Alleycat Cafe

8 Theatre Pl, Canterbury VIC 3126, Australia
+61 410 749 888
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Coffee store , Creperie
(182 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Alleycat Cafe sits quietly in Theatre Place, Canterbury, offering a laid-back spot where the focus clearly leans towards good coffee and a relaxed brunch pace. It’s the kind of place that draws a mix of locals who enjoy lingering over their morning cappuccino or savoring a freshly made crepe in a sunny courtyard setting. The space itself carries a vintage French flair—noticeable not just in the decor but also in the vibe you get when stepping inside or settling outdoors, which invites slow conversations and people-watching.

Coffee here earns genuine appreciation from those who know their beans, delivering rich, aromatic brews that feel carefully crafted rather than hurried. The cappuccino is often praised for its smoothness, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting a robust but balanced coffee experience. Paired with freshly toasted croissants or the menu’s signature crepes, the cafe leans towards a simple yet satisfying breakfast or brunch.

If you’re visiting for food, the menu is modest but thoughtfully composed. The smashed avocado with feta and lemon adds a fresh, tangy twist to classic sourdough toast, while options like the rustic provincial quiche or the variety of piadinas offer light but flavorful lunch choices. Those after a touch of indulgence might find the affogato a nice pick-me-up, combining robust espresso with a hint of sweetness.

Alleycat’s appeal extends beyond just food and drink—its front courtyard seating invites a slow-paced experience, particularly pleasant on sunny mornings or quiet afternoons. It’s a spot where people tend to settle with a book, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a brief pause from the bustle of daily life. The mix of locals, from parents recalling the old-fashioned ice cream signage to weekday workers grabbing a coffee fix, reflects how Alleycat fits naturally into the neighborhood rhythm.

For anyone who appreciates cafes that care about quality and atmosphere without needing to be overly flashy, Alleycat presents a modest but memorable experience. Best visited mid-morning through early afternoon, its casual charm and consistent coffee quality make it a reliable spot for a slow start or a midday recharge in Canterbury.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Does not have assistive hearing loop
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

182 Reviews
Barry Foster

28 Dec 2025

Transported back in time to a French Cafe. What a gem hiding in Theatre place. The crepes are delicious with fruits and ice-cream or yoghurt on the side. Our favourite place for coffees and brunch in Canterbury. We liked the vintage decor and my parents even recognised the old fashioned ice-cream signage. Seating inside or outside in the front courtyard, a pleasant french style experience on a beautiful day.

Mark(Mahyar) Sharifi

21 Nov 2025

Had breakfast here this morning — everything was fresh and delicious! The coffee was super aromatic and smooth

khash K

02 Nov 2025

Not sure where to start? I know, the coffee! I love coffee as much as the next person, and my go-to coffee is either a long black or a double espresso. As much as Melbournian coffee has been hyped up, I believe (as someone who has worked as a barista for years) that nowadays it's rare finding cafes that really care about their coffee quality (taste), as it's easier to go for the quantity and to lean on the milk to hide the over/under extracted espresso shot flavour. Apart from a few cafes in/around the city, I end up pulling a face after the first sip from a black coffee elsewhere. HOWEVER, at Alleycat cafe, earlier this week, I truly enjoyed the long black I ordered, it was sweet and tasty, and the latte my partner ordered was the same, the milk was silky smooth and again, the coffee was beautiful. This alone needs to be appreciated. When a cafe is serving good & tasty coffee, it means that they care about what they do, since it's a time consuming task to dial-in shots after shots every morning just to perfect the recipe for when the doors open. Since it was a late breakfast/early lunch, we stayed with lighter food/dessert options, muesli and a couple of gluten free muffins (coeliac friendly dishes) and they were tasty as well. When it comes to gluten free food, there's usually a sacrifice, however, everything was really really good, from the taste to the texture. I have actually attached a photo of the Muesli here, I did not expect that! Very cool presentation! And last but certainly not the least, the staff and the atmosphere. The staff were absolutely lovely (I mean what do you expect at this point?), helpful and very friendly. They took the time to answer our questions regarding the dietary requirements and checked in on us a few times since we were sitting out in the park area at the front of the cafe. The cafe itself is small but very cozy and welcoming, clean and tidy, warm and relaxing, the type of place perfect to sit in on a rainy day a read a book. And then there's the outdoor area that stretches out into the little park, which is another great option if you want some fresh air to unwind. You cannot go wrong with either. Definitely recommend! And definitely will be back! P.S. Their Portuguese tarts are to die for!

Arrietty Chen

09 Oct 2025

Best café and crêpes combo for brunch in Melbourne.

Darren R

28 Sep 2025

A gem of a cafe, ideally located in Theatre Place. A perfect place to sit and have coffee or a pastry. Have been going for around 5 years.

Amir Kasra Zanjani

20 Sep 2025

Great coffee and great French style hidden gem! Try it once & you will be back for sure. Two thumbs up! ????????

manooch

12 Sep 2025

Nice people with warm vibe and delicious coffee all you need to have a good moment with yourself. Also the have food and pastries but at that moment I wasn’t feel to have food. But the looks nice.

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