Alleycat Cafe

Not sure where to start?
I know, the coffee! I love coffee as much as the next person, and my go-to coffee is either a long black or a double espresso. As much as Melbournian coffee has been hyped up, I believe (as someone who has worked as a barista for years) that nowadays it's rare finding cafes that really care about their coffee quality (taste), as it's easier to go for the quantity and to lean on the milk to hide the over/under extracted espresso shot flavour.
Apart from a few cafes in/around the city, I end up pulling a face after the first sip from a black coffee elsewhere.
HOWEVER, at Alleycat cafe, earlier this week, I truly enjoyed the long black I ordered, it was sweet and tasty, and the latte my partner ordered was the same, the milk was silky smooth and again, the coffee was beautiful. This alone needs to be appreciated. When a cafe is serving good & tasty coffee, it means that they care about what they do, since it's a time consuming task to dial-in shots after shots every morning just to perfect the recipe for when the doors open.

Since it was a late breakfast/early lunch, we stayed with lighter food/dessert options, muesli and a couple of gluten free muffins (coeliac friendly dishes) and they were tasty as well. When it comes to gluten free food, there's usually a sacrifice, however, everything was really really good, from the taste to the texture. I have actually attached a photo of the Muesli here, I did not expect that! Very cool presentation!

And last but certainly not the least, the staff and the atmosphere. The staff were absolutely lovely (I mean what do you expect at this point?), helpful and very friendly. They took the time to answer our questions regarding the dietary requirements and checked in on us a few times since we were sitting out in the park area at the front of the cafe.
The cafe itself is small but very cozy and welcoming, clean and tidy, warm and relaxing, the type of place perfect to sit in on a rainy day a read a book. And then there's the outdoor area that stretches out into the little park, which is another great option if you want some fresh air to unwind. You cannot go wrong with either.

Definitely recommend! And definitely will be back!

P. S. Their Portuguese tarts are to die for!

On a lovely mild summers day, it’s lovely to sit under the trees and enjoy a lovely coffee.
Atmosphere is great and so is the coffee and food

A nice hideaway at the end of Theatre Place off Maling Road, Canterbury. It is still the rare old school atmosphere you only see in country towns.

Rude staff
Expensive (can of coke $5)
Limited menu
Microwaved food items.
(Anything you order off the panini list)

Don't trust owner. Compulsive liar.

It’s a cute charming cafe. A very nice outdoor sitting. Reminded me of French cafes and outdoor place.
They serve very nice muffins and crepe here. It’s very relaxing to sit under tree and have a cup of coffee. Love this little cosy place.

Bought a chai yesterday. Was offered option of powder or leaves.it was delicious!
Waited for take away order in cute courtyard seating. Inside was very bistro like.looked cosy and inviting on a blustery Winter' s day.

Order was incorrectly written down by staff and when challenged about incorrect order that was delivered. Staff were rude and tried to charge extra for what we had already ordered and then said we don’t want you to return.

Loved the breakfast crepe and enjoyed sitting outside. The coffee was great too and the service was friendly:)

Drop in to the Alleycat for excellent food & service.it's a great little gem hidden in Maling Rd.

This place is nicely tucked away and makes good use of the outdoor dining area.
While I was waiting for my partner who was ordering the food inside, one of the staff approached and asked "Is this seat taken? " as they started to partially lift it. Though I didn't find it to be rude as such, and appreciate that they were full house and were trying to find a spare chair, a leading "Excuse me" would have been a bonus.
I had the house special 'Croissant with chicken & dill' myself, and the flavour of the croissant was amazing. The Chicken + Dill filling was a very pleasant surprise as it was very enjoyable, but some parts were warm while other parts were not.
I'll definitely be back as the overall experience was very good.

Great coffee, mugs for latte were on the smaller side. But it's a great spot to sit and enjoy a cuppa,

Having a gorgeous afternoon here after work a while ago. The seats at the front yard which locate in a pedestrian area were awesome! Full of sunlight and gardening perfumes around. I had chai latte and it was delightful! Would love to go back definitely later.

Leafy setting with good food, a comfy cafe located in historic Maling Road shopping strip, but it stands out from the others due to its peaceful corner surroundings.
The menu offers baked & fresh brunch options such as quiche, filled croissants, not to mention delicious crepes with berries etc. The cakes & slices all look delicious & go well with good coffee, tea or cold drinks. It is warm inside in winter & delightful outside under umbrellas in warmer months. Service is prompt and pleasant even when the cafe is busy. Always a popular choice.

Delightful cottage atmosphere. Not much room inside, but that is part of the quaint atmosphere. Friendly staff. All crepes are freshly made to order (one by one) at the front of the cafe. My Apple, Cinnamon & Almond Crepe with ice cream was delicious and beautifully presented. The other crepes our party ordered were equally superb. If you enjoy really good crepes.then this place is a MUST!

An atmospheric little cafe. The coffee is always good and there is a variety of goodies if you are hungry. It overlooks Theatre Place, a treed public space, where you can sit if the weather is appropriate.

Beautiful space but we had the soup here and it was sad hence the three stars otherwise it could easily be 5. It's french, why not have oignon soup? The minestrone had zero beef in it and tasted like it came out of a box, watery and miserably unhearty. Other choices on the menu may be nice but I wish I didn't get the soup.

1st Time here, good cafe, little small, little atmosphere at price of comfort, but it's well within the "alley" chic.

Sausage roll was ok.

Mahyo collects the mail from the mailing room and takes it to the Alley. Sometimes mail is spelt maling. Mahyo goes to both. Excellent-est

The atmosphere was quiet, the way I like it. Was not busy so not cramped, but it’s small. I liked the outside area and decor. Prices reasonable. Menu and food boring. The crepes a little undercooked but tasted ok. Its a quaint coffee place, but not a foodie place. My strawberry crepes had a cheap jam in the middle and the meringue on top. It was dry one like the cake decorating types you buy. Strawberries on top were a bit sour. My daughter had white chocolate and berry crepe, but no fresh berries on it, only a syrup. No hearty breakfast choices that’s for sure. The usual cakes and toasties in display cabinet. Service is get your own menu and water with no eye contact.

The Alleycat Cafe is a quaint private out of the way cafe located in the back corner of Theatre Place Mailing Rd. We found the service was good, a good range of cakes and food to go. We enjoyed the coffee and the quiet relaxing area. Free papers supplied. A good cafe find.