Review Mister Zen - Melbourne

Really enjoyed our meals. So sad the place is closing down. Hope new management take on existing staff as they are pretty good.

I really loved the coffee, and the smashed avo was awesome. Service was a bit iffy though, hard to tell if our waiter was super dry or actually just rude.

Great coffee and delicious food. ❤

Super friendly staff, good coffee and the food is actually truly incredible. The cafe seating area is nice with both indoor and outdoor seating spaces. Lovely atmosphere and menu selection. Will definitely be my go to cafe in this area.

Great food, very friendly and great service

Also very sad & disappointed this cafe has changed hands & all the amazing staff have disappeared. Staff used to interact with us & our kids bringing coffee & babycino before even having a chance to order. They were what made it a great place to visit. Staff now have little interaction. Had a salad last week - food quality also diminished - over oily & had fried kale in it? We won't be back - heading to cafe 12 or Tall Timber instead.

Great black coffee. Solid eggs on sourdough, bacon and sausage brunch. Yummy looking cakes. Open every day including Easter. Can be busy and a bit noisy. A good off Chapel Street option.

I can’t understand why cafes in the immediate area get more attention. This cafe is a little gem, quiet, good vibes, and quick service. The owner is awesome. And the food is top notch, with good coffee to match.

I love brunch & brunch is life. Came here with EatClub as they offered 50% off the total bill. Only cash payment is allowed if booked via EatClub 👎🏻<br/><br/>Ordered:<br/>Matcha Latte $5 🍵 <br/>Huevos Rancheros $16 🍳<br/><br/>The Huevos Rancheros is basically a baked bean + chickpea dish in tomato sauce 🥫 topped with two sunny-side eggs 🍳 & chorizo, with a side of multigrain toast 🍞 Generous portion size plus the baked dish was loaded with baked beans + chickpeas, every bite was so satisfying. Taste was just right, not overly salty or tasteless. I personally found the chorizo slightly salty but I guess it was prepared / marinated in that way? I actually couldn’t finish my meal & had to takeaway the remainders.<br/><br/>Really enjoyed the high protein meal, especially after my morning F45 class. 💯 will come back. Service was amazing, super friendly & accommodating staffs. Came to check on me if the meal was alright, warned me that the dish just gone out of the oven & to be mindful plus asking me what milk I wanted with my coffee when I didn’t mention it. Just impossible to give this place any lower than a 5 star ⭐️ ratings.

The service was very friendly and the wait time was reasonable, the food was good, with good prices for the large servings. We would definitely come back and recommend this cafe.

- You get a decent portion of food for what you pay.<br/>- They make good burgers and omelettes.<br/>- Staff are very friendly.<br/>- they have a few large tables for groups

4.5/5 <br/>I called in here and had a coffee. The service was friendly and helpful.<br/><br/>My strong skinny latte was excellent, although it was a large coffee unfortunately. Even so it had a great amount of froth and the flavour was perfect.<br/><br/>I’m definitely going back for another coffee soon.<br/>And they have some good daily food specials too.

went here on Wednesday noon. lots of seating available. express lunch specials where meal plus choice of coffee wine or beer for 15 bucks looks good. friend and I both ordered the crab omelette with pumpkin toast. sizeable portion for 15.90. exceptionally reasonable price<br/><br/>pumpkin toast just tasted like sourdough. quite disappointing. I make my own zucchini and sweet potato bread and they have distinct flavours hence found the toast disappointing.<br/><br/>the omelette didn't have any flavours either other than a slight seafood taste<br/><br/>quick friendly service. reasonable price but flavours could be improved.

Disappointing...this place USED to be good. Food is terrible coffee is shocking and service well...no comment! Don’t bother...you will be terribly disappointed

Mister Zen has recently taken a turn for the worst. Poor service and questionable food. Unfortunate as it's a beautiful setting and in a great location.

