With our hotel along Little Bourke Street, Higher Ground Melbourne was naturally our first port of call for an amazing brunch and of course, our caffeine fix after our flight from Singapore. They do have certain requirements for reservations which we, unfortunately, did not make the cut. If possible, always try to make reservations before heading over. We waiting at its outdoor waiting area for around 20 minutes before landing a table. Thanks god, we had wifi to keep us entertained and a cup of hot coffee to tide us over.
Higher Ground Melbourne – The Interiors
Converted from a heritage-listed 19th-century power station, the cafe boasts of a chic industrial vibe with its exposed brickwalls and clever use of natural lighting. 
It is not easy to capture the entire cafe in a shot because of its extensive space and a 15-metre high ceiling. The staff are energetic and moves at a rather fast pace due to the high volume of tables turnover but they are polite and offers ample time for you to make your decision on the menu. 
This is the view from the higher levels. Can you spot Mom in red at the lower decks?
Once our orders are taken, this semi-open kitchen is where the magic happens!
Higher Ground Melbourne – The Food
First to arrive was our Mom’s Slow-cooked Tasmanian Salmon with Poached Eggs, Chat Potatoes, Beetroot Puree and Shaved Fennel (AUD$28.50). Fish dishes are always safe for Mom. She adore the freshness of the salmon and the creative blend of ingredients.
Next to be served was my Brother’s Minced Lamb Fry Up With Mso Eggplant, Fried Eggs, Barberries, Smoked Yogurt, Pinenut Dukkah Over Sour Dough (AUD$24). This could be a hit or miss dish but we were glad the gamy taste of the lamb did not surface.
Last but not least, I got the most instagrammable dish of all – The Ricotta Hotcake With Maple Syrub, Seeds & Grains, Cream, Seasonable Fruits and Flowers (AUD$24). I loved the fluffy pancakes coupled with a crunch with each delicious bite but that sentiment did not last very long. The portion is huge and after a while, the taste and texture kind of gets repetitive. Recommend to order it as a sharing dish between a group of friends. 
Overall, we enjoyed our first meal at Melbourne. The city has an amazing cafe culture and they are really proud of their coffee. After sampling Higher Ground and other coffee joints around the city, I am proud to say that Singapore coffee standards are equally good (if not better). Melburnians should come and try our coffee too!
