The owner said they will discontinue their Zomato Gold offers as they have upgraded the cafe.... they have notified Zomato to have their listing removed... But they let me use mine as they have not officially received a confirmation yet.
This cafe occupies the outdoor space of GPO so you can sit out and just admire the line of arches. First up was coffee, the waitress didn't have the most steady hands and the coffee was sloshing a bit. It was a tad bitter and strong.
For food I got their Spanish eggs which came with chorizo, potatoes, peppers and a poached egg on top with some toast on the side. The peppers were sweet but the chorizo lost most of its intense flavours from the stewing, that being said overall it was a pretty tasty dish. The poached egg was cooked well but the skin on the outside felt a bit rubbery.
Decent cafe, their menu isn't overly complex. I haven't checked their other outpost around the corner which I'm guessing does coffee and small bites judging by photos.
Cozy little cafe next to the GPO.. this little cafe is pretty unique as it is essentially a walkway.. their heaters were quite powerful and they had blinds so it wasn’t too bad sitting there on a cold winters morning..
The cafe serves up basic breakfast meals.. we had some coffee, a ham and cheese croissant & some eggs on toast..
seating was a bit tight for all that however it was still sufficient for what we ordered..
The wait staff were very inviting and friendly..
Overall a decent cafe for a quick breakfast..
The owner was very attentive, he remembered us from day to day and our orders. Service was fast, food was great and more than enough. I highly recommend it.
We came here to try brunch and use our gold membership:). Staff acknowledged it very quickly and advised us that breakfast might take up to half an hour due to the number of people which we accepted and it was all good. Coffee was nice but my girlfriend found it a bit milky. I think it was nice. To be honest the breakfast didn’t look appetising to me so we got 2 burgers. Burgers were cooked well and tasted fantastic specially the pulled beef. It took less than the half an hour. I enjoyed my breakfast and will visit again .
Delightful little hole in the wall cafe in the GPO. Fantastic, flavoursome and smooth coffee. Don’t expect your coffee in a rush as it’s a one man show on weekends.
4.5 Stumbled upon this place while trying to find breakfast on a Saturday morning. Smashed avo was awesome and is one of the best I’ve had. Ice chai was a tad bland. Friendly service but was a little slow, probably because they were understaffed. Overall great experience
Had coffee from here today and just wanted to write a review to say that the girl working there is hysterical, hilarious and an absolute delight!! Made my day to have a laugh, along with delicious coffee and a pastry. Thank you!
George David Michaelides
+4
Love the Moroccan look takeaway cup! Feel like I’m drinking my coffee from a rug! A lovely robust blend of bean is used here and the almond milk used is of high quality, the desserts are to die for, I wonder if they are made in store or sourced from somewhere else however
Great lil place on bourke st where you can grab good coffee and tasty bites. I love feel of the place. Very relaxed. The service was impeccable. So friendly and genuine. And fast too! Next time I'd grab a sit with my coffee rather then get it to go!
I had a strong skinny latte here this morning and it was perfect. Strong flavour, tasty and not too hot! Yay 3/3
The service from the lady was read friendly and.welcoming. This coffee hit the spot, I could feel myself buzzing all morning hahahaha
Happy Tuesday everyone lol
This is very interesting, seems this Elizabeth person has a lot of built up issues and felt it important to her to lash out at the coffee person (we all have issues, but don't lash out at others around you for them). I don't use social media much, just to look at things really, so very rarely comment on things. Anyway, this one is a bit bizarre, as I got coffee at this same place no more than a week ago, and was VERY happy, not only with the coffee, but the service - the girl that served me (also made the coffee) was very bright, chirpy and happy - I even left a $2 tip for her. Was going to eat at the restaurant as well (just a bit further down the side of the building), but was running out of time - the menu looked great - will be back one day. Getting back to the coffee, all I can say is it was perfect, and service perfect. I WILL BE BACK - 5 stars :-)
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Healthiness Rating: 2.5/5
I have to admit, I misjudged this place for the longest time. Being right next to the GPO and H&M, I always dismissed Federal Coffee Palace as just another 'tourist restaurant'. Boy was I wrong.
It's actually a proper Melbourne-style brunch café. This is kind of a big deal. Not just because there's a shortage of brunch restaurants in the CBD, but because brunch might just be the most important meal of the day.
