Reviews Pallet Espresso

Name: Pallet Espresso
Address: 620 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia, I-3000
Telephone: +61 403 235 410
Rating: 85

Timinmelbourne

Dropped into pallet espresso for a take away coffee.

The service was really friendly, and my coffee, a strong skinny latte was good.

The coffee was strong, there was some good milk froth and overall I'll be going back!

May 2016
I was excited to see a Japanese cafe tucked away in a small laneway.

My coffee today was excellent, combines with great service and they use the La Marozzo coffee machine which I understand produces a great coffee. Yummm haha

The coffee wasn't too hot, so I could drink it straight away which was perfect for me.

This cafe also sells take away Japanese food or you can sit inside but the lunch crowd was packed so go early, or miss out lol

8 months ago

AngeLuvFood8

Pallet Espresso café not only is a hidden gem but also one that has been around for a number of years. It is as other reviewers have stated the sister café to Purple Peanuts. Their menu is slightly different where it is more Japanese-Italian fusion based but also maintains its quality Japanese unique flavours.

I often visit Pallet Espresso when I am unable to wait in queue for Purple Peanuts.

🔆LOCATION🔆

Pallet Espresso is situated in a very small lane way, just behind Purple Peanuts off Collins Street, near to the corner of Spencer Street.

The café is a simple set up but embodies similar design as Purple Peanuts.

🔆SERVICE🔆

The staffs at Pallet Espresso are always warm and welcoming.

It is a very laid back vibe and small open kitchen.
Towards the back counter, customers can help yourself to lemon flavour water.

🔆MENU/PRICE🔆

Their menu has a variety of interesting options including sweet and savoury muffins, tarts, okonominya Japanese pancake, light ciabatta rolls – chicken katsu, Rueben, burgers etc.
Their cooked menu list is minimal with only 9 items but it's enough to keep it simple since their kitchen is small however it works as all their options are very tasty. Their menu board against the wall behind the counter is neatly arranged according to food type: chicken, salmon, katsu, vegetarian options:

Tori Nori, $12.50
(Fried Chicken, tofu, bokchoy, carrot, mushroom, Byron Bay Nori, rice, ginger & Dashi broth)

Karaage Burger, $10.90
(Japanese style fried Chicken, lettuce, tartare sauce & kimpira)

Mr. Karaage, $12.50
(Fried Chicken, slaw salad, with housemade chilli & mayo)

Wasabi Salmon, $12.50
(Grilled Salmon, yuzu coleslaw, Ajitama boiled egg, miso/cashew eggplant, rice and dashi somen)

House Smoked Salmon, $10.90
(House Smoked Salmon, miso scrambled egg, spring onion and fresh herbs on sourdough)

Tori Katsu, $12.50
(Japanese crumbed chicken, potato salad, house-made radish and red cabbage pickled, katsu sauce)

Katsu Curry, $12.50
(Tomato based curry, fried chicken, tomato salsa, miso eggplant, coleslaw, jalapeno)

Agedashi Tofu, $11.90
(Deep fried tofu, carrot, bokchoy, lotus root, mushroom, peas, dashi broth and rice)

Okonomiyaki Fritata, $11.50
(Cabbage, zucchini, eggs, S.P. onion, benishoga with miso eggplant, tomato salsa and salad)

🔆VERDICT🔆

When I visit Pallet Espresso, I always tend to gravitate towards my 2 favourite:
Tori Katsu – for when I want something light (not too heavy) but still satisfying I would order this. The chicken is nicely crumbed and fried lightly so that the chicken is still tender. I really enjoy the potato salad (which is the same as Purple Peanuts) and their pickled vegetables. It overall complements the chicken! Yum!

Katsu Curry – is my go to dish when I want something that is filling. When you first order this you think the serving is average BUT it is definitely a very good size portion I am always left content. The purple rice is just the right quantity to balance the delicious fried chicken and the curry which is tomato based is very flavoursome. I also love their miso flavoured eggplant.

