Sunday Brunch in Elsternwick: When to Come and What to Order

The Elstern Social is open every Sunday from 8am to 3pm at 572 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick. Mid-morning is the busiest stretch, so book a table online or get here before 9am. The kitchen closes a little before the cafe does, so don’t leave brunch until the last minute.

Sundays feel different to Saturdays. There’s less rushing and more lingering, and a second coffee is almost expected. It’s also the day Glen Huntly Road fills up with families, dog walkers and groups of friends who all had the same idea. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

What time does Sunday brunch get busy in Elsternwick?

Mid-morning. That’s when the post-walk crowd from Elsternwick Park arrives, along with the families and the friends catching up before the week starts. If you’ve ever turned up at 10:30 on a Sunday and wondered where everyone came from, that’s the reason.

The calmest windows are 8 to 9am and after 1pm. Early suits you if you want a quiet table and first pick of the seats. After 1pm suits a slower, lunch-style brunch, though keep in mind the kitchen wraps up shortly before 3pm. If you’d rather not gamble on either, book a table online and walk straight in.

What should I order for Sunday brunch?

If it’s your first visit, start with the chilli scramble. It’s the dish people mention most. The zucchini fritters come with creamy avocado and a poached egg, and the waffles arrive stacked with ice cream and berries for anyone leaning sweet. Eggs benedict, pancakes and the big breakfast are all on the menu too.

Not in an eggs mood? The menu also runs to burgers, pizza, bao buns and smoothies, so a group with mixed tastes won’t struggle to agree on something. You can see everything on the full menu.

Vegetarian or vegan? There’s plenty to choose from. The Vegan Delight is vegan and can be made gluten-free, and we’re happy to adjust other dishes if you tell us what you need. It helps to mention dietary requirements when you book, especially for bigger tables.

Coffee is ST. ALi, made by our baristas. If you’re going to linger on a Sunday, a good coffee is half the point.

How can I make the most of a Sunday in Elsternwick?

A few combinations work well:

• The walk-then-brunch. Do a lap of Elsternwick Park first, then come straight over. Dogs are welcome at our outdoor tables, so everyone ends up happy.
• The early start. Arrive at 8am, grab a window seat and have the place nearly to yourself for the first hour.
• The group catch-up. Book for mid-morning, since that’s when everyone else wants a table too, and let the conversation run. Nobody will hurry you.
• The late brunch. Come after 1pm when it’s quieter, but order before the kitchen winds down.

Can I bring my dog or a pram to brunch?

Yes to both. We’re pet-friendly, and dogs are welcome at our outdoor tables, so you can come straight from your walk. Entry is at ground level and the layout is spacious, so the venue is wheelchair accessible and prams are no trouble. If you’re coming with little ones, our family-friendly cafe guide covers what to expect.

How do I book a Sunday brunch table?

Go to our book a table page, choose your date and time, and you’re done. Walk-ins are welcome too, but booking is the safe choice if you’re coming with a group or arriving mid-morning.

Planning something bigger than brunch? We have space for private functions with up to 250 guests, and there’s a $0 venue hire fee (T&Cs apply), so you only pay for food and drinks. It suits birthdays, engagement parties and baby showers. Have a look at our venue hire options, or read how to keep costs down in our guide to budget-friendly birthday parties in Elsternwick.

How do I get to The Elstern Social?

We’re about a 10-minute walk from Elsternwick Station, with street parking along Glen Huntly Road and the side streets. Many of our Sunday regulars come from Elwood, Caulfield, South Yarra and St Kilda. If you’re still deciding which brunch strip to try, our Elsternwick vs Glen Huntly comparison might help. Watching the budget? We’ve also put together a list of affordable cafes in Elsternwick.

Why do locals keep coming back?

We’re proud of how the neighbourhood has taken to us. The cafe holds a 4.7 rating with more than 126 five-star reviews, and we were named a finalist in the 2026 Local Business Awards for South East Melbourne. You can read more in our awards finalist post. The awards are nice, but the regulars who turn up week after week are what we’re proudest of.

Come for a proper Sunday

Coffee and a slow morning, a big group catch-up, or a walk with the dog that ends at a table. We’re at 572 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, open 8am to 3pm every Sunday. Book a table or just walk in.

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