Dining experience

Venue highlights

Accessibility & convenience

Parking & transport

Good to know

• Reservations suggested for peak nights.

Reviews

• Tony Titheridge

  ★★★★★

  “Old world Mont Albert Road now has a very high quality coffee and café offering! The best of the area's heritage is captured in this traditional corner shop front and surrounds, and when inside, there's no mistaking you're in a wonderful established old area. And yet, the offering inside is as good as any cutting edge modern café, without the rush. Receive friendly sailing service whilst you either watch the world go by in a beautiful dining space, or grab a prompt take away. Industry Beans coffee is wonderfully executed, and in the time you enjoy your coffee, every staff member from cook to barista to front of house will acknowledge and welcome you. It's easy to see why the regulars here LOVE it. All that's left to do is for me to return here with my family to enjoy breakfast or brunch, the enticing menu only further adding to what I already love about here. A definite strong recommendation!”

• Andrew Goulding

  ★★★★★

  “Very nice Japanese-French cafe for lunch. Tried my first, but not last, Magic coffee, and we both had a reasonably priced, reasonably sized lunch. The menu contains Japanese-style dishes with a French inspiration, making for an uncommon menu that says try something new but familiar. Staff perfectly attentive and friendly. Will keep this on the lunch short list.”

• the fo0die

  ★★★★★

  “Location & Atmosphere ---- Manee au lait is tucked away on an unsuspecting corner of Mont Albert Rd, nestled right among the residential properties. Named after the owner’s cat, the cafe is inspired by Manee’s carefree, content moments, and that philosophy translates perfectly into the space. It’s designed as a place to take a pause from the rush of the day and just enjoy the moment. The decor is incredibly homey and intimate; sitting inside feels less like a commercial cafe and more like you’ve been invited into someone’s personal dining room. The Food ---- The menu offers some really thoughtful flavour combinations. We tried the pulled lamb, which was exceptionally flavoursome with a distinct Moroccan influence and a gentle chilli heat. It’s a very generous portion of meat, but the richness is perfectly balanced by the freshness of pickled daikon, blanched baby spinach, corn kernels, edamame, and finely shredded carrot. We also had the prawn pasta. It’s an interesting dish using a mix of both curly and non-curly fettuccine, which provides a nice variety in texture. The sauce is a sweet tomato base, served with four prawns and juicy cherry tomatoes, a very comforting and simple choice. Service & Experience ---- The service here matches the "homey" vibe of the interior. The team is warm and genuinely friendly, happy to have a chat and make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed, which fits their mission of providing a space to truly decompress. Practical Notes ---- Being located in a quiet residential pocket, the cafe is quite small and intimate. While there isn't a dedicated car park, you can usually find a spot on the surrounding side streets. It’s a fantastic local find if you’re looking to escape the noise of busier shopping strips for a reliable meal and a quiet coffee. TLDR ---- A charming, cat-inspired local gem with a cozy "dining room" atmosphere and lovely service. The Moroccan-style pulled lamb is a standout for its balance of bold flavours and fresh ingredients.”

• Lauren Farquharson Rosaroll

  ★★★★★

  “We stopped by for a casual weekend brunch and this place exceeded my expectations! I had the special nori prawn tacos which were inventive, fresh and delicious. My husband the avocado & pistachio pesto toast (with addition of poached egg). Service was super friendly and you can really feel the ‘care’ factor that has gone into this place. Also appreciate there is bubbles on the menu! 🥂”

• David C

  ★★★★★

  “Newly open classic style cafe in surrey hills area. Convenient and peaceful neighbourhood to enjoy great coffee and food. Coffee tastes really fantastic and the food served is just right portion and best. Banana bread and coffee is my favourite in the morning and truffle mushroom toastie for my favourite lunch. Well done manee ❤️.”