If you're having lunch or dinner, there's a good chance something unhealthy will creep its way into your meal. It could be chips, garlic aioli, soft drinks, ice-creams, you name it.
But at brunch, you have a higher chance of being attacked by avocados, freshly baked bread, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. The kind of stuff you might make at home, or at least wish that you did.
Federal Coffee Palace brings you that standard brunch affair in a very iconic surrounding. The coffee is good, and you could eat here regularly without feeling like you're destroying your wallet or your body.
It's definitely not one of those 'healthy eating' places, but in a city filled with fast food and cheap takeaway, it's a great alternative that's a little bit easier on the waist-line.
So thank you Federal Coffee Palace, for bringing Melbourne brunch right into the heart of the action. You may have to deal with street sweepers, deranged individuals, noise pollution, and confused tourists. But like the landmark right next to you, you won't be forgotten anytime soon. ⓕ
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Eating Tip: How healthy you eat depends on what you order. Try to order food with fresh veg, whole grains, nuts, and something green on the plate. It also helps to have your coffee black, and without sugar.
Excellent and prompt service. Happy and friendly staff.
Taste is on point. Great presentation. Excellent atmosphere.
Would come back for sure.
Cute little cafe that's completely outdoors (but undercover). It's tucked next to the former GPO on Burke st (currently H&M). What they lack in space they make up for in people watching opportunities. Sitting on the corner of Burke street and Elizabeth st mean there is always someone or something happening.
Food is not really a thing here - it's all about the coffee which is well made and tasty. Good place for a catchup with friends with or a quick take away on the way to work.
What a great location! The coffee and food here is amazing - and the staff are nothing short of beautiful. Great menu with a choice for everyone, and an awesome range of specials. The coffee bean is one of a kind also, which has made this place one to remember for me! I'll be back for sure.
Had breakfast here coffee great, food amazing service not as good. We were in a hurry and service was very quick. It's location is central Melbourne - at this time of year they have heaters outside......got to love that
I absolutely love this place. Great food, great location, plenty of seating. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 is there lack of big breakfast. Sure I could build my own, but then it ends up being way overpriced.
We have ordered fish burger and salami toasti, both are very tasty, fresh ingredients , exceed our expectation on a little cafe! Staffs are very friendly and well trained, its a great cafe and located next to h&m!
Our order got messed up with the table next to us but the food was fresh and excellent it didn't really matter. Great little place. Would go regularly.
Stopped in for a quick bite for breakfast. Was pleasantly seated by lovely waitstaff and a prompt coffee for myself and my husband.
We both enjoyed our meals. The omlette my husband ordered was full of flavour and a standout for us. Thanks
Very cool lil cafe in the heart of cbd. Coffee was delicious and at the right temperature for me. Lots of seats to enjoy ur cuppa in the quiet hallway of the H&M building.
Best latte I've ever had in Melb. So far. So smooth. So sexy. Mmmmmm to me that's what a latte should me. Not too hot not too cold. Prime spot to meet someone and just watch the world pass by. Cheers
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Oh my god!!!! New favourite coffee place. friendliest service (tbh all staff the best), display cases display literally food that is so amazing I feel like I'm in my favourite dream. It even tops the dream where I'm surrounded by chocolate bars . The food is amazing especially the treats ( make me break my healthy streak every time). But the true highlight, apart from the swift friendly service and awesome owner, are the burgers. Perfect meat, fish and vegie and the buns are actually best in Victoria.A true family owned business. They owner is one of the nicest people I've EVER met and makes me feel at home every time I sit under the stunning arches. They have a beautiful young daughter who's always running past and smiling at all the customers. Right in front of the new H&M, its the perfect place to sit with a cup of coffee, and OH MY GOD. Their coffee is too amazing and take it from someone who's obsessed. Overall, perfect food, amazing coffee, awesome location and friendliest staff in the city. 11/10 all the way. If I could, I'd go everyday.
...pizza of the day which was made on the spot. The crust was thin, the ingredients used were fresh, it had salami, tomatoes and was sprinkled with cheese lightly. The overall taste was not too overpowering, it was an awesome serve.
Lovely. Exceptional service! Must go here!
