Restaurant
The Penny Drop
913 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
Find The Penny Drop
913 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Penny Drop
Box Hill espresso devotees head to this Whitehorse Road staple for serious coffee and inventive Asian-inflected brunch away from the street chaos. Rich shots cut smoothly through silky steamed almond milk, while baristas turn around morning takeaway orders in thirty seconds flat. Inside, natural light floods a spacious, high-ceilinged room right beside the local church. The kitchen leans creative—turning out yellow curry soft shell crab benedict, chilli scrambled eggs, and pork bao alongside comforting bowls of sticky loose-leaf chai.
- High-Speed Specialty Coffee: Baristas turn out rich espresso with silky almond milk and aromatic loose-leaf chai, moving through morning takeaway queues in thirty seconds.
- Inventive Asian-Fusion Plates: The kitchen balances cafe classics with Asian-fusion plates like yellow curry soft shell crab benedict, pork bao, and miso mushrooms.
- Bright & Roomy Refuge: Spacious, sunlit dining hall next to the local church offers an airy escape with accommodating service and accessible seating.
What's On at The Penny Drop
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose The Penny Drop
Discover why locals rely on The Penny Drop for inventive brunch and rapid coffee in Box Hill.
Inventive Asian-Fusion Brunch Menu
Creative brunch items bridge modern cafe staples with vibrant Asian flavors, offering dishes like yellow curry soft shell crab benedict and pork bao.
A sort of fusion between asian food and cafe culture. Had the pork bao and the yellow curry soft shell crab with eggs benedict
Beor Ong Thoughtful Options for the Whole Family
With specialized kids selections and tailored vegetarian options, groups and families can dine together with dishes to suit everyone.
Came with my wife and child and we loved it! They have kids menu, my son loved the pancakes.
Michael Chang Lightning-Fast Takeaway Coffee
Morning commuter orders are prepared with remarkable speed so you can grab specialty coffee without missing a beat.
every time I come here for a takeaway coffee, it’s always ready in thirty seconds! The barista moves at the speed of light!
E. M Consistently Crafted Specialty Brews
Baristas craft high-calibre espresso drinks with smooth textures and well-balanced flavor profiles.
rich espresso with perfect crema, perfectly steamed almond milk that’s silky and nutty, not watery. Balanced, delicious, and full of flavour.
TCM Airy, Light-Filled Sanctuary
A calm, light-filled layout offers a peaceful retreat right off Whitehorse Road to unwind or catch up over a meal.
Awesome place away from hustle and busle of Box Hill. Very airy and plenty of light type place.
Lili Maginness Spacious and Accessible Dining Area
Generous room between tables and attentive setup ensure everyone, including guests with mobility aids, feels seamlessly accommodated.
The dining area was spacious and lovely and cool on a hot day.
Laura Yodgee
Most popular items
Inventive Asian-fusion brunch dishes and expertly poured signature coffee
Salmon Poke Bowl
I ordered a grilled salmon poke bowl which was absolutely delicious. I’ve never been too much of a fan of poke bowls, but this place really knows how to make them.
Kathleen D Brisket Benedict
The Brisket Benedict was perfect flavored with great size, and right amount of sauce.
Tina Chiu Almond Flat White
Penny Drop Cafe nailed it — rich espresso with perfect crema, perfectly steamed almond milk that’s silky and nutty, not watery.
TCM Pork Bao
Had the pork bao and the yellow curry soft shell crab with eggs benedict while the girlfriend had the truffle omlette. Both were amazing
Beor Ong
Other favorites
Sweet treats, refreshing specialty drinks, and baked counter snacks
French Toast
We ended off with a wonderful French toast!
Michael Chang Sticky Chai
Sticky chai AMAZING!
Toni Wynne Dragonfruit Refresher
The dragonfruit refresher was magical as the natural colour of the fruit changed the the drink over time. The citrus soda water flavour was great.
Aya Jackson Muesli Slice
I then ordered a muesli slice to dine it
Liese
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and personalized details observed at The Penny Drop
Pre-arranged wheelchair table setup
Upon noting a wheelchair request during booking, staff proactively removed a chair ahead of arrival so the guest could pull straight up to the table without delay.
Proactive vegetarian ingredient substitutions
When a guest asked to drop salmon from a poke bowl due to vegetarian preferences, the team proactively offered and cooked warm eggplant and zucchini substitutions instead.
Hands-on owner welcome
The floor manager and owner greet every guest who walks in with genuine warmth, setting a personal tone in what can otherwise be a busy dining hub.
Sub-minute takeaway turnaround
Commuters and regulars running on tight morning schedules receive freshly made takeaway coffees in as little as thirty seconds flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a reservation?
Yes, bookings can be made in advance. The cafe can accommodate group dining and prepare seating arrangements ahead of time, such as setting up wheelchair access.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, there are several vegetarian items across the menu, including dishes like the citrus smashed avocado, and the team can adapt existing dishes such as substituting vegetables in poke bowls.
How does ordering work when dining in?
Food orders are placed at the counter, while drinks are ordered directly from your table.
How fast is takeaway coffee service?
Takeaway coffee is served exceptionally fast, often ready within thirty seconds even during busier periods.
Is there a kids menu for families?
Yes, a dedicated kids menu is available for breakfast and brunch visits with children, including options like pancakes.
Explore more places in Melbourne
Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.
Similar places
More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.
- The Oak & Anchor HotelPort Fairy · Coffee, Bar, Cafe, Restaurant
- The Rabbit Hole Inn, at Harvest HomeAvenel · Coffee, Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Wine Bar
- Beletti Restaurant Cafe Bar ~ Italian Restaurant DandenongDandenong · Italian, Coffee, Restaurant, Bar, Cafe, Takeaway
- Grain StoreMelbourne · Coffee, Vegetarian, Brunch, Cafe, Bar, Restaurant, Takeaway
- Lava Cafe Restaurant Bar & Lava LoungeBerwick · Brunch, Coffee, Restaurant, Bar, Cafe, Takeaway
- Carolina Cafe & BarBrunswick East · Coffee, Cafe, Bar
More in Box Hill
Keep exploring this neighbourhood.
- Zero ModeBox Hill · Brunch, Coffee, Dessert, Restaurant, Cafe, Cocktail Bar
- Sam Sam Chicken Box HillBox Hill · Korean, Restaurant
- Dumpling KingBox Hill · Chinese, Restaurant, Takeaway
- Second WifeBox Hill · Coffee, Cafe
- Chill Chill Cafe BoxhillBox Hill · Cafe
- 茶王冰廳 Hong Kong Best Food Box HillBox Hill · Hong Kong, Chinese, Restaurant, Cafe
Discover more in Melbourne
Explore another side of the city's food and drink.
- Pardesi Vaishno DhabaDandenong · Indian, Pakistani, Vegan, Vegetarian, Restaurant, Dessert
- Crust Pizza WerribeeWerribee · Pizza, Italian, Vegan, Restaurant, Takeaway
- Narkoojee Winery and Cellar DoorGlengarry North · Restaurant
- Rook's Pizza & DinerSeymour · Pizza, Restaurant, Takeaway
- BistraCarlton · British, French, Italian, Restaurant
- SANTUCCI‘sCamberwell · Coffee, Cafe
