One of the most popular and liked beverages in the world is coffee. This product is strongly connected to our daily life in Australia. From this special and favourite word came another word is known as “café”. Usually, people used to think of cafes, only providing hot and sipping coffees. But now the trend has changed, and there is a lot more to do in the café. Now Melbourne Cafes are not limited to just sipping coffee anymore, but larger space, more friends and of course a large variety of things too much upon!
It’s no secret that Australia has perfected its café culture. The simple combination of a good breakfast and even greater coffee is one of our greatest exports in recent times. Brunch and a batch brew? Avo toast and a flat white? Here’s our favourite list of the best cafés in Oakleigh, Melbourne.
The Ultimate List of Best Cafés in Oakleigh
Vanilla Lounge Oakleigh Café
03 9568 3358
Welcome to Eaton Mall, a hidden gem located in the heart of multicultural Oakleigh.
Amongst the hustle and bustle of this amazing hub are Vanilla Lounge. In August 2008, we opened our doors, and our hearts to the community and everyone gave their love back. Being a coffee and dining lounge, Vanilla has something for everyone. It is a family place, a meeting place, a place where you can come and experience a unique European vibe right here in Melbourne.
The family behind Vanilla have been innovators and pioneers in the hospitality industry for over 45 years. With the opening of Vanilla Lounge, Oakleigh, saw a new dining culture emerge. What is particularly exciting for Melbourne is that it now boasts another leading patisserie that truly celebrates the greatest qualities of its cosmopolitan heritage. Vanilla was praised as one of the Top 10 Patisseries in The Age Good Café Guide 2012.
We are committed to enhancing our patron’s experience by providing our boutique coffee brand, Dukes, our extraordinary music acts on Thursday nights, our extensive menu made with local and fresh ingredients and without preservatives or additives, our world-class standard of cakes and biscuits and our latest venture, Vanilla Upstairs which has amazing pan-Mediterranean cuisine and invites people to come together and share in the simple pleasures.
CATERING FOR EVERY OCCASION
Enjoy your favourite food with Vanilla’s catering service, bringing you solutions for any occasion or event:
- Corporate catering for all-day meetings, breakfasts, lunches, teas, workshops, presentations, conferences, seminars, functions and celebrations, and other business occasions, including film sets and outdoor events.
- Private functions for social occasions like birthday parties, milestones, engagements, pre-wedding luncheons, baby showers, anniversaries, christenings, celebrations, and events.
- Community occasions for social clubs and organisations, aged care facilities and retirement villages, non-profit events, fundraisers, awards and galas, and the arts, including photoshoots and film sets.
Our friendly team can help you tailor your order to suit dietary and budget requirements. Don’t have time to spare? Simply tell us about your occasion, and we will do the rest. You can arrange to collect your order, or you can have it delivered to you.
Vanilla Menus
- NO ADDED PRESERVATIVES, MSG, FLAVOURS OR COLOURS
- FREE RANGE HALAL & AUSTRALIAN MEATS
- AUSTRALIAN SEAFOOD
- WE ONLY USE LOCAL & FRESH PRODUCE
- IMPORTED GREEK OLIVE OIL & FETA CHEESE
- ONLY THE FRESHEST FOOD MADE ON THE PREMISES
Vanilla’s Cakes
Baked daily with the finest ingredients
Our sweet treats are made on-site with the best ingredients; from traditional Greek biscuits and specialties to popular classics, signature treats, whole cakes, and celebration cakes. We invite you to browse the galleries below. You can enjoy our cakes at Vanilla, or you can purchase them over the counter take away – the perfect treat when you visit family and friends or even at work! If you are after a celebration cake, our experienced cake consultants will be thrilled to help.
Functions
Vanilla Upstairs is the Perfect Place for Your Event! From birthday parties, Christenings and high teas, through to Christmas parties or corporate functions, presentations, product launches and other events, Vanilla Upstairs can cater for small or large groups in a classy and sophisticated space.
Whether you’re celebrating a family night out or a milestone, we can design and tailor a package to suit your requirements and budget.
The Brass Room
A sophisticated dining area for all seasons. Enclosed with our feature wine rack, a fireplace, American oak panelling and under a canopy of brass sails, this dining lounge is perfect for birthdays, corporate meetings, get-togethers, communions, christenings, engagements or work functions.
Depending on the time, date or size of the booking, you may enjoy it all for yourselves or with others.
