So Hammer and Tong is no more and in its place is Nomada offering breakfast tapas. The layout is the same but it seems brighter and calmer. We secured two seats at the bar and service took a while but we got there in the end.

Offering a wide range of beverages and 'breakfast tapas', the menu can be a little daunting in terms of thinking what goes with what and how many dishes should we order. There are different sized plates costing $5, $9, $15 and $19. There are also some sweet dishes thrown in amongst the menu items too.

Don't worry about it or think too hard; just order what you fancy. We ended up ordering in two rounds and the couple next to us in three. The food comes out pretty quickly so just start with a few dishes and then add a few, throw in a drink or two and you'll come away pretty happy!
 
Our first order was for about 6 or so items. Actually we ordered two toasties, the one we got being the boquerones and the one that didn't materialise which was the jamon but we had enough to go on so didn't mind too much. The food was delicious so we ordered a second round of three dishes.

• Coal blistered tomatoes, sherry, herbs and manchego
• Chorizo with chilli powder
• Seasonal mushrooms and pickled celery
• Nomada bacon with potato sauce and mushroom powder
• Quail eggs with cumin salt
• Blue Eye croquetas with fennel emulsion
• Boquerones and Mahon toastie
• Jamon Serrano, cured yolk, fresh curd and pear
• Flinders saltgrass lamb on the coals, tomato, yoghurt, eggplant, garlic puree and chilli

We loved the bacon which were two thick cut bacon steaks and were quite mellow compared to the spicy chorizo so both pork but different. Yum! The quail eggs were creamy and rich. Loved the anchovies and Mahon cheese in a toastie; cheesy and umami and crispy and golden. Croquetas were plump and golden brown with a creamy tasty filling. Not one dish was a bad dish. There was oodles of respect for the ingredients and they came together like a symphony in spite of us just ordering haphazardly. Out of confusion came delight!

I also enjoyed the strawberry lemonade and the tea we had was also well made. 

Whilst we initially found the service a little offhand, it improved and we were rewarded with friendly smiles by the end.

We have found a new neighbourhood favourite. Nomada, yesmada!

A quick Sunday brunch date with friends that live next door to Seven Seeds made it a great location for us.​ Of course they are regulars but it was my first time and we thought it would be busy as our get together coincided with Mother's Day. And yes there was a line but when my friend suggested we eat outside (it wasn't a particularly warm day but it was dry and we were adequately dressed) we were offered a table immediately so that's what we did.

Everyone (except for me) had the Eggs and Waffle Benedict - Smoked ham and Cheddar waffle, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise. I went with the Avocado Smash - Yarra Valley feta, saffron, lemon, 3 paprikas and coffee salt, coriander, pepitas, poached egg, toasted multigrain and a side of bacon.

The Avocado Smash sounded complex and fancy but it was just good old smashed avo with a poached egg. It was tasty and a good version but did the 3 paprikas and coffee salt elevate it to another level? The jury is out on that one.

The Eggs and Waffle Benedict went down very well with everyone. I get the impression it was pretty rich or that might have been the additional black pudding that was ordered to go with it!

The coffee is good, our waiter was pleasantly friendly and even though we were seated outside he still checked in with us frequently enough.

Not a bad breakfast joint and if I lived next door I reckon I'd be a regular too!

Higher Ground - a place of worship? Well I did drop in two days in a row for breakfast so almost a regular church goer! Undeniably a beautiful fit out, sympathetically done and with a calm zen about it; almost holy perhaps? It's great for solo diners who can share communal benches or tables but also good to for those that like to dine with a friend or two.

My first breakfast was the much lauded kale and cauliflower salad, miso, almond hummus, avocado, poached egg, puffed rice and I added the cured kingfish. I wasn't completely sold on fish for breakfast but I guess the Japanese do it so why not me...There's a lot of green on the plate with a splash of violet form the purple cauliflower. The textures of the veggies are crisp and the flavours clean, intense and fresh with the almond hummus adding creaminess and nuttiness. It's a good dish; simple but packed full of flavour and light on the tummy. It puts a spring in the step. And my cuppa tea was a good one too.

So after a successful breakfast, I found myself in the same place the next day and gave the Eggs Benedict a whirl. No photo I'm afraid. It was delicious. Served more like a toastie on sourdough rather than an English muffin and the vinegar powder adding a delicious piquant tang. This was clever and inspired and delicious.

I was impressed by the saintly offerings of Higher Ground although when I first read the menu I wasn't too taken as it's not the traditional fare that is on offer. Minced lamb fry up isn't the first thing on my list for breakfast but now that I've been there twice I'd happily give it a go a third.

Quick stop here on my way home from an appointment in Carlton. The coffee is good, the matcha latte is good, the service is warm, personal and friendly and the food arrived quickly. Ticks all the boxes. The Uncle Benne I had which was poached eggs atop pulled pork with a harissa hollandaise was small but had punch and zip.

A good local gem with the Melbourne hipster twist of lattes in green, gold and red (matcha, turmeric and beet red velvet). One to visit and adopt into the regular rotation of breakfast and coffee eateries.

Two tasty breakfasts. I think the chorizo could have been thicker slices or chunks. Service became less attentive as the place filled up but we managed to get a second round of coffee.

Decent laneway breakfast or coffee place. Meals are focused around bagels so if you don't like bagels, there's not much left to choose.

A cheeky mid week breakfast date meant that this popular Prahran premises was laidback and leisurely and the frantic, hectic weekend crowds were avoided. We were able to relax and smell the awesome coffee and enjoy an indulgent breakfast served by personable and friendly FOH staff - perfect!

