Review Babajan - Melbourne

Babajan was a nice little cafe serving Middle Eastern food. We ordered some salad and fritter dishes from the display and the eggplant Aleppo cheese toastie off their menu, and they were all very flavourful and delicious although the portions were a bit on the small side. For dessert was their crunchy tasty walnut baklava that was a lot less sweet than most baklavas in the market. Their service, however, was almost non-existent. We waited hours for someone to take our order, gave us water, delivered our food. Overall, a nice cafe with great food, but won’t be returning.

This review is about the service alone of this place, as I didn’t end up purchasing any foods due to the absolute shocking manners of the person I encountered. I stepped inside today to have a look at their lunch offerings. Both employee working and I are wearing a mask and words being spoken are not very intelligible due to the masks and normal lunch time noise. I’m up at the counter having a look and the employee looks up at me so I say hi - they obviously can’t tell this and I don’t hold it against them as we’re both wearing masks - totally reasonable thing we’ve all dealt with. The employee then comes up to the counter and says “how are you?” expectantly and I say oh I’m just having a look thanks. Not maliciously, just a fact. She then says rudely “I was asking how you are”, moves away from the counter, rolls her eyes and mutters something under her breath all in front of me, while pointedly not looking at me anymore. I don’t expect employees in hospitality to tolerate rude behavior from customers when it’s unwarranted, but that also goes the other way. Maybe the person was having a bad day, but please train your staff or this person in particular (who worked there lunchtime 10th of March) to be more stoic. If I am all it took for them to crack, then I shudder to think how they’ll respond when they actually meet a nasty customer. Edited to add: after reading some reviews below, seems like shockingly rude service from one woman in particular is common. This woman seems to be either the owner or a manager. Either way, it obviously is not being resolved so that tells me this place doesn’t want to resolve it.

Too expensive for what it is. Twice I’ve grabbed something quick on the run and been disappointed. Tiny piece (deck of cards size) of filo with a few tiny bits of lamb and potato $8-$9. Double the size it would be justified and reasonable.

Babajan' Turkish / Middle Eastern breakfast - brunch Menu was convincing enough to travel, and by the time we reached, we were super-duper hungry. Ordered a Hot Chocolate and a Latte to go with Simit / Turkish Bread served with butter and spiced Jam, Crab and Halloumi Omelette, Turkish Pizza (sorry, can't remember the name) and Lamb with Poached Eggs We were joined by our friend, and Ozzy and He loved the Turkish Pizza sprinkled with Sumac ,(ee love Sumac) but for me, personally, it was extremely sour for my palate. Simit / Turkish Bread was loved by all three. Especially the orange marmalade jam that seemed to be spiced with saffron and cardamon (could be wrong too) Crab and Halloumi Omelette lacked the sweetness of crab meat, and couldnt see the Halloumi at all. Though, the salad served with it tasted good. Poached Eggs served with Beetroot Salad with Lamb was quite decent. Hot chocolate was fantastic but the Strong Latte tasted a bit burnt. The bottomless Tea never arrived, and neither did we realize until we got home. Quite a rollercoaster ride of likes and dislikes making it quite difficult for us to rate them. Probably, we weren't too lucky that day (not that they were too busy). Service was quick.

Mediterranean food is one of my favourite cuisines and Babajan is a lovely place to source it. I’ve only dined there during covid so I can’t vouch for their full menu, but their takeaway counter offerings are fresh and delicious. I particularly love the falafel roll and the roasted capsicum and potato salad (although all their salads are lovely). They also make a mean soy flat white. I can’t wait to visit again.

This place has changed for the worse. Now cabinet food only. Food has good flavours, but a sandwich can’t even be toasted when there’s a whole kitchen sitting behind the counter? Not for me but good luck.

Incredible food. Very different brunch food - perfect if you are bored of the standard smashed avo and poached eggs. Fresh ingredients, so much flavour and lovely staff. Would recommend the eggplant toastie! Cold brew was flavoursome and turkish coffee was chocolatey.

Great place with good service. Middle eastern food was made well and it's different to your usually smashed avocado toast but very delicious. Prices are a little high though.

Mediterranean food is one of my favourite cuisines and Babajan is a lovely place to source it. I’ve only dined there during covid so I can’t vouch for their full menu, but their takeaway counter offerings are fresh and delicious. I particularly love the falafel roll and the roasted capsicum and potato salad (although all their salads are lovely). They also make a mean soy flat white. I can’t wait to visit again.

3.5/5<br/>Grabbed a croissant and a coffee from here. The croissant was good but small and my strong skinny latte was nice.<br/><br/>The service was very nice although I wasn't told how much the bill was when I paid so it was lucky that I checked because I was charged $13.90 for a croissant and a coffee!! Wow.<br/><br/>When I went back a couple of days later I was refunded straight away as I called first, so I was glad I checked my bank transaction.

