About The Espressonist
Evening Wine Bar & Grill
Evenings shift to our intimate wine bar and grill, featuring shareable small plates (porcini arancini, prawn skewers), hearty mains (Cape Grim eye fillet, moules-frites, seafood linguine), and a curated selection of Australian wines and craft cocktails. As a versatile events venue in Docklands, we host bespoke functions for up to 120 guests—think cocktail parties, corporate lunches, or private dinners in our art-inspired space with minimalist architecture and tropical courtyard vibes.
Whether you're searching for the best café near me in Docklands, a top brunch restaurant in Melbourne, waterfront lunch spots, or a relaxed dinner venue with views, The Espressonist delivers honest, unpretentious food and warm hospitality. Join us seven days for brunch and coffee, or Wednesday–Saturday for dinner. Book your table today and discover why we're Docklands' hidden gem for foodies of all ages!
Docklands art gallery and studio converted into Melbournes premiere waterfront brunch hot spot
THE ESPRESSONIST DOCKLANDS CAFE | Nestled on the Yarra River at 108 River Esplanade in Docklands, The Espressonist is your ultimate all-day destination for specialty coffee, vibrant brunch, casual lunch, and cosy evening dinners. What started as a pop-up art gallery in 2016 has evolved into a beloved Melbourne hotspot—surviving lockdowns through sheer grit and community love.
Brunch and Cafe by Day
By day, we're a bustling café near you, serving expertly roasted Zest Coffee (try our Blackbird espresso blend), signature smashed avocado on sourdough with salsa verde and pickled chilli, acai bowls, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and brunch classics like chorizo hash benedict or soft shell crab tacos—all with unbeatable marina and CBD skyline views.
Finding us
Local landmarks include:
- Yarras Edge Marina
- DFO Southwharf
- The Webb Bridge
- Tram stop D4
Evening Wine Bar & Grill
Evenings shift to our intimate wine bar and grill, featuring shareable small plates (porcini arancini, prawn skewers), hearty mains (Cape Grim eye fillet, moules-frites, seafood linguine), and a curated selection of Australian wines and craft cocktails. As a versatile events venue in Docklands, we host bespoke functions for up to 120 guests—think cocktail parties, corporate lunches, or private dinners in our art-inspired space with minimalist architecture and tropical courtyard vibes.
Whether you're searching for the best café near me in Docklands, a top brunch restaurant in Melbourne, waterfront lunch spots, or a relaxed dinner venue with views, The Espressonist delivers honest, unpretentious food and warm hospitality. Join us seven days for brunch and coffee, or Wednesday–Saturday for dinner. Book your table today and discover why we're Docklands' hidden gem for foodies of all ages!
Docklands art gallery and studio converted into Melbournes premiere waterfront brunch hot spot
Nestled on the Yarra River at 108 River Esplanade in Docklands, The Espressonist is your ultimate all-day destination for specialty coffee, vibrant brunch, casual lunch, and cosy evening dinners. What started as a pop-up art gallery in 2016 has evolved into a beloved Melbourne hotspot—surviving lockdowns through sheer grit and community love.
Brunch and Cafe by Day
By day, we're a bustling café near you, serving expertly roasted Zest Coffee (try our Blackbird espresso blend), signature smashed avocado on sourdough with salsa verde and pickled chilli, fresh acai bowls, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and brunch classics like chorizo hash benedict or soft shell crab tacos—all with unbeatable marina and CBD skyline views.
Finding us
Local landmarks include:
- Yarras Edge Marina
- DFO Southwharf
- The Webb Bridge
- Tram stop D4
Originally a contemporary art gallery, the espressonist has retained its roots in the gallery space, you will find original art on the walls, always. For exclusive functions we are equipped to serve 80 seated dinner guests or up to 120 guests for standing cocktail and canape events.
about our food
We serve specialty coffee and a contemporary brunch menu seven days a week, in a beautiful bespoke art inspired space nestled on the Yarra river not far from South Wharf DFO. If you peak in to our open kitchen you will see a team of highly qualified chefs, committed to plating every brunch dish with care and consistency. Our food is honest and unpretentious. Our signature dish for brunch is our spicy chorizo and hash brown benedict, but equally as inviting are many of our other options including Soft Shell Crab tacos, Smashed Avocado with charred corn salad and Sambal Chilli Scramble. We also have some great quick takeaway options such as our superfood salad, our sweet chilli chicken wrap and our Reuben sando.
about our food
We serve specialty coffee and a contemporary brunch menu seven days a week, in a beautiful bespoke art inspired space nestled on the Yarra river not far from South Wharf DFO. If you peak in to our open kitchen you will see a team of highly qualified chefs, committed to plating every brunch dish with care and consistency. Our food is honest and unpretentious. Our signature dish for brunch is our spicy chorizo and hash brown benedict, but equally as inviting are many of our other options including Soft Shell Crab tacos, Smashed Avocado with charred corn salad and Sambal Chilli Scramble. We also have some great quick takeaway options such as our superfood salad, our sweet chilli chicken wrap and our Reuben sando.
event management & coordination
Our kitchen team crafts bespoke menus that reflect the season and tell a story: modern Australian with Victorian produce at the core, offering everything from elegant passed canapés and grazing tables to refined degustation banquets and wellness-focused sharing plates. Every detail is considered — dietary requirements handled with care, wine pairings drawn from our curated Australian list, and service delivered with warmth and precision.
Whether you’re planning a high-profile corporate dinner, an unforgettable wedding reception, or an exclusive brand experience, we deliver events that exceed expectations and leave lasting impressions.
Enquire today and let us bring your vision to life by the water.
event management & coordination
Our kitchen team crafts bespoke menus that reflect the season and tell a story: modern Australian with Victorian produce at the core, offering everything from elegant passed canapés and grazing tables to refined degustation banquets and wellness-focused sharing plates. Every detail is considered — dietary requirements handled with care, wine pairings drawn from our curated Australian list, and service delivered with warmth and precision.
Whether you’re planning a high-profile corporate dinner, an unforgettable wedding reception, or an exclusive brand experience, we deliver events that exceed expectations and leave lasting impressions.
Enquire today and let us bring your vision to life by the water.