Food. Glorious Food. <br/>I thoroughly enjoyed my brunch experience here! After not being able to get a table at tall timber we stumbled across this place and actually, i think I'll be coming here instead now! <br/> The service was swift and the coffee was on point.<br/>I had the corn fritters which were not only incredible tasting but a decent serving size!! <br/>They also offer a $15 lunch which includes a coffee which is a fantastic price in this area- considering most brunch outings generally add up to at least $30!!

I won’t be coming here. Please see attached picture as to reason. I cannot support a business that have obviously such a catty and petty team.

Met a couple of friends here for lunch yesterday. They were there when I arrived so our table was ready and menus and water were already waiting.<br/>Red wine, soft drinks and a sparkling wine came while we chose the food. All day breakfast appealed to one of my dining companions as she chose smashed avocado on sourdough with feta and poached egg. I selected toasted vegetable and feta sandwich with tomato relish. Lastly was spiced cauliflower soup with buttered toast. All our meals were delicious and well presented. Unfortunately we didn't have time for sweets but there was quite a selection in a cabinet near the entrance.

Formerly the Hotel Saville, Mister Zen occupies a modern space on the ground floor of an unusual octagonal building. The complex received notoriety back in 2015 when a total renovation was undertaken by TV’s, The Block contestants. The menu runs similar to most ‘trendy’ cafés out there, however, I did manage to find something a little different which was pleasing! Welcoming, friendly service, the bao was great and their coffee by Five Senses a bonus!

> Shakshuka baked eggs- North African baked breakfast of baked eggs in tomato sauce is doubly delicious with feta, sumac, herbs and toasted sourdough <<br/><br/>Mr Zen is a very modern café with a wonderful vibe! The plating of the dishes is like no other, the service was immaculate, and they have some very delicious food! The North African eggs sounded incredible so we had to get them! With no surprises, the dish lived up to its amazing title (SMILE) It was not like any average shakshuka that you would find at your local café. The eggs were amazing and cooked to perfection, the toast was so perfectly crunchy, the mushrooms were succulent and so delicious, and the feta was an amazing addition to the dish and made this shakshuka a one of a kind. We would really recommend trying this place if you are in the area or are just craving some decent shakshuka.<br/>The breakfastpiggy team

So sad this restaurant has changed hands. All the staff used to know us & the kids - bringing our coffee & babycino without saying a word. They were so friendly - their personalities & friendliness made this cafe. All the staff have disappeared with new owners. Staff now have little interaction with patrons. Food quality also diminished - salad over oily with fried kale in it? We will be going to Tall Timber or Cafe 12 instead.

Purely went to this place for its significance of being part of The Block, and was pleasantly surprised at the exception service and great tasting dishes. I had the waffles, and the mascarpone was as good as any mascarpone I've ever had. I would definitely go back, not just for The Block experience, but more for a great overall experience.

Had the shakshuka eggs and coffee today. Absolutely devine. Cannot fault the service, food, coffee. Waitstaff friendly and engaging and the eggs amazing!

This acai bowl looked phenomenal on Instagram and as they say we eat with our eyes. I don't know what people are doing these days with their birds eye views or long lens camera or super HD imagery but that smoothie bowl did not look so hot in real life. It had a very thin consistency and was completely unbalanced. The dried bananas were so sweet as dried fruit always is and so were the fruit gel cubes to the point where the dish lost its freshness and reason for being. I choose an acai bowl for a clean and healthy (natural sugars) choice not for it to taste so sweet I may as well have had hotcakes. The green smoothie I ordered helped to counter the sweetness to some extent but it wasn't worth the hassle of parking on commercial road and it's pretty ironic that Mister Zen bills itself as having a menu with a healthy influence. The best thing about this spot is the bang on interiors you may have seen featured on The Block during a renovation challenge. Wrong reality show Masterchef it ain't

Came here awhile ago and had the waffles and it was sooo good! Good coffee and great service. We sat outside which was a little cold at the time and they prepared blanket for us to use. Great brunch place!