This little cafe was packed inside and out so I opted for a takeaway salad of two options. The rice/cauliflower/stone fruit salad was divine, though the burnt eggplant one wasn’t as pleasing because I really felt I was just eating a lot of (tasty) yoghurt and little eggplant. I’m sure I’d have been less inclined to feel the price of my small bowl as a bit high if the salad selection was more substantial on this particular day. Service is helpful and hard-working but brisk.

Babajan was a cafe that my girlfriend and I had read about for years and hadn't quite made it around to trying. We got a salad to share (rice pilaj with beans etc.) which was one of the best salads I've ever had and a spinach and mushroom Borek. What a combo! We then shared a baked egg dish with potato hash and bread and it was simply delicious. Ruby then ordered a slice of Persian love cake to go and the beautiful staff even through in a couple of Portuguese custard tarts in for free. Not only were they delicious but it just shows how much the café values brilliant service. What an experience and we'll certainly be coming back again soon.

Really tasty menu and friendly staff. I had the cauliflower falafel which came with carrot escabeche and radish. I also added avocado ezme. A delicious and fresh combo of flavours. Loved all the selection of fresh salads and baked goods as well. Venue was quite small though so if you come at peak time may have a wait for a table.

The second time I had lunch at Babajan. Food was fantastic. From mains to dessert. We tried the cold rice pudding, eggplant cheese toastie, the almond shortbread biscuit and the Persian lovecake. Mains were full of flavours and beautifully spiced. Almond shortbread was delicious with combination of a bit of crunch & the sweetness of dusting sugar. Persian lovecake was not too sweet at all and would go nicely with a cup of coffee. Overall it was a great lunch.

Definitely a different style cafe, with a fairly small menu. The food is ok, and the coffee is also ok, but service a bit of a miss. But would still recommend if you want to try something a little different to every other cafe doing chilli scrambled eggs!

Babajan' Turkish / Middle Eastern breakfast - brunch Menu was convincing enough to travel, and by the time we reached, we were super-duper hungry.<br/><br/>Ordered a Hot Chocolate and a Latte to go with Simit / Turkish Bread served with butter and spiced Jam, Crab and Halloumi Omelette, Turkish Pizza (sorry, can't remember the name) and Lamb with Poached Eggs<br/><br/>We were joined by our friend, and Ozzy and He loved the Turkish Pizza sprinkled with Sumac ,(ee love Sumac) but for me, personally, it was extremely sour for my palate.<br/><br/>Simit / Turkish Bread was loved by all three. Especially the orange marmalade jam that seemed to be spiced with saffron and cardamon (could be wrong too)<br/><br/>Crab and Halloumi Omelette lacked the sweetness of crab meat, and couldnt see the Halloumi at all. Though, the salad served with it tasted good.<br/><br/>Poached Eggs served with Beetroot Salad with Lamb was quite decent.<br/><br/>Hot chocolate was fantastic but the Strong Latte tasted a bit burnt. The bottomless Tea never arrived, and neither did we realize until we got home.<br/><br/>Quite a rollercoaster ride of likes and dislikes making it quite difficult for us to rate them. Probably, we weren't too lucky that day (not that they were too busy).<br/><br/>Service was quick.<br/>

Very impress of this Greek style brunch. I have been to Babajan twice. I enjoyed the lamb baked egg and the semit for the first time visit, but the second time the baked egg is over cooked. The crab omelette is tasty with delightful texture.<br/>The only thing needs to be improved is the service, feeling ignored in most of the time. No water was served to our table until we asked again. I added lamb for my baked egg but was not coming together(looks different compare to the first time I had it). When I ask to confirm is there lamb inside the dish, the waitress and the chef were not even look at it and say there should be lamb inside. But when I double confirmed and the waitress finally brought the dish for the chef and the answer is, “oh, yes we will get you the lamb now”.<br/>

We had visited Babajan a few weeks ago and here’s what we had!<br/><br/>Eggplant Aleppo Turkish Cheese Toastie - served with fried eggs, fermented chili, sumac onion and lamb shoulder! First of all I gotta say the toastie was pretty thick and filling! It was full of meat and cheesiness and the flavors all worked well together! The meat and eggplant were both super juicy!<br/><br/>Menemen Turkish baked eggs - served with spiced tomato, spinach, pistachio dukkah and lamb shoulder! This was full of richness with the addition of the juicy meat! It was very eggy as well which is what I liked! The Turkish bread that came along with the baked eggs was delicious as it was fluffy and a good absorber of the baked eggs!<br/><br/>It was a fun time at Babajan and we will definitely go back to try the rest of their dishes!

