John Gorilla is hands down the most delicious, welcoming, heart warming joint in Brunswick.
John Gorilla is a hidden gem found in Brunswick. A lot of little cafes like this don't produce the best food but this cafe is brilliant. What it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. The food is amazing. The staff are very friendly and always greet you with a warm smile. Some cons to it is the coffee is unreliable and it is a bit expensive. I highly recommend this cafe.
We stopped in for a mid week autumn lunch in the back of brunswick, and were not disappointed. The attentive staff made us feel welcomed, and cared for. Menus appeared quickly. Coffee was great.
The food was beautifully served and full of complex flavours. I had the cubano sandwich which was simply amazing.
While this one is a little out of the way, it is a gem that needs to be experienced
A rare find.
John Gorilla is a bit quirky but in the few visits for coffee we have not been disappointed.
We had the opportunity to stop by for Saturday morning breakfast and were very positively surprised.
A very prompt friendly greeting as soon as we walked in and quickly seated with coffee orders taken while we decided on food.
The menu is thoughtful with some fantastic opportunities to build with extras.
We decided on the Corn & Jalapeno Fritters with a couple of poached eggs and the Haloumi Bagel. Good choices. Very happy with the way the dishes were put together and presented. Generous flavours and very fulfilling serves.
Friendly and attentive staff circulating all the time.Well worth the visit.
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John Gorilla is classic retro Brunswick cafe serving magnificent food and coffee in a relaxing sociable environment. The small yet humble cafe features an intimate courtyard out the back as well as a small amount of bench seating out the front on Pearson Street. The interior is very homestyle, separated into two different rooms. When entering there is a long low table situated on the left of the main counter ideal if your just having a coffee or study session with friends. The additional room is slightly larger where most of the seating is. Wooden tables with blue booth style seatings screams vintage. Old school wall paper and miscellaneous paintings featured throughout the cafe gives John Gorilla its unique feel which locals seem to thrive off.
A waitress greeted me and I sat myself in the second room on one of those outrageously comfortable cushioned booted seats against the wall under, the specials blackboard by the window with the perfect spot to engage in some mindless people watching. I was given time to view their simple yet tasty menu but thought I would just start with a coffee, getting caffeine in my veins in an attempt to try and get some work done. The brew was good. Strong and thick with a great velvety texture and earthy tart favour.
Tummy grumbling and a menu featuring house made granola I was sold. I decided to satisfy my cravings and ordered the honey toasted granola with vanilla labne, poached pears and fresh strawberries minus the strawberry buttermilk and replaced it with almond milk due to dietary requirements. The dish looked adorable and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Firstly that vanilla labne was the best I’ve had, thick creamy and not overly sweet with plenty of flavour. The poached pears where tender and fell apart with ease. The granola itself was equally as superb, chunky and well toasted bringing a biter tasting note which I loved. From almost whole dried figs, nuts, shards of coconut, seeds and chewy oats all dressed in pungent honey this granola was a naughty indulgence.
John Gorilla has now become one of my favourite cafes in the area purely due to the friendly staff, great coffee and flawless food. The atmosphere is completely relaxed with locals popping in for there daily feed. I certainly will be back when the weather gets warmer to take the opportunity to kick back in the courtyard out the back to truely witness this cafe in full effect.
I love this little neighbourhood cafe. Was my local for a long time. Ventured back today because I knew it was dog friendly. The breakfast was really good, top ticket items run $18-$22 but it was really well executed , both food and coffee. I'm a fan.