Aug 27, 2019

Quince And Cheese

An awesome spot from the people who own Purple Peanuts. This cafe around the corner is not quite as cute and quirky but offers food that's just as nourishing and affordable. The dishes are all around $15 or less which is an unbelievable deal given the size and quality. I ordered the agedashi tofu which reminded me of a fusion between the traditional dish and salt and pepper tofu. It was coated in a spicy seaweed seasoning and served in a light broth alongside purple rice and a bit of veg. After a night of drinking the day before, this was just what I needed.

Aug 15, 2019

We.eat.travel.love

It is a nice place located in a laneway just off Collins St. We had the Wasabi Salmon from @pallet_espresso. This was delicious and comes with a tiny shot of miso soup with noodles. It is handsdown one of the best miso soup we have had.
We also tried me. Karaage and katsu curry. Everything was good in taste and prices were average.

Aug 03, 2019

Taeyeon's Hamster

A place where you can fulfill your cravings for Japanese food + Good coffee.

I always get my takeaway coffees here when I have the urge for sensory lab blend. These guys make it consistently well and without the extra price tag.

Chicken Katsu Curry on rice is my favorite as the chicken is always fried nicely in fresh oil whilst retaining the juiciness. Pallet does it slightly differently with added eggplants if you're a fan. Highly recommend this small hidden joint just within the small alley.

May 21, 2019

Split The Bill

Great cafe hidden away. We enjoyed the katsu curry and wasabi salmon. Both were very tasty. Staff are great and worked efficiently during the lunch time crowd.

Jan 05, 2019

Megan

Love this place a lot! Everything in this place is yum. I tried Tori Nori today, the ginger broth is not overpowering but enough to keep your tummy warm.

Sep 17, 2018

@lukebMelb

Came here today for a quick lunch and it was fantastic. Salmon was cooked perfectly and was full of flavour. Great value for money. Highly reccomend if your in the area, check it out.

Aug 08, 2018

The Dear Luncher

+4.5

Twin operations Pallet Espresso and Purple Peanuts have been servicing The Dear Luncher’s guts for years now. The Sensory Lab coffee is always executed well. Proper artisan sh!t right here. The beans, they be sourced in some kind of place that you’re unlikely to feel guilty about. Not that The Dear Luncher gives a flying

Nov 02, 2017

Culinary Artist

Hidden gem on Little alley way closed to southern cross station.
This cafe is fusion cafe with Japanese Influence.
I did order Picollo and Japanese mushrooms.
This small place was busy with take aways and the staff who served me was busy doing some job in the kitchen too.
My Picollo was good, my Japanese Mushroom is tasty.
Mushroom has been sautéed with dash of teriyaki sauce, served on sourdough toast, with avocado, cherry tomato and small juice.
This combo won’t break your out bank account! Value for your money !

Oct 15, 2017

Espy Eats

I had been meaning to go to the place next door but the queue was far too long for me. Instead I found this little place was just down the laneway behind purple peanut and had few a quiet less frazzled folk waiting for their morning fix. Pallet Espresso had a calm easy feeling about it. I knew I was into a winner when I saw my muffin options for breakfast today were Matcha or Savoury. Savoury muffins are few and far between in the Melbourne cafe scene. They are very much a Kiwi thing I guess, but was glad to see them available here for today at least. Bacon & Mushroom was a good combo. They even heated it for me at buttered it up on my request. It was a little on the sweet side where savoury should have been. The coffee was subtle in flavour but a nice subtle. They use steadfast beans by sensory labs. Would happily pass up a $2 latte and head down this laneway again. 👍🏼

Jul 07, 2017

Brunswick 72

This is the third time I have come here instead of Purple Peanuts. Staff are friendly..Not as crazy as PP as it is hidden away. I ordered the Tsukune Udon - Chicken meatballs with udon noodles and vegetables. I didn't have to wait too long and the food was quite tasty. The broth wasn't too salty and worth giving a try

Jun 16, 2017

Caroline Beaney

+3.5

Today I finally got to try Purple Peanuts Cafe's sister cafe, Pallet Espresso.