Fantastic spot for brekky and brunch! I was worried because I hadn't made a booking but arrived at 10:30am to a table being available straight away on the curb. The staff had good knowledge of GF options and were confident explaining the various meals. I chose the Crab Omelette on recommendation from the staff and it was incredible! Reminded me of the delicate balance and taste of French cooking with the middle eastern flavours. The powdered chai was also made well and came out hot. Would definitely come back for the lamb toast that could also be GF. (The staff were also patient and kind when the rest of my party didn't arrive for 15-20mins.)

Real score 4.2.<br/><br/>Babajan has been on my radar for a while. As soon as I entered I started kicking myself I hadn’t been here already. It’s fabulous.<br/><br/>This struck me as the perfect cafe to visit if you’re in a hipster style brunch rut. Too many avo smashes, a few too many big brekkies anyone. This is the cure. The food here is genuinely unusual. It demands to be tried. I love modern middle eastern type food and they do it here very very well here. I wandered up to the counter and was immediately goggle eyed at the food available. I couldn’t wait to get at it. I ordered a lentil salad and a chicken salad with pumpkin, chicken peas etc. Both dishes were utterly delicious. The textures and flavours were outstanding. I savoured every single mouthful. You know that feeling of regret as you come to the last little bits of really good dishes. I had that here big time. I really didn’t want to finish these dishes. They were wonderful.<br/><br/>My coffee to finish was a beauty too. Dark, deep, inky and rich. Melbourne in a cup. I had one last 1% observation. They have an awesome sound system here. They had a fantastic playlist on. I’m serious. It is a terrifically rich sound they offer here. Best I’ve ever heard in a cafe of this size. I love music. A good sound system matters.<br/><br/>It’s a great cafe. It’s a must visit.

😱Lizzie’s first impression: the first time I’ve had a middle eastern fusion brunch. It was actually so much better than expected. <br/><br/>🍩Lizzie enjoyed: I tried the baked eggs and it came with a funky little bread roll that I wasn’t used to. <br/><br/>🍅Lizzie did not enjoy: although the bread roll was aesthetically pleasing and all, it was a little too dry for my liking. <br/><br/>🥇Lizzie rates overall: a great place that is not too far out of the city and a place I would go back for more.

Babajan was a nice little cafe serving Middle Eastern food. We ordered some salad and fritter dishes from the display and the eggplant Aleppo cheese toastie off their menu, and they were all very flavourful and delicious although the portions were a bit on the small side. For dessert was their crunchy tasty walnut baklava that was a lot less sweet than most baklavas in the market. Their service, however, was almost non-existent. We waited hours for someone to take our order, gave us water, delivered our food. Overall, a nice cafe with great food, but won’t be returning.

great little spot for middle eastern food. went for brunch, ordered the baked eggs with lamb shoulder & omelette with crab & halloumi. baked eggs was excellent, lamb shoulder was seasoned well. the crab in the omelette was slightly too salty but everything else was great!

I am always up for discovering new local eateries, so was very excited to visit the Middle Eastern inspired eatery, Babajan, in Carlton North. It’s situated on an unassuming corner of the busy Nicholson St, with several outdoor and indoor tables. The interior is small but bright, with counters topped generously with hearty salads and divine baked goods fronting the open kitchen.

Babajan serves very unique and interesting dishes, it is really nice to see a middle eastern twist to Melbourne style brunch. The food was really good over all, but the highlight of our meal has got to be the simit and baked eggs. We also had the crab and halloumi omelette, although it doesn't look super pretty, but it is really good. It's like a cheesy omelette, but better, because of the halloumi. Coffee was great as well. There are also many different baked goods on display for your to choose from. We were too full and didn't try any of them but they look really good.

Babajan is a Carlton North cafe that offers a very simple proposition. Delicious contemporary Turkish and Middle Eastern food cooked with passion.

My title should be EYE CONTACT! This is a tiny crowded cafe. One waiter alone could scan all the customer tables and still make EYE CONTACT with them, in one short walk from front of house to the kitchen pass. But it was frustrating to watch all the wait staff just ignore us, serve other customers who’d just walked in, pass by dirty finished plates without picking them up systematically and basically walk about with eyes straight ahead. No scanning, no being on the alert on a very busy Sunday. We had to constantly wave, call out or get in their line of sight. Even more hilarious, wrong meals were being delivered to us, we never got our salad, or after having our table cleared a waiter that served originally took our order, asked if we’d like to order? We’d get the attention of a waitress only for her to forget about us. We went to pay and we were asked where we’d like to sit! It was a complete shamozzle!<br/>Anyway, we did enjoy our meals, although partner thought there were way too many eggs in her baked egg dish. A case of OTT when she ended up with three leftover. We did jealously eye the meals (something purple and pickled piled high on a dish looked spectacular) next to us and made a mental note for next time ( if I can deal). <br/>As a side note, how on Earth does that tall chef cope with the ridiculously low bench height in the kitchen? At the stove he’s scrambling something in a pan and his hand is literally at his groin! He must go home with back pain.<br/>The whole place, on our visit, just felt like it was groanjng under the strain rather than flowing which comes down to management training the staff

Food here is fantastic, so too the coffee. A small place that fills quickly. Service is friendly and efficient. Back to the food: Falafels, grilled chicken and salads higly recommended.

