No better way to commiserate or celebrate university than with sugary temples of french toast.

Our experience

With one at every street corner, down every cobbled laneway, on every office building lobby floor, Melbourne CBD is not wanting for cafes. It has been wanting though, for cafes that offer interesting takes on the routine breakfast/brunch/lunch options, and/or a different cafe experience. Seven Seeds is the epitome of Melbourne’s obsession with laneway secrets and warehouse reconstruction. Entered through a cobbled laneway between garages, it is a mostly student haunt for slow service, revitalizing coffee and pressed sandwiches with interesting fillings. Being who we are though, whenever MoMo & Coco took one look at the menu, the finger inevitably fell on “Seven Seeds French Toast.” Something sweet and irresistible and perfectly suited, back in the days…before or after awfully boring lectures of technicalities and arguments of law…or to commisserate or celebrate results.

The winter version ($13-14) is usually one enveloped in molten hot rich chocolate (though we have had one with butterscotch caramel sauce before), with poached pears sandwiched in between three layers of large triangular, richly buttered and honeyed french brioche. And to top it off, a huge dollop of mascarpone cream, and scaterrings of hearty walnuts. Say “hmmmmm…irresistible.”

The summer version ($13-14) is usually a somewhat “lighter” french toast, but nevertheless still oh-so-sweet and irresistible. Three triangles of raisined french toast, arranged into a towering pagoda temple of sweet worship, draped in a cloak of orange and caramel syrup, and topped with another hudge dollop of mascarpone. We have also had a summer version with berries instead of citrus highlights.

Our verdict

Persevering and being resilient when ordering from the almost always slow-walking, condescending hipster wait staff will reward you with a plate loaded up with a very decadent rendition of Seven Seeds’ french toast. Partaking in this indulgence with a side order of coffee anywhich way you desire will show you why Seven Seeds remains an established part of Melbourne’s coffee and brunch tradition.

Dessert adventure checklist

1. ☑ Dessert destination: Seven Seeds Cafe, 106-114 Berkeley Street, Parkville, Vic 3053.
2. ☑ Budget: $.
3. ☑ Sweet irresistibles: Breakfast dessert.
4. ☑ Must-eat: The French Toast.
5. ☑ The short and sweet story: No better way to commiserate or celebrate university than with sugary temples of french toast.