The Terrace
A perfect alfresco dining area. Weatherproof and filled with natural light from our custom-designed skylights and glass balustrades, this dining area provides patrons with a space to enjoy the ambience of an original and bespoke design that incorporates a panoramic view of the sky.
Depending on the time, date or size of the booking, you may enjoy it all for yourselves or with others.
“Calling the crowds that gather in Eaton Mall, Vanilla Lounge in Oakleigh is a popular family-run venue specialising in Mediterranean fare and mouth-watering cakes. Boasting a large alfresco area to observe the shoppers in action, this ever-bustling venue is well renowned for its generous community spirit and warm welcome.
With an extensive selection of Mediterranean and Greek fare on offer, Vanilla Lounge dishes out an array of delicious options like warm pan-fried sweet chilli calamari with homemade dressing, as well as lamb souvlaki with salad, chips, tzatziki and pita bread.
For those looking to linger, pair a choice from the well-crafted wine list with the meat platter for two, or indulge with one of Vanilla Lounge’s specialty desserts, made daily on-site by talented pastry chefs.”
Nikos Oakleigh Café
03 9569 6333
Sweetening Melbourne’s palate since 1987 through our bustling cafe and award-winning cake creations
From humble beginnings in 1987, Oakleigh Quality Cakes has established its reputation as a leading supplier in Melbourne’s thriving cake industry. Through a commitment to quality and service, founders Nick and Tass Poupouzas and their dedicated team have produced some of the most spectacular and unique cake designs.
Our award-winning team of cake designers, consultants, pastry chefs and artistic decorators will assist you in creating your dream cake so that the centrepiece on your special day surpasses your expectations in both looks and taste. If you can dream it, we can achieve it!
We invite you to come and join us for a coffee and browse our showroom, which is located above our bustling cafe. With over 90 amazing cakes on display and the largest selection of flavours in Melbourne, you are certain to find a design that suits your taste, theme and budget.
From humble beginnings in 1987, Oakleigh Quality Cakes has established its reputation as a leading supplier in Melbourne’s thriving cake industry. Through a commitment to quality and service, founders Nick and Tass Poupouzas and their dedicated team have produced some of the most spectacular and unique cake designs.
Our award-winning team of cake designers, consultants, pastry chefs and artistic decorators will assist you in creating your dream cake so that the centrepiece on your special day surpasses your expectations in both looks and taste. If you can dream it, we can achieve it!
We invite you to come and join us for a coffee and browse our showroom, which is located above our bustling cafe. With over 90 amazing cakes on display and the largest selection of flavours in Melbourne, you are certain to find a design that suits your taste, theme and budget.
Creative Team
Our design staff and decorators have over 60 years of experience behind them in cake decorating and can bring to life anything you could possibly imagine. The imaginative and creative ideas and aesthetics they bring to cake designs are amazing, and the intricately detailed work really displays their talent and experience. We strive to exceed (and succeed) our customers’ expectations.
If it’s a custom creation you need for a wedding, birthday, christening or corporate event, our creative team will work closely with you in the planning process to come up with a design that combines both quality and creativity.
Our showrooms display the finest quality cakes ranging from designer wedding, novelty and birthday cakes to cupcakes and croquembouche. We are very well known in the cake industry. For over 35 years we have been sweetening the palettes of Melbournians and delivering cakes to some of Melbourne’s prestigious venues such as The Crown, Park and Grand Hyatt, Leonda by the Yarra, The Carousel, The Sofitel, Brighton International, Peninsula, Sketch, Atlantic and Maia just to name a few.
Kalimera Souvlaki Art Cafe Oakleigh
+61-3-99393911
Making a difference through Souvlaki Art.
So they decided to make it happen. With hard work, inspiration and the desire to share all what Thomas had learnt throughout his valuable experience
Thus, in the very heart of the greek community in Oakleigh, SOUVLAKI ART made the difference…. A unique combination of both traditional and progressive, where the best, carefully selected meat, and quality fresh vegetables with just the right spice are wrapped in delicious pitta bread, KALIMERA SOUVLAKI ART is a restaurant which will WRAP you around!!!!
What we do & why we do it.
The only way to transmit the voice of truth to someone is to have heard it yourself and to have let this truth become part of your life. Thomas Deliopoulos heard this voice from a loving couple of deaf-mute, who happened to be his parents. Their physical disability, instead of a curse turned into a blessing as they developed a very special bond with the land and the cattle.
