Platform Espresso

Located just steps away from the Glen Iris train station, Platform Espresso gives the suburb a new dose of minimalist chic.

The bare light bulbs, brown bottles and pine timbers may look serious, but striped paper straws and science beakers used as water jugs add a playful touch. This whimsical style is pulled off with an easy charm, which is no doubt helped by the friendly staff.

It’s busy on weekends and popular with young families, but with a choice of two-seater tables, larger high tables or a shared communal table in the back room, there’s plenty of space.

The Chompy espresso blend by Sensory Lab has a character of its own, but Platform also has a single origin option that changes regularly.

The menu features tasty twists on old favourites, such as the ‘Brunsch-etta’ with basil, tomatoes, confit mushrooms, goat’s cheese and pomegranate, as well as a smashed avocado that comes with homemade dukkah, marinated goat’s cheese, truss tomatoes and oregano dressing. The latter is so delicious you may find yourself dreaming about that goat’s cheese for longer than seems appropriate.