This place serves good coffee and cakes. Yesterday, we waited about 10minutes for a table but they quickly took our orders and the food arrived in the next 15 minutes, their service was pretty fast and efficient. I heard it takes about 1/2 hour for you to secure a table for 4 people during weekends. Very strategic location as it is very near to all the shopping malls nearby! The price of the food is also very reasonable unless you request for extra toppings.

Approximate cost: $20

Still as popular and expensive as ever. But hardware societe seems to be back in business and dishing out high protein laden, carb and butter laden dishes. And they are even more interesting than before. Imagine - Scrambled Eggs ‘Deux', scrambled eggs topped with a combination of chorizo, prawn, pickled zucchini, membrillo aioli, and served with some baguette, more chorizo and some slices of cucumber & herbs ($20).

bit pricey but well worth it, service is impeccable empty water jugs are always replaced by full ones

had lasagna which cost me $17, but was pretty yummy (strong - but not too overpowering - flavors) and filling which was great

we sat outside and was basically shoulder to shoulder with the other customers, but oh well it's a pretty busy place

Excellent breakfast menu. I've never been disappointed with this cafe. Their menu is unique and delicious. It can be a bit noisy and there is usually a line to get in. But it is worth it and they have quick service.

Decided to check out what all the fuss was about. Busy on Saturday as usual with a few groups waiting outside the cafe for a table. Was told there would be a half hour wait. When we were seated an ordered, our food came out quicker than our coffees - very efficient indeed. We had the croque madame which unless you are a fan of ham nothing too special and the fried brioche with crème which though not good for the arteries is well done and highly recommended.

I'm a regular customer here and will continue to come back however there has been a few changes that take the glimmer off this once amazing brunch place.
There are no more mini donuts with hot chocolates and coffees!!! Nevertheless the hot chocolate is faultless and one of the best around but it is sad to see this little extra disappear.
The food has been the biggest issue. Last time I visited I sat at the kitchen bar and (working in a kitchen myself) saw first hand how the staff prepare the food. Nothing violating health codes however there is a tendency towards convenience over the freshness that gave this place it's name initially.
Cut bread is left out for hours making it stale, dishes are premade and reheated (the baked egg) and the quality of the food is poor compared to earlier days.
That said Hardware Societe is a must try for all brunch fanatics, however enjoy it while it lasts

Approximate cost: $10

Prior to a recent holiday to Melbourne, I was told that Hardware Societe was the place to go for a breakfast. With this in mind, the third day there, we stopped by for brunch.

It was crowded, and we were a large group, but the waitstaff were very accommodating, moving chairs and tables, acknowledging that it would be a squeeze, but they didn't turn us away despite how busy it was when we visited.

The food was also prompt, and moreover, delicious. We ordered a variety amongst ourselves. We tried variants of scrambled and baked eggs, and the coddled eggs as well. All of these were excellent, with a very rich flavour without being too heavy. I would definitely recommend the scrambled eggs with chorizo, or the coddled eggs, as they were both standouts in my opinion.

The coffee was also very good, the milk was nice and as was the roast of the beans. The hot chocolate was decadent, similar to Spanish hot chocolate, very thick and rich. Personally that was a bit too much for me in the morning, but it would've been lovely on a colder afternoon perhaps.

All of this was well-priced, though I can't remember individual costs of the food, I didn't feel it was above average or unreasonable. This place is definitely worth a visit!

i love it! long queue but definitely worth the wait. ordered the hot chocolate and their breakfast of the day! the best hot chocolate!! perfect breakfast as well. it cuz of this im so in love with sweet breakfast!

Great breakfast spot very hip. Very busy. French cuisine. Worth waiting for, there's always a wait! Eggs & chicken is to die for & so is their hot chocolate