Felt like a snack after lunch and got a Honey, Currant and Apple muffin. One of the best muffins ever! It had a very crunchy top and filled with small plump currants.
The muffin was moist inside and had bits of apple chunks inside. Totally wasn't dry at all and I enjoyed every single bite!
A cosy cafe with friendly service. Ordered a Cheese melt with addition ham. Crisp sour dough bread and the cheese melted when ordered for that nice and gooey taste. The soy chai was okay, although the cinnamon was quite strong and licorice tasting.
We grabbed two chia puddings and a cup of coffee here. They were nice, just wished the chia puddings were a little bigger seeing as the price was $4.8 for one each. Service is fast and staff are productive and friendly. The interior is clean and modern with a comfortable atmosphere. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
When you pay seven-fiddy for a small tub of granola you want it to be good. And guess what folks it is. Crunchy and fresh. Not a huge amount, but it’s definitely quality over quantity. Coffee rarely fails at Earl too. Reliable franchise.
I cannot get enough of this place for breakfast or lunch during the week. Great portions and combination of flavours. A great mix of healthy and hearty options. Coffee OK but more than made up for by the delicious food.
Creature Comfort ..... ZERO
It was a hot day yesterday and although the set up inside was inviting I would not want to sit there, it was suffocating. Thank God that we can sit outside.Kudos to the kitchen staff, they were sweating profusely, it doesn't look comfortable.
Considering the hot weather, coffee was above average, well made and enough characters extracted from that Green La Marzocco, it looks awesome.
It seriously need a bigger AC. JT-30/11/2017.
Great takeaways with healthy options for people on the run which suits it's location in the heart of the CBD. My favourite item is the simple broccoli salad with sumac, almonds and preserved lemon for $4 in a small container. Admittedly one of my go-to movie or snacks if I'm feeling peckish whilst shopping.
A staple place to get lunch anytime I get the chance. A nice variety with healthy options. Both the crispy pork and chicken sandwiches are delicious, albeit the pork one would do well with some sauce. Their take away options are also healthy and satisfying.
Earl Canteen is great for convenient food with a gourmet take, perfect for a lovely weekday lunch. Their salads are absolutely delicious, they taste fresh despite being packaged and refrigerated. The granola here is one of the best I've had, and its crunchiness is quite indulgent (definitely not the healthy type of granola). One call out however, is that I'm really disappointed with their bestseller, the pork belly and coleslaw on ciabatta as it contained barely any pork meat. It was so oily as it was at least 80% fat and the creamy sauce in the slaw made the dish even more sickening. Very disappointing! I'll continue to get their salads, but am steering clear away from "Melbourne's favourite sandwich".
Loved it. Had the zucchini and hummus salad and gourmet chicken sandwich/roll. Both were delicious. Great for a quick lunch. Service was great and quick.
Not often I frequent a food court but the emporium has some great options and I had always wanted to try Earl.
The menu is relatively basic but food is made fresh to order so always a bonus.
I selected the "fancy sandwich" mushroom and a bottle of water-$14.50 which I felt was reasonably priced.
Not a huge option for dessert (all cakes/pastry options) a few cold desserts such a chia pudding in fridge.
One thing I liked was the pre packaged options in fridge of salads and sandwiches for those who preferred not to wait for their "fancy sandwich" to be made.
Counter service was prompt and friendly and the sandwich was filling and tasty.
A good option however there is plenty of variety at the Emporium so next time I'd try someplace else!
DaniB @eatmystreet.net
+3.5
Best sandwich in Melbourne? Yes please. The pork Sanger was aces, perfectly cooked pork with the ideal juicy/ crispy combo. The bread was great too, chewy & crunchy. A sandwich here is a Melbourne must try.
Go to sandwich cafe in the city. Fresh and consistently well cooked hot sandwiches. Although the menu is not extensive, each sandwich is richly unique. The famous pork belly and slaw sandwich is a highlight, although I personally prefer the fish fingers with its zingy peppercorn tartar sauce.
Great sandwiches and good luck with securing a communal table on your lunch hour. :)
Friendly staff and decent coffees.
Tip: The pork belly sanger ... And get a bottle of roof-top honey to take away!
Unimpeachable quality sandwiches and unfaultable coffee. Most cafés can only ever aspire to these things, but EARL delivers them as standard, which is great. The food always tastes fresh, crisp and healthy. Seating arrangements aren’t the best, true, but then EARL is more of a takeaway place, for which role it excels. My strongest negative comment — the senior staff member can be a bit impatient, which I find a little stand-offish and unfriendly. Hardly something unthinkable, given how busy the place gets (and to its credit, you never have to wait long, even at the busiest times), but a fault nonetheless. Definitely the standard against which all the ‘premium’ takeaway sandwich cafés should measure themselves.