AMAZING CAFE. Had breakfast here this morning. Great food, great staff and excellent coffee. Will definitely be going back again
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I'm glad I finally tried it. I've been wanting to try this place for years, after passing by it innumerable times on foot and by tram. But I've always had a good espresso machine at home, or I've been headed to work pre-7 a.m. and it hasn't been open that early. On ANZAC Day 2014, though, I'm still waiting for a technician to come and haul my machine to the shop (it did not do so well on the remigration) and the Coffee Palace was open when the trams were stopping due to road closures for the parade. It's only fitting to have a cuppa at a grand old government building on the day that commemorates the folly of old government-generated wars, eh?
Nothing foolish about the large flat white the Palacers made me. It was robust, on the stronger side (but not to Italian levels) and nicely microfoamed. I appreciated how the waitress ran my almond croissant under a salamander, because it got the flakes on top nicely crispy. (Even a trifle burnt around the edges of some, but I like the carbon-y contrast that gives to the sweetness of the pastry.) Bonus that they made their own ANZAC biscuits in honour of the day. They're not something I generally pay money for (I eat too many on hospital jobs where I get them for free) but I did today. It was OK. A biscuit's a biscuit.
Service was sketchy because the staff was running around crossing paths with each other. But everyone was friendly. It was a public holiday, so I wasn't in a hurry. The setting is a fine place to kick back and admire the architecture and action on the busy scene in front of you. Just be prepared to be patient.
I was very impressed with food in that place.I had beefburger and it was the best burger I had in my life.My partner had olive bread toastie which was yummy to.Great food and service.I'll be back for sure:)
Go for the coffee not the food. I've been buying coffee from the Federal Coffee Palace while most closer cafes are either shut for the holidays or have queues out the door. The coffee is delicious, and in my experience consistent between orders.
Today I thought I'd grab a snack as well, and ordered a custard doughnut. They looked good on the shelf, and I was pleasantly surprised to be served one warm. Fresh from the oil! I thought to myself. Nope. Fresh from the microwave more like ... so soggy it was almost falling apart.
I'll certainly be back for the coffee but I'll pass on the food in future.
Biodynamic beef burger in a brioche bun amd best service going round. Under thearchers to read or for chats I love this place. The coffeee is great too genovese blend. 5/5
Lunch. Just finished eating lunch at Federal Coffee Palace, what a stunning location under the colonnades of the old Melbourne GPO; it was fabulous.
Ordered the herb crusted fish fillet burger, endive salad and spicy tartare, which were all divine. Decided to wash it down with a beautiful cold glass of Yering Station Chardonnay, and finished it of with a perfectly made Genovese Coffee; and to add to it, the staff were really friendly.
No doubt in my mind when I say I would highly recommend it, I'll be back for sure.
Has become my favorite brekkie place. The porridge is amazing & so filling - I haven't tried anything else yet cos I love this so much. The coffee is also delicious. Staff are friendly & accommodating & I love the quirkiness of sitting in a walkway. If u haven't tried this yet - do yourself a favor!
The coffee is some of the best i have found a reg coffee is $3.80 and a lrg is $4 they use raw sugar (yum). Food well i just have to say i love my food and find it hard to find many places in the city that have good food at reasonable prices (You get what you pay for). Their scrambled eggs are creamy and full off flavor and they do gooey poached eggs i have never been disapointed with breaky! They have a vast range of pastries which look and taste amazing and sandwiches like no other place i have found. Specials are creative, soups, pizzas sometimes breakfast or lunch aswell. I have to say i am a little addicted to this place because they provide everything good food great coffee and GLUTEN FREE (sweat and savory) unheard of in the cbd. The staff seem happy to be at work and enjoy serving you with a smile. Its my perfect any day anytime sort of place and i have taken many friends. Give it try you wont regret it!!!
Such a beautiful spot. Love this place. Have been in a few times, the food is alway amazing. Great coffee and friendly staff. I can highly recommend the BLT, Chicken Sandwich and the Lamb Burger .. and such a loverly view with the amazing building it's in. One of my new favourites !!
Their breakfasts are great. I have been to this place many times, but what I have been most impressed with is their breakfasts. Must try their 'breakfast salad', very delicious!
I will definitely go back.
Delisous food. Nice wine nice bread lovley food and drinks i recomend the the special fruit drink
Got a chai this morning, there was a bit of confusion with the coffee orders so there was quite of a wait but the barista was so friendly which definitely made up for the wait! Chai was good, not the best as it was too sweet in the end. While I was drinking it I decided to look up this place on urban spoon and read its reviews. Came back for lunch just for the chicken sandwich I read about and guess what it was absolutely delicious!!!! A lady knocked my glass of water all over me which wet myself, bag and floor and broke the glass and one of the girls was so nice, helped me to clean the spill and even helped me to dab my bag, she was so lovely! Thank you for such a yummy lunch! Definitely coming back!
