Discover Ocean Grove’s beachside gem Dawn Café – where good food meets coastal charm
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03.04.2024

Discover Ocean Grove’s beachside gem Dawn Café – where good food meets coastal charm

Words by Chloe Cicero

If you're all about beach vibes, good coffee, and scrumptious food, Dawn Cafe is your go-to spot. Located literally across the road from Ocean Grove beach, it's basically paradise.

With a love for the Bellarine, owners Sean Minter & Kirsten Baker stumbled upon this tired little gem while heading to the Collendina (Ocean Grove Hotel) one day. 

It was love at first sight. Opposite the beach and heaps of parking, what more could you want? They discovered the business was for sale, snagged it, and in late 2022, they unlocked the doors after a stunning revamp, making it a little brighter and more welcoming just two days post-Christmas.

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Since then, Dawn Cafe has become a hit with the Collendina community. People were craving something fresh and new, and Dawn delivered.

Here, the Dawn crew is all about giving you top-notch service with a smile. They want you to kick back, put your feet up, and let them handle your caffeine and baked goods cravings.

Now, let’s talk food. If you’re after the ultimate egg and bacon roll this side of the coast, Dawn’s got your back. And if that’s not your jam, no worries. They’ve got a lineup that’ll make your taste buds dance, from crunchy granola and French toast to sautéed greens and the crowd-pleaser, avo on toast.

Their menu boasts a market fruits platter, perfect for sharing, complete with seasonal fruits, berries, and their homemade granola on the side. Ideal for a post-beach swim snack.

For lunch, the fish tacos are a hit, as are the pork belly toastie with pineapple chilli jam and the roast pumpkin bowl – all seriously yum.

Fresh bread and pastries roll in daily from Noisette (psst, their cinnamon scrolls are divine). And for those with a sweet tooth, they’ve got cakes from Little Bertha that’ll hit the spot. Pair those treats with coffee from Melbourne’s own Code Black Coffee Roasters, and you’re in for a treat.

 

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Their shop front is a treasure trove, stocked with goodies from local and national suppliers, think soaps, sauces, chilli oils, candles, sardines, corn chips – you name it. There’s always something new on the retail tables, so it’s worth popping in regularly to see what’s up.

So, if you’re beach-bound and craving some good grub, head to Dawn Cafe. You won’t be disappointed.

Dawn Cafe is located at 131 Ocean Trwy, Ocean Grove and open 7 Days, 7 am – 3 pm.