The best sandwich takeaway shop in the area. It's always busy for a reason. Good variety and fresh ingredients. It is a little pricey but you are getting what you pay for.
Earl Canteen is a cafe that specialises in sandwiches and subs, though it also sells a range of salads and also has a soup of the day. The one I went to was on Bourke St, between Queen and Williams St, but there's also one in Collins Place on Collins St, between Exhibition and Spring St. Although the address is on Bourke St, you actually have to go in from Little Bourke St, as it's just behind the NAB offices. The cafe itself isn't very big, with a communal table taking up much of the space on one side, and a few smaller tables the other. It was relatively busy when we went on a weekday a little before the lunch crowds came in, and the staff were attentive and friendly, and happy to give us suggestions as we hadn't been there before.
EARL is all about the delicious snacks made with what my dad calls the ‘cooks tidbits’ i.e. the yummy cuts of meat or leftovers that don’t make it to your plate in a fancy restaurant that the staff get to chow down on. The selection of whole meal in a sandwich choices and amazing sounding salads were the perfect kind of homey, comfort foods that I was craving. I went for the roast pork and slaw combo in beautiful baguette. I was certainly a mouthful… one that was slightly difficult to navigate gracefully, but i managed to conquer it via a two-pronged approach of slight dismantlement and serious compression to make it mouth-sized. The salty crisp skin and juicy meat went perfectly (as you would expect)
Their interior is very clean, and very crisp. Minimal deco, with maybe a few plants here and there. Loved the little bit of green splashed around the entire café.
Epicurean Of Southbank
+4.5
When I think of 500 Bourke Street, memories of the former NAB headquarters, Movida Aqui and Paco's Tacos are evoked all with different levels of emotion. The aforementioned culinary delights are accessed via the outdoor area on level one of the eponymous NAB plaza and for the most part I have neglected the shops and cafés on the ground floor with the one notable exception being EARL Canteen . Nestled next to Prime House and across from the Cafenatics franchise, this small but smartly designed café has a varied menu available for dine-in or takeaway for breakfast and lunch on weekdays along with a very limited alcohol menu. Should you be in a rush, which seemingly most of the patrons are when the corporate bell rings and they are allowed an allotted time to be fed from the trough, the display cabinet houses pre-made sandwiches, but in my experience, the bread has always been soft and the fillings a bit more on the premium side compared to other cafés in the area. On my last visit
With was at least eight gourmet sandwiches to choose from, with a range of meats and vegetables, the only issue we had at Earl Canteen was deciding what we should order. We ordered a lunch box each and decided to cut our sandwiches up to share.
The World Loves Melbourne
+4.5
Earl Canteen is a candidate for world's best sandwich. The standout is the pork belly sandwich... I'm talking generous portion of tasty moist perfectly cooked pork with cabbage and fennel coleslaw, wilted silverbeet on a fresh baguette...
Overall, we did find the place slightly overrated, but the food was still yummy (filling good but bread was dry and hard) Macarons were well made and pretty good as well.
The 'canteen' has a clean and minimalist design, and we got great service from a guy who was more than willing to help us with allergy enquiries. EARL is where you can get restaurant-quality sandwiches, like the Pork Belly Sandwich, Corned Wagyu Sandwich and Harissa Lamb Sandwich. There is also a range of takeaway sandwiches, wraps and salads, but we were there for the pricier made-to-order gourmet sandwiches.
They were very generous with the duck confit which I was very please and the sweetness of the caramelised figs and the onion jam just brought the whole dish together.