Food and Coffee: We ordered smashed pumpkin, eggs benedict, mac n cheese. The smashed pumpkin was delicious and the benedict was good too. Coffee was also amazing so shout out to the barista and their soy skills.<br/><br/>Service: 10/10 everyone was lovely and genuine thanks to our waitresses Eleni & Liz for taking such good care of us. We work in hospitality too so we really do appreciate great customer service.

Started going to Mister Zen about a year ago. The coffee has never been great. We work nearby and on at least 3 occasions we've mentioned to staff that the coffee is not good. Don't think they they ever took it on board because the quality didn't improve. The staff vary from super friendly to super surly as if I should apologise to her for the inconvenience of making me a coffee..Not a fan of the food either. This place quite literally leaves a bad taste in my mouth. What a shame..I pay for coffee everyday. I want to enjoy it!

If you love a sweet breakfast the wholemeal waffles are for you! I tried my friend's wedges with Jalapeño aioli and they were delicious! I've tried the scramble eggs here before and they was super tasty. So far I have been super impressed with everything I've tried. On top of that, the staff are super friendly and the ambiance is great! This is quickly becoming my go-to breakfast spot in Prahran.

Just went there for the first time today and was very happy with my brunch, had the best eggs benedict. <br/>Coffee was also spot on. :)<br/>Great spot to hang out a few minutes from chapel st.

Food was ok coffee way to hot! Service very slow wouldn't go back way more options close by. Was a shame as I just moved to the area and was looking for a new hangout :(

Great service with a great menu and food. Great little outside area to relax Highly recommend. Will definately be back to try more items from the menu.

Enjoyed this cafe for brunch today. Great service, very friendly staff and excellent food (had the baked eggs and the mushroom medley hollandaise). 5 Senses coffee was a bit disappointing. . .just seemed to lack depth of flavour, but will definitely go back for the great food and cheerful service.

Beautiful presented food, which were pretty delectable on the tastebuds. I like how the baked eggs weren't too salty with a pita bread alternative instead of the usual sour dough. Their dessert had many depths of flavours and I particularly enjoyed their ice cream.

Coffeè isn't bad, but it's not great.. <br/>Menu is pretty limited and not very good. <br/><br/>Had the breakfast chia, left the most awful taste in my mouth.. <br/><br/>Pretty disappointing over all. Wouldn't go back

for me I think the breakfast is good and the food are very nice looking！A bit far from chapel St but not hard to find it. With 2 friends and have a nice brunch there

Mister Zen ticks all the boxes - excellent, and I mean excellent coffee, a short yet sweet menu with all your favourite brunch dishes and more and friendly staff and efficient service! For those of us in a rush, there are lots of delicious goodies to take away too. I'm glad this wonderful establishment is so close to work, as I'm sure many others are.

Let's get down to business. Ive had a lot of coffee in my life. I mean ALOT! Mister Zen's latte is the best I have ever tasted. Simply put!<br/><br/>The coffee is superb and the mixture of coffee and milk is just right. It's been a month since my last Mister Zen latte and I still have the damn craving!

Very cool place, small menu but nice. Amazing smoothie bowl, good serve and full of flavour, the smoothie part was a nice banana/raspberry/orange flavour. Great!

What a disappointing cafe! Walked in for lunch and ignored by staff. Eventually seated but had to go and find our own menus and never offered any water or drinks. Upon ordering our food we had to wait over 40 minutes and once served it was TERRIBLE. I ordered the "booster salad" and all it was was cold quinoa, cold sweet potato and cold cauliflower. No taste and no love put in whatsoever. The poached egg on top was not poached (more boiled) and was stone cold. My partner's meal of cured salmon involved cold toast, two cold eggs and 3 tiny bits of salmon and some smashed avocado. All this disappointment and I had to still pay $37.00  . . Avoid this place! Over the road is a lovely little cafe that is making yummy food and has a lot more soul then this cafe ..

