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Restaurant

sunhands

169 Elgin St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find sunhands

169 Elgin St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

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HoursMonday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About sunhands

Sunhands ditches tired brunch conventions for thoughtful seasonal plates, specialty coffee, and easy corner-table aperitifs. Locals pass on standard eggs benedict in favor of the signature morning plate—heaped with house kraut, pickles, and rotating proteins like cured mackerel beside hot flat whites. Come afternoon, the room pivots naturally toward wine bar territory with shucked-to-order oysters, al dente cavatelli, and slices of olive oil hazelnut cake topped with crème fraîche.

  • Curated Morning Plates: Ferment-forward tasting platters piled with house pickles, krauts, and rotating daily proteins replace standard brunch fare.
  • Day-to-Night Corner Perch: Specialty morning coffee shifts seamlessly into afternoon aperitifs, cocktails, and shucked-to-order oysters.
RestaurantCoffeeBrunchCocktailCafeWine BarWine ShopBar

What's On at sunhands

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

No events or specials listed right now.

The Sunhands Experience

Why locals and visitors make this sunlit Carlton corner their daily retreat

  • Distinctive Seasonal Plates Over Standard Cafe Fare

    Sunhands skips conventional eggs benedict and avocado toast in favour of distinctive morning plates featuring house ferments, pickles, and wholesome seasonal proteins.

    You can get eggs Benny or avo on toast literally anywhere but love that this place is doing its own thing.

    Adam Ricco

  • Thoughtful Sourcing and Daily Changing Menus

    The kitchen prioritises local growers and seasonal ingredients to craft thoughtful deli-style lunches, fresh sandwiches, and comforting dishes.

    The menu is seasonal, considered and well executed, while catering to all dietaries.

    Casey Skinner

  • Calm Sanctuary on a Sunlit Corner

    A bright corner perch with expansive windows provides a serene sanctuary to pause and watch Carlton neighborhood life move by.

    Through the big windows we could watch the chaos of Carlton unfold, but inside it was paradise.

    Al Grant

  • Nourishing Hospitality That Feels Like an Embrace

    Guests leave feeling genuinely cared for and revitalised thanks to warm service, nourishing gut-friendly fare, and an inviting space.

    Just like its name, Sunhands is like a warm embrace.

    Abi Doherty

  • Effortless Daytime Coffee to Evening Wine Transition

    Seamlessly bridging daytime cafe and evening bar culture, guests can shift effortlessly from morning flat whites to afternoon snacks and natural wines.

    Whether it’s for breakfast and a coffee or an afternoon wine and tasting board the team never let you down.

    Penelope Dunn

  • Anchored in the Rhythm of Carlton Life

    A versatile stop whether pairing morning coffee with visits to nearby local shops or settling into the bar for post-cinema wine and snacks.

    Perfect for a coffee before heading over to Readings, or maybe a wine after enjoying a movie at the Nova.

    Jim Irvine

Signature daytime dishes and evening wine bar staples

  • Morning plate

    My fav breakfast in Melbourne right now, the morning plate.

    jessica dudgeon

  • Dippy egg

    cafe that has a very reasonable and delicious breakfast (dippy egg) plus great coffee and service

    Tien

  • Olive oil hazelnut cake

    it is the olive oil hazelnut cake with a click of creme fraiche that I keep coming back for…

    Justas Pipinis

  • Oysters

    And the oysters are shucked to order as well.

    Luan Ngo

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality touches and distinctive offerings that elevate everyday dining

  • Attentive Dietary Care

    Staff proactively guide guests through curated options and cater attentively to diverse dietary needs and allergies with care and patience.

  • Shucked-to-Order Oysters

    Oysters are freshly shucked to order alongside house-made pickles and rotating small deli bites.

  • Guest Chef Residencies

    Hosts acclaimed guest chef kitchen takeovers, creating an intimate, bustling Italian neighbourhood dining atmosphere.

  • Wine & Flower Bodega Corner

    Offers an on-site retail corner where guests can pick up provisions, curated display wines, and fresh flowers alongside their meal.

Before you head over

Practical tips for timing your visit, ordering, and evening pop-ups

  • Plan early arrival for evening residencies

    Arrive early for guest chef pop-ups and evening services, as indoor tables can fill rapidly right at opening and walk-in spots at the bar may be time-limited.

  • Factor in drink prep pacing

    Specialty drink orders can take a bit longer during busy daytime service, so allow a little extra time if you are on a tight schedule.

  • Check rotating seasonal specials

    The kitchen accommodates varied dietary needs across its seasonal menu, but rotating seasonal dishes like daily soups or specials are subject to change.

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