Restaurant
Second Wife
8 Wellington Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
Find Second Wife
8 Wellington Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Second Wife
Tucked at the end of a quiet Box Hill cul-de-sac, Second Wife swaps cafe chaos for floor-to-ceiling glass and an inventive East-meets-West breakfast. Neighbors slip in for a morning caffeine fix or pull up chairs without having to shout across the table. Plates bypass standard cafe staples for distinct flavors—think spiced Moroccan shakshuka scooped with soft Turkish bread, savoury okonomiyaki topped with salmon, or eggs Benedict stacked over waffles alongside a taro latte.
- Quiet Cul-de-Sac Setting: Floor-to-ceiling windows and a tucked-away residential setting offer a calm spot to talk without noisy bustle.
- Cross-Cultural Brunch: The kitchen crafts dishes like spiced Moroccan shakshuka, okonomiyaki, and Benedict waffles alongside taro lattes.
What's On at Second Wife
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Second Wife
Why locals and visitors seek out this hidden Box Hill cafe for inventive fusion fare and quiet conversation.
Inventive Japanese & Middle Eastern Fusion
Second Wife steps beyond standard cafe breakfast staples with an adventurous menu blending Asian and Middle Eastern recipes, including spiced Moroccan shakshuka and savoury okonomiyaki pancakes.
Distinguished by an innovative menu with Japanese influence. In addition to traditional choices they also serve something for the more adventurous, like Okonomiyaki
Manfred Bartz Creative Brunch Specials & Signature Waffles
Guests enjoy standout culinary inventions alongside specialty beverage choices like soothing taro and strawberry-tinged red velvet lattes.
Best coffee in Box Hill and the food was great! I had the Benedict Waffle, it was perfect.
Sam Colley Effortless Conversation Without Background Noise
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a tucked-away setting ensure diners can easily hold conversations and catch up without battling deafening room acoustics.
Its a great place to meet friends if you want to chat without the background noise
Judith Hearnshaw Welcoming Setting for Family Gatherings
The attentive staff readily accommodates multi-generational groups, answering queries and tailoring dishes so everyone feels welcome together.
I went here with the whole family and you managed to accommodate our thousands of questions and multiple menu alterations. Every single person loved their meal.
Brooke Sachs Secluded Cul-de-Sac Hideaway
Positioned past the houses at the end of a cul-de-sac, the venue provides a tranquil, secluded haven shielded from hectic thoroughfares.
Place is small and nestled at the end of the culd-a-sac, past all the houses.
James C Convenient Daily Neighborhood Coffee Stop
Discreetly located right off major paths, it serves as an accessible neighborhood stop for high-quality daily espresso and quick artisan meals.
These guys are tucked away not to far of the main roads. Best coffee I’ve had in a while very nice!!
Benny Cowley
Most popular items
Customer-favorite brunch dishes showcasing Japanese and Middle Eastern fusion flavors
Benedict Waffle
I had the Benedict Waffle, it was perfect.
Sam Colley Moroccan Shakshuka
The shakshuka was wonderfully spiced with Moroccan spices and the Turkish break was so fresh and soft that we had to order more!
Marija Barclay Japanese Bowl
The waffle was flavoursome and the ingredients for the Japanese bowl were so fresh! Presentation was super pretty as well.
Gladys Z Real Wife’s Breakfast
The eggplant in the real wife’s breakfast was perfectly crumbed, crunchy on the outside and still soft on the inside.
Marija Barclay
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and distinct culinary touches in a peaceful Box Hill pocket
Hands-on Solo Owner Hospitality
Solo-operated kitchen and front-of-house hospitality where the owner personally prepares meals and welcomes guests by name.
Floor-to-Ceiling Window Seats
Floor-to-ceiling glass wrapping the dining room gives nearly every table an expansive window view in a quiet, low-noise neighborhood setting.
Whimsical Specialty Lattes
Specialty lattes like pink strawberry red velvet and marshmallow-scented taro paired with inventive latte art.
Thoughtful Menu Customization
Willingness to handle multi-dish dietary alterations and detailed questions smoothly for visiting families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of food and specialty drinks does Second Wife offer?
The cafe blends Asian and Middle Eastern influences, serving items such as Moroccan shakshuka, Japanese rice bowls (including salmon or teriyaki chicken), okonomiyaki, and Benedict waffles alongside specialty drinks like taro and red velvet lattes. Vegetarian options can be prepared upon request.
Where can I find parking near the cafe?
While on-street parking can be challenging or require paid meters, visitors can find paid parking lots nearby or use parking beneath the Trio building.
What is the seating and atmosphere like?
Tucked away at the end of a residential cul-de-sac behind Trio, the cafe features floor-to-ceiling windows and provides a quiet, low-noise setting suitable for catching up with friends. Indoor seating accommodates around 20 guests, alongside about 8 outdoor seats.
What should I know about wait times and pricing policies?
The cafe is often operated by a single staff member handling both kitchen and espresso orders, so wait times for meals can take longer during service peaks. Be aware that a 10% surcharge applies on weekends and public holidays.
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