Operator25

Operator25 is a bustling cafe on Wills Street in Melbourne's central business district, renowned for its innovative brunch menu and stylish interior. Housed in a former telephone exchange (hence the name), the space features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and large windows that flood the room with light. The menu is a playful twist on classic breakfast and lunch items, think miso-mushroom scrambled eggs, 'French toast' with brioche and caramelized banana, and a signature 'Operator25 Breakfast' with all the trimmings. Coffee is serious business here, with beans from local roasters like Seven Seeds and Proud Mary, served as espresso or filter. The vibe is energetic yet relaxed, with a mix of office workers, tourists, and foodies filling the communal tables and banquettes. What makes Operator25 stand out is its attention to detail, from the beautifully plated dishes to the friendly, efficient service. It's a quintessential Melbourne cafe experience.

Don't miss

• Order the 'Mushroom & Miso', a umami-rich dish with poached eggs
• Try the 'French Toast' with caramelized banana and vanilla mascarpone
• Watch the baristas work their magic on a flat white or cold drip
• Snap a photo of the industrial interior, it's Instagram-worthy
• Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend brunch queue

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Operator25

Cheapest way inEnglish Melbourne Walking Tour4.9★ · 35 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →Most bookedFamous Melbourne City Bike Tour4.9★ · 871 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleAirport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne5★ · 28 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$107 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait on weekends, sometimes up to 30 minutes.
• The menu changes seasonally, so check their Instagram for the latest offerings.
• Coffee is served until closing, but the kitchen stops taking orders 30 minutes before close.
• The cafe has a no-laptop policy on weekends to keep tables turning quickly.

A bit of history

Operator25 opened in 2013 in a building that was originally a telephone exchange for the city's early phone network. The owners, a hospitality duo, wanted to create a space that honored the building's history while serving modern Australian cuisine. It quickly gained a cult following for its brunch and has been featured in multiple 'best cafes in Melbourne' lists.