I've not only heard so much about EARL Canteen from friends, I've also read really good reviews at a couple of Melbourne food blogs. So, of course, I had to try out for myself! ;) EARL serves gourmet sandwiches with a higher price range of $11-$16. But if compared to other cafes that charge you $6-9 for a normal sandwich which you could probably also make at home, why not pay an extra few bucks for something of a higher quality? ;) Apparently, they source and serve their sandwiches using ingredients that are used in high end restaurants. So, like the phrase that goes, "you pay for what you get", it works the same with these sandwiches too. Duck Confit ($16) - Sandwiched in between the ciabatta were confit duck, caramelised wild figs, walnuts, onion jam, radicchio, and watercress. My cousin really enjoyed the duck confit a lot. She even reported back saying it was her favourite among the three sandwiches that we tried. Well, I had a bite too, but I personally reckon it was a tad bit too
...Think of sandwiches such as: duck confit, pork belly, lime poached chicken and wagyu meatballs! Such a fresh change from those pre-made chilled sandwiches
500 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000 (enter via Little Bourke) Few sandwiches have captured the attention of the foodie community quite like the Otway Pork Belly Sandwich created by the folks at EARL Canteen. Such is the popularity of this item that it has been dubbed the 'sex sandwich' and has developed nothing short of a cult following. The day finally came when, despite being a fair distance away from the office, I had to have it. Otway Pork Belly Sandwich ($13.50) Generous proportions of roasted pork belly, shredded apple, fennel and cabbage coleslaw with wilted silverbeet, held together by a crusty fresh baguette. Sure sounds like a winner to me. The pork belly was roasted to absolute perfection. The meat was fall apart, melt in your mouth succulent, and the crackling was flawlessly crunchy, the saltiness providing the perfect flavour kick. I have a confession, I don't usually like pork belly as I can't stand the fatty aftertaste. This was the leanest piece of pork belly I have ever s
Earl's theory is this - everyone has a favourite sandwich story. When I asked Jackie, half of the team behind Earl what her sandwich story was she responded with a fond memory of a trip to Vietnam where they spent the best part of a day tracking down a banh mi cart
After hearing that EARL would be opening a second outpost in Collins Place I developed an insurmountable craving for pork belly that could only be cured by a long trek down to the legal district for a sandwich meal aka crackling delivery device. EARL's pork belly has long been one of my favourite sandwiches in Melbourne.
If you are ever near 500 Bourke Street, if you ever need lunch, you should call EARL Canteen!! They are the Super Hero of Baguette makers! There is plenty to choose from, the space is small but the staff are great at getting everyone sorted out and I quickly get a little nook to watch all the action from! The coffee is great, the menu is delightful but really it comes down to Pork or Meatball? Or Both! The Moondarra Wagyu Meatballs baguette in sugo with zucchini pickles, shaved parmesan is that kind of food that makes you go a little bit giddy all over! The meatballs are sooooo soft and succulent and it is just heaven in a baguette! The only thing to rival it - the Crisp skin free-range pork belly, apple baguette with cabbage and fennel coleslaw and wilted silverbeet, the crispy heavenly salty pork crackling is perfection, the pork belly and accompaniments amazing! If there were super heros for food - EARL Canteen would come to the rescue!!
YUM!. Quick service, which is handy for lunchtimes and I just love their subs. Can get a little hectic, but all in all pretty good.
The best sandwich I've had. I don't normally have sandwiches for lunch, so when I do I expect high quality stuff. EARL Canteen fits the bill perfectly. Their sandwiches are a bit pricey but rightly justified. Went with a few colleagues a few days ago, ordered a pork belly and swapped half with another colleague's half meatball so we could all have a taste. God I wish I had the whole pork belly. The skin was crispy but not sticky and the meat was tender and shredded easily without too much chewing. The mouth watering free-range meat flavour is well balanced with apple & fennel coleslaw and wilted silverbeet. Highly recommended.
Feel good food. Friendly team who keep the orders coming quickly and make sure that you have everything that you need. Always difficult to decide between the meatballs or the pork belly sandwich! ;-) The pork belly is delicious and consistently good.
Awesome sandwiches. OK, they are not cheap - in fact, the pork belly and big ones are pretty exey. But SO good. Massive temptation having it in the building.
Mad Slapper Who Knows Heaps About Food Ey
+4.5
EARL Canteen is a winna! I couldn't resist the sound of the slow roasted Harissa lamb sandwich. So I ate that. With my main man. Mmmm. What a sanga. Could have easily gone for another. Don't be put off by the more expensive sangas. They are worth every dolla. I'll be back ASAP for the chicken & chips, pork belly and meatball sangs. Xxxxx
Great sandwiches. Great concept. Have been there for lunch a couple of times and really enjoy it. The lime poached chicken and chips and the pork belly rolls are delicious! Whilst they are most definitely costly, the fillings are beautiful and are a real highlight of city lunches. I don't necessarily love their bread - it's hard to bite through for me but the flavours most definitely compensate for it.
The chicken & chips and pork belly roll are amazing! Great lunch spot! Slightly pricy though.
Definitely not your school canteen. EARL didn't leave a lasting impression on me the first time, but a recent re-visit definitely changed my mind. While some generic meals from Cafenetics will keep you going through the afternoon, the tantalising options at EARL will have you raving about lunch for days to come.
