With its stunning Brunswick vibes and a fresh dinner menu, this bustling spot promises a fun atmosphere and quick service, even on weekends!
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Aaron Brenneman
project 281 in brunswick is a masterclass in how to run a cafe. the staff are ridiculously good - fast, professional, and always up for a chat. the turnover here is low, and it shows. they actually know the menu, they work like a team that has been together for years (because they have), and they are hyper-aware of food allergies. more than once, i have forgotten to ask for gluten-free, and their habit of repeating the dish when they serve it has saved me from myself. the vegan options are also numerous and delish.
the food is unreal. the eggs on rice is hands-down the best value breakfast in melbourne. the breakfast benny nails that rich-but-balanced sweet spot. the gluten-free bread is so good i would order it even if i could eat the regular stuff, and you can get nearly anything on rice instead of toast anyway. the chorizo eggs with whipped feta are absolute sybaritic luxury, and then there is the steak sanger - even if you’ve had it before, it still manages to surprise you. the human brain cannot fully hold the memory of that sandwich, so every time feels like the first.
the space itself is stunning - open and airy without feeling cavernous, brutalistically beautiful, full of big, fat, stupidly healthy plants. when it is raining, it is magic: all that glass, all that concrete, and the sound of rain pounding the roof while you chew contentedly. there is also a courtyard area, perfect for a sunny brunch or a quiet moment with a coffee. tucked away but still part of the action, it has that rare balance of being open yet intimate.
and the coffee? obviously, it is good, this is brunswick, but project 281 roasts their own beans in-house, and you can taste it. smooth, rich, never bitter. so good, i always get a second cup, sometimes decaf, just to prove to myself it is not the caffeine talking.
the location is also bonza. right off sydney road, a hop, skip, no need to jump from the number 19 tram. two minutes from brunswick station. and if you are driving, there is cheeky parking at woolies across the street.
if you want a cafe that gets everything right - staff, food, coffee, atmosphere - this is it.
Been meaning to try for a long time as it is local. We will definitely be back. Yummy food! Clean, good service with a funky vibe. Also lots of Coeliac options. Highly recommend.
Had a not great experience at this cafe yesterday, which is a shame as I otherwise really love the place. Despite discussing my gluten intolerance I was given regular wheat toast (not what I had ordered) and only realised this after a couple of bites. The staff member who made the error was lovely and apologetic. When I went to settle up I paid for the meal as normal, which I didn’t think too much of it at the time, but in hindsight it occurred to me that expecting a customer to pay full price for a meal that has essentially compromised their health does not provide a strong incentive to return (nor does it give the appearance that food intolerances are taken seriously). If you are a gluten intolerant or coeliac person I would be extra-cautious when eating here.
A cozy hangout spot that not only blows your mind but also offers an extremely homey vibe to kick back, relax, and enjoy your Sundays.
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Paula Phillips
Great coffee, incredible toasted cheese sandwiches. My fave is the mushroom one 😋. They offer delish GF bread and do all that they can to keep coeliac's safe. Love coming here to my local.
One of my fav breakfast spots in Melbourne. I would cross the city in peak hour traffic for their gluten free, vegan avocado toast. Chai latte is always good too. Staff are lovely, ambiance is really cool.
Have never tried anything else and I couldn’t be happier. Will be back soon!!
A newly renovated spot with a lively atmosphere, great service, and delicious dishes makes it perfect for celebrations with friends.
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Sarah Elali
Great family friendly atmosphere with plenty of comfortable seating options whether you want to sit in, out, or in between. Nice selection of local beers and spirits, they’re all a step up from the typical ones you see, which was great. Some lovely different ones on offer too. Food menu represents Brunswick really well - Aussie takeaway goes overseas with pizza, dim sims, potato cakes and shawarma! Lots of vegan and gluten free options. It’s roomy, but still cozy, festive and clean. Well worth a visit.
This spot is a fun hangout with a huge variety of board games and super affordable cocktails, perfect for an awesome time with friends!
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Hanh Nguyen
A great place for delicious affordable food, attentive service, and a range of board games for all different levels of skills. Ben is very generous with getting you familiarized with the games in store. Cocktails are the cheapest I've seen in Brunswick and there's a huge variety. Many vegan and gluten free food options. Always a great time when we're here.
Celiac friendly
