Review Federal Coffee - Melbourne

This cafe is on the ground floor of the historic General Post Office on Elizabeth Street. Lots of outdoor seating available. I had a pulled pork sandwich and it was incredibly yummy. The cheese was perfectly melted, the pulled pork was slow cooked beautifully. The cappuccino was also very good.

Beautifully served breakfast roll, felt like a crime to eat it tbh 😂 And the coffee is superrrr. I just love how the location is perfect and staff is also very interactive and seem to be involved.

Go-to place for brunch in the city. It is very accessible in a central location and the staff are very friendly. The coffee was yum and although the meal took some time it was well worth the wait.

I’ve always noticed their little kiosk on the corner right next to the main entrance of H&M that serves coffee & pastries, only to realize that they have a restaurant nearby, with seats, and serves food. So I decided to try their breakfast, and ordered the scrambled Eggs on Toast with 2 Side: salmon & avocado. It was served with relish on the side. The eggs were nice & fluffy, and both the salmon & avocado were fresh. The only thing I didn’t like was the relish. It just didn’t go well with the food at all. Loved their coffee and keep coming back for the coffee whenever I am in the area. Quick & friendly service, and perfectly located overlooking Elizabeth Street.

At a beautiful location just at the corner of Bourke Street mall, this European-styled cafe will be an ideal place for some coffee/brunch after a shopping day or city visit. Abundant choices on the menu to select from. Prices are not to high for one at the heart of the CBD. We ordered a scrambled eggs on toast with smoked salmon and mushroom french tacos, both of which were satisfying. The food took a while to be served though. Above all, the service was very friendly.

Located in super convenient place. You can enjoy coffee during your shopping.

Beautiful spot in the heart of Melbourne, great breakfast and compliments to the lovely staff member 'girl with pigtails' with her lovely smile and friendly costumer service. 5 stars for her!

I ordered the french toast which tasted lovely but was only 1 slice of toast. For $22 i expected more. My partner order the chicken sandwich which he liked but could not take away as they had no lids. Gave us a box container but no lid which was a shame. The location in the arches is unique

2.5<br/>So this coffee kiosk looked like it should do good coffee. Classic signage and machines and a charming place to sit under the archers us of the GPO building. Unfortunately I had three strikes with my large latte today which I purchased from the kiosk end. Strike one... milk heated nowhere near hot enough; stike two ... a smooth subtle extraction when I’m more of a bold styled coffee drinker. Strike three... chocolate dust on top of my take away latte like it was a 1990’s cappuccino or a drink from a country town as opposed to right in the heart of melbourne cbd. Not sure why coffee was so underwhelming in taste as industry beans are a good brand. Disappointed 😔

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.

I was shockingly disappointed in this place. Came here boxing day They had forgot about our order, we were already waiting for 40-45 minutes for our coffees alone. One meal came out, the big breakfast $24. My friend and i waited and waited for our two coffees and his breakfast sandwich. It never came. How could a big breakfast come first I wondered, as it takes longer to cook. Finally I asked the waiter for an update, I felt bad that I had to eat whilst my partner couldn't. They had just forgot to put in our order! Coffee was average as well. All in all, not a good experience, overpriced breakfast items. Don't recommend the place and wouldnt go back again.

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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..<br/>The cafe serves up basic breakfast meals.. we had some coffee, a ham and cheese croissant & some eggs on toast..<br/>seating was a bit tight for all that however it was still sufficient for what we ordered..<br/>The wait staff were very inviting and friendly..<br/>Overall a decent cafe for a quick breakfast..

Good location at GPO with some outdoor seating to enjoy a quick coffee whilst people watching.<br/><br/>Service was very regular. Had about 3 staff members walk past me at the register until someone came out from the kitchen to take my order. A smile and acknowledgment of customers wouldn't go astray here.<br/><br/>Tried a magic today ($4.20) which was smooth but on the stronger side. I'm beginning to notice these vary so much from place to place with a memorable one being hard to come by. Not sure I would return with so many other places to try despite the location.

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.

