Arrow Cafe Carlton
488 Swanston St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053
“Your local oasis in the heart of Carlton”
Known for
Why Choose Arrow Cafe Carlton?
Arrow Cafe Carlton draws strong praise for its all-day brunch, burgers and pastries, backed by genuinely warm service that locals return for repeatedly. The team's attention to detail, from perfectly heated croissants to richly made hollandaise, and the welcoming atmosphere make it an easy call for a long meal or quick coffee stop near the museum or university.
About Arrow Cafe Carlton
Locals who know this stretch of Swanston Street in Carlton tend to point to Arrow Cafe when the plan is a long, easy meal or a coffee that doubles as a study break. It's a coffee shop first, though the kitchen does far more than the label suggests. Brunch runs through the day, with eggs benedict, smashed avocado and a bacon and egg roll all earning their fans, and the burgers get repeat orders. Pasta, salads and gourmet sandwiches fill out the lunch side, and there's a counter of pastries, including almond croissants and a Dubai-style chocolate croissant people rave about.
People who've been going for a while mention the hollandaise, the hot chocolate and the care that seems to go into each plate, more home-style than production line. The space is big and well lit, with plenty of seating, so it suits catch-ups with friends as much as quiet reading or studying. Students from nearby, office workers and locals all mix in here.
We've heard the staff are friendly and attentive, and prices are seen as good value for the portions. One local did mention a longer wait on a busy day, but they'd still go back.
You can dine in, take away or get it delivered, and kerbside pickup and catering are on offer too. Vegetarian options are available. Opening hours run most of the day, but check them before heading in.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“Their hot chocolate is one of the best I think in Melbourne. It has such great flavour and sizes are great. The staff are always so friendly and kind.”
“The eggs Benedict were exceptional, killer hollandaise alone is worth the trip, rich and properly made, the kind of sauce you notice.”
“The croissant came out heated just the way I like it, the coffee hit the right spot, the service was friendly and efficient.”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow Cafe Carlton
Arrow Cafe on Swanston Street in Carlton is known for all-day brunch, especially eggs benedict with a well-made hollandaise, smashed avocado and burgers that get repeat orders. There's also pasta like rigatoni bolognese, gourmet sandwiches and foccacias, plus a pastry counter featuring almond croissants and a Dubai-style chocolate croissant. Coffee and hot chocolate are regularly praised too.
Yes. Arrow Cafe offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery, along with kerbside pickup and no-contact delivery. The space itself is described as large and well lit, making it a comfortable option for sitting down with coffee or a meal, while the takeaway options suit those grabbing a coffee and croissant on the run near the university and city.
Locals and visitors regularly point to good value and helpful staff at Arrow Cafe. Several note quick, attentive service from the team, including help with seating and explaining the ordering process, and the owner is described as attentive to customer needs. It's a popular stop for locals, students nearby and visitors heading to or from Melbourne Museum.
The published menu includes caffè lattè, cappuccino, double espresso, flat white, matcha and iced lattè. Coffee and hot chocolate both come up often as favourites, with the hot chocolate singled out for its flavour and size. For current pricing, it's best to ask the cafe directly.
Catering is listed among Arrow Cafe's services, and the cafe has supported community groups such as a local hockey club event. With a large, well-lit dine-in space and vegetarian options on the menu alongside breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert, it suits both casual group meals and larger gatherings in Carlton.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +61 3 9225 9030
- Address
- 488 Swanston St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053
How Arrow Cafe Carlton Compares
in Carlton
132 reviews on Google
Opening Hours
- Monday
- 7am-4pm
- Tuesday
- 7am-4pm
- Wednesday
- 7am-4pm
- Thursday
- 7am-4pm
- Friday
- 7am-4pm
- Saturday
- 7:30am-4pm
- Sunday
- 7:30am-2pm
Business Details
- Service Options
- Takeaway, Delivery, Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery
- Payment Methods
- Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
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Community Comments
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