Essendon Field’s newest brunch spot is speckled with greenery and goes by the name, Friction. 

The latest venture from the team behind The East Pantry and Parkstone, Friction is a suburban oasis serving a delicious array of Melbourne brunch classics, created with an expert level of delicacy and finesse. The sleek venue is filled with luscious foliage, contemporary prints and sleek timber finishes, making it the perfect background for you to enjoy your highly ‘grammable’ meal. 

With Head Chef, Danniel Challis, at the helm, Friction’s menu boasts brunch favourites that champion locally-sourced ingredients. Highlights include the ever popular Smashed Avo with house whipped-feta, Corn and Zucchini Fritters, and their signature dish, the Chilli Scramble, topped with bacon, spring onion, parmesan and parsley. If you’re after something heartier, try the Beef Rib Burger, slow cooked on the bone and packed with pickles, jalapeños and a house-made BBQ sauce. For those who prefer a meat-free lunch, there are several vegetarian and vegan options, including the Falafel Bowl and Pulled Jackfruit Tacos. There are also plenty of grab-and-go options to satisfy the cravings of busy, office workers and travellers on the way to the airport.

Coffee lovers will feel right at home here, with iconic Melbourne roastery, St Ali providing the beans. On offer are St Ali’s Orthodox Blend as the house blend, as well as a weekly rotation of single origins. With a delicious array of colourful smoothies and juices on the menu, including the Pink Panther - packed with dragon fruit, pineapple, passionfruit and coconut water - there are plenty of ways to quench your thirst. If you want your brunch to turn boozy, Aperol Spritzes and Mimosas are a must.

Designed by Wanye Finschi (Duke of Wellington, Grosvenor Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Oriental Tea House), Friction features ample natural light and filled with luscious foliage, bringing the outdoors inside to create an open, yet tranquil atmosphere. Every detail of the space has been creatively considered, with wooden accents, contemporary prints and luxurious homewares from Robert Gordon adorning the space. As the cafe doors close at night, the venue transforms into an intimate venue space for your next celebration, whether it be a work event, meeting, birthday party or christening. The space can accommodate up to 100 guests, with an inbuilt sound system and impeccable food options available, including kofta skewers, antipasto boards and fried calamari.

Boasting a unique and visually charming interior, with a menu to match, Friction is unlike anything else in the area. Whether for a casual brunch with friends, formal client meetings or your next family function, the venue is sure to become your new ‘go-to’. With this in mind, Friction is sure to bring a new foodie experience to Melbourne’s north and put Essendon Fields on the map.