Babble

LOCATION
A short walk from Chapel Street and Prahran train station, close to the corner of Greville Street.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Babble is an appropriate name for this cruisy bar and cafe. As you enter, the low hubbub of bright young things happily enjoying breakfast and lattes or beer and burgers is the sound that greets you, coupled with low background tunes courtesy of the resident DJ. The relaxed vibe and all-day menu attract Chapel Street shoppers who seek some respite with coffee and cake or casual diners in oversized sunnies jostling for the streetside alfresco seating on warm nights. Inside you could easily mistake this eatery for a mountain hunting lodge, complete with faux rock feature wall, open fireplace and low chandeliers.

Menu wise there is a bit of everything on offer, from the popular breakfasts (which offer a choice of eggs done any way, four types of omelettes, pancakes, muffins and French toast until 4pm) through to late-night dining. Snack items include the Mediterranean platter, homemade mini sausage rolls and chicken gougons, while heftier fare entails a good selection of burgers, “create your own” pasta and risotto options as well as solid cafe favourites such as porterhouse steak, salt and pepper calamari, chicken parmagiana and Babble pie. A revolving selection of specials keeps regulars happy and on warm nights a few cocktails to accompany the cool vibes don’t go astray either.

Angela Costanzo