With its name in carnival-style gold lettering across the expansive windows, and locals bounding out with brightly striped takeaway coffee cups, it's clear St Martin's is cooking up something special.
Dreamt up by the team behind Glovers Station in Elsternwick, it's spacious and subliminally beachy. You're greeted by a gleaming cabinet of grab-and-go baguettes, chia puddings, salads and sumptuous breads and cakes by Anthony Hark (ex-Vue de Monde) and Marika Pluta (ex-Burch & Purchese), perfect with a cup of joe from Clarke St Coffee Roasters.
Executive chef Brett Hobbs and head chef Lochie Williams both have fine-dining backgrounds that gleam through the highly seasonal menu.
![Breakfast surf 'n' turf at St Martin's.](/web/20161105173136im_/http://www.goodfood.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/c/y/e/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsbvvl.png/1477619812333.jpg)
Eggs benedict features pork terrine and compressed apple; mandarin panna cotta with muesli and poached peach is a savvy addition to a breakfast menu, as is St Martin's breakfast take on surf 'n' turf, complete with glazed oyster blade steak, fish croquette, fried eggs and chilli caramel.
Lunch offers sandwiches and baguettes, along with luscious dishes such as glazed lamb shoulder and seasonal gnocchi.
Open daily 7am-4pm.
116 Martin Street, Brighton, 03 9530 6678, stmartinscafe.com.au