Top Paddock

Although Top Paddock has opened following the success of their most recent South Yarra cafe opening, two birds one stone, it has long been in the works since 2011. Headed up by the same people behind Three Bags Full, APTE and two birds one stone - you may notice some design borrowings  from their already established cafes have been brought together into this new space. A clean aesthetic reminiscent of two birds one stone made us feel like we were there (at two birds one stone) in one particular area, whereas the high tables in another area reminded us of Three Bags Full with the high stools made with yellow and black street signs. The glass floor to ceiling windows along the side can be opened up to allow the breeze in which really makes for a great space. All in all, I was loving the look and feel of Top Paddock as soon as I entered.

Another day, another meeting to visit a client in the area, so I took the opportunity to make a 'field trip' out of it and visit Top Paddock with my fellow brunch enthusiast, Ms L. We arrived just in time to snag one of the last spots available and we were seated at the bar seats overlooking the pour over action, which was to Ms L's delight as she had never had one before. The menu offers a good variety of dishes, from the signature ricotta hotcakes, bircher muesli and eggs benedicts to some interesting ones with pulled pork, soft shell crab and gin & lime cured ocean trout. Talk about yum!

Menus

I was plenty torn between a few of the choices however the sound of the Kingfish dish settled the choice for me. The Kingfish was well cooked and seasoned, going well with the chunky avocado and sweet tomatoes. It was like eating a really fresh and healthy fish taco, albeit a big one, with a perfectly fried egg topped with sliced chilli.

Kingfish with a chilli fried egg, avocado, salsa and lime and blue corn tortilla ($17.50)

Ms L couldn't resist the soft shell crab roll which sounded similar to Golden Field's lobster roll. The crisp soft shell crab was really delicious with the sweet brioche bun and the fennel did well to add a fresh and tangy flavour to it.

Soft-shell fresh Qld. mud crab roll with fennel, dill, lime mayonnaise in a brioche bun ($21)

We finished off our lunch with some coffees. My double ristretto flat white was really enjoyable and had an lovely aroma of cocoa.

Double ristretto flat white

Ms L was keen to try out something different from her usual long macchiatos so after speaking with our friendly waiter, she decided to try out the Sumatra pour over. It was citrus-y and had a sweetness to it without the robustness of her usual coffee.

Sumatra wahana estate natural pour over ($6)

Those who are lucky enough to work or live in Richmond now have a new spot for great coffees and food with great service. So many little cool cafes popping up in Richmond these days, consider me envious.

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8.5/10
Value: 7/10
Will I return? Yes, enjoyed our lunch and the service was helpful and attentive.

Top Paddock
658 Church Street
Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9429 4332


Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm
Sat & Sun 8am - 6pm