My party of four had dinner here on a Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was all super super delicious. The waitstaff let us over order, though and so we ended up with way too much food. Which meant we overate. We’ll know for next time - definitely keen to come back. Highly recommended!!

I can definitely say overrated.<br/>How you can call the dish as a 'Menemen'<br/>The dish was okay but if you dont use onion and specially green chili papper you canT call like that., all staffs are so nice coffee was okay

Coffee is fantastic- food is excellent- service is great - I love it - have been trying to eat my way through the menu I simply love this place - stand out dishes are the baked eggs, and the mushrooms!

Happy to see in melbourne modern middle eastern cuisine especially the Turkish based food was fantastic. Service and atmosphere great as well. <br/>The only thing is if you are not using onion and specially green chilli pepper, you should not call the dish as ‘menemen’. The food was good but not as good as real menemen :)

Great Turkish food. Had an amazing time. Food was good. The drinks were good. Bread was amazing here. Staff are well mannered and very friendly.

Food was amazing, such good flavours and clever combinations of egg with eggplant and caramelised onions. Their Simik with jam was so good. Would go back everyday if I could.

A cafe with a modern Turkish and Middle Eastern influence, this gives a good and refreshing variety to Melbourne’s well known brunch scene. <br/><br/>A small cosy corner cafe, what caught my eye was the display of colourful salads and pastries.<br/><br/>We visited past 12pm so we had one dish from the lunch menu - Lahmacun of ground lamb, onion, tomato, parsley and chilli. It was like a very thin Turkish pizza, the topping was refreshing with pickled onions, tomatoes and white dressing. And it looked really beautiful. <br/><br/>We also ordered the Menemen Turkish baked eggs that comes with a Simit. Loved the Simit!!! A Turkish bread which resembles a bagel crusted with loads of sesame seeds. Baked eggs were tasty, but I’d thought it was a little dry, I’d prefer a little more sauce to go with the Simit. Perhaps this is not meant to be saucy like the ones I’m used to? <br/><br/>All in all, it was a good experience, although I thought they were a little pricey. <br/><br/>I’d love to return to try the Eggplant Cheese Toastie and their salads! Saw other patrons eating them and they looked good. Will return to try the other items on the menu given the interesting variety. <br/>

What a disappointment today was at Babajan! I've gone here for tasty take away food (hence 2 and not 1 star) a few times since starting work in the area, but today I thought I'd go order from the menu and dine in. The talk blonde guy said I could grab a seat. I sat for 10 of the 30mins I get for lunch, before deciding there must not be a menu/table service, so I ordered at the counter. I ordered 2 of the salads from the counter and was told they would come on seperate plates for $27. So I ordered the smaller version in the take away container as I didn't have time/hunger for 2 giant salads, ordered a take away coffee and treat for later. The girl at the counter was lovely. Blonde guy comes back and lectures me re: reasons take away food is not to be eaten in the restaurant and that Babajan's food is to shared - well I'm on my own. I try to explain the situation but just got attitude, despite explaining my original plan to dine in but not being served. I immediately left and am so disappointed!!

Went on a bit walk witht the dog to have breakfast at Babajan. There was an empty table outside which was just in the sun, which was perfect. Service was friendly. We took the avocado and broad bean ezme and the crab and halloumi omelette with simit. Both dishes quite expensive. $22 for the avocado and $30 for the omelette with simit (I guess crab is expensive). The simit is $4 extra, but the dish didn't seem much of a dish without it, so I feel the price is very steep. The avocado was lovely and tasty. Only one slice of toast, which I don't mind and two poached eggs, which is perfect as my partner and I always share. Wasn't sure about the taste of the omelette, maybe a bit too sweet especially with the sweet turkish bread. Boyfriend liked both dishes equally.<br/>Coffees were nice.<br/>Took away a piece of Persian love cake, which was wonderful.<br/><br/>All and all good food, but slightly overpriced.

Very close to a 4 star rating. Menu is different and inviting yet maybe slightly overpriced, or not really a middle ground for pricing. The bread with jam is adorable and well priced. I got the baked eggs which were very tasty but slightly under cooked. Service was fine. It’s a little crowded and atmosphere is loud with lots of foot traffic. Beautiful breads and sweets so worth a stop to pick up some takeaway. Coffee was different to the usual - maybe not for everyone as it tasted more earthy.