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This cafe is tucked away at the quieter end of Brunswick west and not easily accessible by public transport. It's easy to dismiss this cafe from outside looking in but is definitely a different feel the minute you walk in. I was curious to check this cafe out after being featured in the melbourne spring 2017 official visitor guide. According to the guide, the avocado piquillo (avo on sourdough with poached eggs and piquillo peppers) comes highly recommended by locals in the know. So that's the dish I ordered with almond latte and one of the specials of the day- porchini mushrooms soup with cheese toast. The coffee was really good and I had to ask which almond milk the barista use. The avo piquillo was fresh and tasty but I wouldn't travel far for it. On the other hand, the soup was delish!! Loved the interior decors with interesting ornaments on the table, wall and shelves. Staff are friendly too. Would recommend this cafe if you're around the area, plenty of off street parking in the residential area and you don't have to worry about long wait for this hidden gem.
Went here for breakfast over the weekend. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the food and coffee is incredible! Highly recommended!
The Beauty Of Melbourne
+4
John Gorilla makes the best scrambled eggs in Brunswick (and I've done the rounds to know) love their relish also. Coffee can sometime be a bit hit and miss however but I always enjoy breakfast here.
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John Gorilla. I didn't think much of it online when my friend suggested it for breakfast this morning but I couldn't believe how cute it was when I stepped inside. Loved the set up with the portrait wall, hanging lights and measuring tape detailing (random) on the counter. The mismatched plates were super cute too. On to the food. Now while lots of places employ a strictly no alterations and no split bills policy I still find it so inflexible and unnecessary. Sure you don't want a line of people waiting behind some annoying person who's standing there itemising a bill but if there's no one around and you just want to split in half it's really no skin off their nose. Likewise if I want to swap the tofu in my meal to the smoked salmon (which is on the sides menu) I don't see how that's really going to overcomplicate life in the kitchen. I mean I know we are in Brunswick but who wants tofu in their breakfast burrito anyway?? This is definitely a local hang as evidenced by the owner/waitress chatting intimate life details with every patron in the place to the detriment of serving my friend and I, clearly the interlopers. Overall I loved the atmosphere and vibe but the menu was a little too hipster for my liking. Definitely worth checking out though
King Kong does breakfast
Potato cakes with gruyere
Are out of this world
[This was honestly one of the best meals I've had in recent memory. Beautiful, juicy cherry tomatoes, nicely seasoned asparagus, perfectly poached eggs on a gruyere potato cake set into a modest bed of avo puree and set off with a succulent and flavoursome chorizo. Wonderful stuff.]
To the John Gorilla staff!
Every experience has be an absolute delight! Beautiful people and amazing wholesome and healthy food! This place is where you want to be for great coffee, good vibes and tunes and bring your hounds! They love it all! One of my fav places in melbourne!!!!
A lovely eatery in Brunswick West, the menu is kept fresh and the specials are always exciting and tasty. Generous serving sizes, magnificent coffee and I love the large communal table. Warm staff, charming characters and always something new to try this establishment is a gem.
Very conveniently located cafe, with an amazing selection of foods. They introduce new French toasts every once in a while and so far, they've all been amazing. The staff are always incredibly nice and friendly and the coffee always on point!
Came in today with my sister, first time I've eaten here. Coffee was good, food was great, service was excellent! it's a shame after reading some of the reviews on here. We were felt really welcomed, and the guy that served us at our table went above and beyond. place wasn't super packed and we could chill out with the dogs in the courtyard. Will definitely be back! ❤
This used to be my local, I was there every Saturday and the food was always amazing. Very generous portions, especially the sides. One of the highlights for me is the doggies out the back. You're guaranteed a great brunch here
We ventured over to this old favourite for a much overdue visit today and I'm glad to say not much has changed. Still excellent coffee, a great menu with a mix of old favourites (today's kaiserfleisch bacon hash is a must do!!) and new. If possible leave room for one of the delicious cakes or treats at the front counter! All round a great place that has stood the test over the years!
ordered poached eggs on toast with bacon and mushrooms. a little more expensive then normal as they don't have a 'big breakfast' on the menu, everything had to be ordered separately. none the less, food of good quality and just the 'right' amount of grease to cure a hang over. coffee if also good quality, not too bitter, very traditional.
