Overview

Melbourne Museum - Museum Market Cafe, located at 11 Nicholson Street in Carlton, presents a welcoming spot for visitors seeking a casual yet thoughtfully curated dining experience. Nestled near one of the city’s cultural landmarks, this café serves as a convenient and lively pause for museum-goers, families, and locals alike.

The menu balances classic comfort foods and inventive dishes with a focus on freshness and variety. Standout items like the Schnitzel Burger and Fish and Chips deliver hearty satisfaction, while lighter options such as the Asparagus & Meredith Goats Curd Omelette and Zucchini & Pine Nut Spaghetti offer a fresh and wholesome touch. The inclusion of housemade warm dishes—soups, quiches, pies—and healthy salads broadens the appeal, making it easy to find something for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal.

The café’s atmosphere reflects a bustling yet relaxed urban vibe, suitable for visitors wanting a break between exhibitions or a casual gathering spot. It also caters thoughtfully to families, with a kids menu featuring lunch boxes and warm treats tailored to younger palates, helping to create a welcoming space for all ages.

While some recent feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in menu descriptions, the overall experience remains positive. Patrons have praised the well-prepared meals, such as the perfectly seasoned chicken Caesar salad and the perfectly toasted avocado offerings. The café also features themed experiences, like the Star Wars Galaxy Cafe, which has drawn visitors looking for a fun and unique outing.

In essence, Museum Market Cafe serves as more than just a place to eat; it complements the Melbourne Museum’s rich cultural environment by offering approachable meals and a friendly atmosphere. Whether stopping in for a quick soup or indulging in a leisurely High Tea, the café strives to blend good food with a local cultural touchpoint, appealing especially to museum visitors and day-trippers exploring Carlton.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

Lin (AntipodalLin)
Sep 7,2025
3/5
I ordered the Salmon & Dill Fishcake, which states served with a boiled egg and crinkle cut pickles. There was 1/2 a boiled egg, and halved cornichons. So stingy with the egg. I was ok with cornichons (it matched the meal better than pickles) BUT then have an ACCURATE menu description. A lot of the criticism here is no attention to detail. The Mercury Cafe has always struggled to get patrons, and it's clear why.
L DP
Sep 7,2025
4/5
This review is for Mercury RESTAURNT, not the cafe. My husband and I stopped to have a bite to eat at Mercury Restaurant after attending the Fantastical Beasts Exhibition. We can only say positive things about our experience. I ordered the avocado and I asked for my eggs to be well cooked ($18) and my husband ordered the chicken Caesar salad ($22). Both dishes were well seasoned, tasty, and of good portion size. The avocado was absolutely delicious, and the toast was cooked perfectly and a perfect spread of butter too. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the C.C. Salad was also very well cooked. The service was lovely and the waiter friendly too. All in all a very good experience, that actually exceed our expectations.
Yvonne Amos
Sep 7,2025
5/5
Visited their Star Wars Galaxy Cafe. Loved the vibe, food was good, a fun outing on a Saturday!
Em
Sep 7,2025
3/5
Overpriced small sized blue milk, but such fun to experience a Star Wars themed café.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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