Big Harvest has wholesome written all over it. From the inviting wooden crate table-and-chairs out the front, to the generous selection of wholemeal slices on display, this café has a very natural feel.
The breakfast menu is understated with not an egg in sight. But for a simple bit of sourdough toast or a hearty bowl of muesli, you can’t go wrong. The basic ingredients are also top quality and classics like sardines on toast never tasted so good. You can mix and match your toast toppings, but suggestions include ham and cheese as well as avocado, tomato and hummus. Muesli is served with berry compote and tangy natural yogurt.
The chalkboard menu offers that café favourite, the muffin and coffee combo as a breakfast option, and it works. The lemon myrtle and berry is a scrumptious choice, with moist berries, lemony tang and a crispy top, finished with home-made goodness.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of healthy drinks on offer. Bottled juices are by Phoenix and Emma and Tom’s, but the real treat here is a very special tea. The Moroccan Mint brew is a sugary blend of black tea with fresh mint; and the secret ingredient? Orange blossom.
Inside, it’s all very quaint, with decorative old milk jugs, ceramic pots and big jars of preserves on show. Upbeat pop music adds to an all-round good vibe that makes even your coffee seem guilt-free. However, Big Harvest is mainly about catering and consequently, the café side of things can feel a little incidental. There’s a transitional vibe for those huddled around the single communal table inside, with delivery men popping in and out as the spicy aromas of healthy take-away lunches waft around.
Situated on the city side of busy Elgin Street, Big Harvest’s outdoor seating can be a little frantic while cars are still tearing their way to work. But after 9 o'clock, this part of town becomes magically hushed and that old Carlton neighbourhood ambience comes creeping back. Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere with a simple nourishing breakfast and be sure to take home some lentil soup for lunch.