I ordered the Wasabi Salmon. It was a lot smaller than other meals that I get from Purple Peanuts. This is ok since it is still cheap. One thing I loved about the Wasabi Salmon was the presentation!! It's a very pretty dish! I wish there had been more wasabi on the salmon though since it was barely noticeable.... I loved the vegetables - they were actually spicier than the salmon!! I didn't understand the point of the cup of yuzu jam.... Didn't have much flavour unfortunately. The egg was amazing!!

A takeaway bag would have been useful since it was a bit difficult taking the box of food and the cup of jam back to the office especially when I had to open the door.

Would definitely try some of their other dishes to compare.

Mar 02, 2017

Custardbun

+4.5

The chicken karaage burger is a must try. Hidden away in a laneway off Collins St, it's easier to get a table here than at purple peanuts - the food is as good, if not better.

Nov 23, 2016

Jeany Liong, TwoPaperPen

+3.5

(Sort of) Hidden cafe tuck in an alley, serves coffee and eye catching sandwiches/savoury muffins. Been here couple of time last year for their convenient take-away breakfast savouries and coffee. Decided to try their Ice Latte and matcha drink from the fridge. Love the Ice latte more than the matcha drink (too thick).

Nov 08, 2016

P.Choko✨☕️

Had their Wasabi Salmon takeaway. I was pleasantly surprised as it was exactly what was mentioned in the menu. Furthermore it was arranged bento styled in a cardboard box. The food was really tasty even though it was a takeaway. Love it~! Nom Nom Nom~!!!😍

Jun 01, 2016

Gastrology

The Japanese influence on Pallet is clear, courtesy of its owners who also own Purple Peanuts just around the corner. Set in a narrow laneway, the ambience is modern and cosy and the Sensory Lab coffee served here is excellent. Food is an interesting Italian-Japanese amalgam which works. We will be back.

Mar 31, 2016

Rhiannon Beck

+4.5

Tucked down a laneway off Collins St, Pallet Espresso is a great place to pick up a morning coffee. I had Bircher muesli cup & a coffee for breakfast. Would love to come back for their Japanese lunch menu. Friendly staff.

Feb 26, 2016

Emma Richardson

Excellent coffee, nice smooth flavour.

Service was alright, Will return to try the food and the matcha!

In a good location close to southern cross, I don't recall much signage so it might be a little tricky to find. I found it by accident!

Feb 25, 2016

@HappyEats

Gorgeous cafe with a healthy selection of Japanese specials. Got a taste of the okonomiyaki for free and will definitely be back for that! Loved their Match white chocolatte...

Feb 19, 2016

Matty T

Pallet is a great little establishment tucked away on Collins St - a few metres down a tiny lane way. A perfect place for a coffee.

A great coffee! A great long black: smooth, strong and not bitter.

Jan 21, 2016

Jessicaaaa

Consistently great coffee and wonderful service. Food is great and made with fresh ingredients. Definitely recommend this place for a quick breakfast and coffee before work.

Best egg and bacon toastie I’ve ever had!

Dec 22, 2015

Manlin Dong

+3.5

The taste of wasabi salmon is really good，i d like to come again n try other delicious food！other three are chicken salad, mr karaage and okonomiyaki pizza. And it is a good place for friends to catchup.

Sep 23, 2015

Ramieleatsshootsandleaves

+3.5

I enjoyed my coffee immensely - can't resist a coffee by an alleyway (the good kind)!
The food smells yummy as; I would love to return to have a Japanese kind of lunch here :D

Aug 31, 2015

Finding Resonance

+3.5

Reasonably-priced lunch sets with some good ideas (wasabi salmon). Coffee is decent. My only gripe is that the food seems to be geared towards "healthy" rather than hearty, and we all know that Japanese food can be a perfect balance of both. But overall a good experience.