Great food, great service. They have big decorative concrete balls out the front, they don't do anything, I tried to kick one into traffic and I hurt my foot.

Tasty food, friendly and prompt service, great atmosphere. Coffee warranted a second serve. They have all-day breakfast. But everyone should.

What a total disappointment. From the moment I arrived, this place was rubbish. The coffee was cold, the food was bland, tasteless and inedible and the service was appalling. Won't bother going back. Ever.

Just had breakfast here and honestly it was quite possibly the worst meal I've ever had in a restaurant. $19 for the zucchini fritters with poached eggs - the fritters were tiny (and not very tasty), and the eggs were sitting in what I can only describe as a bowl of pumpkin soup. It was ridiculous. I had to order toast just so I could recover the eggs and have some sort of a meal. Definitely wouldn't recommend going there for anything but a tea/coffee. Highly disappointing (and quite frankly a waste of money).

Excellent little cafe for both breakkie and lunch. Coffee is good, highly recommend the soft shell crab burger. Friendly service too. I have to say I prefer this to tall timber now, partly because it is not as busy but it is also less pretentious.

Read the other reviews carefully. Can't even poach an egg to order. Very disappointing waste of calories. Quality of food and service has deteriorated since opening. Tall Timber blocks away is much better. Outside area full of screaming kids so if looking for somewhere to eat and let your kids run amok then this is a good option for you.

I frequent Mr Zen atleast 3 times per week and I have to say they are far and away the best cafe in the area. Amazing staff, super friendly. Food is great, I quite ofter get a breakfast brioche or brownie which is divine. Definately one to try.

Sunday brunch at Mister Zen was perfect. The service was incredible from the moment we arrived. I had the baked eggs which were a generous serve of delicious beans, lamb meatballs, tomato and perfectly cooked eggs & served with a side of toast. I'll definitely be back!

It’s no surprise that Mister Zen’s stylish interior and delicious food has been on the radars of most, primarily due to the publicity it’s received from last seasons ‘The Block’. Located at the base of the apartments featured on the hit TV show, the cafe was a team challenge to create attraction to building.

People must be kidding with this rating! This place is great. What an interesting menu , im so glad I didnt turn away becoz of the average rating, it was definitely worth the try and will absolutely go back to try the rest of the menu.

Recommend the French Toast highly, was lovely! <br/>Also The Big Breakfast and the Four Grain Almond Milk Porridge was great! <br/>Seating is limited and coffee was cold unfortunately. <br/>

Great little cafe !! Meals are huge! ! Very well priced. Very little interaction with staff however quick with service. <br/>Baked eggs were rich but delicious, too big to eat all, presented great. Smashed avo was very creamy with an interesting twist on their poached eggs ... unsure how I feel about the smokey flavour. Overall pretty great !

Ambience - nice open and bright, with inside and outside seating available. Chilled electronic music.<br/>Coffee by 5 seeds - I enjoy a soy latte, good texture and colour, mild sweet and nutty flavour.<br/>Food - good selection, all coming out of the kitchen beautifully constructed. I enjoyed our the super food salad - bright and vibrant mix of vegetarian good stuff, well decorated with a beetroot paste, love the pomegranate seeds. Poached egg soft and gooey - cooked perfectly. Overall, however, a bit bland... But could be made better with a dollop of goats cheese.<br/> Negative - FOH seem a tad lost, and I watched a staff member wipe the countertop after wiping a spill on the floor.

Mister Zen is best known as a design challenge on reality series – ‘The Block’.  Not the show where they cook things and cry, but the show where they renovate things and cry. Reality tv… it brings out the hormonal pregnant lady in all of us. Admittedly, I’ve never watched a full episode, I’m more of a Masterchef gal. Nonetheless, Mister Zen is a sanctuary on the bustling Commercial Rd. Designed with the assistance of architect Julian Brenchley, the resulting interior is simple and clean. The concrete spheres

Have been here a few times and each time it has been amazing! The food is delicious and on par with their service. Not to mention the fantastic music they have playing! Had the Atlantic salmon with soba noodles - recommended by the staff- and it was amazing. Looking forward to coming back and having it again. The service was quick which was great for my lunch break. The coffee also delectable. Will definitely be back!!

