Even though we’d made a couple of previous attempts to visit Hardware Societe with a fairly decent sized group of friends and not staying due to rumbling tummies and being told it was an hour wait, I was still determined. So we decided to try our luck again one Saturday morning with a group of about 7, and managed to score a table without having to wait more than half an hour…finally! 
This place is buzzing on the weekend, with not too many options other than your standard Hardware Lane restaurants and Degraves st cafes open for brunch in the city outside of the working week, they definitely are well positioned.
The Verdict
Great food, with some unique french-inspired breakfast dishes. They also have an extensive specials menu, which offer some great options. If you are visiting however, like all popular brunch spots, expect a wait during ‘peak’ brunch time on the weekend, it’s not a huge cafe, but they do turn around tables quite quickly. It’s definitely worth the wait.
The Hardware Societe
118-120 Hardware St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Oh my, the fried brioche looks to die for! I’ve been meaning to swing by The Hardware Societe for the longest time now. Great blog you have here, by the way
Thanks so much! Checked out your blog too and it looks great
And you definitely have to stop by at Hardware Societe! look forward to seeing your post on it 