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 name…
….to the posters and the signage, all with phone (or coffee) related quips…
….to the long looping wires from the pendant lights evoking old-fashioned telephone switchboards.
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.
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 isn’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.
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).
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 you’ll find a small playground, lawn bowls, tennis courts and lots of grass to run around.
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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