Forget Public Enemy, sometimes it is a case of: do believe the hype. Though there is arguably no Melbourne cafe more hyped than The Kettle Black, there is, arguably, none more deserving of it and the queue that forms every day at this South Melbourne hot spot.

The team has form, having sprinkled their cafe fairy dust at South Yarra’s Two Birds One Stone and Richmond’s Top Paddock, but it’s here, in a converted heritage-listed terrace, that the offering is so completely complete.

From 2014’s most Instagrammed breakfast – the house-made coconut yoghurt festooned with nuts, grains, seeds and flowers – through Cape Grim beef on a black bun, there’s style on this menu at every turn. Produce is selected and treated with care, whether fluffy scrambled eggs tossed through feta and served with air-cured wallaby that’s soft, subtle, delicious, or a simple dish of burrata and tomato that’s simply sublime. Then there’s the brunch-lunch winner of tataki ocean trout served under a tumble of kale, pickled daikon, roasted hazelnuts and almonds and petals. Along with two perfectly poached eggs, it’s one of the best cafe dishes you’ll find anywhere in Melbourne.

Coffee is expectedly expertly made – from the house blend from 5 Senses through the changing roster of single origin beans – while tipples come with admirably low booze miles. Service is sharp and comes refreshingly sans attitude, the lot wrapped in stylish, though not over-styled, surrounds.

We’re calling it – The Kettle Black is one of the very best. Join the queue – it’s worth it.

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