Second Home

Went to Second Home Cafe in Eltham for the first time today for our book club catch-up and wow… we tried so much food (zero regrets) and everything was incredible. The Vietnamese coffee?? Next level. I’m still thinking about it. 😭😭😭 The service was absolutely impeccable - so warm and welcoming, it genuinely feels like you’re at a retreat/spa tucked away and enjoying the atmosphere and company. Safe to say I’ve found a new gem… and I’m 100% taking my partner there next 🥰✨

If you’re planning a casual get together with friends for brunch or lunch, this place can be a great option. My friends and I went there for brunch and ended up staying for hours chatting, laughing, and genuinely enjoying our time together.

A fantastic recommendation from Michael a Wilson diamond jewelers! We're so glad we went to Second Home. Despite how busy it was, we felt very welcomed and the staff made every effort to seat us comfortably. The table service was quick and our large cooked breakfasts came out fast and were absolutely delicious. We couldn't resist the amazing-looking desserts and ended up taking some home. Highly recommend

Had a wonderful Birthday get-together at Second Home recently. Plenty on the menu to choose from, but the Salmon from the Specials board was an easy winner for me. Everyone loved their meals, even the 2 young Grandkids had clean plates. The service and advice from the friendly staff was well above expectations, honest answers and welcomed suggestions made decision making easy. If you want a certain drink, it will probably be on the extensive drinks menu, I went with the Iced mocha and it was great. Thank you Second Home, your name says it all.

A simple and not so extensive food menu with tasty breakfast dishes and great coffee. Today was our second visit and I must admit I am updating a previous rating of 4 to 5 as I was happier with the overall service.

I was really looking forward to coming back to Second Home in Eltham after two years — we used to come here often and always enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this time was disappointing. I ordered the spaghettini, which used to be one of my favourites, but it had absolutely no flavour — even after adding salt and pepper, it was completely bland. My step-daughter’s smashed avo and toast came with a strand of hair in it, which was pretty off-putting. The food also arrived quite late. On top of that, my partner’s chips (with the burger) were way too salty, while my step-son’s chips had no salt at all. It’s a shame, because we used to love this place — hopefully they can get back to the quality they once had. Not a great experience this time

Second Home: Where Industrial Design Meets Comfort Dining Some places draw you in quietly. Others invite you to linger. Second Home manages to do both. Was it the name or the location that lured my friend and I inside? Whatever the reason, we joined the short queue (a promising sign) and waited to be seated, taking in our surroundings as we went. From the outside, the brick facade and towering gum trees give little away. Step inside, however, and the space opens dramatically. It feels like a factory thoughtfully reborn—an expansive interior softened by white tablecloths, intimate round tables, generous communal seating, and a soaring ceiling supported by hefty timber beams that look as though they may once have lived another life entirely. Industrial lighting adds warmth rather than edge, striking a balance between style and comfort. At the rear, a glass-lined courtyard blurs the boundary between indoors and out, allowing natural light to flood the room and creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet considered. Service was just as impressive. We were looked after by Ash—calm, attentive and genuinely welcoming. Nothing felt rushed, despite the steady flow of diners. Breakfast was still being served, and the menu offered plenty to linger over. I chose poached eggs cooked exactly as I like them—almost boiled—served on buttered sourdough with double-smoked bacon and a pork and fennel sausage, alongside a generous mug of cappuccino. My friend opted for the Golden Folded Eggs: silky, creamy eggs with goat’s cheese and fresh herb pesto on five-grain sourdough, accompanied by thyme-buttered mushrooms and bacon. It was a beautifully balanced plate, rich without being heavy. A highlight was the ability to build your own breakfast, adding sides as you please—a small touch that makes the experience feel personal. Though the room was full, it never felt crowded. Conversations hummed softly, and each table seemed wrapped in its own moment. Thoughtful spacing and an easy atmosphere made it feel effortlessly comfortable. The food was excellent, the service faultless, and the small details stood out—right down to being handed a glass of ice when I asked for ice-cold water. Would I return? Without hesitation. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just one piece of advice: book ahead. Places like this don’t stay secret for long.