I’ve had a few people recommend this place but I had been hesitant as code black coffee is so hit or miss sometimes.<br/><br/>This time it was a hit though, apparently there was a new barista on, so obviously they’ve done well, keep hold of that one.<br/><br/>I thought about sitting in but it seemed that in a bid to keep up with the outside traffic they put their music up quite loud.<br/>To much noise for such a small space.<br/>Ruined the ambiance.

This is a small cafe that serves middle eastern inspired dishes. I agree with other reviews that the menu is quite pricey however the taste and quality of the food doesn’t disappoint. The food display on the front counter is mouth watering and also available for takeaway. I always grab a housemade simit to take with me and a cake or two.

TLDR: Delicious food and drinks though slightly overpriced.<br/><br/>Sauntered by on a Sunday afternoon, this place is cute and cozy. With a great environment and open feel it’s an ideal setting for brunch or dinner with some girlfriends or visitors. The food is fresh and flavourful! Imaginative salads use big serves on small plates and are deceptively filling. Punchy flavours mean that while being light, you definitely leave satiated. Things change often and utilise fresh ingredients, I was lucky and there were many vegetarian options when I went though do make sure to ask. The staff are lovely, friendly and very kind to explain or just chat. <br/><br/>All this being said the price range of items is a little on the higher end. Looking at a starting price upwards of 30pp there may be other places I might consider first, and it probably won’t be added to my standard rotation.

A cute little cafe with a small outdoor seating area that definitely deserves 5 stars. The quality and selection of food is well above average and the cafe delicious. The waiters are really kind! Only negative point: no large cups for coffee.

What a pleasant surprise! Grabbed a table outside today... do yourself a favour and walk in to see all the beautiful food on display. Staff were super helpful in explaining the dishes and we absolutely loved everything. We ordered the Falafels w eggs & the Borek. Both to die for. Coffee perfect, nice and strong. Can’t wait to return. Keep up the great work!

Located on a corner block, this light and open cafe is very inviting. From white walls, light timber and hanging plants it’s got a nice Saturday brunch feel. It’s a little on the small side and being so busy with people and staff can look a little crowded but I never had my chair bumped or felt hemmed in. This place has a small menu but you wouldn’t want any more of their delicious options to choose from as it was a hard enough choice as it was. I had the rice pudding decorated with dried flowers and with delicious fruit in a creamy base. My husband had the baked eggs with lamb and it was melt in your mouth tender with a well balanced savoury taste. The coffee (though I didn’t get the Turkish coffee) was good and sweets selection again another dilemma with them all looking fab! <br/>Kid and pet friendly from all appearances but perhaps not for a pram if you want to sit inside. <br/>Would definitely come again.

Babajan has an interesting menu with lots of options but their exorbitant prices and elitism is a bit much<br/><br/>So my friends and arrive to a very busy crowded cafe. We are seated outside on little stools. It's a hot day. We feel like salads. Their counter salads look great but come with a catch. You can't order a salad as a main only as a side and you can't mix two. And it's a small side plate of 13.50. Or you can get takeaway for two salads for 13.50 in a small sumo sized salad cup. Why because they're promoting something called responsible cafes so apparently cardboard takeaway containers and plastic spoons are responsible. Yes the waiter thought it was a bit much too but what can he do.<br/><br/>13.50 for a small salad takeaway is already overpriced. Yes I had the fish bulgur salad which was sensational and their eggplant tahini salad was to die for but I had takeaway walked 10 minutes to Edinburgh gardens with better seating less noisy and a nice atmosphere.<br/><br/>Also their small sized coffee is 4 dollars and weak.<br/><br/>Recommend getting takeaway only. You won't be saving the environment but you will definitely make less of a hole in your pocket.<br/><br/>Menu is definitely to die for and staff are lovely despite the insanity that prevails.

The staff here are very professional. The food is above average but just stupidly expensive for what it is. You're a cafe in a small loud location trying to be a restaurant and I don't think it's working. Not a place to go for a quick everyday lunch or coffee. Better cheaper options in the area.

Vegan friendly? not really. <br/><br/>The service here though is incredible! Staff are very very friendly and accommodating, making us feel very welcomed. <br/><br/>The place is very cute, small and cosy. Great lighting too and great for breakfasts and lunches or a simple coffee. <br/><br/>The food range for vegans is a little dire but I’ve heard the rest of the food is great.<br/><br/>Coffee is very tasty here too, satisfying and not too weak. Smooth and very creamy- worth a try!

Amazing food, beautiful friendly staff. Such a great spot and a bustling little gem on Nicholson. Shout out to Scotty who makes the best recommendations and service. LOVE THIS PLACE. Will see you again soon!!

One small cafe which serve brunch with a Turkish twist. I order the lamb salad which was surprisingly filling (their salad are on display and caught my eye) and the cleansing green juice. Overall a good cafe and I will go again to try their brunch menu.

