Restaurant
Proper & Son
13 & 14/322 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Find Proper & Son
13 & 14/322 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Proper & Son
Proper & Son gives market-goers a polished sit-down brunch with full table service right amid the aisle commotion. Step past the bustle for a table that comes with chilled mint-and-cucumber water poured on arrival. Regulars treat it as a Saturday ritual before the weekly shop—tucking into buttery croissants, potato-and-leek bubble and squeak with smoked salmon, or a hot roast chicken roll alongside dirty chai steeped with whole cardamom pods and cinnamon.
- Full Table Service: Dine-in guests bypass the counter line for attentive floor hospitality and ongoing carafes of mint-and-cucumber water in the market food hall.
- Whole-Spice Dirty Chai: Spiced to order using whole raw cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon bark in an individual infuser teapot.
- Market Breakfast Ritual: A dedicated pre-shopping stop for flaky croissants, thick-cut bacon plates, and tender roast chicken rolls.
What's On at Proper & Son
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Proper & Son
Experience refined hospitality, house-infused brews, and dedicated sit-down table service in South Melbourne Market.
Dedicated Sit-Down Table Service in South Melbourne Market
Diners receive attentive table service and personal seating right inside the bustling market food hall, complete with continuous water refills and dedicated seating.
a rare spot to have your own seat and table in the market
Chia-An Y Tranquil Retreat Within the Bustling Food Hall
Located directly inside the market, it provides an elevated sit-down dining experience while still being surrounded by the market atmosphere.
felt like a nice relaxed place to sit in amongst the busy market
Mairi Thoughtfully Refined Cafe Atmosphere
In contrast to typical market food stalls, the cafe features thoughtful interior design, window plants, and clean polished dining tables.
unexpectedly refined aesthetic
Alex Cheng Aromatic Herb & Cucumber Water Service
Instead of ordinary tap water carafes, guests are greeted with complimentary water infused with fresh mint and crisp cucumber poured right at the table.
I really like the way they serve tap water, with mint and cucumber. It makes it super aromatic.
Kings Acai Australia - Wholesaler Whole-Spice In-House Chai Infusions
Dirty chai is crafted with raw, fresh cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon and delivered to the table in a dedicated infuser pot rather than mixed from concentrate.
It's special to see a coffee shop use fresh cardamom, cloves, cinnamon to brew their dirty chai.
Susanna B.Y. W Savory Market Staples & Pre-Shopping Refuel
Locals rely on the cafe for signature savory specialties like the acclaimed roast chicken roll and flaky pastries to power their weekly market shopping trips.
Without doubt the chicken roll is one of south Melbourne markets hidden gems, known to locals as a go too!
Aaron Joseph
Most popular items
Signature cafe and lunch staples at South Melbourne Market
croissant
The croissant was divine. Not ‘nice,’ not ‘fine,’ divine. Flaky, buttery, and so good it made me question every other pastry I’ve ever tolerated.
Baggage Claim Philosopher chicken roll
Without doubt the chicken roll is one of south Melbourne markets hidden gems, known to locals as a go too!
Aaron Joseph hot cakes
The hotcakes had a lovely fluffy texture and the lemon curd was delicious and very nice with the maple syrup, fruit and toasted nuts.
Mairi cheeseburger
The cheeseburger was truly amazing and one of the best I've had in a while.
Stephen Pinter
Other favorites
Specialty spiced drinks and savory sides to complement your visit
dirty chai
It's special to see a coffee shop use fresh cardamom, cloves, cinnamon to brew their dirty chai.
Susanna B.Y. W sticky chai latte
we both ordered the sticky chai latte with oat milk, which was a very nice comforting drink on a cold day.
Mairi thick cut bacon
You must try the thick cut bacon!!
Stephen Hewitt fries
Along with the tasty fries, the meal was satisfying and flavorful.
Stephen Pinter
Beyond the menu
Attentive hospitality touches and thoughtful preparations inside South Melbourne Market
Herb-Infused Water Service
Guests are promptly poured complimentary table water infused with fresh cucumber and mint upon seating, which staff attentively top up throughout the meal.
Whole-Spice Pot-Brewed Chai
Dirty chai is prepared using whole, raw spices including fresh cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, served at the table in an individual filter teapot.
Proactive Allergy Accommodation
When a diner noted a nut allergy, the chef immediately took the initiative to have the kitchen prepare a fresh batch of chia pudding without nuts before being asked.
Unprompted Family Photography
Observing diners taking photos at the table, staff step in unprompted to take family photos, pairing high-efficiency hospitality with thoughtful attention.
Before you head over
Practical advice for navigating South Melbourne Market dining
Dine-In vs. Takeaway Ordering
For a seated meal, wait to be seated for full table service, but if you only want coffee or pastries on the go, queue directly at the front counter.
Optimal Market Timing
To dodge peak weekend market foot traffic, aim for weekday mornings or visit early on Saturday before tackling your grocery shopping.
Transit and Parking Access
If driving into South Melbourne Market, look for parking in the surrounding side lanes or take Route 96 tram straight to the market stop.
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