Alleycat Cafe

8 Theatre Pl, Canterbury VIC 3126, Australia
+61 410 749 888
$$$ Cafe
(182 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

If you’re seeking a cozy nook that captures the charm of a Parisian café right in the heart of Canterbury, look no further than Alleycat Cafe. Nestled on Theatre Place, this hidden gem offers a delightful escape for coffee aficionados and brunch lovers alike.

As you step inside, the welcoming vibe envelops you, complemented by vintage decor that whispers tales of yesteryears. The warm lighting and quaint furnishings create a comforting ambiance, perfect for unwinding with a good book or catching up with friends.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the coffee. Locals rave about the rich, aromatic brews that cater to every palate, from long blacks to double espressos. As one customer, 'khash K', passionately notes, the cafe takes pride in serving quality coffee that is often hard to find in today’s bustling café culture.

But it's not just about the coffee. Alleycat Cafe boasts a mouthwatering menu that celebrates both breakfast and lunch with a variety of unique offerings. Begin your day with their 'Brookfarm Toasted Muesli' topped with Greek yogurt and poached pears, a dish that sings of freshness and provides a perfect dose of energy for your morning. Alternatively, indulge in their 'Breakfast Crepe' bursting with fresh berries and Greek yogurt—a creamy, fruity delight that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

For a satisfying lunch, try the 'Rustic Provincial Quiche with Salad'; the flaky pastry and delicate filling are a match made in culinary heaven. Or, for a taste of the Mediterranean, treat yourself to the 'Roasted Pumpkin, Fetta, Spinach and Pesto Piadina', where the flavors meld together to create a comforting yet gourmet experience.

Don’t forget to explore their selection of pastries, which complement their coffee offerings beautifully. One customer, 'manooch', shared how the ambience and the delectable food combine to create an ideal moment for self-reflection or casual conversations.

The outdoor courtyard provides a lovely setting for al fresco dining, allowing you to dine under the sun while enjoying the sights and sounds of Canterbury. As noted by customer 'Barry Foster', this French-style café is a favorite for brunch, where you can relish the delightful crêpes served with fruits and ice cream or yogurt on the side, making each visit a feast for the senses.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Alleycat Cafe invites you to indulge in a slice of café culture that is both rich in flavor and steeped in nostalgia. With its delightful array of dishes, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional coffee, this café will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return time and again.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Does not have assistive hearing loop
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

182 Reviews
manooch

03 Oct 2025

Nice people with warm vibe and delicious coffee all you need to have a good moment with yourself. Also the have food and pastries but at that moment I wasn’t feel to have food. But the looks nice.

Amir Kasra Zanjani

24 Sep 2025

Great coffee and great French style hidden gem! Try it once & you will be back for sure. Two thumbs up! ????????

Barry Foster

18 Sep 2025

Transported back in time to a French Cafe. What a gem hiding in Theatre place. The crepes are delicious with fruits and ice-cream or yoghurt on the side. Our favourite place for coffees and brunch in Canterbury. We liked the vintage decor and my parents even recognised the old fashioned ice-cream signage. Seating inside or outside in the front courtyard, a pleasant french style experience on a beautiful day.

Arrietty Chen

08 Sep 2025

Best café and crêpes combo for brunch in Melbourne.

khash K

22 Jun 2025

Not sure where to start? I know, the coffee! I love coffee as much as the next person, and my go-to coffee is either a long black or a double espresso. As much as Melbournian coffee has been hyped up, I believe (as someone who has worked as a barista for years) that nowadays it's rare finding cafes that really care about their coffee quality (taste), as it's easier to go for the quantity and to lean on the milk to hide the over/under extracted espresso shot flavour. Apart from a few cafes in/around the city, I end up pulling a face after the first sip from a black coffee elsewhere. HOWEVER, at Alleycat cafe, earlier this week, I truly enjoyed the long black I ordered, it was sweet and tasty, and the latte my partner ordered was the same, the milk was silky smooth and again, the coffee was beautiful. This alone needs to be appreciated. When a cafe is serving good & tasty coffee, it means that they care about what they do, since it's a time consuming task to dial-in shots after shots every morning just to perfect the recipe for when the doors open. Since it was a late breakfast/early lunch, we stayed with lighter food/dessert options, muesli and a couple of gluten free muffins (coeliac friendly dishes) and they were tasty as well. When it comes to gluten free food, there's usually a sacrifice, however, everything was really really good, from the taste to the texture. I have actually attached a photo of the Muesli here, I did not expect that! Very cool presentation! And last but certainly not the least, the staff and the atmosphere. The staff were absolutely lovely (I mean what do you expect at this point?), helpful and very friendly. They took the time to answer our questions regarding the dietary requirements and checked in on us a few times since we were sitting out in the park area at the front of the cafe. The cafe itself is small but very cozy and welcoming, clean and tidy, warm and relaxing, the type of place perfect to sit in on a rainy day a read a book. And then there's the outdoor area that stretches out into the little park, which is another great option if you want some fresh air to unwind. You cannot go wrong with either. Definitely recommend! And definitely will be back! P.S. Their Portuguese tarts are to die for!

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