Raised by an agricultural family, which was also involved in stock-breeding, young Thomas realised from his early childhood the gift of being in contact with mother nature and learned how to collect, in full respect, the best of the products it had to offer. Young Thomas very soon developed a passion for cooking; it was for him something more than a simple hobby. He learnt from his family background the importance of selecting the best raw materials and that authentic good taste lies in simplicity and excellent quality…this often beats sophistication which sometimes covers taste instead of enhancing it.
From humble beginnings.
At the age of 17, he joined the army where he was chosen as a cook. He serviced for 16 years in officers’ clubs, based in Greece and overseas, in NATO. At the same time, he worked in the free market collaborating with restaurants, bars etc. He reached one point when he felt that this circle was over and that it was about time to quit the army; it had never been a field of expression for him anyway.
But every end leads to a new beginning…Tom decided to take the next big step. A real challenge it was…His wife and son are Australian citizens, so the whole family moved to Melbourne for a brand new start. Once settled, they realised that despite the numerous souvlaki restaurants, something was missing. One with authentic taste, …AUTHENTIC is for Thomas the keyword for tasty cooking (Authentic is the keyword for almost everything)
Orexi Souvlaki Bar Café in Oakleigh
03 9569 1150
FOOD
Orexi Souvlaki is renowned for the delicious charcoal grilled Souvlaki in warm pita bread as well as their huge open plate souvlaki dishes.
We also prepare daily homemade meals, including Moussaka, Pasticcio, and Oven-baked lemon potatoes.
COFFEES
Each morning our shop is frequented by our loyal customers who come in for a Greek coffee or their favourite coffee.
OAKLEIGH’S FAVOURITE SOUVLAKI SHOP
Oakleigh’s oldest and favourite Souvlaki bar is located at 33 Chester Street, still serves our famous Charcoal-grilled gyro and we have now also introduced several more traditional Greek meals like Pasticio and Mousaka.
If you’re planning one meal in Oakleigh, it should be the charcoal-grilled Orexi souvlaki rolled in warm pita bread, or the one of their generous open plate souvlakia. While you are there, make sure you also try our Coffees.
Italian Touch Café Restaurant Oakleigh
03 9568 4499
Our chef is Italian born and raised and has been in Australia for four years. He has always been passionate about food and owned his first restaurant at 18 years of age. His desire was to bring beautiful, traditional Italian food to the people of Melbourne where they could enjoy this experience in their own home.
At Il Italian Touch Cafe Restaurant, our mission is to provide our guests with the most authentic Italian experience outside of Italy.
We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner we cater for large parties, private dining groups, and special events are welcome at our restaurant.
Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Italian Touch offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great coffee and juices in the centre of Oakleigh, Vic. The kitchen is supervised and guided by Executive Chef Placido Caroppi using recipes and preparations that Italians have mastered over centuries of making great food.
This passion for authenticity has been fostered for almost 15 years. Discover it for yourself by signing up for our Newsletter.
5FIVE Cafe Oakleigh
(03) 9078 5440
ABOUT
“IN THE HEART OF EATON MALL IN OAKLEIGH, THE ATMOSPHERE AT 5FIVE BAKEHOUSE IS LIVELY AND ENJOYABLE. THE INTERIOR IS MODERN AND IMPRESSIVE. THE OPTIONS HERE NEVER DISAPPOINT WITH AN ALL DAY BREAKFAST, DELICIOUS SLIDERS, PIZZA AND SPECIALS. THE ARRAY OF CAKES IS ALWAYS TEMPTING AS WE NEVER GO HOME EMPTY HANDED. THE SERVICE IS FRIENDLY, EFFICIENT AND PROFESSIONAL WITH THE OWNERS OVERSEEING ORDERS ARRIVE IN MINIMAL TIME. ON OUR MOST RECENT VISIT LAST WEEK, WE HAD SMASHED AVOCADO, EGGS AND LAMB SLIDERS ALL AT REASONABLE PRICES. BEING FUSSY COFFEE DRINKERS, THE BARRISTAS KNOW HOW TO PUMP OUT GREAT TASTING COFFEE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND AS KID FRIENDLY.”
CATERING
WE OFFER A RANGE OF CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS: PRIVATE PARTIES, CORPORATE FUNCTIONS & CASUAL GATHERINGS. FOR ALL CATERING ENQUIRIES PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM WITH YOUR DETAILS AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SHORTLY OR ALTERNATIVELY PLEASE CALL US DIRECTLY ON 03 9078 5441
Muffin Break Oakleigh Café
+61 3 9569 0044
Nothing beats freshly baked food, or coffee made using the freshest beans. That’s why every Muffin Break has its own kitchen, baking throughout the day, so everything we serve is as good as it can be.
