DENIS THE MENACE CAFE

106/108 Chestnut St, Cremorne - (03) 9428 8010

As with many of the best restaurants in Melbourne, Denis the Menace is a hidden gem tucked away in a narrow Cremone laneway.

It's unlikely you would ever 'just happen to be passing by' this really cool cafe; you need to know where you are going and make an effort to get there. And when you do, the reward is a spacious, brightly lit and welcoming cafe serving excellent food and coffee. Worth the effort.

Cumquat trees inside Denis the Menace cafe

Denis the Menace is a converted warehouse with high ceilings and a lot of natural light, which makes it the perfect environment to grow indoor plants. Even the air feels freshers inside with all the little cumquat trees and herbs spread throughout it.

Inside Denis the Menace cafe

I think the menu best described as 'Modern Oz meets Modern Asian'. Every dish has it's own cute little name and description, like “Oh Shit–aki, accidents happen … carry on and keep eating” - a bowl of soba noodles tossed with tofu, seaweed, eggplant and shitake.

Denis the Menace cafe

My 'Thai'm out' ocean trout in coconut curry was fantastic. The trout was tender and the mildly spicy curry just hit the spot without sending my face on fire.

Hubby's 'Mr Wilson' slow cooked beef and rainbow slaw baguette also hit the spot on flavour, tenderness and presentation. The little ones shared 'Along way from home' lamb, lentil and spinach roti. I barely got a chance to try it before their devoured it, and again, a winner. The roti wasn't as spicy as I had expected, but still full of flavour.

Denis the Menace is full of toys and quirks, so the girls loved to try to destroy explore the place - under strict parent supervision :) The staff was absolutely fantastic with them and definitely made us feel comfortable about having little ones on tow.

Denis the Menace cafe is absolutely worth a visit. A nice little gem!