The menu offers a great selection of food at a reasonable price for brunch in the CBD, but perhaps I just ordered the wrong items, I wasnt too satisfied after eating. <br/><br/>Service: our waitress was nice, and I think she was very eager to assist us, however, the manager or overall front of house supervisor was whom I didnt really personally admire. She didnt smile, and had a slight bit of attitude that made me feel uncomfortable even just asking her about menu items. I was also using my Zomato Gold membership and she didnt seem to be too fond of that either. The chef was also very nice, but it was just the supervisor that made my experience one star less.<br/><br/>Food: <br/>Spanish eggs (2.5/5) - toast was (for my liking) overly buttered. The dish itself was simple but a bit bland, even with the eggs in the dish. Chorizo lacked a bit of flavour as well. Fresh ingredients were used for sure (tomatoes and such) but not flavourful making me wont order it a second time as I feel like I can make it at home. <br/><br/>Pulled Beef Ribs Burger (sub Waffle) (3/5) - I think the waffle would've paired better with the fried chicken, and the beef would be nice if it was just on a brioche bun. I do love myself a good waffle, so it was very enticing to try the burger on a waffle instead. However, the waffle was rather on the sweet side, and the beef had an interesting spice (more middle eastern flare) so it didnt really pair well with the sweet (and sugary/grainy) waffle. As a whole dish it didnt work, but the individual components were decent, hence the 3. <br/><br/>Overall, not sure if i would go back any time soon with the great selection you have in the city. Perhaps would give the other dishes a try though as their regular egg dishes did look quite nice and well cooked (From neighbouring tables).

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

Coffee and other goodies. I swung by for a quick hot drink and something sweet. It was great coffee and nice to sit in the GPO building watching the world go by/ buskers outside.

Ordered a coffee here this morning. I thought it was average at best although the people were very friendly. A flat white costs $4 which is cheaper than other places. Still, thought the coffee wasn’t as delicious as its neighbours.

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!

Nothing like a mulled wine to kick start your day. Being a more shopping orientated day, we were on our way to the mall when came across Federal Palace serving mulled wine. <br/><br/>When on holiday I prefer taking on the mantra of do what you would not normally do. So we picked upa mulled wine. A precious and wonderful concoction, full of fruity flavours and perfect for a chilly morning, for $8.50 it might have been a bit steep was 100% worth it.<br/><br/>Showstopper: Mulled wine a must!<br/>Overall Grade: B+

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<br/><br/>The service from the lady was read friendly and.welcoming. This coffee hit the spot, I could feel myself buzzing all morning hahahaha <br/><br/>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 :-)

This review is only for the coffee cart type thing on the corner right beside the Bourke st entrance to H&M. The coffee was really nice but unfortunately the service is awful, rude and short. Will not be back.

Coffee place at the entrance of H&M. Its basically a coffee cart with seating is outdoors. Considering it is winter, there are heaters and plastic blinds to keep some wind out. I ordered a chai latte with soy and croque monsieur plus I added an egg. I was disappointed that the chai latte was made from powder, considering Federal Coffee Place is a coffee shop one would expect chai leaves. The croque monsieur had a lot of mustard and the egg was over done. Service was very slow, the waitress forgot about me, I sat there waiting for a few minutes. The lady at the cash register definitely wasn't happy working on weekend.

Healthiness Rating: 2.5/5<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. ⓕ<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>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.<br/>Taste is on point. Great presentation. Excellent atmosphere.<br/>Would come back for sure.

