The perfect example of how Melbourne taking brunch seriously...at Chez Dre you will find an authentic house made French Patisserie selection that dreams are made of...combined with a gorgeous breakfast/lunch menu...all hidden down a South Melbourne lane-way. With an open kitchen and an epic French Toast...you'd have to know I'm in brunch-love...I think you could be too :)

I found this place via two sources that serendipitously combined to lead me here. Firstly...you must read and follow In Love With Brunch...there's a reason why she has over 1000 followers and counting on Instagram...she shares the best places and her photo of Chez Dre's French Toast single handedly made me conspire an immediate trip to South Melbourne. Secondly, I was planning to explore the South Melbourne Market at some stage...and these two locations are dangerously close to each other...so win win :)

Located in a warehouse down an alley way that looks entirely inconspicuous (at least from the direction we wandered!) is where you'll discover Chez Dre. Step inside the door, past the decorative wrought iron work and you'll find yourself in an industrial-meets-rustic-with-a-sprinkle-of-luxe interior. Long wooden communal tables with bench seating, intimate deep green upholstered booth dining, and sleek little marble table tops for cosy parties of two to three & custom concrete flooring. This is not the kind of industrial warehouse fit-out that leaves you feeling cold...quite the contrary.

A French inspired menu, and the most amazing selection of house made petit gateaux means a long-haul flight is not required to properly indulge in these treasures. It's a slice of Paris in our very own Melbourne...especially if you stop by the market afterwards. Though it has to be said...if you do brunch and take-home pastries correctly, I'm not sure how much room will be left for market grazing. Perhaps a baguette in your bike basket for later? :)

She had...

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST
w/season poached fruit, vanilla
mascarpone & caramelised pecans.

He had...

She can't remember...was completely infatuated with said French Toast!

You'll find Chez Dre at 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Do check out their website, they photograph their new menu options so beautifully (everywhere should do this!).
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