Junior Malvern

25 Tooronga Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145, Australia
+61 3 9571 9585
$$$ Cafe
(119 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Junior Malvern is a small, approachable café tucked away on Tooronga Road, serving its local community with straightforward, quality coffee and simple, well-executed eats. Its modest facade can easily be overlooked, which feels fitting for a spot that many nearby residents and parents from the adjacent primary school seem to drop by for quick takeaways or a relaxed sit-down with fresh coffee and light bites.

The café strikes a neat balance between cosy indoor seating and a leafy outdoor area, catering to those who want a little quiet time with their coffee or a casual catch-up in fresh air. Large windows help to bring in natural light and create a gentle connection between the indoor calm and the bustling street outside. It’s the kind of local café where you can quietly settle in with a laptop on a weekday morning or grab a well-made mocha and a blueberry muffin as you pick up the kids from school.

Junior Malvern’s menu leans into classic café staples with a few distinct touches – highlight picks like the ice long black for coffee lovers who prefer something cooler on warmer days, or the tuna melt open toastie, which comes recommended by locals looking for something more substantial without stepping into heavy brunch territory. The Ham Cheese Tomato Croissant and Avocado Smash round out a modest lineup that pairs well with their well-regarded coffee, including options for those needing lactose-free milk.

Service here is consistently brisk and friendly, reflecting a neighbourhood vibe more than a formal coffee bar. It’s the kind of place where staff might warmly remember your usual, creating a small but genuine connection in an otherwise busy urban patch.

Overall, Junior Malvern fits comfortably into the daily rhythm of Malvern East, appealing most to locals and families looking for dependable coffee, a quiet spot for a quick bite, or a gentle pause near home. Early mornings or late afternoons during school pickup times appear to be when the café hums with the most life, while quieter mid-mornings offer an inviting space for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere without fuss.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

119 Reviews
Michael Van Balken

26 Dec 2025

Pay attention, because you can easily miss the inconspicuous little building; but then, you’ld miss lovely coffee, very nice fruit juices, very tasty food (I had the ‘tuna melt toastie’) and the quick and friendly personnel as well! First place my son (Dutch ????????, spending 6 months in your beautiful city) took us when we visited him, as he lives nearby and wanted to share his repeated experiences!

DK Guide

11 Dec 2025

A little place next to the primary school. It was only open for takeaways at the window when I was there and the just opened. A great variety of things from Croissant to a breakfast burger or a muffin. They have lactose free milk along with the usual options. Great tasting coffee.

Yasmin Assegaf

06 Dec 2025

The cutest café around the corner! I love how they offer both cosy indoor seating and a charming outdoor area, perfect for any vibe. The ambiance is so inviting, and the food and drinks are absolutely amazing – their Tuna Melt is an absolute must-try! But what really makes this place special is the service – it’s always wonderful. The staff are so friendly and genuinely make my day every time I visit. Such a lovely spot to relax and enjoy!

Wendy Luu

20 Nov 2025

I am drawn to the charm of this quaint café. Despite its modest size, the thoughtful attention to detail in both its interior and exterior design creates an inviting and inclusive atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. The leafy decor ensures that customers seated inside maintain a sense of privacy, while the large windows offer picturesque views of the outdoor seating area. Love it. The café offers a variety of fresh pastries made in the day, each tempting in its own right. The coffee, in particular, stands out for its exceptional taste, providing a satisfying start to my visit. Their brunch lineup is pretty standard stuff – sandwiches, smoked salmon, and avo smash, etc. I went for the Hippie vegan sandwich, and let me tell you, that tofu-based vegan halloumi is a trip. The mushroom dish with basil sauce and Parmesan? Tasty, but they could be a bit more generous with the portions. But here's the kicker – the surcharges. 10% extra on weekends and a whopping 15% on public holidays, plus card fees. It's a bit of a bummer, to be honest. Sure, the food and atmosphere are top-notch, but those added costs can really put a dent in your wallet. Overall, Junior Malvern is a solid choice for a laid-back café hang, just watch out for those sneaky surcharges. The staff adds to the positive experience with their friendly demeanor, further enhancing the welcoming ambiance of the café.

Elly Marie

09 Nov 2025

Went here the other day for brunch and the menu is top notch - hats off to the chef for not only the choice on the menu but also the taste. I had “The Fun Guy”. It was SO good and I’ll definitely be back. Coffee was great too! Generally all round good atmosphere!

JK-Julie Karl

21 Oct 2025

Another coffee stop-over place that has great coffee and food! Had toasted croissant ham, cheese and tomato that is not TOO salty…just right! And not squished till so flat until oil oozes out. Saw a serving a scrambled eggs on toast…looks good! Next time!

Jay Locke

14 Oct 2025

Wow.. What an amazing cafe to complement an excellent primary school. Junior has a simple, tasty menu with coffee, breakfast, lunch and lovely cakes. A terrific meeting place for parents and locals with a beautiful ambiance. Junior also provide lunches to the adjoining school for students. Their menu is built around nutrition and value. Well done "Junior" an excellent cafe and eatery A++.

Kathrine

19 Sep 2025

SOOOO GOOD. Literally the best coffee I’ve ever had. And the Henery Hawk is more than approved We’ve ordered 2x Henery Hawk + Latte with full cream and a long black. Best way to start the day

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