Von Haus. I’m imagining a private club for beardy little men with a penchant for tweed knickerbockers.
The reality is much more cool. Von Haus is a café/bar with an almost invisible doorway on achingly stylish Crossley Street. Step inside and it’s like being in your best friend’s cosy, rustic dining room with perfectly distressed walls.
The big wooden communal table invites convivial conversation while the benchtop facing the rusty grilled window is the perfect place to perch solo with your morning paper. The small room is overlooked by a kitchen which looks like it was lifted from my dream terrace house.
The breakfast menu is spartan – eggs, toast, muesli and unfortunately the day I was there, a shortage of Spanish tortilla. So instead I opted for a bowl of housemade muesli with yoghurt.
I know it’s not as healthy, but I prefer my muesli toasted, so the Von Haus non-toasted version didn’t really grab me. I also declined the proferred honey but in retrospect the rather bland oats-heavy mix could have done with the lift. I did like the fresh apple mohawk though.
While I didn’t love my muesli, Von Haus gets a HOT because I’ve been before for post-work drinks and nibbles as well as a lovely lunch. It’s a relaxing, friendly space and all the better for its slightly hidden location.
Check out what The Age and Tummyrumbles had to say about it.
Thanks for the mention!
Oooh, how I do love Von Haus. It has been too long since I’ve been though, which I must rectify.
I remember the days (before it got hip) where we could always get that prime seat at the window overlooking Crossley and Pellegrini’s.
I’d heard on the grapevine that the business was for sale?!?
.-= mellie´s last blog ..The Great Melbourne Vegan Bake Off =-.
Twitter: tummyrumbles
| April 7, 2010, 6:17 am
Hi Mellie
You’re welcome
I’m not sure whether the business is for sale or not, but I hope it maintains it’s low-fi coolness.
Jetsetting Joyce
Ah, I personally love Von Haus for lunch! Never tried it for breakfast though and have always been curious about dinner/evening…
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Provenance =-.
Drop in there for lunch if you like hearty meals. I’ve never been disappointed.
http://12eaten.blogspot.com/search/label/Von%20Haus
.-= Billy´s last blog ..Auction Rooms =-.
Twitter: cloudcontrol
| April 7, 2010, 9:31 am
Hi Billy and Ashley
Do you have any particular recommendations for their lunch menu? And in your experience is it packed out with people so that you have to wait a long time for a seat/your meal?
Jetsetting Joyce
Welcome back Jetsetting Joyce – hope China was amazing!
.-= Gourmet Chick´s last blog ..La Fromagerie =-.
Twitter: carawaters
| April 7, 2010, 7:48 pm
I love your writing style. Very descriptive and interesting.
I’ve just happened upon this blog, but I’m looking forward to reading more…
Ah, Von Haus! I’ve been there a couple of times and it has a nice intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for couples. Make sure you go early over weekends, otherwise it could be difficult to get a seat. Jason.
I love discoveries like this. Anything other than Starbucks for breakfast is a plan, but this looks like a real find!
Thanks for the tip!
Pictures are beautiful.. thanks for posting
Looks like all I need now is a good excuse to get to Melborne from Pennsylvania so I can check this place out.
I love the communal table. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up striking up a conversation with a stranger. How engaging!
Nothing like pub culture even in the morning to get you going. I agree with Morris B, the communal table is great. Every restaurant and pub should have one. Conversation is becoming a lost art form.
Thanks for the post and for the travel inspiration!
I love the bars on the window, to give you that “last meal” feel…
I guess that’s what you get for an “off-the-beaten-path” place, which is better than huge windows overlooking a touristy strip…
Thanks for the review, I will be sure to visit for lunch next time in town.