Best Cafes in Footscray

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated 4 months ago

Footscray is a way off the cafe-on-every-corner situation of Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond and South Yarra. At least, that's how it seems. With the area gentrifying so rapidly, it's hard to say what it might look like in five years' time.

Not too different, we hope. It's already easy to find good breakfasts and coffee served with a smile, as the list below illustrates. Thus far, these things haven't come at the expense of the African and Vietnamese communities that make present-day Footscray such an invigorating place to live, eat and shop.

Looking for something specific?

Rudimentary
Cafe
Sustainability, simplicity and even transportability are the guiding principles of this singular community cafe. It’s set within a recycled shipping container, and surrounded by an abundant kitchen garden that informs the no-rules menu. Kimchi toastie? Bubble and squeak? You have some choices to make.
Pie Thief
Cafe
This tiny pie shop has an ex-Supernormal chef in the kitchen making lasagne pies, chicken-parma sausage rolls, vegan pies and more, best followed with a hot Milo or an old-school vanilla slice. If you can’t decide, grab a party-pie tasting paddle.
West 48
Cafe
All-day breakfast (with vegan options) in the heart of Footscray.
Book a Table
Footscray Milking Station
Cafe
Solid coffee and a locally famous pulled-pork panini.
Book a Table
The Reading Room
Cafe
Victoria University in Footscray isn't just for the studious.
Gordon Street Bakery
Shop
This patisserie is a small slice of French life. Its Paris-bred owner serves fluffy almond croissants, much-loved cheese sticks, sourdough baguettes and more – until they sell out.
Elka Sushi
Cafe
Elka knows its seafood – its owner is in the family behind longstanding fishmonger D&K Seafood. Come for spicy salmon maki and tuna belly nigiri. Plus, house-made soy sauce that changes to complement the season's fish.