Good Food. Good Coffee. Good Times.
IT’S WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT.
HAPPINESS IS HANDMADE
Good Ingredients
At Muffin Break, we’re all about fresh and always have been. We work hard to carefully select and source the freshest ingredients and the finest coffee beans, giving you all the more reason to enjoy every last mouthful, and every last drop.
Good Products
We bake daily in all of our stores and freshly grind your coffee to order. Our kitchens may be pocket-size, but they’re expertly designed giving us the capacity to hand make all of your favourites and something a little special each and every day.
Good People
Our bakers are hard at work from 4 am daily ensuring freshly baked muffins are out of the oven before you arrive as well as preparing other savoury delights such as our classic bacon and egg roll and famous handmade carrot cake.
We’re a family-owned and operated business. Each of our stores is locally owned and operated by our franchisees who are proud of the communities they serve and love nothing more than to see you leave with a smile on your face.
The Muffin Break Story
Muffin Break first opened its doors in Coolangatta, Queensland in 1989.
From humble beginnings, we now have over 210 stores in Australia. You’ll find us predominantly in shopping centres, but we continue to innovate and evolve into other locations such as airports, train stations as well as children’s play centres more recently, through our licensed partnership with Crocs Playcentres.
Our overseas footprint also continues to expand with bakery-cafes in New Zealand and the United Kingdom too, taking our total store count over 300 internationally.
Kentro Oakleigh Café
(03) 9939 6371
KENTRO, located in the heart of Oakleigh, presents to you a modernised Greek restaurant. With your first steps into KENTRO, welcomed by our friendly staff, the feeling of a sense of Greece begins.
The open space layout allows you to relax with comfort and ease. The mesmerising unique design of the Ancient Greek wall takes you to the heart of Greece.
Open for breakfast lunch and dinner, KENTRO offers a wide-ranged menu to suit every individual’s requests. From traditional Mediterranean cuisine to modern, we have it all! And you cannot miss out on our unique mouth-watering desserts. All baked on our premises, our pastry chefs deliver a wide range of traditional Greek and modern sweets and biscuits, as well as a large variety of our incomparable divine cakes offered in our display.
Thinking of hosting a function? KENTRO upstairs delivers an eccentric feel with its wooden architecture and private feel. Hosting up to 200 seated, along with a foyer, stage, dance floor and a fully licensed bar, KENTRO, ‘The Meeting Place’ awaits your arrival.
Chichi Café House Oakleigh
03 9917 2197
The Chichi Cafe story begins with our passion for excellent coffee and delicious food. Since 2012, our family-owned coffee shop located in Hughesdale has been a warm and inviting hub where locals, young families, University students and people from all walks of life can gather and catch up over warm beverages, hearty brunch meals, delicious lunch spreads and afternoon snacks.
We are driven by our mission to create unique fresh dishes using the finest ingredients and perfect the craft of coffee making together with our roaster.
We take pride in our friendly service and will continue to serve good coffee and tasty grubs for everyone with a smile.
Kalimera Souvlaki Art Cafe Oakleigh
+61-3-99393911
Making a difference through Souvlaki Art.
So they decided to make it happen. With hard work, inspiration and the desire to share all what Thomas had learnt throughout his valuable experience
Thus, in the very heart of the greek community in Oakleigh, SOUVLAKI ART made the difference…. A unique combination of both traditional and progressive, where the best, carefully selected meat, and quality fresh vegetables with just the right spice are wrapped in delicious pitta bread, KALIMERA SOUVLAKI ART is a restaurant which will WRAP you around!!!!
What we do & why we do it.
The only way to transmit the voice of truth to someone is to have heard it yourself and to have let this truth become part of your life. Thomas Deliopoulos heard this voice from a loving couple of deaf-mute, who happened to be his parents. Their physical disability, instead of a curse turned into a blessing as they developed a very special bond with the land and the cattle.
Raised by an agricultural family, which was also involved in stock-breeding, young Thomas realised from his early childhood the gift of being in contact with mother nature and learned how to collect, in full respect, the best of the products it had to offer. Young Thomas very soon developed a passion for cooking; it was for him something more than a simple hobby. He learnt from his family background the importance of selecting the best raw materials and that authentic good taste lies in simplicity and excellent quality…this often beats sophistication which sometimes covers taste instead of enhancing it.
From humble beginnings.