We ordered Menemen, Croissant with fried egg and Simit. Taste was good in overall but Menemen had excessive grease and Simit was too crispy. It was Saturday and service was way below satisfactory. While we were ordering, we showed a picture of a dish we saw on Zomato, which was egg and sujuk and asked her whether they had it in the menu or not. The waitress was proved to be unaware of the menu as she insisted on telling us it was Menemen. We had to describe her what Menemen actually is and finally she admitted that the Menu was subject to change. From that point onwards, her behavior to us deteriorated significantly. We tried to order for a refill multiple times but she delibaretely ignored us and eventually another waitress helped us. To sum up, it was not a pleasant experience mainly due to the rudeness of the waitress (not!)served us.

Open early enough for some breakfast, though I enjoy their lunches much more. Their pilaf and rice choices are super good and packed with different ingredients that work. It's an uncommon find on this side of Nicholson St, so it truly saves my taste buds sometimes as I struggle to find anything beyond a croissant and wholefoods-like lentil curry here.

Lamacjun pizza is enormous and mostly delicious although it tad too pickly for my liking making the last few pieces hard going. But I slogged through. Friendly service and lots of interesting menu options.

So delicious. Yes it's expeno but it's seriously good food. Fresh as ingredients packing heaps of flavour. The braised beans with lamb was great, the beans are poached in lamb and taste amazing. Peeps next to me had a side of salmon that looked like some of the best cooked salmon I've seen. Next time I'll be on that

I really like what goes on here. All the food is really interesting - we've had a salmon and egg dish and a braised of tail pie, but honestly the hummus is the best I've ever had. $12 and comes with a whole load of Turkish bread, they say they don't service it before 12 but they always do 😉

We had to wait 20 minutes or so to squeeze into Babajan on a cold winter’s Saturday. The place is small and when we got a table it wasn’t much warmer, but the service was friendly and we ordered baked eggs with lamb, the barramundi with simit and the slow cooked beef. <br/><br/>The barramundi and beef were the standout dishes, the barramundi was in a delicious sauce with anchovies and olives. The beef was like a deconstructed souvlaki with a dukkha fried whole egg, fries, bread and a green harissa sauce (someone please correct me if I have gotten the description of this dish wrong – the party in my mouth turned this dish into a blur of joy and my recollection is a little sketchy). I’d say it’s the best thing I have eaten in quite some time, it was really that good. <br/><br/>The Turkish Vinkara Doruk red wine was also great – normally picking the obscure wine doesn’t work out so well but it was delicious. Robust enough to go well with the beef just like any Aussie red. <br/><br/>We’ll be back – please treat the chef well in the meantime, we need to know where to find him/her!

Do not visit if you're a group of more than two people! I visited with a group of four others and I knew it would be a bit of a wait to be seated as the place is so small. The waitress took my name and number and told me a table should be free in 30 minutes or less. 40 minutes later I was still waiting for a call so I went in to see if a space had cleared up for us. She told me that they were just waiting for two ladies to leave and that it shouldn't be much longer. We had already waited so long that we thought a few extra minutes wouldn't hurt. Over an hour later we still hadn't been seated and just as we had had enough and were going to leave, a space became free. We were starving so we took it, already knowing exactly what we wanted to order since we had so much waiting time to decide, only to be told that she couldn't take our order yet because they were running behind in the kitchen. This is something that we should have been told BEFORE we agreed to wait! We were already seated by this point so we ordered a pastry to share while we waited, only to find a thick curly hair in the filling.. <br/>The food eventually came out and whilst it was good it definitely wasn't good enough to justify the wait (or the outrageous prices). The waitress that served us was lovely at first but that changed very quickly. I understand that most of what happened was not in their control but it was just frustrating that they over-promised and under-delivered without so much as an apology. I would have been much less annoyed if they told us that they couldn't accomodate our large group from the beginning.

GOOD POINTS: We had an amazing lunch here. The food was delicious and the waitress who served us was super friendly and helpful. <br/>NOT SO GOOD POINTS: There was however, another waitress there who was grumpy as all get out - not smiling, not attentive, practically threw a serviette at me when I asked for one. I think she needed to go for a walk and take some Deep breaths. <br/>I also found it a little pricey for the servings sizes (though the food was yummy yummy in my tummy)😋. <br/>OVERALL: A lovely little place with delicious food and (mostly) lovely people. 👍🏻

Got a large takeaway salad today which was very tasty and texturally interesting but didn't seem overly healthy (was quite salty and oily) and overpriced ($17.50 for a large<br/>$10 for teeny tiny). <br/>I often go past this cafe and it's always bustling, with very little standing room and the service is usually pretty indifferent with waitresses ignoring you as they hurry past looking important. But having said that, the lady that served me today was very sweet. <br/>I will try it again perhaps for breakfast when I have a little more than loose change in my pocket.

