Went for Brekkie with Wife and our little boy. Got seated quickly and our order was taken within 5 mins. Cafe wasn't super busy so this seems enough time for us to read through the limited yet ample menu. We order some OJ, Crumpets, Chilli scrambled and scrambled eggs on toast. We were served by a lovely older chap who remarked on our baby boy and we had a good laugh about the benefits of being a grandpa. OJ came out first which tasted great but it would have been nice to be in a glass and served with ice. crumpets came out second with Lurpak butter portion and jam. the crumpets themselves were fine but the butter had split from being out of the fridge for too long wasn't amazing. around 10 mins after ordering we got our main brekkie. My Chilli scrambled was fine. Not amazing just fine. came with 3 slices of toast but none of it was buttered. The eggs were well chillified and tasted good but could of been seasoned better. My Wifes scrambled eggs seemed to suffer from similar dry toast and I dont know if its cause im a Brit but toast has to be served with butter or at least offered. All in all was charged $51 and for the amount of time it took to cook and the food itself was slightly below average especially being just off Degraves street your only a stones throw from plenty of other cafes all wanting your money. Positives: Lovely staff Good atmosphere Could imagine being a regular and coming back for the staff alone. Negatives: attention to detail on dishes (lack of butter and low quality butter on bread goods) presentation of drinks (serve juice in a glass).
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60

I worked in the hospitality industry in Australia for around 5 years. Being someone who enjoys going out for coffee, lunch, etc., I understand what it takes to be part of the service industry from inside and outside. I must say this coffee shop is located in a prime spot, has a great playlist most of the time, and understands that many people visit their place to work or study. They provide an okay space for studying and working as they are located at the entrance of the library. However, I have noticed that the staff seems to be working under a lot of pressure and supervision like they are in the military. They do not have the freedom to be themselves, and I can see the pressure on their faces. I can relate because I have also worked in places where I had managers and supervisors hovering over me all the time. I believe that this is a management problem because the staff could provide better service if they were not under so much pressure. The manager should create a less military-like service while still ensuring that the staff do what they are supposed to do. This can help create a better energy in the place, and the staff will enjoy coming to work, and customers will be more comfortable. I feel sorry for the staff of this place and hope that the management can improve the situation. Please remember, this isn’t the 19th century and this isn’t the army, this is just CBD. Last but not least, your menu needs vegan options.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1

From the moment of arrival, the customer service was very welcoming, coffee order was taken as soon as we walked in and wasn't long till it was at our table. Jota was amazing to us collecting dishes quickly and making sure everything was perfect, he was very kind to us and kept us happy. Best waiter to ever look after my friends and I. We ordered lattes which is the best coffee I've had in a long time. As well as the journal eggs, (both scrambled and folded) were perfectly made and had the best aromas. You could taste everything from the oil used to the coriander garnish. Not to mention the food also looked stunning. It was definitely worth the price we paid; you do pay for what you get, and if I could, I would come here every day!! I very much enjoyed the service, food and aesthetic of this café and would rate it 10/10. Definitely give this place a try when you can.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60

Guys, you are surrounded by coffee shops putting effort into presentation and quality. This coffee was ordered as a strong skinny latte. The use of a basic cup and no effort on the milk presentation is disappointing. That said; the flavour is great, there is a smokeyness was subtle and it has a smooth finish. The $9.00 egg and bacon roll in a white sugar bun that turns to glug in your mouth as you eat again; missed the effort and look for the price. It would be simple to swap the sugar bun out for a brioche, put the tomato sauce on bacon that sits on the bread to keep the bread from getting soggy. In spite of my two stars I would go back for a take away coffee but wouldn’t bother eating in and, with so many options in the street that care about their coffee enough to make all aspects perfect at a similar price point I suspect I won’t be back.

Waited 40 mins for the bruschetta, people next to us arrived and ordered - (minimum fifteen minutes after us) and their meals were delivered ten minutes after they ordered. We were told ours were next - another fifteen minutes and our hard, luke warm toast, with large wedges of flavourless, ‘fridge cold’ tomato, with a cold poached egg and a portion of buffalo mozzarella and cold prosciutto arrived. The fresh basil gave the flavourful cheese a great lift - however the egg, toast and tomatoes were cold, flavourless and dreadful. Only good thing about the cafe was the coffee - despite being served in tall glasses that are too hot to hold - the long black was good.