At the age of 17, he joined the army where he was chosen as a cook. He serviced for 16 years in officers’ clubs, based in Greece and overseas, in NATO. At the same time, he worked in the free market collaborating with restaurants, bars etc. He reached one point when he felt that this circle was over and that it was about time to quit the army; it had never been a field of expression for him anyway.
But every end leads to a new beginning…Tom decided to take the next big step. A real challenge it was…His wife and son are Australian citizens, so the whole family moved to Melbourne for a brand new start. Once settled, they realised that despite the numerous souvlaki restaurants, something was missing. One with authentic taste, …AUTHENTIC is for Thomas the keyword for tasty cooking (Authentic is the keyword for almost everything)
Just Italy Oakleigh Café
+61 404 364 031
Our story began in 2015 when Tonino Amadio from Le Marche, Ascoli Piceno took over an existing Pasta shop of 30 years in Oakleigh. From there, the Just Italy name has continued to grow as we provide Melbournians with authentic Italian cooking…just like Nonnas.
In 2015 Tonino Amadio, who hails from Le Marche, a region in the centre of Italy that hugs the Adriatic Sea, created Just Italy…a small Italian pasta shop nestled in the heart of Oakleigh. The philosophy was very simple; to offer authentic Italian food, house-made products and uncompromising hospitality.
Three years later, Tonino met Sam Colosimo. A general conversation about business and their love of Italian food commenced, as did a new chapter at Just Italy as Sam joined the business.
Although the business continues to grow with new locations opening around Melbourne, Tonino and Sam’s core value remains the same; re-creating Italy in Australia. It’s about no-frills, good, authentic food…just like Nonna’s.
Come on down to a Just Italy location near you and experience a little piece of Italy for yourself.
See you at the bar.
Cote Terra Café Oakleigh
0395694320
Cafe
Do you take bookings?
Yes, we do take bookings on the weekdays, but unfortunately, we don’t take bookings on the weekends.
Do you do the function?
Yes, we can do functions for up to 50 pax during the evening. Please contact us at info@coteterra.com.au to discuss.
Do you serve alcohol?
We serve a range of wines, tap beer and some basic cocktails.
This Is Who We Are
Since first opening its doors in June 2012, Cote Terra has become a hub for speciality coffee lovers and foodies in Oakleigh and surrounding neighbourhoods. As it evolves, now located at its new Station Street premises with extended trading hours, evening menu and bar, Cote Terra continues to stay true to its humble roots and values. Offering delicious, affordable and contemporary food and drinks in a welcoming environment is only the surface of Cote Terra’s central philosophy. Their core principles extend to sustainability, with most of the store’s products sourced locally. The Cote Terra team also shows strong support for their community, often promoting local artists/events and maintaining ongoing positive relationships with nearby small businesses. Much loved by long time regulars and brand new faces alike, Cote Terra continues to do things differently and from the heart.
In 2017, we launched our own coffee roasted in Braeside Victoria. All our coffee bean is carefully sourced by the team, as we believe in serving what we like to drink.
Furthermore, education is one important part of any industry. Hence, we would like to pass on the things we know, so the establishment of our barista school is formed.
iCake Café Oakleigh
+61 404 666 609
iCake Patisserie is the art on the tip of the tongue. The joy of sharing together and lingering nostalgia customise your gorgeous cake and the sweet taste that melts in your mouth.
Discover our cakes
Founded in 2013, a cake is the heart of iCake, and quality is the soul. We only choose the finest ingredients from worldwide, handcrafted with our passionate pastry chefs, baked daily on-premise, you will having the most authentic and delicate taste of every cake. At iCake, we focus on creating; our pastry chefs proudly create more than 1600 cake designs in 6 years. And we believe that when cakes become art, it is iCake.
Process
iCake offers the complete joyful experience from ordering to sharing.
With 6000 designs of our birthday cakes and desserts, you will find that your happiness is such simple.
iCake offers a huge range of free delivery for our customers who like to stay at home to enjoy family time, and we cover the hardest work for you.
Quality Guarantee
Creation is the heart of iCake, and quality is the soul. We only choose the finest ingredients from worldwide, handcrafted with our passionate pastry chefs, baked daily on-premise, you will be having the most authentic and delicate taste of every cake. At iCake, we focus on creation; our pastry chefs proudly create 20 flavours and more than 6000 designs since 2012.
iCake adhere to superb production technology, strict quality control and high standard of food hygiene, and has become a trusted brand in Melbourne.
We believe that when cakes become art, it is iCake.