This place has great food and great coffee.<br/>Food is very different and fresh. <br/>Always a good atmosphere. <br/>Can get and stay very busy. <br/>Probably not worth the wait, but still a great place.

Always impressed with great food coffee and service.<br/><br/>Only draw back.. not that kid friendly. We have 2 young children 4yrs ans 6mths. There are not many child friendly menu choices.. and the space is tight. But we love it so make do!!!

<br/>Food was tasty but really overpriced especially considering how small the servings are ($12 for a side plate sized salad. Oh and you can only get one per plate). I was particularly annoyed when we found a hair in one of our salads and after declining another one weren't offered our money back, waitress just wondered off pretending she was busy 🙄

Food was amazing. Took a bit of time for the waiter to take our order but otherwise everything was amazing! The salads behind the counter were fresh and delicious and great that you can take them away.

Tried this several times. From the flowery comments in many other reviews and the daily clientele its clearly the current cool place to be in this part of town. However .... while much of the food is ok (if over priced and on the small side) and tries hard to be innovative it often misses the mark: nothing wrong, quite tasty, but nothing special. <br/>Most disappointing are the croissants (fashionably straight !), rather dry and overpriced at $4.50 (much better in cafe opposite at $1 less, or the variations in establishments in the next block - all better and lower price).<br/>A pity - I looked forward to its opening, but much better gastronomic value in other local eateries (though perhaps not the same chic - depends what you're after I guess.)

Cosy atmosphere and very vibrant and busy.<br/>Thursday lunch and lucky to get a couple of seats. The waiting staff were very attentive and friendly. We had a couple of the dishes explained to us but decided on a bit of a wait before ordering. The dishes coming past us for other patrons looked absolutely amazing.<br/>Finally settled on a couple of the salads and the Lahmacun of lamb. All were exceptional - fresh, flavorsome and absolutely delicious. The usage of  spices that are complimentary to the other ingredients  is a stand out.<br/>The pastries are brilliant and there is no doubt a lot of love put into preparation of all dishes in this establishment.<br/>Cannot wait for next visit. Perhaps a couple of the nice wines on offer as well.

I love this place. The mememen baked eggs is the stuff my dreams are made of. The rotating salads are amazing, these are the types of salads you can make friends with. <br/>It's usually really busy here but the staff are all really nice. It's my favourite breakfast place in Melbourne.

So far the best baked eggs in Melbourne!<br/><br/>A few months ago Babajan opened in the neighbourhood and I remember how I was excited to see a new just at the corner of our place (yes, it's hard to find good coffee around here with friendly staff). <br/>The first times I was going there just for takeaway coffees, the staff was super friendly and they use code black coffee beans!<br/>After chatting with the staff, I tried the Menemen (a Turkish baked eggs): the most flavoursome baked eggs I've had in Melbourne.<br/><br/>Since I tried it's my go-to place for the baked eggs. I often share it with my partner so we get to try something else at the same time like the boureks or the salads.<br/><br/>They also bake cakes! the brownies are just yum! that hint of honey in the brownies makes them taste soo good!<br/><br/>Kindly,

Our new fave! Love everything about this place - fresh, super tasty and friendly service. The haloumi pie was incredible and rice and broccoli salads hopefully remain on menu! The food on nearby tables looked delicious - barramundi and olives in a pan and a trout type salad..We have followed the chef from WA fave Eminem, to Gigibaba and now this outstanding new venture. Very happy to have him back producing exciting and beautiful food. Look forward to next visit.

I've read the reviews and seriously!.... anyone complaining about the small stuff please get a life! The food is outstanding, no one complaining there right. These guys know to put on a great spread. Great atmosphere and great staff. I'll be coming back

A group of 4 of us were blessed to have had a grazing styled degustation meal here last Friday. It was everything I love about Melbourne cafes  meets AMAZING restaurant quality  food. hints of Mediterranean flavour echoed through each dish, complemented by the tasteful minimalist decor. We tried nearly every dish, and the seared lamb salad is something i will now eat weekly. And the chicken, charred to order, is f****** up good!<br/><br/>just try not to fill up on the home-baked turkish bread! (good luck)<br/><br/>Hasta la vista Babajan

Just had the $40 Friday night banquet. Food was outstanding and SO plentiful. Delicious cocktails too. Service wonderful. Will be back soon

