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Restaurant

The Ambitious Act

315 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Recommended by 29 people

Updated

Find The Ambitious Act

315 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9686 6102
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: Closed Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Ambitious Act

Step off Clarendon Street into a calm South Melbourne hideaway framed by hanging greenery. Creative locals drop in for unhurried catch-ups over rich flat whites and dandelion lattes. Mornings revolve around scratch cooking—think fluffy chilli scramble crowned with gochugaru oil and crisp shallots over warm, house-made ciabatta.

  • Scratch-Made Brunch Plates: House-made ciabatta anchors savory plates like garlic mushrooms with smashed hazelnuts and gochugaru chilli scrambled eggs.
  • Greenery-Filled Hideaway: Lush ceiling plants and window displays create an intimate retreat from the brisk downtown pace.
  • Crafted Coffee & Specialty Brews: Rich, textured espresso drinks share the counter with botanical options like dandelion lattes.
RestaurantBrunchCoffeeVeganVegetarianCafeRestaurant

What's On at The Ambitious Act

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Reasons to Choose The Ambitious Act

Why guests choose The Ambitious Act for peaceful breaks and crafted brunch

  • Lush Greenery and Cozy Seating

    Lush potted displays and hanging greenery create a serene botanical pocket away from the bustling city.

    We sat under the array of plants hanging from the ceiling and potted plants along the front window display.

    L Numia

  • Relaxed Creative Atmosphere

    Thoughtfully curated decor and comfortable seating foster an unhurried haven for creative conversation.

    Love the deco, the chairs are comfy and it’s a place for creatives to hang.

    Split the Bill

  • Distinctive Botanical Sips

    Distinctive beverage offerings provide unique alternatives to standard cafe coffee staples.

    I had a Dandelion latte which was unique, cappuccino and peanut butter cheese cake.

    Jen

  • Scratch-Made Ciabatta Brunches

    Inventive breakfast plates feature specialty toppings served on freshly baked house-made ciabatta.

    pan fried garlic mushrooms w smashed hazelnuts on house made ciabatta *Delicious!

    L Numia

  • Instantly Welcoming Hospitality

    Welcoming staff make visitors feel genuinely embraced and comfortable from the moment they arrive.

    A cafe where you feel at home as soon as you walk through the doors.

    Split the Bill

  • Cozy Sheltered Warmth

    An intimate floor plan generates a comforting, protected retreat ideal for unwinding.

    The cafe itself may be small, but it makes a warm and cozy ambiance.

    Jen

Signature savory brunch plates and comfort dishes prepared in-house

  • Mixed Mushrooms w halloumi

    For breakfast I devoured the Mixed Mushrooms w halloumi, pan fried garlic mushrooms w smashed hazelnuts on house made ciabatta *Delicious!

    L Numia

  • Chilli Scramble

    My sister ordered the Chilli Scramble, Eggs scrambled w gochugaru chilli oil, fresh chilli, spring onion and fried shallots on HM ciabatta. My sister was thrilled when she noticed the bouncyness of the eggs and loved taste too!

    L Numia

  • Pot stickers

    The pot stickers are juicy and great.

    Eouea eats

  • Shepherd pie

    The shepherd pie is hearty and fulfilling.

    Eouea eats

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful interior touches, house-crafted staples, and botanical drinks that elevate a relaxed cafe visit

  • Hanging Canopy and Window Botanicals

    Guests can sit underneath lush greenery suspended from the ceiling and alongside potted botanicals displayed in the front window.

  • Alternative Dandelion Lattes

    The menu features rare herbal brews such as dandelion lattes alongside carefully prepared espresso drinks.

  • House-Baked Ciabatta Foundations

    Breakfast dishes are served on scratch-made ciabatta, including garlic mushrooms with halloumi and gochugaru chilli scrambled eggs.

  • Creative-Friendly Lingering Environment

    Comfortable seating and welcoming team members create an inviting environment where patrons can settle in and chat.

Before you head over

Helpful advice on timing, seating, and ordering for your visit to The Ambitious Act.

  • Visit After 10 AM on Weekdays

    Arrive after 10:00 AM on a weekday like Monday to enjoy a tranquil visit away from the downtown rush and secure comfortable indoor seating beneath the hanging plants.

  • Try Unique Specialty Beverages

    Explore beyond the standard espresso drinks with unique choices like dandelion lattes or strong soy flat whites paired with house-made ciabatta brunch plates.

  • Look Out for Vegan & Dinner Offerings

    Take note that the kitchen serves hearty plant-forward and vegan dishes—such as pot stickers, shepherd pie, and brunch plates—across daytime and dinner hours.

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