Vacation Richmond

Brothers Matt and Kael Sahely, two of the three founders of Vacation, know what makes a top Melbourne cafe. The duo started some of Melbourne’s faves like Pillar of Salt , Touchwood , Bawa and Barry (all of which they’ve now sold).

Then there’s Vacation , the coffee company they started with Jimmy Tjeong as a wholesale roastery in 2016. Its Richmond outpost is a small, light-filled space with white-painted walls, a eucalyptus green awning, and pastel pink tables and benches. The colours make for a soft and sweet feel that creates the perfect backdrop for the shop’s baked goods.

Pastries, cakes and macarons are baked on-site. These might include a tiramisu croissant, layered carrot cake, black forest cake and pineapple macarons. The lunch menu steps things up a notch, with salads and sandwiches. Favourite items have included an egg and haloumi brioche, a chicken jalapeno toastie and a classic Reuben sandwich. There’s also a chicken katsu sando, a pork belly sanga and a tuna melt.

Central to Vacation’s vision is top-quality coffee, roasted by the owners. There’s both cold brew and hot batch brew on tap; all the usual espresso drinks; and specialty drinks including an iced raspberry matcha and a grapefruit spritz.