The Hardware Societe

An overall rating of 92/100 This place fully deserves its 4.4 Google rating as at July 2022, and then some! Had my first Melbourne 'Magic' coffee here and it was hands down one of the best coffees I've had in my life. Most of the dishes here were on the money also - top marks for uniqueness of the menu and its variety (I was stumped for choice!) The lobster & prawn roll and the rye crepes were the star performers for sure. The souffle has some room for improvement taste wise, but aside from this, no complaints. All ingredients were fresh and you can tell the best is used. The prices are justified also. Would recommend as an excellent late brekky/brunch spot!

Had our first lunch in Melbourne here and it was a wonderful experience! Food was exceptional and the staff were very friendly! Although we did have to wait for 5 minutes to get seats but the staff ensured that we are comfortable waiting. Thumbs up for excellent service and food! Would highly recommend this place!

The food is certainly the experience here. This has been the best breakfast I've had in Melbourne to date. Breakfast dishes done amazingly well and all the flavours are just right and an explosion of flavour. The atmosphere is a real typical Melbourne feel and that just adds to the experience. Booking ahead is definitely recommended though, if you don't like waiting in line for a table.

Last week, we have ordered hot smoked salmon, baked eggs UN (Vegan) and a cup of mocha and latte. The drinks are good and hot smoked salmon was gone. Unfortunately the baked egg we have ordered got a slice of pork inside and we understand it might be an accident. We told the staff and expected for an answer or response afterwards but the staff didn’t follow up. We were left aside and we have to call and ask the staff again how and what happened next. Only the staff gave us a free chocolate croissant as what kitchen staffs requested. We understand it’s busy on weekend, full house and all. When there’s an issue, it should be solved instantly, give customer’s an explanation and response. And not left us without any answer. On the payment, we explained the issue and they only informed us they’ve told the kitchen on this mistake (which we expected this response straight after we told them). Again, we expected they’ll take away the baked egg $$ instead of the drinks. Ended up drinks and croissant were not be billed.

Chic and quirky industrial style interior design with great internal space. It is not too crowded and not too spacious and the distance between the tables feels just right. Padre roasters coffee is beautiful - it is smooth and rich and full of flavour. I had baked eggs which were nice - would not call them special but it was a very well done dish. I would certainly come back again for the coffee, the atmosphere and cosy quirkiness.