The Commoner
| Where | 122 Johnston Street, Fitzroy—View map |
Contact | 03 9415 6876 |
Website | — |
Open | Please note as of June 2010 The Commoner is no longer open for breakfast. A selection of eggy dishes (including the famous Honky) will continue to be served over weekend lunch hours. |
Payment | — |
Diet | Check with venue |
Seating | Inside and outside |
Kids | Welcome |
Pets | Unwelcome |
Not so common
Clare Marshall 5 December 2007
Update: After three years of serving inspired breakfasts, The Commoner has decided to close down its breakfast operations in order to focus on launching the Bar and Long Room area upstairs. Don't despair, Jo Corrigan has promised to continue a selection of her scrumptious egg dishes over the weekend lunch period. Due to our enduring love for all things The Commoner, we have kept this review for posterity. July 2010.
Within minutes of walkinginto The Commoner it is obvious that it is run bypeople who are passionate about fresh produce and good cooking. Tables aredecorated with seasonal products like granny smith apples, lemons or pumpkins; condiments come housed in tiny baking tins; and the walls are hung with colourful ceramiccookware.
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, andare always happy to explain the Middle Eastern-influenced menu to customers.After all, the food here is excellent, and they know it.
There is only a slim window of opportunityfor breakfast at The Commoner, from 10 am to 12 pm, and it is well worth making the effort to getthere on time. Choices range from fresh seasonal fruit and boiled eggs withtoast soldiers, to fried gingerbread with caramelised banana, and baked eggs with sage, chilli and house-madeyoghurt. A regular feature, and personal favourite, is the crispy Arabicpancake with citrus salad and pomegranate molasses.
Coffee at The Commoner is reliably good andthe chai tea on offer is the real deal. If you're interested in takingbreakfast to the next level, an interesting and well-considered wine list is available.
The Commoner's breakfast and lunch trade isbustling on the weekend, so come in during the week if you prefer to linger.The space is open, airy and inviting, with banquette seats or a large communaltable in the sun. There is also a cosy rear courtyard, where you'd never knowyou were just metres away from the bustle of Brunswick Street.