Brass Monkey

In 2016, husband-and-wife team Adam and Kristy Pritchard opened Brass Monkey with a focus on mingling Southeast Asian hawker fare and LA-style food trucks. They’ve since made the pivot to an all-day diner with cafe hours, which means no dinner these days. But you will find one of the best brunches in Mildura, and the original brief lingers in the form of pork belly banh mi, birro tacos with slow-cooked brisket, and a fried chicken burger with Sriracha mayo.

Operating from an airy, century-old building in the CBD’s restaurant precinct, Brass Monkey is known for its heroic baguettes (including riffs on US-style Rueben and Cubano sandwiches) as well as healthy fare such as chia and almond granola, and kale and cauliflower salad. Vegetarian and gluten-free offerings are plentiful, as are playful versions of French toast and smashed avocado. For a heartier lunch, don’t skip past the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with yoghurt and baba ghanoush.

Eye-popping breakfast boxes are available with free local delivery, and be sure to take home some of the house hot sauce. Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch or the happy medium of both, expect curated drinks from Melbourne’s Code Black coffee and T2 tea, plus local wines and quirky Victorian craft beers.