Apte Foodstore

Slow service. Terrible coffee. We used to go here all the time but I won’t be going back again.

Apte is a great place to pop in, local but also quite secluded even though by a main road it’s pretty quiet! Food is very quickly prepared and also delicious! I had the BRAT pide and it’s pretty stacked, so it feels good value for money.
Will return often as we are close by but it’s not just convenience it’s the quality

APTE cleverly stands for A Place To Eat. Conveniently situated right on the main road in Alphington, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick coffee and some brunch. Or take a seat at the large, communal table to get some daily work done. There are often artists sketching, writers writing or students studying and sharing the large tables.
Choose between the outside courtyard, surprisingly private and quiet being on a main road, or inside where it’s warmer! Lots of mums and bubs come to Apte, so if you’re looking for somewhere super quiet and relaxed, it’s probably not the place for you.
Their menu caters for all and includes all your regular brunchy items. The cabinet is always full of fresh cakes (a few gluten free too).
The place is quite quirky; I don’t think they’ve managed to stick to one theme or design, and some might think it’s a bit higgledy-​piggledy, but it does have a certain charm to it.
A good choice for a good quality coffee and some brunch to fill your belly.

I ordered the bircher muesli with poached fruit & honey labna and my friend had the frittata with salad from the daily-​specials board. Both were good, as was the décor: a clean, open space with a selection of beautiful photos decorating the walls. Less good was a waitress correcting my pronunciation of ‘bircher’, and another waitress taking my cash payment and then tossing my change ($ 3) straight into their tip jar without even asking! We thought that was very rude, and we won’t be going back.

You’re spoilt for choice around this area for cafes, and Apte might be slightly off the beaten track for some but TRUST ME it’s worth the walk to try this place. It’s often packed full with excited people, chatting about how amazing the food is and how good the service is. Such a great atmosphere and the coffee and food is amazing quality. Consistently the best place I’ve been to in this area.

Worth the trip. Awesome little café, great food and by good service. Can be crowded and noisy and can be asked to share one of the larger tables. Don’t let this put you off. Coffee is very good and food is very well prepared. Never been disappointed and been here 12+ times.

Food didn’t taste bad but it’s unimaginative and terribly overpriced. This place has the worst staff in Melbourne: slow, unfriendly and unhelpful (a delightful combination). Would suggest just about anywhere else.

I have had my eye curiously on Apte for years. One of those drive by rubber necking situations, it’s not a high street location so definitely a destination trip. But the white wash walls, content and relaxed diners and the minimal yet warm interior have been calling…
And thankful that I made the journey I was. Indeed I’ve been back several times since and while I am what I consider to be an adventurous eater, I simply can not order anything other than the mixed breakfast. It’s like a taster of two meals, breakfast tapas — I really hope other venues take up this idea!
Let me explain — the mixed platter has a ricotta hotcake with orange zest and poached pear on one side vs. banana and coconut bread with labna and stewed rubarb. And it’s a competition like no other. When eating food I like to sample each element but generally end up working my way though my least favourite element to the star of the dish. But what to do? A bite of the hotcake, stunning sigh out loud stunning… then the banana bread — wait that’s better. I’ll try again… repeat process.
What a treat :)
My advice — get there
(and the coffee is spectacular)

Apte is an absolute standout in this area.
I worked in the Fairfield/​Kew area for nearly three years and could never top a meal or coffee at Apte.
It’s no secret either. This place is always bursting at the seams, no matter what time of day you come! Lunch here is hands down the best in the area, but be prepared for a very loud atmosphere as everyone chats excitedly over their meals and coffee.
The ricotta hotcakes are a must-​try dish, but I’ve never been disappointed with anything here. Never amiss.

Apte– you’ve been calling me for ages as I pass you by, and I’ve finally made it in!
The endearing façade leads to a lovely interior and very inviting backyard space, really lovely.
We had the vegetable frittata which was fluffy light and made with the most delicious tasting eggs and the ricotta hot cakes– as the search continues for Melbourne’s best.
The hot cakes here delivered. They were the perfect balance of heavy and light, plated well, served hot with a nice mix of fruits and scoring high on our continues hot cake quest.
Coffees took a little while– but it was a Sunday afternoon, and the staff were nice and prompt.
The only drawback here is the noise that comes from the rather busy road– whcih could be avoided if one sat inside. Alas, I will certainly be back for the lovely atmosphere and to sample more of the menu!

Being the brunch tart that I am, I’ll admit to travelling from Seddon (inner west Melbourne) to Alphington (rather east of Melbourne) to visit this place for breakfast.
And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with it. That said, I’ll happily travel across town for a great breakfast venue and this one isn’t really worth the trip. It’s definitely not shabby. Everything about it is good. But to trek across the city mid morning on a weekend when you’re a bit groggy and in need of food… there’s nothing at the other end you’d be craving.
If it’s on your path, absolutely make a stop. But otherwise, it’s hardly breakfast mecca.

I have driven past this café hundreds of time and have never noticed it. A non-​descript shop front among residential houses. One day not too long ago I was on the net looking for a new brunch option and I continued to come across APTE, one website even voted it the best café in Melbourne. «I’ll see about that!» I claimed to no-​one in particular (yes I just admitted to talking myself.)
APTE, is appropriately stands for A Place To Eat. No illusions of grandeur here! As we waited in the queue we watched well fed and happy looking customers of all ages heading out there door, which only added to my anticipation. Once settled at a table with great coffee in my reach I looked over the well balanced and inspired breakfast menu and concluded that I would happily eat anything there. So I asked my friend to choose for me because being the dare-​devil I am that’s just how I roll.
15 minutes later my world changed. There was life before the ricotta hotcakes/​rhubarb & banana bread combo and life after. There was one problem though my taste buds couldn’t decide which plate was more delightful! I can confidently confirm that APTE gave me the best breakfast I’ve eaten and proved to me that it is much more than just «A Place To Eat.»