Federal Coffee Place is basically just a coffee cart situated on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth streets. Decent coffee, but at the higher price end. Probably wouldn’t come back for some quick takeaway coffee. Decent coffee. No sugar needed. But a bit overpriced for a small cup to takeaway. 6.5/10

One of the girls who were working here on 3 30 Wednesday afternoon, which has short hair and a methhead face at the counter. She is so freaking rude. When I ordered she just spitted words like 'takeaway?' 'No card' when I was completely polite. <br/>I ordered a latte, she screwed my coffee up first so she had to ask another barista to make it, which was not my problem till she 'gave' me the screwed up one without saying a word, she literally threw the coffee to me. I mean seriously WHAT IS HER PROBLEM? It was my first experience visiting this cafe, will not ever come back. If you want to keep the business just fire her. Cause with her your business will sink like titanic despite of the goldy location. <br/>

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.<br/><br/>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. <br/>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

The service could be a lot better. I saw one of the floor staff kindly helped a young girl looked for her lost stuff (don't know what) in the rubbish bin which i thought was so wonderful & very nice of her, but then the man behind the cash register could learn a thing or two about good customer service: arguing over an order & insisted by implying that we were wrong is just not on... A total turn-off for us. Don't think we'll come back.

The take-away spot of this cafe, located at the corner between Bourke St & Elizabeth St is just an awesome little area to have a coffee enjoying the always wonderful music of the buskers playing right in front of it still being protected from the inclemency of the weather.<br/><br/>Beyond the coffee and canned drinks, you can grab some mini-sweets, like friands, muffins, danishes and that sort of thing.<br/><br/>The coffee is well prepared but the mix of beans is strong a bit too bitter for my taste, and one of those coffees I add sugar to.<br/><br/>The barista girl was lovely, the sort of staff you want to have in your business, because it is in her nature being friendly and welcoming customers and she seems to enjoy her job. Customer service always makes the difference, a whole world of difference.<br/><br/>Not my favourite coffee in Melbourne, but certainly one of my favourite spots and barista, so I might pop up again.

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.

Love the coffee bean here. One of the best coffee shop in Melbourne.

F E D E R A L ☆ C O F F E E ☆ P A L A C E <br/>Nice place to grab a coffee or for a sit down breakfast and watch the world go by. Coffee was very good! ✌ @foodiesguidetosydney

Federal Coffee Palace is about the overall experience rather than just the food or coffee.

They do rich strong caffeine hits, scrumptious looking cakes and have a varied menu with everything from baked eggs to soup, pizza to baguettes.

I went in for a takeaway coffee whilst waiting for the tram to Mart 130. I got a takeaway short black for $3.50. Here it was a bit flowery and a little watery. It was a bit lukewarm.

...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.

Mini and I did lunch on Monday as I haven't seen him in ages and when I asked if there was anywhere in particular he wanted to go he responded with "The most exciting places I go to eat are the ones you show me. So you pick." Easy enough. I wanted to go t

I always think when I walk through the Federal Coffee Palace that it's like being transported out of Melbourne. Nestled amongst the colonnades of the old GPO it's got a very European feel. Sitting down at a small table it shouldn't be Australian accents I hear but French or Italian, while I sip my espresso surrounded by the Euro trash set. To me it's a little strange that they called this hidden little café the Federal Coffee Palace, given it's located in the old GPO. Once there was a real Federal Coffee Palace, an enormous Victorian era hotel on the Spencer Street end of Collins Street. Melbourne has lost a few great buildings over the years but along with the old Fish Markets on Flinders Street this was one of the two biggest losses. Today only one of Melbourne's grand city coffee palaces remain--the venerable Windsor Hotel on Spring Street--and while very grand, it was overshadowed by the old Federal Coffee Palace. While not on the same scale the new FCP is not without its own char

Pulled pork burger. Just sat in at one of my favourite coffee shops for some lunch and took a risk in trying something I haven't had before. WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! A fantastic choice, the way all the flavours of the slaw and the sweet bun with that hint of mint made it a fantastic bite to eat that wasnt oily or heavy at all! Would definitely recommend it to anyone :)<br/>Great work guys!

I simply love it!. I was at Federal Coffee Palace last saturday and had the most beautiful and delicious lunch! Beetroot cured ocean trout with a salad of kipfler potatoes, capers & watercress :) Since I changed jobs, I haven't been back for a little while...and couldn't wait to be back. I just love the entire feel of this place. The location is incredible, staff is always very friendly & attentive and they also have an awesome selection of wines ;)<br/>If you want an unique experience in Melbourne CBD, well than FCP is the place to go!!!

