In Short: Serotonin Eatery combines a focus on a deliciously healthy and innovative menu with eclectic design that makes this a must visit when in Melbourne. Tip: Definitely tuck into a big stack of the Positive Pancakes.
Stretched park-side in a leafy street of Melbourne’s Burnley area, Serotonin Eatery is yet another example of how this city’s progressive food scene has become fertile ground for innovative culinary concepts. Serotonin not only conjures up outstanding café fare in its own right, it does it with a vision beyond just taste and style. For those not so au fait with the inner workings of the brain, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is broadly related to mood, and thus, feelings of happiness, amongst others. Serotonin Eatery’s mission is to foster positive physical and mental wellbeing through foods that build the body and mind.
It’s a bright and open space that greets us as Liv, our super friendly server, leads us through Serotonin’s engagingly minimalist environment and to our table. And right from the beginning of our experience it’s clear that Serotonin is not just another funky café. It’s a philosophy of food, and that’s evident as Liv walks us through the menu, pointing out the carefully chosen ingredients and thoughtful approach to their use.
All chemistry aside, it’s not long before our Ginger Bread Latte and Cacao Coconut Latte are smiling up at us and begging to be enjoyed. Like everything at Serotonin Eatery, the Ginger Bread Latte is house-made with organic nutmeg, peppercorn, blackstrap molasses, allspice berries, cloves, and of course, the star of the show, fresh ginger. It’s a little bit of sweet and a little bit of spice, all perfectly balanced. Never too sugary, this warming cup reminds me of the flavours of Christmas and sitting by a log fire in a cosy cabin. The Cacao Coconut Latte, with a dose of espresso for good measure, is pure yum. The 70% dark hot chocolate, grated coconut, and organic coconut milk, mingle in a rich, smooth blend that works with our added shot of coffee to deliver one of the best mochas we’ve ever tasted.
On Liv’s recommendation, we indulge in the Positive Pancakes. Stacked high and covered with bling, these decadent, yet nutritious, pillows of goodness are all banana through and through. Made from banana flour and topped with pure banana ice cream, you can just feel those nutrients vital to the creation of serotonin going to work. The contrasting crunch of the roasted almonds and the fresh bite of the strawberries combine with the creamy yoghurt to make you think your being naughty, but you’re not!
The Deconstructed Sushi is a bounty of texture and colour. It’s vibrant kaleidoscope of flavours from Japan, Mexico, and a little bit of California, all work in harmony. With highlights of nori, black and white sesame seeds, wasabi peas, and enoki mushrooms accenting this superbly bright and healthy bowl, it epitomises the Serotonin experience.
Sure, Serotonin is all about eating healthy, but part of good wellbeing is about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and how better to finish our visit than one of their decadent organic desserts. The Nutty Golden Sea Salt Caramel Tart is sublime simplicity. Caramel is a big weakness of mine, so tucking into this elegantly rich, and sophisticatedly sweet, saucer of the good stuff brings a smile. Made with organic almonds, coco, buckwheat, cashews, cacao, pink salt, and coco nectar, the quality of the carefully crafted ingredients are unmistakeable on the tongue.
Melbourne never ceases to impress with its ever evolving and endlessly innovative food landscape. Serotonin Eatery is yet another feather in this amazing city’s cap and a highly-recommended feather at that!
Bianca@forfoodssake says
Everything looks a lil too healthy for me but the pancakes look amaze! Melb just have the best cafes…. hands down!
Coco & Vine says
Hi Bianca! Trust me…despite how healthy it all looks, it all tastes as if you’re being naughty;-) That’s what’s so cool about the Serotonin approach. It’s just so yum. Yeah…totally agree with you about the Melbourne café scene. It’s the pinnacle of café culture globally IMO. Thanks for the comment!