So my boyfriend and I went here after the queue for Tall Timber was too long as we were in a bit of a rush so we decided to try Mister Zen as I remembered their food being recommended on several Instagram pages. <br/><br/>However... Unfortunately the food doesn't taste as good as what it does in the pictures! I had the acai bowl, which was just alright. It looked very pretty but wasn't very filling at all compared to some of the other ones I've had in Melbourne. Plus the jelly in it was strAnge and the granola consisted more of dried fruit.<br/><br/>But that wasn't the worst bit. My partner ordered the big breakfast. Again it looked pretty, but it was by far the worst breakfast I've ever tried! Everything just tasted so weird. Not sure if it was a one off because really nothing tasted right! The tomato, spinach and eggs tasted as if it's been watered down. The sausage .... Actually made me gag. Never tasted anything so gross. <br/><br/>Plus the coffee and the chai was very average as well. <br/><br/>I would not recommend . However on the plus side though, the staff were really nice and lovely but that's the only positive I'm afraid. We were both very disappointed. Maybe they should focus on the food tasting great rather than looking great first.

Funky yet intimate cafe - love the florist cart on the weekends and the food is delicious ,as is the coffee and fresh juices.<br/>Friendly staff make it a great place for breakfast or a catch up with friends.<br/>Love it 💞

Everything was amazing- food, service, soy chai, the atmosphere ! Would definitely recommend this place. P.S. They even provide blankets for everyone!!

Famous for being part of the 2015 edition of the TV show "The Block" this coffee shop offers good quality coffee, with a decent choice of pastries and breakfast. The service is generally inattentive, although not terrible. Basically it is an average coffee shop, not worth making a trip to get here but nice enough if it happens to be on your way.

First things first - the staff at Mister Zen are super friendly & attentive to their customers! My friend was having trouble with cutting the bread from his big breakfast as the loaf of bread was tough. The waiter noticed he was struggling with his meal hence, he notified the chef & happily gave two extra slices of toast. We appreciated the help & service! On another note, I ordered the soft shell crab burger and it was one of the best ones I've had! Shame it was quite a small portion, I could have eaten another one - also cause it was THAT good :)

I have seen this place numerous of times and it sure have been in my list. I had the pleasure of trying this place out and ordering the brioche french toast and skinny latte. The french toast did not disappoint but because I am such a coffee addict this place didn't do me any justice. I find the coffee a little bit bland. I wish they are able to fix their skinny flat white and make sure that they can give it a bit more kick to it. Customer service is good.

Even though I work around the corner from here, I haven't had the chance to visit them for brunch. Today was the day (when the temperature was 38 degrees, haha). Walked into the place with my friends and was happy the aircon was making the resturant so much better! The staff greeted us and pretty much everyone was friendly. Started off with the drinks- today called for #FreshJuice due to the heat (#Watermelon and #Beetroot as shown in picture). I was contemplating over the french toast and another dish but the waitress suggested the toast and that was definitely the right choice! We ended up getting the #FrenchToast, #EggsOnToast and #RaspberrySmoothie all from the breakfast menu (photos). Had a pretty good experience and the pricing is isn't overly expensive for the food. Definitely a place to visit for brunch!

Stunning little cafe'. Yumm food but really average coffee. Would love to see some feedback cards at this cafe' as they are new and have received a bit of publicity thanks to The Block. Customers feedback would help them get a better idea of their wins and failures.

