Urban Bistro

This place is a consistent performer and the only decent breakfast spot in the area that takes reservations, so it is good for large groups or special occasions. They have delivered at least 8 out of 10 every time I have been here for breakfast or dinner over the years since it opened. Nothing stands out in particular, but the atmosphere is always fantastic with comfortable chairs and civilized conversation volume. The food and coffee are always good, again nothing stands out but I have never had a bad experience. For this dependability and over so many years, it is 5 stars from me.

This place is right across the road from the race track — which is cool when you’re on a bike and headed over from the city. beautiful spot. If you’re going to sit and enjoy the outside though, you want to make sure it’s a quiet and hot day as the above apartment building blocks all sun and it’s right on the road with lots of traffic.
Full of big tables, which means that it’s a great place for hosting a group of people. but unfortunately when I was there it was populated with oldies and noisy soccer mums (who can be fine, but are not my crowd).
Coffee was ok, nothing special, but breakfast was great. I have to agree with the waiter in saying that the pancakes were amazing, but not sure it’s quite worth it.

Urban Bistro is a fantastic breakfast destination. Overlooking Victoria racecourse and located in the prestigious suburb of Rose Park the restaurant is housed in what used to be the Womens and Childrens Hospital and has since been converted into luxury apartments.
I love Bistros such as this which provide stella service minus the pretentions of fine dining. The décor is sleek and minimal; dressed with white linen, the overall effect is elegant. The building provides its own quirk which adds interest without detracting from the comfort of the space, although you will have to exit the restaurant and cross the old emergency driveway to use the facilities.
I have been here several times with groups of friends and have been impressed at how well equiped they are to deal with larger bookings. Although we have often been obliged to order from a set menu, the food has always been a lovely mix of traditional and creative flavour combinations. Since my last visit they have added a breakfast dish of pineapple and hamsteak??? This is in great contrast to the gratinated lobster thermidor omelette listed alongside. If you’re not feeling quite as adveturous, or would rather pass on the 60s flashback perhaps stick with Sam’s faves — roast swiss brown mushrooms, olive toast, truffled parmesan and rocket or ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and rich cream.
I have also passed several enjoyable dinners at Urban and the wine list provides a good selection of offerings by the glass, (9 white, 9 red, a handfull of sparkling things). Most of these are local drops with the occasional international interloper, two of my all time favourite ‘safe bet’ red wines are available too. I love to order these for groups as they proove eternally popular, these are the 2008 spinifex ‘esprit’ mataro, gren, shiraz, cinsault from the Barossa Valley and the penley estate phoenix cab sauv of the same year. There are lots of wines available by the bottle also, including a bevvy of french beauties in the champagne variety and even some cheeky local reds known as basketpress. The apertifs are tempting too with a negroni pretty high on my must-​do list for next time.

Urban is where the businessmen and soccer mums go for breakfast. It is situated facing Victoria racecourse and very classy, so make sure you wear something nice (or a suit) otherwise you may feel out of place. My experiences at Urban have all been with my mother and her friends, there are very rarely customers under the age of 30.
The coffee is decent, at best, it is usually very strong so if you don’t like it this way order a weak one. The food is actually really good. I have recently become addicted to their swiss mushrooms on toast with olive tapenade, rocket and parmesan. But their fluffy ricotta and blueberry pancakes are also to die for! The serving sizes are massive, so if you are not a big eater I would suggest finding someone to share with. After a breakfast at Urban I struggle to eat for the rest of the day!
Surprisingly the prices are quite reasonable for how classy the restaurant is, most of the main breakfast dishes are between $ 15-​$ 17. They also serve champagne and daiquiris for breakfast, so I would definitely suggest coming here on special occasions!