194 Wells St
South Melbourne VIC 3205
The name of this cafe really seems to capture the essence of what the CaFFiend is all about, sometimes it really feels like I’m not all there, so it was with a sense of curiosity and interest that I headed down to check it out, at the request of one of the finest palates I’ve met and good friend, Andrew! (thanks for the HOT TIP mate!!)
So close but yet so far, truly sums it up here as I’m always around South Melbourne, but NEVER would have discovered this little gem, nestled away in a back street if it wasn’t for the tip off, so if you know of a caffeine-stop that the CaFFiend should visit, LET ME KNOW: I’M ALL EARS!!!!
Anyway, this busy little local spot, really had a great vibe, plenty of bustling crowds, lots of caffeine being served, a delicious menu and heaps of smiling faces; exactly where I wanted to be mid-morning! I took a seat, ordered a piccolo latte and watched as it really was grand to see so many people being dealt with in a polite and friendly manner, make no mistake this place really had great customer service, even though it was packed to the rafters, it was still not overly loud or uncomfortably packed, probably due to the adequate space between tables.
My beverage arrived looking mighty fine, with a delicate fern leaf adorning the top, with a delicate aroma to pre-empt the delightful taste bud orgy that was about to follow The milk was well textured, at the perfect temperature and had combined well with the well extracted espresso to create nirvana in a cup, really velvety and creamy, my palate delighted in partaking in this offering!
Truly a divine drop and a worthy recipient of ONE bean from the CaFFiend!
Another winner in South Melbourne, which seems to be turning into quite the suburb for quality caffeination!
Till next time, keep on Caffeining on and Merry Coffeemas: The CaFFiend!
Coffee: VENEZIANO
Great to see my local being recognised. Great coffee and great people. Cheers.
What is a piccolo?
Is that the strange latte served in glass?
Is that different from a ‘flat white’?
oi.
What a disappointment. This place is not at all there.
Ordered two lattes separately, both were weak with ordinary flavor. I am Not one of those who like really strong, bitter latte but this was just bad. Spoilt my entire mood. Now I am full in stomach with all that milk, and sleepy because there wasn’t enough caffeine in coffee.
Ok, I found out why their coffee was crap when I went in. The good barista who made CaFFiend’s coffee has left and joined another cafe around Elsternwick.
Few people in my office followed that guy from his old cafe (not far from “not all there”) to “not all there” mentioned that when I spoke of my disappointment.
And, he left this year, which means that CaFFiend was one of the last few served by that guy.
Brilliant! It seems the CaFFiend is vindicated and the review is justified, pity about the drop in quality though, seems like that’s such a common occurance
Thanks for the heads up, good to keep me on my toes; keep on caffeining on!!
Besides coffee, the Croque Monsieur is a MUST-try.
Have been there three times and everytime they manage to screw up my coffee.
My colleagues like them but whenever I go, they manage to turn up seriously weak latte. I mean milky weak.
Given their poor performance in the past, I went for their blend of the week (some single origin) and paid extra. Same result. I got milk.
I hate them. They are so useless.
Hi all, I am downgrading this to a zero bean, and on notice for a ‘bad coffee’ rating.. we have only ever given one before.
My workmates and I have previously really enjoyed this place for lunch. Coffee has been good and the food used to be too. Slowly over time the menu became really limited, the service is now terrible and the meals are ordinary and small. Really disappointing, we won’t be going back any more.