OK. So. Lets talk about the good things first. Incredible food, constantly changing menu, beautiful fresh produce daily. If this was in a bigger establishment, you would have lines out the door to try the incredible food. The staff are high energy, attentive and really friendly. A really slick operation, that bakes its own bread! The trout spanakopita is an absolute delight and seemingly the flagship dish.<br/><br/>What I don’t understand is why you would have insanely loud bass-y music consistently thumping through the somewhat tiny space? <br/><br/>In the same breath, why would you spend so much money on a complete shop refit/ refurb without doing ANY kind of sound insulation? The speakers placed in the WORST possible area in the café, the sound bouncing off the walls with no way to escape. Weekends in particular are terrible, and will leave you with a pretty decent migraine. I have *tried* to eat in 4 times now (as a local), but the sound makes me leave every time. My girlfriend and I sat in silence the last time, as we couldn’t hear each other over the ‘music festival’ noise whilst waiting for our coffee.<br/><br/>Again – INCREDIBLE food, I’d say the best breakfast in Melbourne. But also maybe avoid if you want to keep your hearing, or like to be able to hear yourself think. Babajan, as Fitzroy North local – please turn the music down and get a professional to look into the acoustics.. You’re a suburban café, not a nightclub.

I really, really wanted to like this place - I had been eyeing it up for a while and finally made plans to go this weekend. Whilst the food was all right, it was nowhere near good enough to compensate for the abysmal service. It's also quite expensive fare for breakfast, with many dishes around and above the 20 dollar mark.<br/><br/>Firstly, everything is slow, from having your order taken to getting your food served. We were advised that the breakfast menu was no longer available, half an hour before the lunch service started. Then, the staff got half our order wrong - and were still made to pay for it. I would have been willing to give these guys a second chance, except for the prices they charge, there are really so many other great places in the area to spend your hard earned coin. Especially if you're trying to save for a home deposit.😉

Simply amazing. I cannot stress enough how amazing every single element was perfection! It's my new favorite local and am so excited that i can walk there. Great food. Great staff. Great atmosphere.

Baffled as to why this place only has a 3.0 rating! After my favourite restaurant in Melbourne - Gigi Baba - closed down I was absolutely heart broken and longed for the day Ismail would make a return... and here it is! With those same clever flavour sensations I missed so much.... this place is seriously underrated!!! Overwhelmingly good 😍😋👌🏻

Cozy cafe, very friendly staff, food freshly cooked and prepared right next to us in the open kitchen. The baked eggs with lamb shoulder and beef salad with Dutch carrots we had are so rich in flavour! The lifebuoy like bread ring is so solid and chewy, very tasty. Love it:-)

Ah-ma-zing <br/>The food is absolutely delicious. Dont even get me started on the cakes. <br/>I wanted to try everything on the menu. This is now my number one pick for breakfast. Must try peeps. Must try.

We are a couple and recommended by a friend to visit Babajan. First visit today exceeding expectations.<br/><br/>Clean & bright ambient, greeted by friendly staff, walk in experience feels great.<br/><br/>Food is well presented. Portion is good for ladies but slightly under sized for big boys. Price and value is good for what you receive. <br/><br/>Filtered coffee is great. End with some deserts and we had a lovely lunch catch up with friends. Thanks

We loved our experience at babajan <br/>Good was we had the baklava French toast and avo ezme both were amazing, ended buying some take away salads so those at home could get a bite too. Loved the cafes vibe and the kitchen being visible. Service was great and so was coffee... Surely we will be back

I went in for brunch yesterday and the food was awesome! We ordered the trout spanakopita and the crab & haloumi omelette. Trout was the stand out. Wow! Turkish bread as a side was also really good. Still warm! Great take away salads too. Very good service. Decent coffee. A little drafty in there though. Bring a jacket.

I rolled in late on a Friday to grab something sweet for after dinner. Staff were super friendly & even gave me a couple of extra pieces to devour. Will definitely be back for those baked eggs w' lamb shoulder! It's nice to see the old school of a family run business. Kudos!

Amazing food. The pastries are fresh and tasty. The beef cheek was very tender and the salmon spanakopita is creative and tasty. We also had the menemen with the baked tomato. Definitely recommend.

I don't understand why muzak has to be so loud. During the day, at lunchtime, so you can't hear your friends. Does anyone actually believe loud inane music is a good idea, or is it just a fashion that everyone follows? Food and staff were lovely though

Disappointing. Menu sound tasty and interesting but the dishes just didn't deliver. Beans with eggs and Turkish sausage- it just tasted like meat fat (there was braised lamb in the beans) and the plate was covered in oil. Poached eggs weren't runny. Definitely wouldn't order it again. Ox cheek was tender but again it lacked flavour. The cafe is rather uninviting and they need a heater! Salads looked appetising and coffee was quite nice

So exciting to find a local cafe with such exquisite food! I'll be back to make my way through the breakfast menu and the amazing looking salads.

Delicious take away (or have in) salads available, huge and for such a good price! Service was great, they are passionate about the food and middle eastern favors. Will be back for sure, want to taste breakfast menu!