Looking for Melbourne-style brunch in Singapore? Head to Jimmy Monkey. We’ve been doing it since 2011, long before smashed avo was a menu staple everywhere. Two outlets, One-North and Pl park side, both serve the same thing: proper coffee, all-day brunch, and a laid-back cafe culture that Melbourne made famous.
So what actually makes brunch “Melbourne-style”? It’s not just eggs and coffee. It’s coffee that comes first, a menu you can order from all day, and a space that doesn’t rush you out the door. That’s what we’ve built our whole cafe around.
What Makes Brunch “Melbourne-Style”?
Melbourne didn’t invent brunch. But it built a whole culture around it.
Three things set it apart:
- Coffee is the centrepiece, not an afterthought. Specialty roasts, skilled baristas, proper milk texture. Not just a cup to wash down your meal.
- All-day brunch is normal. You shouldn’t have to rush in before 11am to get eggs.
- The vibe is unhurried. Laneway cafés, exposed brick, casual service. You sit, you talk, you don’t get moved along.
That’s the model we brought to Singapore. Not a copy of it. The actual thing.
Jimmy Monkey: Bringing Melbourne to Singapore Since 2011
We opened our first outlet at One-North back in 2011, inside a converted army barracks. Exposed beams, old brickwork, new furniture on top. It wasn’t styled to look industrial. It just was. That’s how Jimmy Monkey became a Melbourne-style cafe in Singapore from day one, not something we branded ourselves into later.
That’s still the DNA of the place today. And it’s part of why people keep coming back. It’s not a trend we jumped on; it’s how we started.
In 2020, we opened a second outlet at Pl park side, right next to Park Place Residences. Different setting, alfresco, greenery, more open-air, but same coffee programme, same brunch-all-day approach.
Fourteen years in, we’re still doing brunch the way we started. Coffee first. Everything else is built around it.
The Menu: Aussie Brunch Classics Done Right
Here’s what you’ll actually find on the table, not a generic “eggs and pancakes” description.
At One-North:
- The Hulk ($16): smashed avocado with feta on toasted sourdough, sprinkled with housemade dukkah
- Cheesy Vegemite Toast Soldiers ($14): Vegemite on buttered sourdough with melted cheese and duo onsen eggs for dipping
- Aussie Sunrise Pancakes: streaky bacon with a sunny-side-up egg, right on top of the pancakes
- Mrs Norwegian Benedict: poached eggs on wilted baby spinach with hollandaise, on a toasted English muffin
- JM Brekkie Sandwich ($18): streaky bacon, rocket, Roma tomatoes, avocado and omelette with Kay’s relish in ciabatta
- Maple Granola ($14), slow-baked oats and nuts over Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, maple syrup
These are just a few favourites; check out the full One-North brunch menu here.
At Pl park side:
- Classic Eggs Benedict ($18): chicken ham or smoked salmon, on ciabatta
- Blueberry Pancakes ($14): fluffy pancakes loaded with fresh blueberries and strawberries
- Classic French Toast ($14): egg and milk-battered brioche with berry coulis and syrup
- Steak & Eggs ($30): 200g ribeye, two eggs any style, cracked baby potatoes
Want to see everything on offer? Browse the full Pl park side menu here.
Notice the Vegemite. The dukkah. The streaky bacon. Small details, but they’re the ones that actually separate Melbourne-style brunch from a generic all-day breakfast menu.
Coffee First: Why the Slayer Espresso Machine Matters
You can’t talk about Melbourne cafe culture without talking about the coffee. So here’s ours.
We run Slayer Espresso machines, the same brand serious specialty cafés in Melbourne use. It’s built for control: baristas can adjust pressure mid-shot, which means more consistency, better crema, and a shot that actually tastes like the bean, not just “coffee.”
Our house blend is Ironbark, alongside rotating single-origin beans. If you want to see what “coffee-first” actually means on a menu, order a flat white and a piccolo side by side. You’ll taste the difference a proper machine and a trained hand make.
