Brown Bear Cafe

301 High St, Preston VIC 3072, Australia
+61 3 9442 2717
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant , Coffee shop
(227 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Brown Bear Cafe on High Street in Preston is a relaxed spot where coffee and breakfast come together in a decidedly casual setting. It’s one of those neighbourhood cafes that locals seem to pop into for their morning caffeine fix or a simple weekend brunch without fuss. The atmosphere inside leans towards cozy and low-lit, with a small outdoor seating area that catches some sun during the warmer months—perfect if you want a quiet corner to read or catch up with friends.

The coffee here gets real attention; they carefully heat their milk to just the right temperature, around 60 degrees, striking a balance that tends to please those who take their flat whites or lattes seriously. For those after something other than espresso-based drinks, there’s a range of cold options like iced lattes and fresh juices which come in handy when the weather warms up.

Breakfast and lunch offerings complement the drinks with straightforward but thoughtfully prepared dishes. Popular picks include the Eggs Florentine Benedicted and the Chicken Avocado Sandwich, alongside selection of pastries for a lighter bite. The menu also caters well to varied dietary preferences, as the staff are willing to adapt dishes, for example by substituting bread for extra vegetables, which adds a personalized touch without slowing down service too much.

This place feels like it fits streetscape well — it sits near community landmarks such as the Sacred Heart Mission op shop, attracting a mix of regulars and visitors exploring the neighborhood. Service can occasionally be a bit slow during the busier periods, but the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the unhurried vibe that many appreciate.

Brown Bear Cafe suits anyone looking to stay local and enjoy quality coffee alongside a simple, honest breakfast or lunch. Weekday mornings see a steady flow of locals grabbing takeaway or settling in for a quiet start, while weekends invite a more relaxed pace with time to linger over food and a hot chocolate or two. If you prefer a no-frills environment that quietly focuses on the essentials—good coffee, accommodating service, and decent food—this spot in Preston holds its own well.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
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
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

227 Reviews
Joy Sarah

04 Jan 2026

I was staying for a day in Preston with my company and randomly walked into this local cafe. I would say it’s a hidden gem!!! Price is affordable + quick service. The matcha latte was tasty and the avocado toast was delicious, prefer to have more options like seeds or honey for toppings tho.

Liz L

12 Dec 2025

Nice little cafe with a few outdoor seating. The menu is good however the delivery/taste although ok is just not quite up there yet. The service was slow but once we were served it was friendly and the slowness was overlooked. The decor was dark but interesting. The coffee was also good. #goodcoffee

Patrizia Bordignon

27 Nov 2025

They were very accommodating with my ‘no bread’ request, putting more vegies on my Brown Bear big brekkie instead. Lovely people running the place. Quaint little cafe just a couple of doors up from Sacred Heart Mission op shop for those who are so inclined.

AP MD

19 Nov 2025

A really great and standout cafe in Preston. I came here in the morning with my partner for breakfast and coffee. Im usually a person that has my coffees warm, to which my request was met with a very appreciated and knowledgeable explanation - they heat their milk to 60 degrees which is just got enough and the optimal temperature. The care and effort they put into their coffee is reflected in their food as well. The food is absolutely delicious and is paired with very warm staff and a welcoming environment. They also raise money for a great cause. Overall I love this cafe, would recommend it to anyone in the area and will consistently be back

Jolynn Ong

24 Oct 2025

Very cosy cafe. Superb coffee and food. Really enjoyed the environment. The name of the cafe corresponds with the kind action behind it which we admire. This won’t be our first visit

Linda Jovcic

14 Oct 2025

Excellent service friendly staff. Great food. We had Berries French toast and porridge delicious flavours and generous portions.

Rachael Simon

07 Oct 2025

I had a vanilla late with almond milk and the smashed avo with halloumi. This was my first coffee in Melbourne as well as my first time trying halloumi and everything was amazing and tasted so fresh. The staff were so kind and handed over every coffee with a smile. I will definitely be back!

Jane Cee

06 Oct 2025

Brown Bear offers something just a bit different, everything is a pleasant twist on familiar foods. The barista is an old hand, and knows what he's doing.... Lovely chef and gorgeous waitresses...

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