Café Spacho Oakleigh Café in Melbourne
03 9563 3107
Our Tassone family has been operating pizza shops for 35-years in Adelaide.
We headed to Melbourne 6-years ago with one goal in mind: to share our Tassone family tradition, our South of Italy Calabrian and Catanzaro background, and our love and
passion for Italian family recipes with our customers. Providing dishes that are
fresh, hearty, and simply unforgettable.
All are welcome!
we also cater
Call us, and we can help with catering for any occasion, birthdays, parties, meetings, school events etc.
The Oakleigh Doughnut Co
(03) 9569 8171
At TODCO, we have been proudly serving artisan doughnuts and specialty coffee since July 2017.
Our objective is to produce the freshest doughnuts in Melbourne together with a memorable in-store experience.
To achieve this, we fry and decorate our doughnuts in small batches throughout the day to ensure a superior product and pride ourselves on exceptional customer service.
Our Oakleigh & South Yarra stores showcase our range of 26 yeast-raised and cake doughnut flavours.
Through our kitchen window, you can view our skilled pastry chefs work meticulously in our purposely designed doughnut kitchen.
We also know the importance of quality coffee.
That’s why we have chosen Industry Beans as our specialty coffee roaster.
We serve up their signature blend’ Fitzroy Street’ at both locations, Oakleigh & South Yarra.
Flavour profile & composition:
Blackcurrant – 33% Montana Verde, Honduras
Blood Orange – 33% San Rafael, Colombia
Chocolate – 34% Ruhora, Burundi
Fitzroy Street’s flavour profile is equally delicious both black and with milk, with its bright acidity, dark fruit notes and smooth finish.
This coffee is a perfect match for our delicious doughnuts!
We look forward to seeing you in the store!
THE FOUNDERS:
Born in Oakleigh, brothers Yani and Nic’s fondest childhood memories were eating their Grandmother’s freshly made sweets.
It was these memories that gave them the inspiration to design exceptional artisan doughnuts and serve specialty coffee in the suburb they were raised in.
Every single doughnut has been through the brother’s rigorous creation process, and they are delighted to share them with you.
Kalimera Souvlaki Art Cafe Oakleigh
+61-3-99393911
Making a difference through Souvlaki Art.
So they decided to make it happen. With hard work, inspiration and the desire to share all what Thomas had learnt throughout his valuable experience
Thus, in the very heart of the greek community in Oakleigh, SOUVLAKI ART made the difference…. A unique combination of both traditional and progressive, where the best, carefully selected meat, and quality fresh vegetables with just the right spice are wrapped in delicious pitta bread, KALIMERA SOUVLAKI ART is a restaurant which will WRAP you around!!!!
What we do & why we do it.
The only way to transmit the voice of truth to someone is to have heard it yourself and to have let this truth become part of your life. Thomas Deliopoulos heard this voice from a loving couple of deaf-mute, who happened to be his parents. Their physical disability, instead of a curse turned into a blessing as they developed a very special bond with the land and the cattle.
Raised by an agricultural family, which was also involved in stock-breeding, young Thomas realised from his early childhood the gift of being in contact with mother nature and learned how to collect, in full respect, the best of the products it had to offer. Young Thomas very soon developed a passion for cooking; it was for him something more than a simple hobby. He learnt from his family background the importance of selecting the best raw materials and that authentic good taste lies in simplicity and excellent quality…this often beats sophistication which sometimes covers taste instead of enhancing it.
From humble beginnings.
At the age of 17, he joined the army where he was chosen as a cook. He serviced for 16 years in officers’ clubs, based in Greece and overseas, in NATO. At the same time, he worked in the free market collaborating with restaurants, bars etc. He reached one point when he felt that this circle was over and that it was about time to quit the army; it had never been a field of expression for him anyway.
But every end leads to a new beginning…Tom decided to take the next big step. A real challenge it was…His wife and son are Australian citizens, so the whole family moved to Melbourne for a brand new start. Once settled, they realised that despite the numerous souvlaki restaurants, something was missing. One with authentic taste, …AUTHENTIC is for Thomas the keyword for tasty cooking (Authentic is the keyword for almost everything)
Oasis Café Oakleigh
+61 3 9570 1121
From our family to yours, experience the tradition and the passion of Oasis. Since 1998, this Australian owned and operated family business has been sharing authentic food from around the world with fellow food lovers.
With stores in both Murrumbeena and Fairfield, you’ll find a bustling café serving deliciousness, an immense gourmet grocery store with an unmatched range, a deli of epicurean proportions, the freshest fresh food market, and outstanding prices throughout. You’ll even find beautiful events spaces and a popular cooking school. We take pride in making everybody feel at home. Drop-in, we’d love to show you around.