Outrageous service: most servers were being extremely rude and racist to us. I was there just then for a light meal + coffee with my mother. My mother, who is here under a guardian visa (to support my education here in Melbourne, as I am only 15 years old): for those who do not know much about this, in Australia, you cannot have an occupation nor go to school if you're here as a guardian visa. So naturally, my mum never had the chance to learn how to speak English, so she's not very good at speaking the language. But she tries her best to improve her English, and the only way she does this is when she goes out to grab coffee. It's her favourite time of the day, talking to other people and drinking coffee. So her English  should not be something that should be used against her. But occasionally people judge her on this, without knowing that she's sacrificing her life for her children. I don't know why it's a sin not to be able to speak a foreign language, but apparently, it sometimes can be. Usually, when we face racism, we dismiss it, and try not to make such fuss out of it. But today was just upsetting. So though I know that writing this review will make barely any difference, I must write this down. <br/><br/>The moment we sat down, we realised how the waiters were treating us in contrast to how they were treating other Australian customers. They were friendly, having pleasant conversations- but to us they didn't even bother giving us water. When our food arrived, the guy merely tossed it at us, so that the bun on the burger slid down. Feeling self-conscience and uncomfortable, we decided to go. <br/><br/>It might sound like nothing, when reading the situation. But when you're in it, and you see how the waiters are laughing with other customers, and then looking at you up and down, you know that it's discrimination. We were the only Asian customers there. Now I understand why assimilation happens in this country. You feel the suffocation, the discreet judgement. Only when you're "part of them" that they treat you humanely. As a student who's learning about multiculturism in this country I can only say that I'm disappointed. What I've witnessed in that horrible cafe today should not occur. It shouldn't happen. Luckily, most cafes in Melbourne are considerate when it comes to non-English speaking customers. And seeing that Melbourne is an immigration city, it's natural that people here should be understanding and respectful towards other cultures. <br/>And you can say that I'm being dramatic, but remember this: your inconsiderate attitude is what builds walls between individuals. It's what shuts people in their homes. It's why some European family friends that I know still cannot speak English, after 40 years of living in Australia, because they never had the chance to establish relationships here. So before saying "then she should learn to speak the bloody language", reflect back on your own behaviours and think maybe that it's minds like you that are responsible for people who refuse to be like other Australians. <br/><br/>So to Mister Zen (so ironic that the name of this cafe is oriental), I want to say congratulations for having one of the worst waiters in South Yarra.  If a 15-year-old student is appalled by the grown-ups at your place, then maybe that's saying something.

Love Love Love! So good to finally have a great cafe up this end of commercial road. So close to the hospital, Mister Zen staff welcome everyone with excellent service in their cosy cafe! Cannot wait for the sun to start shining, Melbourne this is will be the place to be, Menu is Amazing!

Before to go there, and give them your money, just think about this: they ask to people that try to find a job to come around for a trial when they have to fill the rosters and then they never call you back or answer to the phone to say if you passed the trial or not. They just disappear.. Cowards! 6 hours of work not paid... Probably they do it every time they need someone when they are busy. Easy! Think about it, then it's up to you.

Had brunch at Mister Zen on Sunday and was pretty impressed. Managed to get a table quite easily which was a nice change for the Melbourne cafe scene.  My friend and I both ordered the smashed avocado with feta and smoked eggs on chia loaf. I often find smashed avocado a bit bland but this was really tasty with the perfect ratio of avocado to feta. I also really enjoyed the thin slices of chia loaf and the texture of the smoked eggs.

Excited for this new cafe as it is across the road from my house. Coffee is great and the outdoor set up is nice, loads of blankets available for when the sun isn't out! I only had avocado smash with eggs which was great, but keen to go back and try other options on the menu!

Great outdoor seating area, have blankets too if you get cold. We've only tried the coffee here but will be back for a meal. Coffee was good. Makes The Block building above it look modern.

No interest in The Block. Plenty of interest in good food. So thankful for this new cafe to be open walking distance from my office. <br/><br/>New Blog post for Mister Zen is up :)