Aside from one abrupt staff member, the vibe was relaxed enough for a quick lunchtime run. Service as speedy and everyone was well taken care of.
Both the Pork Belly and Meatball Smash were excellent. I'll definitely make the trip down to this quiet part of town again soon.
Decent coffee (same woman has made my coffee every time and she's defs a keeper!) and a great range of wholesome, different salads. a little on the exy side but I'm happy to pay for the quality and freshness - if only I could afford to every day! staff are efficient and friendly. great work!
I enjoyed EARL, it's funky and it's offerings are fresh & tasty, but a little on the expensive side. Would I return....perhaps, but I wouldn't run
Didnt know sadnwiches could be this good!. I absolutely love EARL. Recently visited for the first time after hearing so much about it. And beleive me the hype is warranted. Pork belly roll!! OMG. Thanks EARL, see you really soon!!
Expensive but guilty treat. It's far more expensive than your average CBD sandwich joint and not all the combinations will appeal to everyone (but something will). The roast lamb roll is to die for on a cold winter day, or when you're starving by midday. No one can afford to eat here everyday, but you'll be back!
Best sandwiches in melbourne
Work lunch spot. Earl is guarantee.
Every sandwich I've had here (and there's been plenty) are amazing. Never let down and you can really tell they put love into their food. Good on em!
Earl is the Sandwich King. The sandwiches are good sized and great in terms of flavour. Pricing ok. This is a solid sandwich joint a cut above most
Fantastic sandwiches EARL!. We ordered the pork belly and pumpkin and gorgonzola sandwich today...wow was it amazing! The flavours were just perfect. Service was excellent despite the place being quite busy. We will definitely be back soon!
Excellent. Had lunch at EARL today. Had the harissa lamb sandwich (with yoghurt, snow peas, coriander etc) and shared a dark chocolate & salted caramel tart for dessert. Oh. My. God. I was in heaven! Highly recommend this place. Right in the legal district, heaps of seating, lovely waiters and one of the best lunches in the CBD. Sandwich came to $15 but i was absolutely stuffed and it really was gourmet (not just a crappy sandwich with roquette!). Next time im trying the meatball sandwich with onion rings and 3 cheese sauce. Mmmm. Well done to the owners and staff - really excellent service.
Great service and Great food!. I regularly get out company catering from Earl. The service is great, the food is delicious (the pork belly and the lamb sandwiches are so good, it's criminal!). My colleagues and I love this place. Five stars!
The pork belly sandwich is divine! The flavours balanced perfectly. A delicious crunch as well. A bit pricey compared to other fare, but well worth it.
Wow. Just discovered this and the reviews are correct! Harissa lamb is amaaaaazing. cant beleive ive been going to the local crap food court when this gem was only a block away from me....
Yum!. Pork Belly roll and some Macarons are amazing. Great service too!
One of the best sandwich places in the city, although some think it's a bit exxy @ around $14/roll
Bloody wet sanga!!!. Crunchy Pork Belly Sub and creamy latte these two made my day both are great. The only crap is to return to office on this freezing wet rainy pouring rain!
Just as good second time around. Visited Earl again for lunch and it was just as great as the first time. Had the duck confit sandwich and it was delish, totally recommend, very generous filling and full of flavour. Service was friendly and efficient. Can't wait to return.
I'm so lucky.... ... that I work in the same building s this gem. I've tried several of the sandwiches - all are excellent... but.. oh my.. the almond friand is actually orgasmic. Great macaroons as well.
I'd suggest that if you have a small mouth like myself, get an alternative bun as you'll find the baguette very hard to eat (because it's so big and crusty) - though it's a lovely baguette
Pork Belly Heaven. Yum.... The pork belly baguette is delicious, lovely crackling and a taste sensation. Great service, go early and grab a table in the sun.
Alright for a sandwich. It's ok but not really worth the hype. Had the pork belly in baguette and the roll cut my mouth, A bit too crunchy. Service was efficient but felt like we were looked down on as the great unwashed.
DELICIOUS!!
Crispy Pork Belly sandwich!! It doesn't get any better!!
The espresso was also excellent.
Highly recommend this little gem!
My only complaint is that I'm so full from eating so much yummy stuff! I couldn't stop!! :-)
Excellent food prepared with quality ingredients. Far better than most mass produced lunch places but no more expensive. Great for breakfast as well and top notch coffee. Hard to go past.
At other places, I spend the better part of $10 and have a middling sandwich. At earl, I pay a little more for a sublimely delicious meal, a veritable party in my mouth. They have never let me down.
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