Lovely café talked into the Melbourne city, library. The minestrone soup special was perfect for a cold winters day. I’ve probably walked past this café hundreds of times over the years and grabbed a coffee or two now and then recently a colleague and I decided to meet for lunch. The staff were very friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy special of the day. It was minestrone, we both said that. The soup came with a nice piece of sourdough toast, which went perfectly with the warm minestrone, full of veggies, pasta, and bacon bits. The special was about $16 each. Nice place, nice people. I’ll be back:)
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Myself and my husband used to come here regularly, sometimes with my brother in law as well. We used to really enjoy it, it had a great atmosphere, and was in the same building as the city library which was good as I love reading books. We had built up a rapport with a number of the staff as well who were all friendly. But then they started closing really early, as early as 3pm in some cases, which honestly you would question given the strong competition in Brunetti's across the road. We like to stay out late, as late as 6 or 7pm in some cases, so it just didn't work for us anymore.

Friendly staff and food came out in an acceptable amount of time. Just found the menu VERY limited and not the same compared to what was present online. If we had known earlier how limited the menu was, we would have found somewhere else. During our visit we attempted to order something that was on display and pointed out when ordering. It was only just before our order arrived I was told the displayed item was sold out and no longer available. This displayed item was already a back up option as what was wanted as seen online wasn't available in store.
Meal type
Breakfast

Lovely cafe in a convenient space, with tasty and reasonably priced food and coffee! Unfortunately, multiple members of staff were berated for their unprofessionalism and poor work in front of me as I tried to pay, by a senior member of staff. The lack of tact in doing so around me as a customer was off putting, and shed a light on the potential reason behind the incredibly lack lustre service from waiting staff. A shame - hopefully they were just having a bad day.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

This beautiful cafe is situated next to the city library, with a familiar warm European atmosphere. The wait staff is the most attentive and efficient I've ever witnessed, they have a good rapport with each other as they do with the eclectic patrons. This busy little hub works like a well oiled machine. The menu is small but tasty, the cafes priority is coffee and that is outstanding. I've been here three times in the last two months and not much has changed in the 10years I've been going there.

Look, this is a great spot to meet up with people, its cute and lively, bookish but cool and you can get some good basic food stuffs and drinks. My only real issue is the staff. Being general, but averaged out over the visits, it adds up to kind of 'meh'. I have always felt like perhaps I was in the wrong place, slightly not cool enough - the staff seem to treat as though they are just about to close and your order is a great inconvenience, regardless of when I have been. Maybe it's me.

I highly recommend this restaurant for breakfast! I recently visited and had Avocado toast and Tea, and I was thoroughly impressed. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was delightful. If you're looking for a fantastic breakfast spot, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Sardines on Sourdough Toast, Avocado

We had a terrible experience in terms of both the food and the service. We both ordered 'crumpets with seasonal fruit' - one half and one full serve. After waiting for 45 minutes, the crumpets arrived, each with a single strawberry. A. Single. Strawberry. Sure, fruit can be both singular and plural but one tiny strawberry each? C'mon. We were also charged the full price for the half serve. It was beyond ordinary. If I could give negative stars, I would.

The location is prime, and this could be an amazing little cafe. The staff were very friendly and service was quick, however, the food didn’t quite satisfy us like we had hoped. The coffee was extremely average for Melbourne with both meals being very dry and plain. It was a VERY expensive, very disappointing breakfast.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Thought it would be a nice place to meet up for a quick lunch before heading to the theatre. I felt I should have apologised to the staff for intruding on their day. After getting up to ask if they offered table service, 10 minutes later someone remembered to come to our table. Fake smile and throw-away compliments on our selections made it all the more unpleasant. Luckily the food was good. Some folk should not work in customer service.

The cricket gods were against us, with both World Cup T20 matches abandoned. We had walked into town looking for a dry place to warm our souls and stomach and stumbled across this great cafe. Right from the beginning we were made to feel very welcome, the staff are absolutely fantastic. We were even welcomed into the table with the owner and manager. Cocktails with fantastic, and tapas with perfect. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Place is nice. Staff are nice. Problem is when you pay by EFTPOS the screen says " Do you want to tip "? This isn't America. Most coffee places in Melbourne don't do this ...not sure why the Journal does...is it because they're not paying staff enough like in the US? Am genuinely interested to know.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

One of the best places in the city! The coffee is good, the food is fresh and delicious!! The staff are polite and always keeping an eye out for someone who needs anything! Plus having the library next door means there is free wifi all ay everyday! Amazing! If I could come here everyday I would! Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner; or even just a coffee and cake!!! Enjoy! I know I will be for the foreseeable future!

