Every once in a while, you'll wake up and find yourself craving for a good healthy breakfast instead of your usual nasi lemak or noodles. I guess it's one of those days when you decide to go somewhere refreshing, be healthy and surround yourself with a friendly environment. We had one of those mornings - as a result of our regular 5am bed time. Dennis decided to haul our lazy a** out of bed and we headed down to Mart 130 in Middle Park. I've been hearing a lot about this place, and when I finally laid eyes on this place, I silently agreed to myself - Yes, this place qualifies as one of Melbourne's most charming cafes. You'll find out why soon enough too.
Mart 130 ("tram" spelt backwards, stop number 130) is located in an old station master's building on the platform of the No. 96 light rail to St Kilda. Upon entering the premise, you'll find vintage pieces adorning a chalk white interior with charcoal timber floors. Oh here's the best part - there's a deck at the back of the premise overlooking Albert Park.
You'll have breakfast facing a beautiful park made famous by the annual Formula One race.
Simple and charming.
Melbourne in all its splendour.
All August Diners share the same love for Coffee Art. There's a school in the city that teaches you how to create all these fancy stuff at AUD200/day. Feeling rich?
My latte.
The waiters here are absolutely a friendly bunch. They'll pull an empty chair next to you, sit down with you and take your order as if you've known him for the longest time.
We ordered Chocolate Banana Pancakes with ice cream toppings, Bacon with sourdough toast accompanied with a variety of sausages, and a ham hock on oven toasted bread with sides of salad. And yes - we enjoyed every bit of it.
Paco loving his pancakes.
MART in all its rustic charms.
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Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
(Be sure to sit outside on the deck)
Presentation of food: 6/10
Overall: 7.5/10
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MART 130,
107A Canterbury Road, Middle Park, Melbourne VIC
Phone(03) 9690 8831
