more than enough for lunch. Good options available both for lunch or brekkie.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Umami Shrooms, Avocado Toast
Vegetarian options
Delicious
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Busy

Came here for brunch over the weekend. Great spot on the Nepean right near where we were staying. Quite a diverse menu for whatever youre feeling like. I got the baked eggs which unfortunately was a bit dry, however all other dishes friends had were good. Overall service and food was good and reasonably priced
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Delish breakfast except for the dirty chai I had which had a strong aniseed flavour. Otherwise excellent and would come back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chilli Scrambled Eggs
Vegetarian options
Lots of menu items have vego option.

Highly awarded Mornington cafe and definitely worthy of its reputation. Both here and Commonfolk (same owner) feel different to the standard brunch cafe set-ups in the CBD and Eastern suburbs. Un-pretentious, homely interior, friendly and some of the best Single Origin Batch Brews in the area. Definitely worth stopping by on the way down the Peninsula.

Had a lazy Saturday arvo in the sun sharing japanese mushrooms and pulled pork on hash brown with my sis. Looked like a nice environment inside (we sat outside) and the service was great. I've been told they change their menu over time so sounds like a good place to go back to for variety.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Absolutely exceptional customer service. Was given the meal on the house after an order mix up and long wait time. Acai bowl was yummy, would love some extra granola/muesli on top to make it a bit more filling though. Very impressed by the staff here and would definitely return

amazing food! great customer service, very accommodating! 10/10 coffee!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Umami Mushrooms, Chilli Scrambled Eggs

Their coffee is SO GOOD. Loved the chilli scrambled eggs too! Highly recommended for brunch when you're visiting Mornington Peninsula
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Coffee here must be good as there is a very long queue of people patiently waiting for their coffee when we arrived. Food was good and served promptly. Staff friendly and helpful.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Have been here the last two times I've visited the peninsula and they have delicious, umami south East Asian flavors in the dishes I end up choosing. This time got the green tea soba noodles and added soy braised beef - actually sent me

Lovely service taking our takeaway order. Coffee and hot chocolate were ready momentarily. Wish I could have stayed longer, the atmosphere is chill and relaxed. Plenty of space to sit inside or outside.
Service
Take out

Prompt, friendly, accommodating service. Breakfast food was very good (highly recommend the brekkie roll). Lively, with plenty of atmosphere. Will definitely return.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good delicious, no complaints. Heirloom Tomatos with polenta, awesome. Laminton I could not taste the chocolate. Coffee is what I come here for. It was well made, perfect temperature but the roast is not rich.

Absolutely an amazing experience here! The staffs are so friendly and sweet, coffee and food were delicious! Will come often!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Love the coffee. Corn fritters were delicious, goes well with a sea of various accompaniments. Sweet, savoury, creamy. Will visit again when in Rosebud.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

Beautiful atmosphere and wonderful coffee and food to suit. I've been here twice with different groups and both times have been really enjoyable!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food was delicious and the smoothies very yummy! Lots of great food options to choose from! Lots of people were enjoying coffees outside as well when we left :) More

Love the chilly scrambled eggs and fried chicken waffle! Coffee and hot chocolate are nice!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food and coffee! This was an Asian fusion cafe and all the dishes were done very well. Would definitely return when we are next in the area!

Awesome team. Really great sound system. Great location. All the food is made fresh by a great team of chefs. Good coffee, good food & good vibes.

Beautiful coffee, food is very tasty as well, had chicken bao bun and pulled pork, highly recommend these two dishes, valued and worth to try.

I went to have lunch there with my friend, and Teriyaki chicken was amazing! And I really love the vibe of the restaurant.

Love the chili scrambled eggs sooo much Tasty and generous portion of eggs and cheese Crispy croissant Coffee also nice

Went to takeout coffee and some juices. Going to save the last stars for my return to have some food! More

So I ordered a milkshake and I received an ice chocolate. But it was still delicious
Service…
More

Excellent cafe for breakfast and great coffee
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

What a fantastic place for brunch! Service was wonderful and the food was so delicious.

Friendly, a bit rustic but very welcoming. Fantastic food.
Meal type
Lun…
More

Good coffee but food is just so so