Starting with my beautiful wife my birthday long weekend with a great coffee not too hot as I like… A perfectly and fluffy scrambled eggs. A little bit too big fantastic sourdough toasty The lot was enjoyed and also accomplished with some smooth Expresso Martini… Added with such a friendly service note with smiles. A rare place in today’s way of life in Melbourne. Thanks again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Been here a few times now and I just love the vibe! Super chilled with the European flare. Beautiful on a Saturday morning I've always opted for a nice coffee and the journal porridge, poach pears and maple syrup. my favourite thing in the menu. Beautiful service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

Came in for the first time as recommended by a friend, and didnt have the best customer experience. was served by a i believe a new employee and i understand getting the hang of the workplace but it seems she had no customer experience before. when asking questions about the menu and she seemed very unsure. didnt instill much hope for me as a coeliac and didnt check with someone experienced but instead stood there.

Always a pleasure to drop in here. Communal tables or a seat at the bar. Staff know the menu well and with genuine recommendations that are spot on. Chef is creative and never misses a beat. Fast service too even when the place is packed. Great to go somwhere where the team is aware you are ready to order
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Service was so fast the food arrived before the coffees, not that the drinks were slow. As I ordered a soy hot chocolate, the waiter was thoughtful enough to ask if I wanted soy milk with the muesli as well. A generous serve of the muesli and poached fruit gets us off to a good start to the day. The food was good without being spectacular but the location ensures of a steady following.

The Journal Cafe is my happy place. It's located in my favourite part of the city and has an eclectic yet understated following, right on the steps of the City Library and near the TS Society and Degraves Street. A city refuge
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Long Macchiato

Very disappointing. I went here last year amd everything was great, this morning I went in and got BURNT TOAST. Clearly things have slipped in terms of quality control which is very sad. The service is still good, but the food was inexcusable for a breakfast place in the heart of the CBD. If you're looking for somewhere to eat breakfast on the city, best to avoid this place.

Classy cafe in the library where I can work on my laptop with the reasonably fast wifi! The coffee is great too, but it feels like a rarity to have a coffee shop to work remotely from (feels much more common in the US). Also people here are super duper nice, I accidentally spilled my coffee and they brought another one and allowed me to continue working efficiently.

Wonderful atmosphere, warm inviting layout for working or chatting to others. Wide range of drinks and a selection of bakery items on offer. But check opening times as it closes relatively early. Friendly service and the fare is ok by Melbourne standards. The highlight of this place is the space itself. It's popular though, so you may not get a table right away.

Have been here a few years ago and once in the city, wanted to have my breakkie here again. Same positive vibe with nice food. Love the smiling faces of the staff and the fact that the music is kept at a minimum volume:(one thing I am a bit particular about while having my food) because it ensures peace within and let’s you enjoy every bite :) Thank you :)

Coffee was nice but waiting 40+ minutes for eggs on toast is poor. No issues if this is communicated when ordering but having to ask for a an update after 35 mins and to be told is still 5-10 minutes away is crazy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Very nice coffee. The cafe is located on a crowded street, surrounded by lots of coffee shops and restaurants. Plenty of seats and the window view is lovely. Very friendly staff. Good place to catch up with friends.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

'All day' menu only available after 11. Avo toast barely had enough avo for one slice of toast, let alone two (and I paid for an additional egg as it only comes with one). Had to ask for eater after >30 minutes.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

House made crumpets with ricotta and seasonal fruit, was so looking fwd to it... but so disappointed. hardly any ricotta, little to no honey, and there is more fruit in my fruit bowl than there on my plates (4 blueberries? really?). It could be fabulous, it should be value for money. Wish I had taken a photo. Missed the mark. Sorry ☹

It's a really cozzy place to be. I feel at home and I have their coffee every day. Their staff can't be more servicial and friendly, so I always recommend this place to my colleagues. Thanks for all guys.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I really want to love this place, but I don’t. The coffee is average or, at least, it’s super patchy. The food is ok. The staff look kind of depressed, like they’re slogging through the day before they go to Uni or to pay for their backpacking holiday. The vibe is nice, but really there’s a ton of better places around...