Oh the Oscar Benedict! Truly a stellar choice; crispy potato rosti replaces the English muffin and beautiful bacon lies on a bed of mashed avocado for another Oscar twist on the classic. What remains true to textbook though are wonderful poached eggs with oozing, orange yolks and a tangy Hollandaise sauce that in spite of its creaminess cuts through all the richness.

It's just the perfect size to be a good breakfast that is a treat but won't leave you comatosed and unable to be productive for the remainder of the day. It's a true breakfast that provides fuel for what lies ahead.

Oscar Cooper, how nice to meet you! Let's be friends.

Had a Friday morning breakfast meeting and this place is close to the office. I'd never been but had walked past the blackboard on the main street signalling to turn down a Melbourne alleyway.

We descended down into this basement cafe and it's quite large by Melbourne cafe standards with some quirky, shabby chic and eccentric decor stuffed in the nooks and crannies and a bright mural on the wall. There's definitely a sense of individuality and a cheery personality.

In some ways it reminded me of a Mediterranean taverna and in other ways it brought back memories of hippy style student cafes from my 90s yourh.

Service was friendly and prompt too and the food came out quite quickly meaning we were back at the office in an hour.

The speciality seems to be dips or stuffed bread bowls. I had the Mediterranean shakshouka with a side of bacon and my dining companion made up a breakfast of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and some other random things. I don't think she knew what she was going to end up with! Coffees were long and strong and piping hot.

The hash browns were unusual and not the pre made stuff. They were seasoned with spices - cumin and maybe some others and were really quite delicious. Like a cross between a falafel and hash brown. I enjoyed my bread bowl although it was quite large so I left the lid. The bowl was softer than I thought it would be but it still held its shape. The tomato ragu was intense and punchy and went well with oozy eggs and salty bacon. It's all quite homely and rustic which is sometimes welcome especially in the cold weather, The generous serves meant we were set up for the day!

I popped into Mile End after a barre class as I've been curious ever since reading about this last year. I'm a bagel lover; to me it's like a savoury doughnut and I'm all for that. Steve is less of a fan. Now my suspicion is that Steve hasn't had a good bagel. He also doesn't like smoked salmon so he feels there's nothing there for him hence I decided to go it alone as I'd likely not convince him to come along anyway although I knew deep in my heart, he'd find something to like!

I knew Mile End was opposite the Spanish shop but I still had to stop and look around before spying it across the road. The lack of signage was the problem.

Upon entering I liked the white walls, high ceillings and industrious work going on in the back. The rack of bagels was enticing and I had to take a few moments to decide what to order. I wanted to try so much - salt beef, maple bacon, bacon and egg...

I ended up going traditional and ordered:

• Smoked salmon, dill and caper cream cheese, tomato and red onion - #2
• BLAT - #9

And a takeaway coffee which I supped whilst I waited. The space allowed for peaceful waiting rather than uncomfortable crammedness that can happen in Melbourne. I enjoyed the calm and the server was friendly and personable. I enjoyed watching the activity of bagel making. The coffee grew on me. At first it was bit too roasted for me but then it turned a corner and I really liked it.

I took my goodies home. I went for sesame bagels for us both because poppy seeds get in my teeth. I loved the toastiness of the sesame and the golden sheen of the bagel. The dill and caper cream cheese with the onion and smoked salmon and tomato was delicious. I could taste every element and then altogether it was just sublimely yummy. The bagel itself was a perfect balance of doughy chewiness and lightness.

And what about Steve's verdict. As suspected, he loved it. And it changed his mind about bagels. We both agreed we could eat another one immediately after the first. But at $31 for the two bagels and a coffee it's not a budget option. Although a way to make it cheaper would be to just buy plain bagels and make them up at home but where's the Sunday pleasure in that?

Loved the bagels and the coffee...this is why I love to live in Fitzroy!

I had an early start on Saturday morning with a manicure appointment in Fitzroy North at 08:30. It takes me around 20 minutes to walk there and I was due at barre class afterwards but the more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to go and I found myself in Mio Locale instead ordering breakfast and a coffee!

Sure exercise is good for the body but I also believe that sometimes, some me time and indulging oneself nourishes the soul and encourages emotional wellbeing too! 

The service was warm and friendly and the little cafe with its gleaming black walls, bright lights and gentle hum of activity was certainly restorative for this tired soul. The coffee was great even with an over generous sprinkling of cocoa and whilst the baked eggs took their time it sure felt great to relax and just take the time for some solitary comfort.

When the eggs did arrive they were appetisingly attractive. The tomato sugo with the nduja was tangy and tasty with a spicy kick. The mushrooms were deliciously soft and flavoursome with garlic. I'd have loved another slice of toast to enjoy the gooey yolk and tomato sauce but that's just being greedy.

This is a simple place and simple things done well are true neighbourhood gems. I'll be remembering this one for sure and not just for breakfast.

Port Fairy from our sojourn to Tower Hill where we'd completed a brisk walk so needed a feed! In spite of it being 1pm and prime lunch hour, we secured a roomy table in the cute courtyard. Whilst the place was busy it wasn't frantically so and we were able to relax and browse the menu as well as enjoy the fresh air.

So the menu promised a little bit of British at the end of the Great Ocean Road. In honour of the United Kingdom, Steve ordered an English Breakfast tea, I had an Irish Breakfast tea and for Scotland, Steve decided to eat his way through what was called The Flying Scotsman.

In essence it's a Ploughman's and it arrived on a road board with giant pickled onions, a pile of pink ham, Stilton, Cheddar, a salad, baguette, chutney and triangles of butter.

There were plenty of other Ploughman's variations but I plumped for the bacon and Brie baguette and we decided to share some potato skins. Other temptations were Welsh rarebit, bangers and mash, fish and chips...

A highly enjoyable lunch spot that was quick and satisfyingly homely.Simple far but done with warmth and generosity; exactly as a tea room should be!