Two Birds One Stone is an award-winning cafe underneath an apartment block in South Yarra. It mirrors the same winning formula as the owners’ other establishments Top Paddock and The Kettle Black, 60mg with slick design and a creative menu presented with Instagram-worthy panache.
The lofty space is split into two – maybe the reason for the cafe’s name? The coffee station serves Five Senses coffee includes a neat takeaway area and a stunning flower lit panelled wall.
The other side is divided by high upholstered banquettes, 100mg though you can also choose between window-facing stools, a high communal table and the coveted partitioned round table booths which can be booked for tables of 4+ people on weekdays. The palette is blonde oak, grey concrete and greenery with distinctive stick lighting by the owners’ regular collaborator Christopher Boots.
Both breakfast and lunch are served all day which means there’s no real reason to divide the menu – so for breakfast I try the rare yellow fin tuna with potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, aioli and crispy poached egg ($20). It’s a play on a classic Nicoise salad, with a trail of vibrant vegetables topped with generous slices of melting tuna and a lightly coated egg that’s still gooey inside. It’s healthy without being sanctimonious and head-turning pretty.
In the breakfast menu there are a couple of sweet dishes which makes it hard to choose, but I’m intrigued by the passionfruit and yoghurt pannacotta – dessert as breakfast, why not? I’m expecting the usual upturned ramekin sized number but in fact the whole bowl is one big wobbly pannacotta, making it a bargain for $13.
It reminds me of a giant sweet chawanmushi (steamed Japanese custard) and the silken texture is flawless underneath the lemongrass and saffron scented pineapple, fresh passionfruit and nut granola. I’m just sad that I’m so full that I can’t finish the dish.
There’s a short kids menu – $7.50 for eggs and bacon on toast or pikelets and strawberries on toast and $9.50 eggs any way on toast. There’s room for prams near the banquette and window seating areas thought when I visited there were a few families eating in the booths (which are the most kid-friendly) so it’s worth booking one of those tables.
There’s a reason that Two Birds One Stone is full constantly – the sophisticated menu and friendly service means that it’s a place worth travelling for.
HOT Tips:
- pram access;
- high chairs;
- kids menu;
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- limited free parking on Claremont St, some paid carparks nearby;
- go during off-peak hours as it can get busy and noisy;
- if you’re going with 4+ people on a weekday book a table ahead, especially the booths.
Two Birds One Stone, 12 Claremont Street, South Yarra (03) 9827 1228
Mon to Fri 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
Sat to Sun 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
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