Really like this cafe at the end of Degraves Street next door to the library. The sardine bruschetta were really good and it was lovely to sit outside and watch the world go by. Service was friendly and coffee excellent. Don't be persuaded to go into Brunetti's where the seats are hard and it's impossible to get served!

Delicious food with extravagant presentation…. And the coffee… I’m lucky enough to have Sydney’s best coffee as my local cafe, but I think these guys are the Melbourne equivalent in coffee making.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60
Recommended dishes
Chilli

Really nice little cafe in the city library building. Has a minimilast menu and the vibe matches that of the Library with the books in there (also the name of the cafe itself). The girls behind the counter are very friendly and more than happy to assist! Coffees were great too.
Price per person
$1–20

Went here for a morning coffee before work and the staffs were very friendly and nice! One of the best coffee in melbourne IMO. Similar to those European type of coffee.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place to come and enjoy coffee in the heart of Melbourne. The cafe is very European in atmosphere. Great place to meet people. The coffee is always great with strong robust tones. They also have a great collection of wines and cocktails to wind back too. Excellent covid safe environment as well.

Really great little cafe hidden away at the entrance to the library. Staff were brilliant, truly polite the whole time I was there and spent a whole afternoon. Nice little selection cakes and treats to go along with great coffee. Would recommend to all passing by to drop in for a quick cup of coffee!

For me, Saturday breakfast at The Journal consists of cappuccino, toast and jam and muesli. I've been dropping in here in and off over many years. It was here that I had my first taste of chai and that experience has never been bettered elsewhere. So here we go again! Glad to report another success!

Great spot for coffee and a quick brekky. So far, I’ve tried the smashed avo and chilli scrambled eggs. I recommend both dishes! Coffee is also great; both with milk (flat white) black (long back). Service was lovely.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

I love this place! When getting off at Flinders Street Station I like nothing more than starting my day at Journal with one of the best coffees in Melbourne. The atmosphere is warm and inviting too - and they provide 4 major newspapers which is an essential part of my morning wake up routine.

Just visited Melbourne from Sydney and have found this perfect place to unwind & relax. It's atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable even for a single person to dine alone. The coffee and chocolate brownie was great. 10/10 for excellent service ! A Special Thanks to the Manager.

Fantastic ambience. Delicious Coffee and Welcoming service, every time We visit without fail. Get the Croque Monsieur and chill into one of the sofas and relax. Superb establishment.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Great coffee and lovely service. I had the salmon Benedict ($22), which was well portioned. The only issue was some kind of hard pickle which tasted vaguely fishy, though I wasn't sure if it was fruit either.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

As I walked in, the atmosphere was a busy pleasant feel, with the cafe having an industrial look to it. I ordered a small takeaway latte, very strong smooth taste, and was made at the right hot drinkable temperature. Will defiantly be visiting again.

Very Melbourne. It's in the centre of the Melbourne City, and the vibe is totally Melbourne as well. Service was busy during the lunch time, but quite professional. Staff are nice and the coffee (I ordered soy flat white) is brilliant. Amazing job.

Great place, best lasagna I have ever had, although the dish was a little pricey (28 dollars) but HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

The coffee is good. They have a nice breakfast selection. Seating at group tables is uncomfortable if you are a bit on the wide side like me. There is a cafe upstairs as well that is associated with Journal. It has great views of the laneway.

I love love love the ambiance. It feels like lofi jazz cafe with lots of people reading newspaper and books ❤️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It took 30 minutes for them to serve us undercooked eggs and untoasted rubbery bread - what would normally be a simple brunch of eggs on toast. A single extra tomato was $5 and the avocado was $6. Overpriced, poor service and mediocre food.

Quaint little cafe next to the library so it's convenient to grab a coffee or a quick bite. Went there for breakfast and they don't have an extensive menu. Went for the eggs on toast and was told there wasn't any eggs left but I got some

This cafe has a great breakfast range. Recommend the smashed avocado. Don't get confused by the cafeteria upstairs as this is the first sign you see coming up from Elizabeth St. The Café is on the ground floor - different entrance.

