We had two families totalling 8 people for Sunday brunch. The menu is pretty good and easily handled the diverse needs of 8 people. We ordered a wide range of meals including salmon eggs, scrambled eggs, muesli, pancakes and fresh fruit with banana bread. The food was okay and they did try with the presentation. The pancakes had a novel presentation. The portions were pretty good, probably a little better than average. Coffee was average on Melbourne standards. The short macchiato was awful. The staff responded well to any issue but they were not attentive and there was a lack of any warmth or care. They never noticed water was low, didn't ask how the meal was and didn't ask if there was anything else we needed. The manager didn't seem to encourage staff but tended to run around like the proverbial chook. Rococo has a cafeteria feel to it and, like the staff, lacked warmth. Noise is a real issue here. Even though Rococo's was half full it was very loud and we could only hear the person next to us. There are many places better to go to in Melbourne than Rococo. We will not be returning.

Approximate cost: $14

We have been to Rathdowne Street Food Store four times with two great and two bad experiences. The terrible inconsistency means we will not be back. Such a shame because when they got it right they are really good. They had what seemed to be a new manager when we were last there and he was terrible. He was obviously inexperienced, focused more on being busy and running around like the proverbial chook rather than ensuring the place was running smoothly and the clientele were happy. It took them forever to deliver the menus. When we reminded the manager he did not apologise but said he would be straight back. Another long wait and he sent another person. The meals didn't come at the same time. There was a long delay with two of the five meals ordered. Food was good but we have better elsewhere and even here previously. Short macchiato was terrible.

Approximate cost: $15

Atomica is great place with outstanding coffee. If you love coffee definitely come here! We had salmon pesto omelette, Spanish omelette, vegetable breakfast with Moroccan beans (called MT), coffees and a honey dew + green tea combo. The meals had good sized portions though I don't like cold salmon with a hot breakfast. the vegetarian breakfast was the winner - excellent taste. Coffee was glorious. The short macchiato was excellent - just a smidgon below The Maling Room, which does the best short macchiato in Melbourne. The honey dew + green tea was very good. Atomica has fabulous ambiance with music that suites the place very well. Waiters were attentive but they called have filled water glasses instead of being asked. The place is so popular that it takes a long time to get your coffee. They need to fix this. I bill came to $100 so it was a pain to pay cash. They need to fix that as well. These little short cuts are to make life easier for the staff but they are inconveniencing their clientelle. Overall, a terrific cafe and we will be back.

Approximate cost: $15

Balzari was disappointing. The place just lacked any passion in the food, coffee or service. Five of us went for Sunday brunch. The guys left quite hungry as the serving sizes were quite small. Between us we had eggs, French toast, muesli and Italian donuts. The eggs came on toast that was burnt around the edges. The French toast was on very thin and small toast - sacrilege for French toast where you want thick pieces of toast to soak up that wonderful sauce. The muesli was okay. The cafe latte was okay but the latte can hide many coffee quality and barista sins. The short macchiato was terrible - bitter and grainy. The meals took forever to be served even though Balzari was less than half full. The ambiance was pretty good and the wood fire was nice although the restaurant was cold if you were not near the fire or one of the wall heaters. We won't be returning.

Approximate cost: $15

A great place. Fabulous selection of beers and it was fun trying very different varieties you don't see anywhere else. Food was good. The staff were a trip and a lot of fun - a gave them a bad rating for service because we were on the waiting list and they scratched us off thinking we found a table - so we waited FOREVER for a table humph. They had a live jazz duo that were very good. We would certainly return - But I'd watch the waiting list!

Approximate cost: $25

A good place if you live walking distance but I would not travel to Barclays. In providing a tough rating I'm comparing Barclays to the best places we have been to in Melbourne. We had five of us there for Sunday brunch. The automatic front door made the front of the cafe very cold. We ordered muesli, waffles, egg and veges on toast, egg wrap, coffee and teas. The waffles were excellent but everything else was very ordinary. The muesli was terrible - two of us could only eat a couple of mouthfuls - it was really, really plain. My wife asked for mushrooms to be added to the egg wrap. The chef refused to do it (how arrogant - who is the customer!!!) and put mushrooms on the side without saying anything to us. So my wife just unravelled the wrap and put mushrooms in. There were a good selection of teas but the taste was not as good as what we've had elsewhere. Coffee was okay. The short macchiato was not bitter but not very good. They don't like clearing your dishes until you leave - with 5 of us that made a very crowded table. When we asked for water we were told to get it ourselves. Overall, a disappointing experience. We won't be going back.

Approximate cost: $14.50

Simply fabulous. Amazing sunset views gives this place the 5 stars - great cocktails, excellent food and buffet, good service. We found it to be easily the best food experience in Cable Beach and Broome

Approximate cost: $35

Zanders has a magnificent view and it's pretty much worth going for the view. The reason for the very rating is that the food quality can be really variable. We went three times during our trip to Cable Beach. The service was always good. However, one time the food was atrocious. The other two times it was reasonable. So it is hit and miss. The Sunset Bar has better consistency and equal views.

Approximate cost: $30

We had shocking service and we spoke to others who had the same problem. When we were there (late June) it was poorly run. Obviously inexperienced staff with seemingly no direction from anyone. It took a long time to be served and the food is average at best. There was no follow-up. Plates left from previous diners took forever to be taken away - and it was on about one-third full! None of the staff looked happy so I can only guess there are poorly paid or they just don't care. This place gets a lot of publicity in Cable Beach and it has pleasant surroundings, but there are much better places to go only a short walk away.

Approximate cost: $15

Watts is a decent suburban eatery. Ambiance is poor, especially out the back. Coffee was quite average. One coffee arrived with a hair sitting on top while a chai latte arrived with a dirty glass. Service out the back was almost non existent. They missed out on some more drinks orders. The waiters were pleasant enough but you could tell it was just a job. Food was pretty good. We ordered pancakes, muesli and eggs. I'd say it is a really good place for locals but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it.

Approximate cost: $15