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Restaurant

CHAIN OF FOOLS

68 Beach Rd, Mentone VIC 3194, Australia

Recommended by 9 people

Updated

Find CHAIN OF FOOLS

68 Beach Rd, Mentone VIC 3194, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9585 5640
HoursMonday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About CHAIN OF FOOLS

Perched across from Mentone Beach, this relaxed coastal spot swaps standard brunch routines for house-cooked curries and subcontinental spice. Regulars drop in off the sand for chai brewed with whole cardamom, star anise, and fresh ginger—skipping generic syrups entirely. Morning staples get a spirited overhaul, from thick-cut bacon benedict served with saffron hollandaise to spiced burgers topped with a crisp papadum. Between scratch-made samosas and rotating daily pots of beef or pumpkin curry, it delivers warm coastal hospitality without the usual cafe predictability.

  • Whole-Spice Chai: Simmered from scratch using whole cinnamon, star anise, fresh ginger, and cardamom pods rather than powders or syrups.
  • Subcontinental Brunch Twist: A coastal menu pairing classic brunch staples with daily rotating curries, house-made samosas, and masala burgers.
  • Beachside Setting: Set directly opposite Mentone beach with sidewalk tables suited for a post-walk refuel.
RestaurantCoffeeCafeRestaurant

What's On at CHAIN OF FOOLS

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Chain of Fools

Discover why diners choose Chain of Fools for coastal comfort, spice-infused brunch, and neighborhood warmth.

  • Whole-Spice House-Brewed Chai

    Chai is brewed in-house from star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh ginger, and cardamom instead of using pre-made powders or syrups.

    Rather than relying on a syrup or powder, it was brewed from whole spices including star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh ginger and cardamom, creating a wonderfully aromatic, rich and comforting drink

    Ryno Ferreira

  • Indian-Western Fusion Menus

    Classic brunch dishes and burgers are infused with regional Indian spices, daily rotating curries, and house-made samosas.

    The standout dish, however, was the curry of the day—a beef curry that was rich in flavor and perfectly spiced. The Indian, Middle eastern slant on their burgers adds a lovely touch

    Stephen Pinter

  • Seaside Road Location

    Situated directly opposite Mentone beach and coastal walking paths, offering an easy stop for drinks and meals during seaside outings.

    It is just over the road from the beach so makes a great stop post beach walk or if you’re driving down the highway.

    Alan

  • Dog-Friendly Beach Break

    Front outdoor seating accommodates visitors with dogs stopping by for coffee, muffins, or lunch directly after walking along the beach.

    There is a few tables out front if you have your dog, so is perfect after a beach walk.

    George Ormonde

  • Warm Neighborhood Welcome

    Regulars and locals are greeted by name with drinks underway before reaching the counter, creating a genuine small-town cafe feel.

    almost everyone who walked through the door was greeted by name, and in many cases their coffee order was already being prepared before they even reached the counter.

    Ryno Ferreira

  • Thoughtful Community Care

    Attentive team members look after guests with genuine care, helping visitors feel at ease and actively supporting each customer.

    Staff so kind just watched the waitress book an uber for an older gentleman and make sure he got in safely before walking back into the cafe.

    Cate Lanham

Signature fusion dishes and brunch favorites

  • Burger for Fools

    Our group had the burger for fools. The portion size was very good. The beef was cooked well, lightly spiced. The papadam on the top is a nice touch. The sauces on the side were very tasty.

    Suhith Illesinghe

  • Curry of the Day

    The standout dish, however, was the curry of the day—a beef curry that was rich in flavor and perfectly spiced.

    Stephen Pinter

  • Home-made Samosa

    Delicious home-made samosa which came with a lovely dipping sauce (in an egg cup!), a fabulous mango smoothie freshly made, finished off with a wonderful coffee.

    Ian Hallett

  • Eggs Benedict

    Breakfast was outstanding. The Eggs Benedict with thick-cut bacon was beautifully cooked and generously portioned, with quality ingredients that spoke for themselves.

    Ryno Ferreira

Other favorites

Handcrafted drinks, sweet treats, and savoury sides

  • House Made Chai

    Tried the house made chai this morning! I'm a huge prana chai fan, but this home made version was brilliant. Not sweet at all, more on the spicy side and a very generous serve.

    Tony Luu

  • Sausage Roll

    I came past here to grab a quick coffee and after a suggestion to try the sausage roll I’m glad I did. Coffee was amazing and the sausage roll was phenomenal!!!

    Allyson Airs

  • Fig and Chocolate Brownie

    Just finished eating the rest of my fig and chocolate brownie. The best brownie I have ever had.

    Kate Ashton

  • Mango Smoothie

    a fabulous mango smoothie freshly made, finished off with a wonderful coffee.

    Ian Hallett

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details that elevate your visit by the bay

  • Whole-Spice House Chai Brewing

    Chai is traditionally brewed from whole spices including star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh ginger, and cardamom rather than relying on syrups or powders.

  • Papadam-Topped Fusion Burgers

    Western cafe burgers are prepared with an Indian and Middle Eastern twist, featuring house-spiced patties, tamarind or relish sauces, and a crisp papadam crowning the bun.

  • Indian Steel Tumblers & Ambient Mantras

    Tables feature water served in traditional Indian steel tumblers accompanied by gentle Indian mantra ambient music alongside English breakfast fare.

  • Hands-On Neighborhood Hospitality

    Staff demonstrate genuine, above-and-beyond community care, from remembering regulars' orders in advance to personally booking an Uber and seeing an elderly guest safely inside.

Before you head over

Practical advice on timing, seating, and beachside parking for your visit

  • Peak Weekend Times

    The cafe fills up completely during Sunday afternoon peaks, so time your visit earlier in the morning or mid-week to secure a table smoothly.

  • Beach Walkers with Dogs

    Tables are set up along the front of the cafe right across from the beach trail, making it convenient if you are dining with a dog after a coastal walk.

  • Seaside Parking Access

    Drivers heading down Beach Road can take advantage of ample vehicle parking available directly across from the seaside venue.

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