Restaurant
Cafe Ray
332 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Find Cafe Ray
332 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Cafe Ray
Tucked off Sydney Road, Cafe Ray delivers unpretentious brunch, late-afternoon toasties, and serious coffee roasted by Atomica. Diners head here for generous breakfasts, framed local art, and house-made vegan plates like scrambled tofu on sourdough. When morning rolls into mid-afternoon, the kitchen stays firing past standard lunch cutoffs—turning out buttery reubens and juicy mushroom toasties alongside rich milkshakes and pour-over brews. The cake counter comes stocked with lemon polenta and carrot cake, perfect for an unhurried corner seat inside or an easy table out in the sun.
- House-Roasted Atomica Coffee: Pours proprietary roasts with retail beans and origin details available on site.
- Late-Afternoon Kitchen Service: Serves hot food and pressed toasties well past standard lunch cutoffs, up until 3:30 or 4:00 PM.
- Local Art on Display: Presents rotating, framed artwork by neighbourhood artists across the cafe walls.
- House-Made Plant-Based Fare: Offers scratch-made scrambled tofu, vegan feta, and seasonal savory specials.
What's On at Cafe Ray
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Cafe Ray
Why Brunswick locals and late risers choose Cafe Ray for hearty food, house roasting, and relaxed hospitality.
House-Roasted Atomica Coffee
Cafe Ray roasts its signature Atomica Coffee in-house, pairing expertly pulled espressos and single origins with beans and origin stories available to take home.
They also roast their own coffe Atomica Coffee
Mar Habbaby Hearty, In-House Vegan & Brunch Plates
Generous, hearty brunch offerings range from classic egg rolls to scratch-made vegan dishes that never compromise on substance or flavour.
Great range of vegan options that they make in house.
Daniela Venturi (Dee) Unhurried, Welcoming Neighbourhood Vibe
Guests are welcomed into a relaxed neighbourhood space where they can settle into their own nook without feeling rushed out the door.
Comfortable finding my Own Little Nook and eating there at pleasure and leisure with No hurry, in my Own Skin
June Chia Revitalising Hospitality & Warmth
Attentive hospitality and genuine, friendly conversations give visitors an energising boost that sets a bright tone for the day.
This place is the ray of sunshine we needed after a big night out.
Joey Platts Late Afternoon Kitchen Service
Unlike typical cafes that close the grill early, Cafe Ray serves hot toasties and full kitchen orders well into the late afternoon up until 3:30 to 4:00 PM.
luckily Cafe Ray was open until 4 and still serving food at 3:30.
Sarah Branton Local Art Gallery Integration
The dining area doubles as an eclectic showcase of framed work by local artists available for purchase.
The framed artwork for sale inside is an interesting eye catcher
Michael Hickey
Most popular items
Hearty savoury favourites and house toasties
Mushroom Toastie
Both my girlfriend and I love reuben toasties, so that was an automatic classic, but we also loved the mushroom so much! By the end I think the mushroom was both of our favourite.
Sarah Branton Egg & Bacon Roll
I can say with confidence that you will have the best burger and EGG & BACON ROLL in Victoria here.
chan Jayden Eggs Royale
I tried the Eggs Royale with smoked salmon, poached egg & hollandaise. Was very yummy and healthy!!!
Mar Habbaby Scrambled Tofu on Sourdough
The scrabbled tofu on sourdough was heavenly. Staff were super friendly too.
Daniela Venturi (Dee)
Other favorites
Sweet baked goods, specialty drinks, and batch brews
Carrot Cake
carrot cake and lemon polenta cake(GF). Super yummy!!
Mar Habbaby Lemon Polenta Cake
lemon polenta cake(GF). Super yummy!!
Mar Habbaby Matcha Latte
The show stopper was their Matcha latte. Mind blowing flavour and quality.
Gareth Openshaw Costa Rica Filter Coffee
Best vegan snag I've tasted with a healthy dose of Costa Rica filter = happy belly.
Joey Platts
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful details that elevate the dining experience at Cafe Ray.
Coffee Origin Story Literature
Guests can explore the origin story of the venue's house-roasted Atomica Coffee through a dedicated reading book available on-site, alongside packaged beans for purchase.
Rotating Local Art for Sale
The cafe serves as an exhibition space showcasing framed works by local artists mounted across the interior walls, available for diners to browse and purchase.
Considerate Dietary Adaptations
Kitchen staff tailor orders with meticulous culinary awareness, such as serving fresh avocado separately with hot gluten-free toasties to ensure it is not spoiled by heat.
Extended Afternoon Kitchen Service
The kitchen stays operational well past traditional lunch cutoffs, preparing fresh hot toasties and full orders as late as 3:30 to 4:00 PM for late arrivals.
Before you head over
Practical tips for timing your visit, ordering drinks, and navigating dietary options.
Late Afternoon Dining
Arrive confidently for an unhurried late lunch or coffee; unlike many spots that shutter kitchens early, hot toasties and full orders run until 3:30 PM with doors open until 4:00 PM.
Ordering Coffee & Alternative Milks
Look beyond standard milk options and ask staff to clarify pricing, as weekend surcharges and specialty alternative milks may adjust the final bill.
Dietary Adjustments & Gluten-Free
Notify the kitchen if you need gluten-free modifications or vegan options; the team accommodates sensitive preparations such as serving temperature-sensitive ingredients on the side.
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