Great service and great food. I had the Avocado smash and I loved it, coffee was also really good. Definitely will be returning again, thanks
FoodingAroundMelbourne
+4
Easy to get to although sometimes difficult to park. Lots of seating. Friendly staff. Lots of food options all of which are a taste sensation.
The cafe is quite spacious and nice. I got the honey roasted granola and an iced mocha. I didn't have to wait too long for the food/drinks to come out and everything was all really delicious and well made. The only downside was the staff member who served was quite rude- we wanted to double on ingredients in meals as my friend has dietary requirements and she talked down to him and was very unhelpful/rude. He ended up just getting a latte since we didn't know what food ingredients were used in anything else.
Coffee is usually pretty good, and the staff are always friendly. However, I'd love it if the menu could have an alternative to a ham and cheese toasty or sandwich? I don't eat red meat, which limits my choices here somewhat.
Regardless, this place always has yummy afternoon tea snacks, and an excellent variety of dogs for your dog spotting needs!
I wish this were my local. Friendly staff, gorgeous decor, smooth coffee, and scrumptious food. I recommend the Eggs Hemingway.
Say hi to the doggie residents if you're a pooch lover. :)
There's nothing to be said when you find a location that is quaint and peaceful, and for those that struggle in the morning it's always a blessing in disguise when you stumble upon it. John Gorilla Cafe is tucked in the back streets of Brunswick west and although a popular choice with the locals, it remains to be a charming and relaxing.
I love knowing that this cafe is just up the street and opens early, it means when I'm really struggling to get out of bed to go to work I can have a quick stop here and reboot.
Quaint and friendly, this day lit cafe is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed casual breakfast or lunch. Street dining, inside and courtyard options to match to your particular style of dining.
Breakfast for champions and coffee to match
This cute corner cafe is exactly what is needed on a lovely Sunday morning. I often walk my dog past this cafe and meet the other dog owners of the area. I am always greeted with a warm and bubbly smile from one of the wait staff. The coffee, in particular today's coffee, was fantastic! It is the perfect blend with punchy flavours. Unlike other coffees in Melbourne, who focus on a soft flavour to mix in with the milk undertones, this coffee is bold and slightly bitter. Well done on nailing it!
This cafe is wonderful. Great space, staff are always warm and welcoming (remembering my name, even!) and the food is unreal.
The menu is a little on the pricey side, but the food is so good that I honestly don't mind. Every time there's a new special, I'm never disappointed.
Thanks for being great, John Gorilla!
Awesome little neighbourhood cafe which has become my favourite local for breakfast. Poached eggs are always cooked to perfection (runny yolk, but no runny egg white) and whilst a small menu, good choices are available and they always have 3-4 decent things on the specials board. They also have a great little selection of cakes and cookies. There is also a great little courtyard area out the back which is a great spot to sit when the weather is right. They also do a nice cold brew coffee when you want your caffiene fix but want a cold drink.
The coffee is really good and the staff are super nice. The food can be a bit pricey... but it's pretty darn good!!!! The cakes and sweets are always super alluring. I love you, John Gorilla!
Lovely little cafe tucked away in Brunswick West. The decor is super cute and the food/coffee is consistently great (I especially love the ham and cheese toastie and the Reuben). Staff are warm and friendly, overall a great place 👍🏼
The food is a little bit on the expensive side and it can get a bit busy (especially on weekends). But both the food and coffee are really great. and the staff are not bad either.
Always something interesting on the menu. Lovely venue, staff are friendly although they are inflexible with the menu so no swapping the black pudding out for a sausage or whatever. Good coffee.
A beautifully restored building with flooding sunlight in the morning. Interesting menu, delicious cakes and friendly staff. Try the French toast with maple- outstanding.
Great breakfast place, we both had the special of poached egg, hollandaise and chorizo and it was great. Eggs were solid whites and runny yokes, hollandaise was the classic, don't mess with a good thing, type and the toast was fresh, easy to cut and dripping with butter. In addition it's surprisingly large so there was no wait for a table, service was prompt and the staff super friendly. Will def go back.
