Grazing into Grace: How Platter&Boe is Slicing Through Melbourne’s Food Scene

In the leafy suburb of Malvern, where the hum of Glenferrie Road meets the quiet charm of Victorian terraces, a small café hums with the sort of effortless allure that turns ordinary mornings into memorable rituals.

At 250A Glenferrie Road, Platter&Boe isn’t just a spot for a flat white—it’s a haven where cheese becomes art, toasties whisper seduction, and every graze tells a story of indulgence. As the café marks its third birthday this October, founder Boe Eyking reflects on a journey that began with a simple obsession: turning life’s celebrations into feasts for the senses.

Eyking, a 2018 graduate of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics with majors in Marketing and Management, could have followed the well-trodden path of corporate ladders. Fresh from her Bachelor of Commerce, she landed a full-time marketing role, dreaming of stability. But creativity has a way of curdling the best-laid plans. “I always loved hosting,” Eyking shares in a candid alumni Q&A. “During uni, I’d whip up cheese boards for pre-drinks with friends—nothing fancy, just a way to bring people together.”

What started as casual gatherings evolved into something more ambitious. In January 2019, for her 21st birthday, she crafted her first large grazing table, a sprawling canvas of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and vibrant fruits that left guests in awe. That moment, she says, was the spark. “It was like, ‘Why not turn this into a business?'”

And so Platter&Boe was born—a name that playfully nods to platters of plenty and Boe’s own moniker. Launching as a side hustle while she juggled her day job, Eyking’s venture quickly gained traction. She specialised in bespoke grazing tables for birthdays, weddings, and corporate dos, each one a meticulously styled masterpiece using locally sourced ingredients. “We focus on cheese because it’s the great equaliser,” she explains on the business’s website.

“Paired with aesthetically pleasing food, it adds that bit of pizzazz to any event.”

High-quality charcuterie from Victorian producers, dips whipped in-house, and seasonal fruits arranged like edible sculptures—Eyking’s philosophy is simple: good food fosters good people.

Then came 2020, a year that could have crumbled lesser dreams. As COVID-19 lockdowns shuttered venues overnight, Eyking lost every in-person booking in a single week. Undeterred, she pivoted with the agility of a true entrepreneur. “We’d always worked from home and operated online, so the shift wasn’t as seismic as for others,” she recalls.

Cheese and dessert boxes became the lifeline, delivered across Melbourne with the same flair. Orders surged as homebound families sought ways to elevate virtual gatherings. By the time restrictions eased, Platter&Boe had not only survived but thrived, its reputation for seamless, contactless catering cemented.

Fast-forward to October 2022, and Eyking took another bold leap: opening the Platter&Boe café.

Nestled in Malvern’s vibrant strip, it transformed the business from delivery darling to community cornerstone.

Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 3pm and Saturdays until 2pm (Sundays off for recharging), the café channels that grazing ethos into daily delights. Mornings kick off with speciality coffee—think robust single-origin brews from local roasters—paired with “fancy cheese toasties” that have become something of a cult hit. Imagine sourdough cradling melted brie, prosciutto, and fig jam, or a vegan twist with smoked hummus and roasted peppers.

“They’re not your average sangas,” one Uber Eats reviewer raves. “Exciting and utterly moreish.

“The sweet treats counter is equally irresistible: house-made hedgehog slices, lemon tarts dusted with icing sugar, and seasonal scones that evoke high tea without the stuffiness. But it’s the catering arm that truly showcases Platter&Boe’s versatility.

Grazing tables start at around $15 per head for up to 50cm-wide spreads, laden with antipasti, quince paste, crackers, nuts, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. For smaller soirees, cheese boards serve 12-15 guests with a symphony of blues, bries, and cheddars, while dessert boards offer a sugary counterpoint of homemade fudges and macarons.

Innovation is Eyking’s secret sauce. Enter the “cheesy cones”—single-serve wonders that democratise grazing for stand-up events. Each paper cone brims with a bite-sized medley of cheese, salami, olives, and crackers, perfect for weddings or cocktail hours. “It’s about inclusivity,”

Eyking notes. “No one should miss out on the fun.” Corporate catering gets the same treatment: baguette boxes with gourmet fillings like reuben-style pastrami or ham with fresh mozzarella, or sandwich platters requiring just 48 hours’ notice.

Deliveries span Melbourne (up to 35km for boxes and boards), with pick-up available from the café between 9am and 3pm daily. Dietary tweaks? No bother—vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options are seamlessly accommodated.

What sets Platter&Boe apart isn’t just the food; it’s the feeling. Customers rave about the freshness—”every ingredient bursts with flavour,” says a Facebook devotee—and the aesthetics that turn Instagram feeds into envy-fests. On Too Good To Go, where surplus bags fly off the virtual shelves, it boasts a stellar 4.4 out of 5 from over 64 ratings in the past six months. “The variety is spot-on, and the staff are absolute gems,” echoes another.

Even TikTok foodies are smitten, with one declaring the toasties “Melbourne’s latest craze.” With 100% recommendation on Facebook from 20 reviews and a 4.39 average on Magic Bag Tracker from 161 users, it’s clear: Platter&Boe doesn’t just feed bodies; it nourishes souls.As the café toasts its third year—complete with a recent Instagram reel reminiscing on “all the feels”—Eyking remains hands-on, from styling tables to slinging coffees. Challenges persist: she admits networking still daunts her (“I’m better at emails than schmoozing”), and accepting feedback is a work in progress. Yet her advice to budding entrepreneurs rings true: “Be bold. Step out of your comfort zone. Success comes from courage, not perfection.”

In a city brimming with eateries, Platter&Boe stands as a testament to passion’s palette. Whether you’re plotting a milestone bash or just craving a midweek treat, Eyking’s creations remind us that the best gatherings start with a graze—and a generous helping of heart.

Contact Details
Platter&Boe
250A Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144, Australia
Phone: 0435 838 886
Email: info@platternboe.com.au
Website: platternboe.com.au
Instagram: @platternboe
Facebook: Platter&Boe
Opening Hours: Café – Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat 8am-2pm (closed Sun); Orders & Deliveries – Mon-Sun 9am-3pm

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