Across the road from the beautiful Sun Theatre, you'll find Cornershop, a spot that offers the sort of bustling brunch atmosphere that's commonplace in Melbourne's most popular cafes.

While it can sometimes be a bit too frantic for the staff to handle, the coffee (from local roaster Profile) and food are worth waiting for from your vintage table and recycled wooden bench – especially on a sunny morning in the courtyard.

The menu is that little bit refined. Buckwheat and blueberry waffles come with creme brulee and puffed buckweat. Pumpkin smash gets zing from preserved lemon, dukkah, hummus and tahini yoghurt. On the other hand, if you just want a big, hearty sandwich (a Reuben perhaps), the menu offers that too, from midday onwards.

Thursday to Saturday, you can return to find a substantial dinner menu and a respectable selection of craft beers.