Almost al Fresco, entirely delicious. Fabulous food, lovely atmosphere sitting inside/outside on the balcony of the old GPO. And friendly service. What more could you ask? Its mostly salad/foccacia/soups, but delicious. And the coffee is great too.

Best scrambled eggs in Melbourne!. I love scrambled eggs for brekky and honestly FCP does the best in Melbourne.

Lovely. Exceptional service! Must go here!

Bellissimo. Magnifico!

Exceptional !!

AMAZING CAFE. Had breakfast here this morning. Great food, great staff and excellent coffee. Will definitely be going back again

I work locally and have breakfast every day at the gpo! They make my coffee exactly how I like it and always cater for my special food requests :) the staff are lovely and always look after us!! <br/>Our morning tea is our favourite part of the day thanks to the lovely owners and staff at the federal coffee palace :) thank you!!!!

STRESSED AND UNFRIENDLY STAFF. OWNER IS AWFUL.. Awful. I was waiting 20 minutes for my coffee to be made. The barrister was stressed just as all the staff were. The owner who is also a chef is the worst person I have come across. Not a friendly atmosphere at all. AWFUL. Safe to say I will NOT be returning.

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?<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.

Rude service. When I came here just for a juice the service was extremely rude. The man at the counter was talking to his 12 year old girlfriend and they both gave me and my friend a rude look as we came to the counter as if we were interrupting something?!?!?! When I took all 30 seconds to decide what drink I wanted, the server was laughing at the length of time i was taking and asked me sarcastically "do you want me to read the names of the drinks out they're quite hard to see?" and laughed because they were obviously not. The truth is I couldn't see past his massive monobrow.

Diana. Just had to stop here for coffee. Who could resist this wonderful historic location. Laid back, relaxed & charming setting in the old GPO building with great service. Coffee was quite good

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/>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.<br/>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 !!

Over-priced Toast. If you want to sit out in the cold, drink luke-warm coffee and eat overpriced toast you have to butter yourself... then look no further. Paid $7 for two super-market pieces of bread. Charged 3% to use card - I thought $10.50 (what I had in wallet) would more than cover it. Disappointed.

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!<br/>I will definitely go back.

Yum. Friendly staff and high quality food ... New Vegetarian burger is excellent.

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!

Two visits so far. Good coffee, and atmosphere. But often it's a little cold. Breakfast was good and decent. The serve was just right. But seriously, $4 per slide of bread, seriously?

Purchased a coffee here this morning, took one sip & tipped it down the drain. There is no excuse for coffee that bad in Melbourne!

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.

The management clearly need to chill out and let there staff feel relaxed so they can create a happy working environment. Leave your business to people that know how to run it!

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.

Chicken and Waldorf sandwich!. This is one of my favourite lunch meals in the CBD. It's a Chicken sandwich on seed bread with walnuts, apple & celery with mayo. Absolutely delicious! If only Mr Hamilton had asked the lovely staff at the GPO to prepare his Waldorf, pleased to say Basil Fawlty isn't on staff :)

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.<br/>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!

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! <br/><br/>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

Melbourne Experience. A visitor to Melbourne from Darwin, I frequented the Federation Coffee Palace. Great location, friendly service and lovely food. Highly recommended, thank you.

Just disgusting service!. Wrong behaviour for customers, Wrong staff ,disgusting coffee,disgust me!!!!!!!!! Hundreds great cafes you can try. Don' go to this cafe.

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

Overpriced rubbish with poor inattentive service to match

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.

An excellent venue. I visit Melbourne 3 - 4 times a year and the Federal Coffee Palace remains my venue of choice. Ambience plus in the city centre. Coffee supreme and ranks amongst the very best in Melbourne. The quality of the food and service are evidenced by the all too obvious popularity of FCP.<br/>Continue your excellence - I remain a very satisfied customer.

Coffee perfect temperature & taste, topped off with organic raw sugar.......I'll be back with friends

Good friendly service, good coffee.<br/><br/>Very good Portugese Tarts<br/><br/>what more could you want