Jul 15, 2015

Joshua Putnins

+4.5

Delicious coffee, yummy onigiri, and super friendly staff.
We’ll definitely be coming back in the future.

May 28, 2015

Danielle Wilson

+4.5

Love it. The food is always so flippin delicious. just had the coconut, raspberry and white chocolate cake - farrrrkk. so yummy. The long black's always come with a small soda water when ordered in and all the food items are top notch. Also very very affordable and filling. Thanks Pallet :)

Oct 02, 2014

Spoon Feds

+4.5

What a delicious little venue! Bright, quirky, fast paced and tasty! Loved the trout and chicken lunch dishes, and coffee is good too. Crazy cheap prices!

Jun 25, 2014

Chopsticks

+4.5

Great coffee, only eaten here a handful of times as it has limited tables (communal benches) but the food is innovative and quite tasty most meals are around $10. Worth a visit!

May 24, 2014

GoddessWahaha

+4.5

Delicious Salads. Mix of 4 salads was delicious - different from the 'other salad places around the city' that all serve the same stuff. $8.90 for a good size serving but is vegetarian for those who like meat in their salads.
Will definitely go back!!!!

Feb 06, 2014

Adam

+4.5

Awesome. Been waiting for a great Karaage burger in Melbourne, and the ham hock sandwich is amazing!

Been here about 20 times since it opened.

Sep 11, 2013

Carissa Palmrose

+4.5

Great coffee and delicious food. This is a great little cafe, nestled in the laneway behind sister store Purple Peanuts. The coffee is great, could be a little warmer for take-away. Tried the Karaage Burger today for lunch which had the most tender chicken and tasted fantastic. The coleslaw side had a nice little bit of zing to it. Very friendly and helpful staff :)

Sep 02, 2013

Kez

+4.5

Great coffee. Karaage burger is addictive.

Aug 23, 2013

Pragya Gupta

It is a nice place located in a laneway just off Collins St. We had the Wasabi Salmon from @pallet_espresso. This was delicious and comes with a tiny shot of miso soup with noodles. It is handsdown one of the best miso soup we have had. We also tried me. Karaage and katsu curry. Everything was good in taste and prices were average.

Derrick Rose

Friendly staff. Great food. Good coffee too.

Labib Ehsan

The food was great, the service was amazing. The chef was very accommodating, pleasant and kind. If you are reserving a table for a group, I'd recommend pre-ordering. Highly recommend Mr. Karage, the Okonomiyaki, Tori Katsu or the Katsu Curry.

Cameron Goers

Super friendly staff, had no issue with friends kid dropping Lego and occasionally getting excitable. Staff both greeted and said thanks and bye as we left.. super nice staff and attitudes. Will definitely pop in again when I'm in the area. Flat white was great as well and nicely priced 👍

Timinmelbourne

Dropped into pallet espresso for a take away coffee. The service was really friendly, and my coffee, a strong skinny latte was good. The coffee was strong, there was some good milk froth and overall I'll be going back! May 2016 I was excited to see a Japanese cafe tucked away in a small laneway. My coffee today was excellent, combines with great service and they use the La Marozzo coffee machine which I understand produces a great coffee. Yummm haha The coffee wasn't too hot, so I could drink it straight away which was perfect for me. This cafe also sells take away Japanese food or you can sit inside but the lunch crowd was packed so go early, or miss out lol

Tai Lee

Tried the Japanese mushroom breakfast and the breakfast bruschetta on- they both were amazing. The matcha white choc was also enjoyable. Service was quick, good value for money, staff were nice, water was infused with fruit. Wish there were more cafes like this.

Reiner Ködteritzsch

One of the best coffee places in this part of the city. Coffee is top-notch and food options are great too. It's a bit hidden in a small alley but you should definitely check it out.

Gum Nuts

Tasty Japanese mushroom breakfast and beautiful coffee.

Reviews Pallet Espresso

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