From the Makool family with pride, experience the tradition and the passion of Oasis.
Since 1998, this Australian owned and operated family business has been sharing authentic food from around the world with fellow food lovers.
At the heart of the Oasis, the story is the Makool family that emigrated from Lebanon in the 1970s, along with a strong tradition of bringing people together through food sharing.
Over 20 years of hard work and a commitment to quality has seen three generations of the family transform a humble food store in Melbourne’s southeast into an iconic part of the city’s culinary scene. Today Oasis Murrumbeena is home to a bustling café, a gourmet grocery store, a deli of epicurean proportions, a fresh food market and popular cooking school.
If you find yourself on the northside, pop into Oasis Fairfield, right in the midst of it on Station Street, Fairfield. We’ve created a new store where you’ll find all your favourite groceries, a cafe where you can get the same delicious meals you’ve grown to love, a cooking school where Oasis founder Marwa Makool, takes the time to share her passion for food with you and a beautiful light-filled function and events space where you’ll feel at home sharing wonderful food and experiences with your friends and family.
The Oasis name is also found in independent supermarkets everywhere on a wide range of freshly baked breads and Lebanese pizzas, exotic spices, delicious dips, pantry provisions and many other products inspired by the flavours of the Middle East.
While the business continues to grow, it has maintained its dedication to sharing great food, offering friendly service and providing an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Oasis is a food lover’s paradise, with pride and passion in every dish.
What should be included in a cafe?
When you’re opening a cafe or a coffee shop, it can be difficult to think through each and every item you’ll need to run a successful business. From industrial bean grinders to refrigeration systems, flatware, paper products, storage, and more – the number of items you need can be dizzying.
But when it comes to setting up a cafe, acquiring the necessary equipment is very important – and you don’t want to forget essential items, only to find yourself without them when your grand opening rolls around.
To open a successful coffee shop, you’ll have to research trends, find reliable wholesale partners, and order the best coffee shop equipment that your budget allows.
For the latter, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive coffee shop equipment list to get you started.
Food and drink preparation
Naturally, the preparation of coffee beverages and food is at the centre of your business – and you’ll need a wide variety of equipment to ensure you can provide your customers with the items they want. If you carefully tick off each of these details before you open your doors, you’ll find you’ll be far better off than if you just took the plunge without doing the hard yards first.
Your list of equipment should include:
- Drip coffeemakers
- Coffee presses
- Coffee beans
- A high-quality espresso machine
- Industrial coffee grinders
- A water filtration system
- Food preparation tables
- Food storage bins, bottles, and pumps
- Commercial blenders
- Ovens/toasters/grills
- An ice maker
While your needs will differ depending on the items you’re serving – you won’t need a grill if you don’t plan on serving hot sandwiches, for example – they’re almost all essential.
Another aspect to consider is the make and model of a high-quality espresso machine, rather than just going for whatever fits your budget. Since a good brew is likely to be your core offering, you’ll need a machine that goes the distance and pulls its weight. When you’re hunting around for one of these, make sure you choose a model that can produce a significantly high number of cups a day – all the while being able to turnaround the product quickly. Remember, busy periods will strain your staff and pressure on your equipment, so having a machine that supports the process is key. Our top tip is to pick a durable model that is fitted out with all the right features for your venue will be the make or break.
Software
Software is an often-overlooked aspect of running a coffee shop. However, selecting the right software for your business is a must for your continued success. At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A robust security system
- A POS system
- Employee management/scheduling software
- Payroll/accounting software
These products will ultimately support your business operations from one end to the other. Be it for staff and administration through to keeping customers happy and loyal – you’ll need to tick all of these off your list first.
A Wi-Fi connection
You may have gotten away with it in the past, but including a Wi-Fi connection in your cafe is almost a must these days. From business professionals through to those on-the-go, give back to your customer base by allowing them to access free internet within your venue. This will also keep them on-site longer, enticing them to stay for another coffee (or two). Additionally, you’ll inspire those looking for a work lunch spot or meeting place to choose you over competitors who may not have this functionality.
Heating and cooling
It goes without saying, but no business (be it within hospitality or not) should open doors without a reliable heating and cooling system in place. If you’re trying to tick all elements off your cafe equipment checklist, this should be among your top details.
