Business Details
Your Trusted Cafe & Catering Partner in Hawthorn East
We are Laura and Will, proud owners of Blood Orange, a welcoming space in Hawthorn East where community, quality food, and exceptional coffee come together. With over 15 years of hospitality experience, Laura has cultivated a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, while Will brings a decade of commercial expertise and a shared love for great coffee. Our vision is to offer a homely environment where locals and visitors alike can enjoy locally sourced ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and baristas.Located near Auburn Village, we operate as a cafe, wine bar, and catering service, committed to fostering connection through food and conversation. Our cosy interior and inviting outdoor area reflect our dedication to making every visit feel like coming home. Since opening, we've prioritised quality, warmth, and personal service, ensuring each guest experiences the joy of shared meals in a space designed for comfort and connection.
Services
All-day brunch
Great coffee
Delicious catering
Wine bar
Local hangout
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of hospitality experience in Melbourne's top venues
- Our team uses locally sourced ingredients for fresh, seasonal menus
- Personalised catering services tailored to client preferences and dietary needs
- Warm, homely atmosphere designed for comfort and community connection
- Skilled baristas and chefs delivering consistent quality and service excellence
Services
All-day brunch
Our all-day brunch features contemporary Australian cuisine with international influences, using locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoy creative dishes like truffle mushrooms on sourdough and smoked salmon benedict, all prepared fresh to order. The menu caters to various dietary preferences while maintaining restaurant-quality presentation in a relaxed cafe setting.
Great coffee
We serve specialty coffee roasted by Melbourne's top local roasters, prepared by experienced baristas. Our menu includes classic espresso-based drinks, pour-over options, and seasonal specials using single-origin beans. The coffee program complements our food offerings while maintaining focus on quality extraction and latte art presentation for regulars and casual visitors alike.
Delicious catering
Our catering service provides custom menus for corporate events, private functions, and special occasions. The experienced kitchen team creates shareable platters, canaps, and themed menus that reflect our cafe's quality standards. Clients receive personalised consultation to ensure dietary requirements, presentation, and service style meet their specific event needs.
Wine bar
The wine bar offers a curated selection of Australian and international wines by the glass and bottle. Our list focuses on food-friendly varieties that complement the cafe menu, with options ranging from crisp whites to bold reds. The licensed space allows guests to enjoy wine with meals in both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Local hangout
We've designed Blood Orange as a community hub with comfortable seating and welcoming atmosphere. The space combines indoor dining with outdoor service, featuring both communal tables and intimate seating options. Regulars appreciate the consistent service quality, while visitors enjoy the opportunity to connect through shared meals in a non-pretentious environment.
People
Laura
Co-owner & Head of Hospitality
With over 15 years in Melbourne's hospitality industry, Laura brings extensive experience from top venues. Her passion for quality service drives our cafe's operations and customer experience standards.
Will
Co-owner & Operations Manager
Will contributes 10 years of commercial business management experience. His organisational skills ensure smooth operations while maintaining our focus on hospitality excellence and customer satisfaction.
Questions
What catering options do you offer for corporate events?
We provide custom catering menus for corporate functions, including canapés, platters, and themed dishes. Our team works closely with clients to accommodate dietary requirements and event specifications.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, our menu includes multiple vegetarian and vegan dishes using fresh, seasonal produce. Our chefs can also adapt certain menu items to meet specific dietary preferences.
Do you offer takeaway coffee and food?
We serve takeaway coffee and have selected menu items available for takeaway during all operating hours. Pre-orders can be arranged through our contact details.
What are your licensing arrangements?
Blood Orange holds a full liquor licence for on-premises consumption, available during operating hours. Our wine selection complements both our cafe menu and catering services.
How far in advance should I book catering services?
We recommend booking catering services at least 48 hours in advance. Urgent requests can be accommodated subject to availability by contacting us directly.
Reviews (7)
Emily Clarke
Oct 24, 2021
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Theres lots of good food choices although I have eaten some things there that you could tell were a couple days old. The staff that are women are lovely but theres one guy there that isnt great. Ive watched him smoking outside and throwing his cigarettes on the floor, wiping coffee cup lids on his dirty shirt before placing them on a cup, never wearing his mask properly, sometimes yelling or talking rudely to the other staff members and inappropriately touching their lower backs and you can tell that it makes them uncomfortable. Besides him, the cafe is nice.
Jules Reynolds
Oct 22, 2021
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A friend of mine visited and was cussed at by a member of staff over a small trespass. Seriously inappropriate behaviour and utterly overly heavy handed. Will not be returning and we will be advising our friends to visit with caution.
Sal Monella
May 09, 2021
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Always yummy fresh food by a creative and thoughtful chef (amazing salads, home style pies, great brekky x 1000, treats). Diversified during covid to sell wine. They sell fresh groceries and pantry items too. Always great friendly service. I go there all the time. Highly recommend
Evan Kourambas
Apr 23, 2021
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WOW what a place. Food on display looked fantastic, I had a breakfast wrap and coffee. Everything was great, will go back and wonder around a bit. The organic veggies looked amazing as did the wine and groceries. Well done guys !!!!
Christopher O'Connor
Apr 13, 2021
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I stumbled across this amazing place whilst wandering through Hawthorn on a weekend in Melbourne. The place has great character and lots of amazing treats and groceries.
Georgia the owner is super nice, friendly and engaging and Aldo the barista is a hoot of a guy, really engaging and entertaining. And the coffee is good.
Ive been back twice and will be back again a few more times before heading back home to Sydney. Thanks guys
Georgia the owner is super nice, friendly and engaging and Aldo the barista is a hoot of a guy, really engaging and entertaining. And the coffee is good.
Ive been back twice and will be back again a few more times before heading back home to Sydney. Thanks guys
Jarrad Walker
Feb 17, 2021
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I kid you not, Ive had to tell my good friend who lives close to this gem, to stop asking me to go for breakfast and lunch as Blood Orange Foodstore has become our staple meeting place. The coffee, food and service are everything you want for a local foodstore. With all the choices you could want in relation to coffee, mouth watering food that keeps you at the counters for an awkwardly long time as you try to decide what youll enjoy on each visit and a homely service staff that make you feel like a welcome visitor rather than just a customer, I highly recommend. The only downside over experienced
Richard Farr
Aug 12, 2019
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We loved this great little Cafe and shop just down the road from the auburn shops. Atmosphere is light and pleasant and they even have a couple of their own car spaces, although I wouldn't expect to get one if coming during peak times. We had the crumbed chicken panini, a salad and fritter and the pistachio brownie. All delicious and pretty good value too. Will definitely come again
