South of Johnston: Collingwood Cafe Menu, Reviews & Booking

Collingwood locals keep returning to a converted factory on Oxford Street for good reason. Since opening in 2012, South of Johnston has become a neighbourhood institution built on coffee, fresh food, and a stated commitment to sustainability.

TripAdvisor rating: 4.4 out of 5 ·
Number of reviews: 164 ·
Rank in Collingwood: #2 of 96 ·
Year established: 2012 ·
Operating hours: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm daily

Six key details at a glance, one pattern: consistent high ratings and a community-focused approach make South of Johnston a reliable choice in a crowded Collingwood cafe scene.

What is South of Johnston?

Where is South of Johnston located?

South of Johnston occupies a converted factory at 46 Oxford Street, Collingwood, just south of Johnston Street (Concrete Playground Melbourne food guide). The space retains industrial touches, giving it a relaxed, airy vibe that suits the cafe’s breakfast-and-brunch focus.

What are the opening hours of South of Johnston?

The cafe opens every day from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm (OpenTable reservation platform). Those hours make it ideal for early risers and late-morning brunchers alike.

Who owns South of Johnston?

Stuart Mckenzie founded South of Johnston in 2012 (Facebook page). His hands-on approach is often cited in reviews as a reason for the cafe’s consistent quality.

The implication: South of Johnston has successfully filled a niche for high-quality, sustainable breakfast and brunch in a part of Collingwood that lacked such a consistent option before 2012.

What is on the menu at South of Johnston?

Does South of Johnston offer vegetarian or vegan options?

The menu changes seasonally, but several dishes suggest strong plant-friendly coverage. Bircher muesli with poached seasonal fruit and vanilla bean yoghurt ($9.9) and sourdough with goat’s cheese, crushed avocado, parsley and lemon juice ($8.9) are listed by Concrete Playground Melbourne food guide. A vegan Southern-style baked beans dish has also been reported (I Spy Plum Pie food blog). Corn fritters ($15.9 according to Concrete Playground) remain a signature item across reviews.

The trade-off: while the menu emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, the lack of an online menu means you’ll need to visit or call to see current dishes and prices.

Is South of Johnston eco-friendly?

The cafe states it is “all about good food and coffee, and sustainability” (OpenTable reservation platform). OpenTable additionally notes that many suppliers are “smaller boutique companies selling free range products.” Beyond these statements, specific practices such as composting, waste reduction, or carbon offsetting are not detailed in publicly available sources.

The pattern: South of Johnston markets itself as a sustainable business, but the depth of that commitment remains opaque. For eco-conscious diners, it may be worth asking staff directly about sourcing and waste policies.

How do people rate South of Johnston?

What do people say about South of Johnston in reviews?

TripAdvisor users give the cafe 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 164 reviews (TripAdvisor user reviews). It ranks #2 of 96 restaurants in Collingwood. On Facebook, the page has attracted 2,531 likes and over 12,000 check-ins (Facebook page). Blog reviews from Cards and Cafés blog and I Spy Plum Pie food blog praise the corn fritters and friendly service but warn about wait times during morning rushes.

How does South of Johnston compare to other Collingwood cafes?

Its #2 ranking on TripAdvisor puts it ahead of nearly every other Collingwood venue by user rating. Only one restaurant out of 96 scores higher. However, the ranking reflects user reviews, which can be influenced by volume and recency.

Why this matters: the strong rating suggests a reliably satisfying experience, but the cafe’s narrow operating window and bustle mean it rewards planning.

How do I book a table or order takeaway?

Does South of Johnston offer takeaway or delivery?

Takeaway and delivery options are not confirmed in any of the sources reviewed – the official website and third-party pages focus on dine-in service. Calling ahead or checking the OpenTable reservation platform for updates is recommended.

Is South of Johnston kid-friendly?

Multiple blog reviews mention families eating there, suggesting children are welcome. The relaxed converted-factory setting and menu items like corn fritters and French toast make it a plausible choice for a family brunch.

The implication: South of Johnston is best suited as a dine-in breakfast or brunch destination for small groups and families. Delivery seekers may need to look elsewhere.

What people are saying

“South of Johnston was created in 2012 by Stuart Mckenzie.”

Stuart Mckenzie, owner, via Facebook page

“All about good food and coffee, and sustainability.”

Official website description, as relayed by OpenTable reservation platform

These two voices capture the essence: a local, hands-on owner and a brand promise centred on quality and environmental awareness.

Is South of Johnston right for you?

For Collingwood locals craving a dependable, sustainably-minded breakfast just south of Johnston Street, the cafe delivers on its core promise. Visitors staying in nearby Fitzroy or Abbotsford will find it a short walk away, though the limited hours mean it works best as a morning stop. For eco-conscious diners, the lack of detailed sustainability reporting is a gap worth probing. The choice is clear: plan a morning visit, expect good coffee and fresh food, and don’t rely on it for a quick takeaway lunch.