Vacation Richmond

Brothers Matt and Kael Sahely, two of the three founders of Vacation, know what makes a top Melbourne cafe. The duo started some of Melbourne’s faves like Pillar of Salt, Touchwood, Bawa and Barry (all of which they’ve now sold).

Then there’s Vacation, the coffee company they started with Jimmy Tjeong as a wholesale roastery in 2016. Its Richmond outpost is a small, light-filled space with white-painted walls, a eucalyptus green awning, and pastel pink tables and benches. The colours make for a soft and sweet feel that creates the perfect backdrop for the shop’s baked goods.

Pastries, cakes and macarons are baked on-site. These might include a tiramisu croissant, layered carrot cake, black forest cake and pineapple macarons. The lunch menu steps things up a notch, with salads and sandwiches. Favourite items have included an egg and haloumi brioche, a chicken jalapeno toastie and a classic Reuben sandwich. There’s also a chicken katsu sando, a pork belly sanga and a tuna melt.

Central to Vacation’s vision is top-quality coffee, roasted by the owners. There’s both cold brew and hot batch brew on tap; all the usual espresso drinks; and specialty drinks including an iced raspberry matcha and a grapefruit spritz.