Operator 25, a Telephone Cafe in Melbourne

Operator 25 Melbourne

Operator 25 is an Asian-inspired brunch hot spot housed in a heritage-listed telephone exchange building near Flagstaff station.

The telephone is a consistent theme in the branding and the decor, from the nameโ€ฆ

Operator 25 Melbourne

โ€ฆ.to the posters and the signage, all with phone (or coffee) related quips…

Operator 25 Melbourne

โ€ฆ.to the long looping wires from the pendant lights evoking old-fashioned telephone switchboards.

Operator25 Melbourne - 4

Their coffee is made with Code Black and Small Batch beans, though I have the Hot Peanutella ($6) with a matchy-matchy babycino for Baby 2.0. The hot chocolate with Nutella and peanut butter is sweet and smooth, though the addition of the fridge-cold white chocolate froth is a discordant contrast.

Operator 25 Melbourne

The matcha almond hotcakes ($18) is actually two small muffins stacked tall. The texture of the hotcakes is crumbly and cake-like rather than airy and fluffy, which isnโ€™t a problem, just different. I love the slight bitterness of the matcha combined with the sweetness of the intense grilled pear half, berry sauce and freeze dried raspberry.

Operator 25 Melbourne

Seating for families is best at the two large round tables, as everything else is bar stools and high benches. They have several high chairs available and pram access is via the disabled access ramp at the side entrance. The toilets require a few internal stairs though if you use the disabled entrance you can wheel a pram straight into the disabled toilet (no change table).

Flagstaff Gardens

Operator25 is walking distance to close to Queen Victoria Market, which provides the most ample parking in the area, and Flagstaff Gardens. Inside the park youโ€™ll find a small playground, lawn bowls, tennis courts and lots of grass to run around.

Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

Operator25 provides a sophisticated yet family-friendly dining experience in the CBD, seven days a week. It’s our favourite go-to spot if we’re in the north of the city though note it does get busy during weekends.


HOT Tips:

  • Pram access;
  • High chairs;
  • Standard menu suitable for kids;
  • Disabled toilet;
  • Walking distance to playground;
  • Bookings available for groups 6+ on weekdays, no bookings on weekends or public holidays.

Operator 25, 25 Wills St, Melbourne

Mon-Fri 7am-4pm

Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

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About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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