Lumen People in Victoria

"First visit, and from the moment i arrived through the door, was greeted with such warmth and welcoming vibes. Coffee was sensational. Had a magic first, which was delicious and smooth, and they gave me a try of the batch brew by small batch, which was next level. Best batchy I’ve had in a long time. It was 42 degrees the day I went in, but you’d have no idea inside the cafe, it was the perfect temp. Ambient music in the background was such a great mix. I sat in the window and heard countless people say they’d been before and had come back because they loved it so much. Food wise; because it was such a hot day I had the Peaches, which were epic. Absolutely love the open kitchen. From plating to presentation, there’s so much care and attention into what they create. It’s really inspiring. Staff were so lovely, and you could tell they really care about the space and the guest experience. This is a definite place where locals and tourists are treated impeccably.. it’s super spacious.. Definitely recommend and will be back next time in Melbourne."

"Fitzroy doesn’t give anything up easily. It makes you work for it. After a long, mildly infuriating hunt for a car park the kind that has you questioning your life choices, we finally rolled into Johnston Street and found Lumen at number 262. An unassuming doorway in a suburb that’s seen a thousand cafés come and go, all claiming to be the next big thing. This one might actually be onto something. From the second we stepped inside, the mood shifted. Warmth. Genuine welcome. No rehearsed hospitality theatre just people who seemed happy you’d shown up. The kind of place that lowers your shoulders without you realising it. The coffee was excellent. So good I had two a decision I stand by. A blood orange juice followed, sharp and sweet, bracing in the best way. Then a bottle appeared from Entropy Wines: a Savagnin by the Ponsford family. Lesser known, quietly confident, and absolutely next level. The sort of wine that doesn’t shout it just stays with you. We took a window seat and watched Fitzroy parade past artists, tradies, couples, characters a moving collage of conversation without saying a word. Ambient music hummed along perfectly, never demanding attention, just supporting the moment. The food came out thoughtful and assured. Oyster mushrooms made for “Mushroom People” sticky braised grains, peppery leaves, orange ponzu, soft-boiled egg, pickled rhubarb. Earthy, bright, deeply satisfying. Tagliatelle followed Bethany’s handmade pasta coated in preserved shiitake and kombu butter, lifted by pickled peppers. Simple on paper. Powerful on the plate. Just wow. Then the hotcake served with Days Walk Farm strawberries, bay leaf cream, lemon glaze. Comfort done with intelligence. The open kitchen hums with calm confidence. No chaos. No ego. Just focus. The staff move with purpose and kindness, clearly proud of what’s happening in this room....and they should be. There’s real care here. Real attention. The kind that can’t be taught. Locals and visitors alike are treated with the same respect impeccably. Lumen doesn’t try to impress you. It just does the work. 10/10 and absolutely we’ll be back."

"The hot cake was delicious and quite big for 1 (ideally good for sharing). The oyster mushroom dish was super good as well, everything was so fresh and well seasoning. Coffee absolutely amazing. Love pastel decor, bringing you a cozy and warm light vibe. Worth to visit and give it a try."

"They started doing dinner service and I highly recommend! We went with a group of 6 for a birthday and had such a lovely time. The staff is super knowledgeable and shared stories about the dishes and local producers. Loved the seasonal ingredient choices and creative combos. The intention and love was abundant which made for such a special meal. Wine list is also"

"Quite literally stumbled on this cafe yesterday and fell in love. Had no idea they’ve only been open a couple months. Most definitely my favourite cafe, there’s something so special and inviting about the atmosphere, the food is fresh not overpowering but incredibly authentic I cherish cafes that really keep it simple but the flavours are captivating. Finding this place truly made my day, it’s like a hug! & the best chai I have ever had in my lifeeee"

"We've been here a few times now and had an incredible experience every single time. The food is incredible, the "Peaches" on the menu at the moment is heavenly. Their drinks are fun and fresh, the staff is always so nice and very careful with my allergies, and the vibe of the place is cool. I will come back again ASAP just to have the Peaches again."

"I came here a few weeks ago and I am still thinking about their mushroom dish. Finally a breakfast spot that I can get excited about, simple light meals with thoughtful ingredients. The owner and staff were extremely welcoming and warm. They have great sound proofing, so even though it was a small busy place you can still have a conversation with friends without feeling overwhelmed."

"Fav spot we found in Melbourne. First visit was Brekkie. Felt like sitting in an artsy grandma's kitchen, bowls of tomatoes and fresh flowers, hearing our eggs get fried, then it comes out and looks like a painting. Then we had scones that had just been pulled out of the oven. Went back with friends for boyfriend's bday dinner. We shared everything so we could try all the cool combinations. Flavors I never would have thought to combine. Brown butter carrots with capers were memorable. Everyone was soaking up the last drops of the sauce with bread. Great place to celebrate and be inspired by every detail of the place: flavors, interiors, music and warm hospitality! Also, do not skip the stuffed chicken wings if they are available at dinner. TY Emma & co!"