Great chicken sandwich. Coffee was hot. Service was excellent! Recommend for a quick lunch break.
Finally stopped after walking past for years and I am delighted that I did. My tuna toastie was wonderful and a little different. Not the usual tuna with melted cheese between two pieces of bread, rather a delicious mix of chunky tuna, beans, chopped onions topped with hard boiled egg slices. Completely recommended. Also try an espresso with a shot of grappa to finish. A great way to pass a couple of hours with friends.
Came here weary of the crowds and was warmly greeted by a charming young man who chatted amiably while making me a lovely coffee. He suggested I rest a while and warned me of the wobbly tables. After this, I'm ready for the crowds again.
Marvellous. Great service, fabulous people, lovely food, best coffee in Melbourne. Magic setting up on the steps of the old GPO. Steve and Sabrina the owners seem to befriend everybody there - great elegant yet homely feel to the place - been there twice and already feel like I'm one of their regulars.
Ticks all the boxes. Was in Melbourne for the weekend and as always found myself at a gorgeous venue for delicious coffee and a yummy light snack. The service was warm and friendly - I really wish you were my local spot..... Look forward to my next visit.
Love the coffee, ambience and portuguese tarts!. This is one of my fave places in the city. There's always something delectable in the kitchen- the portuguese tarts are scrumptious. i'm pretty fussy about my coffee but I know i will not be disappointed here.
I love watching Melbourne in action from the steps of the GPO building as i sip my latte...
Best Pizza in town!. I was there, ordered a mushroom pizza and it was delicious. Thin dough, lots of garlic, olive oil and yummy mushrooms, Italian style. Next time you're there, order one, you won't regret it. In my opinion, this was the best pizza I've eaten so far anywhere in Australia!
Melbourne Adventurer
+4.5
I like this place! Sitting in a building over a century old sipping on a coffee with warm service is nice as one of my first encounters of the week!
Good job guys!
The best almond croissant on earth, no make that ever! Great chai, and sorry I didn't try the coffee but my reliable source says it was well made. CoffeeScore PASS
We went for a leisurely Sunday Brunch and was very impressed. Service was great - breakfast pizza was fantastic and the raisin toast was very tasty. Coffee was quick to arrive and tasted great - defineatly will return!
Review. I have been there thrice and I just love the Coffee they serve............Beautiful ambience and good staff. Kudos to u guys!!
Never lets me down.. Absolutely love this place! Coffee never disapoints and such a great location to sit, relax and people watch.
This is Melbourne. Stopped in for lunch and was very happy with the sandwiches on offer - have the chicken, celery, apple mixed one - delicious. Quality over quantity and great service, plus an unbeatable location for people watching.
Federal coffee palace. I go there all the time. Beautiful breakfast menu outstanding coffee, friendly staff, delicious specials of the day like soups,pizza, French toast a nice and good breakfast to start for the day.
Love, love, LOVE their cappuccino and latte...Keeps me happy all the time! ^_^
Great location, great food. Our family of four were in Melbourne (from country NSW) recently and really enjoyed the Federal, great food (the kids are pretty fussy and one is a vegetarian) and great location. We stayed on a little longer, for that second coffee, while the children explored the city centre. Highly recommended.
Loveliness in coffee. Popped in the other day for a quick coffee and loved loved loved it. Thanks Federal Coffee Palace
Beautiful location, great coffee. What a beautiful location! Even on a windy day it was so lovely to sit underneath the GPO's arches and watch all the people going by. FCP is a bit hard to find - a hole in the wall - but it's worth it. The coffee is up there with Melbourne's best and the sandwiches go beyond the usual 'panini with mozzarella and basil' combinations of most city luncheon places. I tried the Cheap Eats-recommended chicken sandwich on seed bread with walnuts, apple and celery in a delicious mayonnaise. It was sort of luck a delicious sandwich Waldorf - definitely up for another try. The soups and pizza specials also looked tempting. Try this one for a bite before hitting the GPO/DJs/Myers next door.
Coffee perfect temperature & taste, topped off with organic raw sugar.......I'll be back with friends
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