We came here for a brunch - there were 8 of us, and we booked a table, which was reserved for us, the cafe is really cute and modern, great decor, but unfortunately, as the business is quite young (well, I hope this is the reason) this was quite a painful experience. They didn't offer table service, and we waited in line for about 15 minutes to order our meals and coffees - and then the person who ordered last, his meal came first! Twice, another table's meals ended up on our table, and our coffees came AFTER our breakfast had arrived. It was unorganised and chaotic.

HOWEVER, the coffee and food was delicious, the owner clearly knows what he is doing, but is evidently having some significant teething problems, mainly it seems, inexperienced staff. Hopefully they will be quick to learn, and work out table service is much more efficient.

I'll have to make a trip to Bendigo in a few months to check it out again - if they keep up the high standard of food and coffee, and can get their staff up to speed, they should become a lovely place to go - I'd love to be able to give them 5 stars!

Approximate cost: $8.5-13

Went to Bread & Jam for Frances after they had a $5 deal in the Age a few weeks ago in conjunction with the release of their Cheap Eats Guide - usually they have a pretty good idea of the best cafes.

Took my sister here - usually take visitors to Liar Liar, or Home on Burwood Rd, but wanted to try out Frances. Was a bit disappointed. The coffee is great, and it's a great space (wayyy more room than Liar Liar) but the menu wasn't very extensive and although the scrambled eggs I had and the poached mushies my sister had were yum, they weren't that spectacular. Can get much more for the same price at Home - last time I was there I had a roast vegetable, duck pate and pork belly sandwich that was to die for.

Would love to see them expand their menu; have the potential to be real competition to other cafes in the Hawthorn area with that location.

Approximate cost: $12-16

Home Dining Room is a small cafe on Burwood Road, quite inconspicuous but when I went in there for coffee, not only was my drink delicious, I was engaged in lively conversation by the two people who were working there. This lead me to taking a friend there for lunch, where I had not yet tried the food. The price was pretty standard for us, but the food was amazing, I thought I was eating at a far more up market place than the price suggested. We were looked after at all times and they were interested in how our meal and coffee were and we were happy to tell them how much we enjoyed it.