Horace Street

1406 High St, Malvern VIC 3144, Australia
$$$ Cafe
(234 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Horace Street is a small, cosy café nestled in the heart of Malvern on High Street, serving a kitchen and coffee experience that leans into classic Italian-style roasts. The coffee here has a noticeably darker, stronger flavour, which tends to appeal to those who appreciate a more robust and traditional espresso rather than the lighter, medium roasts common in many local spots.

The café’s vibe suits a range of visitors — from early risers grabbing a quick takeaway coffee on the go, to locals lingering over breakfast rolls and croissants in a laid-back setting. There’s a down-to-earth feel, where the clientele often includes neighborhood regulars who use the space for casual meet-ups, reading, or catching up on emails during quieter hours.

Horace Street’s food menu, featuring approachable choices like ham and cheese croissants, breakfast rolls, chips, and a notably kid-friendly chocolate milkshake, fits well with the relaxed atmosphere. It's a spot that works nicely for morning families as well as anyone after a simple, satisfying bite alongside a well-poured caffè latte or health drink. Tea and snack options round out the casual offerings, making it more than just a coffee stop.

The café operates at a quieter pace during off-peak times, which can appeal to those after a low-key atmosphere, though some visitors have noted that the staff can come across as a bit distant when it’s less busy. Yet, on any given day, the welcoming presence of familiar faces — both human and canine (Horace Street is notably pet friendly) — adds to its communal, neighborhood charm.

Overall, this venue works best for people who value a straightforward coffee style with an Italian twist and a no-frills, comfortable setting to start the day or have a casual catch-up. Early mornings or mid-mornings tend to be ideal times to visit before the after-work rush or lunchtime crowd arrives, ensuring a more personal encounter with the coffee and food on offer.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

234 Reviews
Sriyan Peries

06 Jan 2026

Great coffee from this cosy little place. Grabbed a takeaway coffee, very quick service and coffee was nice and hot. Will be back for food!

Randle Bond

28 Dec 2025

Coffee is a darker roasted style. Strong flavour. More classic Italian. Not my usual preference, but I needed it this morning. The person who is used to medium roast can sometimes misinterpret it as burnt.

Tahlia T

03 Dec 2025

Consistently always excellent coffee! My new local favourite

Natasha Venizelos

10 Nov 2025

I have had coffee here many times. I’ve generally always been at off-peak times when it’s quiet, but the staff have still not been friendly. The coffee is good, though.

Theo Giantsos

22 Sep 2025

What a great place... Rebecca, Rachel, the whole gang. Great coffee, great food, wraps, health drinks. Great vibe to read, chat, check emails, and great clientele, always. Very pet friendly too...

Join the Horace Street Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.