As Australia’s heat can be a little on the harsh side, having a place of respite and relief for those without air conditioning, will lure more customers into your venue. On the other end, providing heating will do the same, not to keep staff happy.
Storage and refrigeration
You’re going to be working with quite a few perishable goods and many different ingredients. This means you’ll need a comprehensive storage and refrigeration system to ensure your perishable foods adhere to regulatory guidelines. You should have:
- Industrial refrigerators
- A large freezer (walk-in for larger businesses)
- Insulated containers for cream and milk
- Industrial shelving for dry storage
- Food storage containers for opened ingredients
- Industrial plastic wrap
When you’re on the hunt for these additions, however, keep design and interiors in mind. You’ll want something that suits your aesthetics, all the while providing the functionality you need. Ensure you also position them inaccessible areas, as this will be the make or break factor during busy periods.
Other products to consider
While they’re not necessarily ‘equipment’, they are the fundamental elements to the perfect cup of Joe – milk and water. Ultimately, using the right, high-quality liquids within your process will determine a tasty coffee from one that needs a little more attention. It can also significantly impact your customers’ experience, so it pays to ensure you’re using products that are well-received by those frequenting your business.
The first step here is to scratch the mindset that all milk is the same. These days, there are so many varieties to choose from, with soy and almond milk constantly popping up in the crowd-favourite lists. Ensure your cafe is equipped with enough stock for both and traditional like full-fat and skim milk. Also, consider that some milks steam better than others, so it pays to do your research first.
And on the other hand, there’s your use of water. While it’s often forgotten, water is key to a quality cup, so incorporating a filtration system into your list of equipment is vital. Not only will this extend the life of your espresso machine, but it will improve the taste of your coffee, too. And that’s always a win-win.
Top it all off by sourcing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans from a supplier you can trust. Sometimes, choosing local options gives you the benefit of supporting small business, all the while investing in a product that you know is driven by quality. Our top tip here is to do your research on roasters in the area, and ensure you’ve done your taste tests before taking your pick. After all, a good bean is essentially the basis of a solid cup of coffee.
What Food Should be Offered at a Cafe?
A café is different from a coffee shop in that a variety of food items are usually offered at a café. In contrast, a coffee shop usually only has a small assortment of desserts and pastries. If you plan on opening up a café, you will need to devote just as much time to developing and planning a menu as you will to the creation of different coffee beverages and drink items.
It can be challenging to create a café menu from scratch, so it’s a good idea to consider some of the standards included at most cafés. These five menu items are a great starting place for your café.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are always popular at cafes. You can offer hot and cold sandwiches that use various high-quality breads, meats, cheeses, and vegetables. You can even offer a special sandwich of the day, prepared and ready to go, for those who want to order and leave quickly.
Soup
Soup is almost a necessity at a café. Customers love the comforting nature of hot soups made with fresh ingredients such as chicken, beef, pasta and assorted vegetables.
Salads
A fresh salad or two is a great thing to add to a café menu. Many customers choose cafes for their eating needs because they anticipate being able to find healthier options than a fast-food restaurant. Light salads, therefore, should be included on your menu.
Breakfast Items
It may be a good idea to include a few breakfast items on your café menu and cater to the early-morning crowd at your cafe. Breakfast pastries, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and assorted fruit are simple menu items that will increase your profits during the morning hours.
Pastries and Desserts
Because your café will be offering coffee beverages along with a full menu of food items, it’s a good idea to include a variety of pastries and desserts on the menu. This will improve the success of your business during off-hours, such as after lunch and after dinner. If customers want to come into your café for a quick coffee, they may be more likely to indulge in a sweet snack if you have an assortment of delectable desserts available and on display.
Coffee cake and muffins are perfect accompaniments to hot coffee, so these pastry items are quite common in cafes. Many cafes also offer different varieties of cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, biscuits, sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls, and even a special cookie called biscotti, which is baked twice and perfect for dunking in a hot cup of coffee. Remember, the goal for every café owner is to sell as much to each customer as possible. If you don’t have any sweet snacks available, customers will be satisfied with only a cup of coffee. If the sweet treats are there, however, they will be very likely to indulge.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of the food items offered at a café. However, if you start simple with these basic items and slowly add new items to your menu, you will be in a great position to please your clientele and steadily increase the business at your café.
When you’re ready to dive in, ensure, you’ve got your business plan ready to go. This will allow you to organise your thoughts, keep your budget in mind (or develop one), and help you access banks’ financial support if you happen to need it. When in doubt, refer back to this and re-assess what your initial vision was and how it’s tracking.