Shop stories: Explore Dawn Eatery in Elsternwick Village

A fresh take on brunch at Dawn Eatery

Brunch is a Melbourne tradition, but Dawn Eatery has found a way to make it feel refreshingly different.

Bringing together the bold, vibrant flavours of Korean and Japanese cuisine with Australia’s much-loved café culture, Dawn Eatery has become a favourite among locals looking for something beyond the usual smashed avo.

Located in the heart of Elsternwick Village, the café has been serving its unique take on brunch since 2023, transforming the former Edna’s Place into a welcoming space where familiar faces, great coffee and memorable food come together. While the venue has evolved, its place as a neighbourhood gathering spot has remained just as strong.

With almost two decades of hospitality experience, owners Allan and Jung set out to create a café that celebrates the flavours they love while embracing Melbourne’s thriving brunch scene. The result is a menu that feels both comforting and exciting, blending traditional Korean and Japanese influences with modern café favourites.

It’s a combination that’s quickly earned a loyal following.

Signature brunch dishes like the Galbi Benedict and Bulgogi Eggs with Crispy Potato Pancake have helped put Dawn Eatery on the map, while the beautifully presented Sakura Matcha Latte has become a favourite in its own right.

Now, the café is introducing an exciting new chapter with the launch of its weekday lunch menu from Wednesday, July 29. Alongside a selection of freshly made sandos and comforting bowls of udon, the new menu introduces Japanese-style Teishoku set meals featuring your choice of crispy-skinned barramundi, Japanese pork chashu, karaage chicken or beef bulgogi, served with tofu dashi soup, sesame coleslaw and a rotating selection of house-made seasonal side dishes.

Balanced, comforting and full of flavour, the new lunch menu offers another reason for locals to make Dawn Eatery part of their day.

For Allan, one of the most rewarding parts of running Dawn Eatery is seeing familiar faces return time and time again. Today, around 80 per cent of the café’s customers are local regulars – a reflection of the genuine relationships that have been built with the Elsternwick community over the past few years. Small conversations across the counter and getting to know customers have become just as important as the food itself.

That sense of connection continues to define Dawn Eatery. Alongside thoughtfully crafted dishes and quality coffee, it’s a place where locals can slow down, catch up with friends and enjoy a dining experience that brings together the best of Melbourne café culture with the bold flavours of Korea and Japan in the heart of Elsternwick Village.

📍Visit Dawn Eatery at 390 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick.

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