As a person who loves eating food at any time of day, I make no real distinction between ‘breakfast food’ ‘lunch food’ and ‘dinner food’.

So I think it’s perfectly fine to eat fish tacos and a huge brownie for breakfast. And you should too if you visit Tomboy!

This handsome cafe displays one of my favourite interpretations of Melbourne’s ubiquitous ‘industrial chic’  look that I’ve encountered in recent memory.

I love their huge, high communal table that used to be a carpenter’s workbench, complete with original vices turned convenient bag hooks. The juxtaposition of hard and soft with the addition of a tall flower arrangement in the centre of the table.

I love the menu written on the huge dangling reel of butcher’s paper. The amazing lamps held aloft by thick metal links and heavy hooks. The vintage milk bar sign beckoning you towards the coffee and treats in the cabinet and the old school speakers set into the brickwork.

Finally, I love their interpretation of a butcher’s apron which all the trendy, good-looking and friendly staff wear. Apparently the aprons were made by one of the owner’s mums but really I think they should sell them :–)

Now to the food. The cafe offers an all-day breakfast/brunch/lunch menu so it contains the expected toast, muesli, eggs and then segues into the tart of the day, open sandwiches and those fish tacos.

As I’ve said, I’ve never shied away from bold flavours first thing in the morning so I’m immediately drawn to the digestive kickstart of an avocado and jalapeno puree and chipotle aioli. The tacos come out on two soft tortillas piled with fishy nuggets, the aforementioned sauces and a generous handful of red cabbage and coriander. Ignore the proffered cutlery and get into these with your hands!

I enjoyed the fresh, fiery combination of flavours though I would have preferred more chilli in my taco. That’s a matter of personal preference though so perhaps they could offer some hot sauce (I think I spied some on the shelf) or extra dressing for those whose taste buds like more heat.

If you come to Tomboy make sure you don’t miss out of the gluten-free brownies ($4). The cafe has been set up by the folks behind  Box Brownies and every day they bake fresh combinations (they sell out too). The huge slabs are rich without being heavy, very chocolatey without being cloying and very, very addictive. While I have been known to scoff down a whole brownie after a gym session (!) I think these baked wonders are better shared between two. Enjoy them with a coffee made with Seven Seeds blends on a Synesso machine.

Tomboy‘s attention to detail in the decor and dining has me listing them as one of my latest neighbourhood favourites. How can you resist a window display like this??

Tomboy, +61 

Tues to Sat 7:30am–4pm
Sat 8am–4pm
Sun 9am – 4pm

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