The Fitz Café & Rooftop Bar, Melbourne
Inside the Experience
Brunswick Street wakes slowly on a weekend morning, but The Fitz Café & Rooftop Bar is already alive by noon — the kind of venue where warmth gathers early, drifting upward from its fireplace and into the tall windows that look out onto Fitzroy’s endless rhythm. Stepping inside feels like entering a familiar place you somehow never visited before: soft light, the hum of early conversations, the scent of coffee mingling with the first orders of the day.
The downstairs area fills quickly. At peak hours, the rooms are already buzzing, sending guests upstairs to the rooftop, where the air is looser and brighter. Up here, sunlight stretches across timber tables, and the view carries that unmistakable Fitzroy character — eclectic, artistic, slightly chaotic in the most charming way. Service moves in easy waves. Guests order at the bar, and the team responds with a warm, unforced friendliness that regulars come to rely on. On some days, you’ll find Shaun behind the counter, turning brunch into something closer to hospitality theatre, his energy lifting the room without ever overwhelming it.
The Fitz’s menu blends the inventive with the comforting. Mushrooms arrive wild and fragrant, layered with enough richness to surprise even seasoned brunch-goers. The Wagyu beef burger carries an indulgence people don’t expect from a casual café-bar, its balance of texture and warmth landing perfectly for a midday meal. Coffee is taken seriously — smooth, expressive, and consistently praised by locals — yet the bar never loses its playful edge, with cocktails that turn brunch into celebration without ever slipping into excess.
Families settle easily into the space. High chairs appear without fuss, children’s pancakes come with toppings served neatly on the side, and the staff keep the pace steady, even during busier weekends. On colder afternoons, the fireplace becomes a natural gathering point. On warmer ones, the rooftop turns into the preferred seat, a place where food, drinks, and the neighbourhood mood settle into something effortlessly relaxed.
Like any established venue, The Fitz has its imperfect days. At peak weekend lunch hours, pacing can falter — a slow kitchen, a dish arriving earlier than its companion, the occasional oversight in cutlery service. But these moments sit in contrast to the majority of guest experiences: lively brunches, warm hospitality, and food that resonates long after the visit ends. At its best, The Fitz Café & Rooftop Bar is a place where Melbourne’s casual charm and culinary confidence intersect.
What People Say Most Often
Warm, welcoming service with especially accommodating staff
Excellent coffee, consistently praised
Inventive brunch dishes, especially the wild mushrooms
Delicious Wagyu beef burger and fresh greens
Beautiful rooftop space for sunny days
Cosy downstairs room with a fireplace
Kid-friendly atmosphere with thoughtful staff
Great variety of cocktails for brunch groups
Can get crowded at lunchtime — upstairs fills quickly
Occasional slow pacing during busy hours
Editorial Snapshot
Overview
The Fitz Café & Rooftop Bar is one of Fitzroy’s long-standing favourites, known for blending inventive global dishes with the relaxed charm of Brunswick Street. Split between a cosy fireplace-lit ground floor and an open-air rooftop, the venue serves as both a brunch destination and a casual bar with strong hospitality at its core.
The Experience
Expect warm service, expressive coffee, and a menu that balances comfort with creativity. Atmosphere shifts from morning calm to lively midday buzz, with families, solo diners, and brunch groups sharing the space.
Signature Drinks to Try
Espresso Martini
A smooth, well-balanced blend showcasing their strong coffee program.
Seasonal Spritz
Bright, refreshing, and ideal for rooftop afternoons.
House Bloody Mary
A punchy, savoury brunch companion with character.
Wild Mushroom Gin Highball (conceptual — inspired by guest praise of the mushrooms)
A herbaceous, earthy highball that mirrors the depth of their signature dish.
Why People Love It
Because The Fitz feels familiar from the moment you step in. The food is comforting yet thoughtful, the coffee is excellent, the cocktails add just the right lift, and the rooftop binds everything together with effortless charm. It’s a place people return to — for brunch, for coffee, for conversations that last longer than expected.
Good to Know
Best to arrive early for lunch on weekends
Rooftop seating ideal for good weather
Family-friendly with high chairs and kids’ menu
Moderate noise level during peak hours
Offers alcoholic drinks, cocktails, wine, and coffee
Accessible entrance and seating
Free Wi-Fi available
Where to Find It
The Fitz Café & Rooftop Bar
347 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9417 5794
