Melbourne's Best French Toast

So I have moved to Melbourne to explore my opportunities as an artist. Along the way I have discovered the art of 'brunching'. The meal after breakfast and before lunch, or in my case, I eat brunch instead of both. Don't tell my mum. Anyway, my favourite brunch is french toast. Eggy, sweet, and perfect for brunch.

Attention: The following list may be small, but I am committed to tasting all the best french toasts Melbourne has to offer. So enjoy!

1. Smith & Daughters, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.
Spanish French Toast: Spanish style dipped in spiced wine syrup, coated in batter, and served with poached nectarine or peach (or quince).

Well, this one was a shock to my system. I don't often eat interesting food, so this french toast really made a mark. It was very interesting and cooked to perfection. Either the spices, the sweetness, or the fruit, had me going back for more. It was filling and perfect for a Saturday morning out in Fitzroy.

I might as well mention that the service was the best I have ever had. I know that is a huge statement, but I dragged my boyfriend back there a few weeks later and received the same great service and food. Smith and Daughters isn't a place to miss when you are in town.

2. Common Man, South Wharf, Melbourne.
French Toast with caramelised banana, toffee, and strawberries on top.

OH EM GEE. This one was my favorite. $14 and I got a stack of french toast, and it looked amazing too. I love south wharf, I haven't stopped raving about it all month. Common Man was lovely for brunch, especially when everyone else is at work. City views and city sounds. Beware the seagulls.

3. Black Kettle, Sassafras, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road (Dandenong Ranges).
French Toast with cinnamon and homemade raspberry jam. 

This little french toast was really lovely. Up in the mountains surrounded by ancient forests and beautiful tourists. This french toast really stuck with me, because of the simplicity. Simple french toast with homemade jam that really packed a punch. Yes the jam was the hero of this dish. Really fresh, sweet, and sour (my mouth is watering as I think about it). This french toast is great if you just want to get away from the city and have a simple treat. The customer service was lovely as well. 

Black Kettle French Toast, March 2015.

4. The Hardware Societe, 120 Hardware Street, Melbourne CBD.
(Thick) French Toast with berry frozen yogurt, and berries. 

I am afraid I really skipped out on this one. The place was so busy, so it had me a bit frazzled and I didn't end up seeing what I had chosen on the menu. I just said "french toast?" and they gave me just that. It was quite an experience. I haven't been to many busy places yet, and this was obviously a gem to everyone there (not just me). Excellent service and coffee.
Anyway. French Toast. It was huge, and actually quite savory tasting. Despite the berries on top. I am a little undecided on this one still. However, it is still a 'must eat' if you are in the area.

The Hardware Societe, March 2015

5. Fitzrovia, Fitzroy St, St Kilda.
(Thick) Creme Brulee French Toast with banana, whipped mascarpone, toasted pecans, bacon, and vanilla verjus syrup.

When this hit the table, so did my jaw. I wasn't sure how I was meant to finish this one. But I did. It was my first bacon french toast experience, and it was good. The service and coffees were excellent. However, the french toast experience is a hard one to explain. I think the mascarpone didn't need to be there. I mean, I was already struggling to take in the salty bacon, citrus syrup, sweet banana, toasted almonds, crunchy toffee, AND french toast. I was fond of the dish, but it has left me a little undecided again. All in all, Fitzrovia is as good as people say it is. I will be dragging my boyfriend there sometime soon.



Well this is the end of my list so far, but I am always on the look out for great french toast. If you have any suggestions, let me know!