Really nice little cafe in the city library building. Has a small menu I have been coming here for ages the coffee always quick but the food took forever today was a little disappointed
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Really recommend this place for a morning coffee and delicious breakfast! It’s a lovely place, the service is very professional and friendly!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

The staff here were wonderful, quick and attentive. They ensured diners were vaccinated and safe. The cafe looks delightful inside, a lovely spot along the bustling Flinders Lane. The food was a little bit plain though.

Easily my top pick for breakfast in the city. Quiet and reserved atmosphere, friendly staff and consistently excellent food and coffee.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

Waited 15 min for a cup of mediocre flat white. Waited another 15 min to settle bill.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Was hoping to sit down in Degraves, but it's closed so ended up here. Disappointing strong latte. Lumpy foam and too much of it. Coffee is a bit bitter. Shouldn't be serving stuff like this.
Service
Dine in

Nice little cafe. Stylish. Good service. Food is good, not outstanding. Coffee ok.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Rudest lady I’ve ever had serve me on the coffee machine, mid twenties, dark hair, Asian descent, TERRIBLE SERVICE! Never again.
Service
Take out
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Love the library of books here and it's right beside Melbourne City Library. The perfect place to have a great coffee and amazing baguettes/toasties. A great study place or somewhere to chat businesss.

It's a really cozzy place to be. Good coffee and pastry. Kind staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

A gem for coffee and small tart but service can be slow and seating is limited. Great ambience. Our NZ friends loved their breakfast there also. A hidden Melbourne treasure. Shhh don't tell anyone.

Another enjoyable Melbourne stop. Moody and functional. It felt natural to sit down, enjoy the very good coffee and work for a few minutes. In saying that the seating wasn’t particularly ergonomic.

Coffee was good and the staff friendly. Poached eggs were hard and too vinegary from using vinegar to poach, streaky bacon was actually shortcut bacon, overcooked to being almost inedible.

Excellent food. Staff were helpful and attentive. Good coffee and really cool retro setting by the city library. It's a small place but ample seating at mixed communal and private tables.

Good service. Good for 1 on 1 meetings or solo meals.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friendly staff with quick service despite the crowd. I requested for a ham and cheese croissant which wasn’t on the menu but they made it for me anyway, that was really nice of them!

Coffee is perfect! Pre 10am food might be nah… the journal egg tastes plain and dry without any sauce (no ketchup no nothing). Wouldn’t recommend to have breakfast here before work.

Great!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Avocado Toast

Beautiful cafe atmosphere, food was so delicious. The girls working on the floor were so accommodating and lovely, if I lived in the city, this would be my go to place …

A bustling cafe, nice host and good coffee. Would prefer the cafe to be slightly brighter, but otherwise, it is a good place for a quick brunch if you are around the area.

Beautiful coffee (ordered a second one straight after), and had the bacon and egg roll with relish. Perfect for a light breakfast and bloody tasty! Would visit again

The staff ignored me for ages, felt a bit unwelcoming and disdainful, like I wasn’t worth there time. Also actively solicited for tips. Thumbs down.

Coffee’s good, think it’s a perfect place to work/study/etc. Unfortunately the food I ordered - salmon sandwich or smth like that - was just okay.

Bitter coffee, menu has changed and hasn’t been updated online. Service was a bit of a miss
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

Excellent breakfast. Well presented and fabulous flavours. I was slightly disappointed with my coffee as it could have been a lot warmer.

Such a beautiful cafe with such nice vibes and lighting! Friendly and attentive staff. Coffee was delicious
Service
Dine in

Coffee is good and service is great. Breakfast selection is a bit lean and not too exciting. Food quality is not bad.

Service was excellent food was even better fresh and healthy great atmosphere too!!! Definitely go to eat and drink!

Had a generous serving of muesli and yogurt with fresh fruit. The coffee was ace! Will come back for sure.

Nice place to eat but the menu is scattered around the walls on hard to find or read chalk boards

I'm glad i went here. I've uploaded menu photos as they changed it compared to the older photos

Service excellent, food as well. Highly recommend. So glad we came to the Journal.

Friendly staff! Great coffee
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great coffee and really enjoyed the smashed avo with poached eggs n feta. Yum!

Delicious food and extremely friendly well mannered staff

Coffee was good and location is perfect!