One-North vs Pl park side: Where to Get Your Fix
Both outlets serve brunch. But they’re not identical experiences.
One-North is the original. Smaller, more tucked away, inside the old army barracks setting. It’s the spot if you want the cafe that started it all, cosy, a bit of a squeeze on weekends, but that’s part of the charm.
Pl park side is newer and more open. Alfresco seating, greenery, right next to a children’s playground. It’s the better pick if you’re bringing a group, want outdoor seating, or you’re coming for dinner and drinks later, since it stays open until 10pm (One-North closes at 4pm).
If you’re deciding between the two, it comes down to this: One-North for the original cafe feel, Pl park side for space, outdoor dining, and longer hours.
How Can I Make a Reservation?
Booking a table is simple. You can reserve online through our website, or call ahead if you’d rather speak to someone directly. Walk-ins are welcome too, but weekends get busy, especially at One-North, where the space is smaller. If you want a guaranteed table during peak brunch hours (10am–1pm), booking ahead is the safer bet.
Are There Vegan, Gluten-Free, or Halal Options?
Pl park side is a Halal-certified outlet, so guests can dine there with confidence. One-North is not Halal-certified, so keep that in mind if this matters for your visit.
For vegan options, dishes like Maple Granola and The Hulk (smashed avocado) work well, or just ask and we’ll point you to what fits. Gluten-free guests should let our team know when ordering, we’ll guide you to suitable options on the menu.
Best Times to Go
Weekday mornings are quieter. If you want a table without a wait, go before 10am on a weekday.
Weekends get busy, especially at One-North, where the space is smaller. If you’re set on a Saturday or Sunday brunch, book ahead or expect to wait during peak hours (10am to 1pm).
Pl park side has more room to breathe, so it handles weekend crowds a little better.
Tips for the Full Café Experience
A few small habits make a real difference to how your visit goes. Here’s what regulars already know:
- Order coffee first, then food. It’s not just tradition; it lets you actually taste the coffee before you’re full.
- Try a cold foam drink if it’s a hot day. The Pistachio Cold Foam and Gula Melaka Cold Foam Matcha are genuinely different from a standard iced latte.
- Going in a group? Pl park side has more seating flexibility than One-North.
- Want the quieter original spot? One-North before 10am on a weekday is your best bet.
None of this is complicated. It just makes a good brunch a great one.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne-style brunch isn’t about copying a menu. It’s about coffee that’s taken seriously, a menu you can order from any time, and a space that doesn’t rush you. That’s what we’ve built at both our outlets since 2011.
Come try it for yourself. View our menu and book a table at One-North and Pl park side, whichever outlet fits your plans.
FAQs
1. What makes a brunch “Melbourne-style”?
It means coffee is the main focus, brunch is served all day, and the space has a relaxed, unhurried vibe, not a rigid breakfast-only window.
2. What time does brunch start at Jimmy Monkey?
One-North is open daily from 8am to 4pm. Pl park side is open daily from 8am to 10pm, so brunch runs longer there.
3. Which outlet is better for brunch, One-North or Pl park side?
One-North has the original cafe feel and is smaller and cosier. Pl park side has more space, alfresco seating, and longer hours, so it’s better for groups.
4. Do I need a reservation for brunch?
It’s recommended on weekends, especially at One-North, since the space is smaller and fills up during peak hours (10am–1pm).
5. What coffee machine does Jimmy Monkey use?
We use Slayer Espresso machines, paired with our Ironbark house blend and rotating single-origin beans.
6. Is there a kids’ menu?
Yes, both outlets offer a kids’ menu for families dining with young children.
7. Can I get vegetarian brunch options?
Yes, Maple Granola, The Hulk (smashed avocado), and Toast & Spread are all vegetarian-friendly options.
8. Is Pl park side pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at Pl park side or One-North. As a Halal-certified outlet, Pl park side maintains a pet-free environment to uphold those standards.