JGs is just down the road from us and we pop in for the occasional coffee. The guys are polite and make a good brew, had the French toast also and that was on point.
Love Love Love. As a regular to John Gorilla and a hospo veteran, I'm saddened (but not shocked) at any negative reviews for this gem of a cafe. Some people just don't walk on the bright side. My favourite being 'Thanks for the sugar we didn't ask for' as if that's the ultimate insult to humanity. No amount of sugar can clearly help that sourpuss. I for one LOVE JG for its consistency, uber friendly staff, awesome specials (to keep things interesting for regulars such as myself) and faultless coffee. I regularly take the long way to the tram stop to pop in for my morning coffee and to see if I can resist the Mad Hatters Tea Party-esque display of cakes and treats. Massive thumbs up from a local lifer x
This place is amazing, my favourite in the area - don't know why there is many negative reviews! Love that they use padre coffee & that the breakfasts are always of good quality & size. No real negatives other than the waiters could be more friendly.
First time here & I'll be back. Friendly staff & great coffee...I had roast veg salad with quinoa- very tasty & fresh. Had to wait 30 minutes for our meal as it was a Sunday & they were very busy... That won't put me off from returning though.
This cafe has left me without superlatives. Just the best. Great atmosphere and awesome service.
Friendly staff, good service, good coffee and yet to have a meal I did not enjoy here. The choice tunes are an added bonus for a music lover.
-----29 Aug, 2014-----
Great coffee, great music, great vibes.
Great bircher. Bircher muesli was very good possibly the best I've had.
Staff were really good, friendly fast and brought some water for my dog which is always nice.
Coffee was fine.
Loves it. I have been coming here since the cafe opened, great morning coffee and I especially love the BLAT. After reading other reviews I must say I do not have 1 bad thing to say about the food and coffee. The owner and her staff are always really friendly and enjoy and enjoy a chat.
I have recommend this place to numerous people and I often take my family here for a meal and coffee.
Great little place in Brunswick.
S
Lovely!. This is a cute little cafe with amazing looking treats, friendly staff and a vintage feel. The granola with honey labne is to die for. Generous servings and I found it hard to stop shovelling the granola and poached fruits. Will definetly be back to try the mushroom and haloumi bagel!
Great!. Went this morning for a quick breakfast. Usually only do brekky on a weekend, and this place always looks so busy on Sat and Sunday! Plenty of room on Tuesday morning at 8am. I love the decor - very kitsch, and very clean. Orders came straight away. What I loved is that I could order a kid's meal - one egg on toast - two is usually too much - and added some smoked salmon (which they piled on!). My friend had fried eggs on toast with added bacon - again, they didn't skimp in the bacon! Good coffee too. Service was quick and friendly. Will be back.
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Awesome!. First time at john gorilla today after hearing many wonderful things about it from our neighbours who are regulars. and they weren't wrong. the place was packed when we arrived but they somehow managed to squeeze us in. the sweet young waitress took our drinks order straight away and told us about the specials. coffees arrived in 5 minutes and, wow, our long blacks were exquisite. full of depth and wonderful flavours. we ordered one each of the specials. thoughtfully devised as there was one sweet and one savoury offering. probably the best cafe food i have ever had. the sweet special comprised of poached pear and rhubarb, layered between house-made flakey pastry and honey labne. a delicate balance of flavours enhanced by our second round of, yet again, wonderful, timely long blacks. the savoury special comprised a decent chunk of cheesy polenta, poached eggs, rocket, bacon and herbed hollandaise. we topped it all off with a house-made chocolate and pistachio doughnut and rolled out of the plave not needing to eat for a week. john gorilla! we'll be back!!!
Bloody good stuff. That omelette blew me away something fierce!!!
Make your own decision. OK, I go to John Gorilla a few times a month and I finally get around to writing a review.
