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Restaurant

Rat the Cafe

72 Wales St, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia

Recommended by 62 people

Updated

Find Rat the Cafe

72 Wales St, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia

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HoursMonday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Rat the Cafe

Tucked away on Wales Street, this Thornbury local pairs dialed-in batch brews with a zero-waste, root-and-tip kitchen ethos. The front counter moves quick with savoury scones, sausage rolls, and chili cheese scrolls. Regulars grab a table under the shade of the Chinese elm—dogs in tow—digging into poached eggs laced with garden-thistle pesto or toasted breakfast sandwiches.

  • Root-and-Tip Kitchen: The kitchen crafts dishes using repurposed kitchen scraps and garden clippings, from house kimchi scones to garden thistle pesto.
  • Dog-Welcoming Courtyard: Shaded sidewalk spots beneath the Chinese elm and a tucked-away back courtyard welcome dogs, complete with house pupchinos.
  • Neighbourhood Morning Fare: Locals drop by for reliable batch brew, oat lattes, house sausage rolls, and warm breakfast sandwiches.
RestaurantBrunchCafe

What's On at Rat the Cafe

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Rat the Cafe

Discover why locals love Rat the Cafe for thoughtful coffee, creative kitchen dishes, leafy outdoor seating, and genuine community hospitality.

  • Expertly Crafted Daily Coffee & Fare

    Specialty espresso and pour-overs are prepared with precision alongside wholesome breakfast plates and house-baked pastries.

    what always keeps me coming back is the coffee, which is always on point.

    Ella Waimarie Reweti

  • Inventive Root-and-Tip Kitchen Variations

    Dishes evolve dynamically with zero-waste culinary creativity, transforming garden ingredients and kitchen trimmings into distinct creations like thistle pesto and kimchi scones.

    I really appreciate the "Root And Tip" approach

    Dan Wylie

  • Leafy Tree Shade & Pet-Welcoming Outdoors

    Guests and their canine companions can unwind beneath the shade of leafy trees or relax out in the dedicated back courtyard.

    pup friendly outdoor seating with an area under the shade of a leafy tree

    B

  • Relaxing Garden Courtyard Retreat

    Tucked into suburban backstreets, the cafe provides a tranquil garden retreat with ample space for group gatherings and relaxed reading.

    Vibe was super relaxed, I sat in the courtyard out the back which is lovely this time of year.

    Andrew Hughes

  • Familiar & Personal Neighbourhood Community

    Welcoming team members take the time to know regular visitors by name, fostering genuine relationships and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere.

    Loveliest staff - the types to get to know you by name and have a genuine chat.

    Kate McCready

  • Dedicated Host for Local Events & Gatherings

    The cafe offers flexible, hospitable spaces for community group fundraisers, evening gatherings, and neighbourhood celebrations.

    Fab venue for a private event with lots of flexibility around the groups needs.

    Jacqualine Le Gassick

Local favourites and signature breakfast staples

  • Sausage roll

    This was the best sausage roll to date and a generous portion.

    B

  • Batch brew

    really good batch brew

    victoria newdick

  • Savoury scones

    I particularly like the freshly baked savoury scones and egg tarts.

    Kate McCready

  • Breakfast sandwich

    Had the Breakfast sandwich. I love a good Rueben, who knew you could have a breakfast version? So good!

    Paul Haraldson

Other favorites

House sweets, baked bites, and treats for four-legged guests

  • Pupchino

    amazing pupchino 2 paws up from my dog

    victoria newdick

  • Chilli cheese scroll

    shared a chilli cheese scroll thing with my partner. My only regret? Not ordering one for myself to absolutely demolish it was that good

    Chrystal Grbin

  • Flourless orange cake

    the flourless orange cake we had was absolutely divine and crazy moist

    Princess Consuela BananaHammock

  • Brownies

    they have some of the best brownies and muffins!

    Laavanya Raturi

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality details and kitchen practices that elevate visits to Rat the Cafe

  • Root-and-Tip Kitchen Variations

    Kitchen scraps and garden produce are repurposed across rotating dishes, from fried broad bean shells and flavored oils to kimchi-infused scones and garden thistle pesto.

  • Dedicated Pupchinos

    Canine visitors are treated with dedicated pupchinos alongside bowls and shade in the leafy front area and back courtyard.

  • Seating Beneath the Chinese Elm

    Guests can unwind outdoors under the leafy shade of an established Chinese elm tree or sit on the sidewalk streetscape.

  • Tailored Community Fundraiser Hosting

    The venue opens its doors after hours to host tailored childcare fundraisers and gatherings, curating evening cocktails and toasties.

Before you head over

Practical tips for ordering, parking, and timing your visit to Rat the Cafe.

  • Time around the morning school run

    If you are seeking a quieter, relaxed morning meal, consider timing your arrival to bypass the morning school drop-off rush.

  • Take advantage of nearby street parking

    Street parking is readily available in the surrounding neighbourhood, making it convenient to drive in.

  • Order via QR code in the back courtyard

    When seated in the back courtyard with groups or pets, use the available table QR code to place your order smoothly.

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