The coffee's really good. The menu is the best part; it's varied and creative. The black pudding reminds me of my mum's and I can recommend the BLAT.
IT IS kid-friendly and mine love the Mad magazines. The wait staff are typically hard-working and usually up for a smile and a chat if you want. The decor is fun with lots of special touches. I recommend having a meal or a coffee and checking it out.
Sooooo yum. Popped in to john gorilla today for a quick coffee. it was delicious- nutty and rich and at perfect strength and temperature. could not resist having a piece of the raspberry cake. love this place.
Warm and Friendly. I am a Brunswick West local and I'm adding my two cents worth on behalf of the many many locals who frequent John Gorilla daily. We love it and we owe John Gorilla a huge apology for not professing our love sooner. You see, people only post on Urbanspoon when they want to whinge. And there seems to be many of those in my 'hood. From day one, the staff at JG have been warm and friendly. They know my coffee order (best coffee in Melbourne) and have it ready for me by the time I am seated. Walking through their doors is the best part of my day. The staff make me laugh and the ever-changing decor makes me smile. So much thought goes in to it all. Food is amazing. Fiona in the kitchen is spot on with her menu every time. JG is my absolute favourite, this cafe will continue to rise.
Love this cafe!. I love the look of this cafe and aways had good experiences here. The food is amazing and the staff are friendly. Good music as well.
I think they have taken note from the negative reviews about rude staff, they seem to have gone so it's a much nice place to walk into. The coffee is still average but the food is yummy and interesting. All in all, I'm coming back here more regularly since they've employed some better staff.
Entered with some trepidation following from reading previous US reviews. They must have taken note, because our experience here was wholly positive. Funky decor, beautifully brewed coffee, and excellent food. My step mother and I both had the coconut crepes which were a delightful blend of flavours, balanced and cooked to perfection. My Dad had the big breakfast which he thoroughly enjoyed, with some of the best bacon I have ever tasted on the Melbourne cafe scene. Will definitely be back, yum!
Perfect!. Not a single thing I could fault at this gorgeous cute cosy cafe. We were greeted immediately on arrival and seated on the beautiful communal table, dressed with flowers upon flowers. Coffees were delicious (I thought I had better stop at 3!), french toast, black beans and beef brisket were all fantastic and decent portion sized. Staff were bubbly and friendly, I can't wait to come back and try the pork omlette!
I had the Pork Omelet - delish!! Great food, great service even on a sweltering day, I'll be back soon.
Love it. I am shocked by people's comments of late regarding John Gorilla. I can't help but think this is a case of sabotage by some of the reviewers. My experience of John Gorilla is completely the opposite of what some of the reviewers have written. It is a warm, joyful, inviting place. The new menu is wonderful and so far from the template that is the Brunswick cafe scene at the moment. The coffee is wonderful, and always perfect. The coconut and rosemary pineapple crepes are amazing as is the ajoo sabji curry. So if you want a warm, welcoming place to go with great coffee and unique wonderful food, not replicated anywhere else in da 'hood, John Gorilla is your place.
Lovely friendly staff, though they seemed a little overwhelmed during breakfast. We ordered avocado piquello (Basically a standard avo toast), and the chicken burger. Both were good. But I kinda expected a little more for the price. The coffee was also nice.
Delicious breakfast (served all day). Cubano sandwich was next level. Friendly and helpful staff. Great coffee too!
Nice comfy laid back cafe eatery in the burbs which consistently applies friendly customer service.
Did the meal arse about coffee & cake then the schnitzy meal which was just right & washed down with Sip drink, which I'd recommend as not v sweet at all but zingy lemon taste.
Great place and always friendly.
Avocado Piquillo is the dish to go for. Perfect combo of sweet, sour and spicy. Coffee is excellent!
Great cafe that does Brunswick West proud!
Cosy vibes, love the plants and decor, friendly staff that seem genuinely happy, great coffee and an incredible eggplant banh mi! 5 stars and recommend
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