Mabels Cafe: A Slice of Kiwi Charm in Toorak’s Hawksburn Village

In the heart of Toorak’s leafy Hawksburn Village, Mabels Cafe (often styled as Mabels) has quickly become a beloved local institution since opening its doors. At 525 Malvern Road, this warm and welcoming cafe-bakery combines the best of New Zealand baking traditions with Melbourne’s vibrant cafe culture. Owned by Kiwi expats Cassandra Hanna and Joshua Green, Mabels offers a genuine neighbourhood feel where flaky house-made pies, towering cakes, and excellent coffee take centre stage.

A Home Away from Home

Mabels strikes the perfect balance between cosy bakery and bustling all-day cafe. The interior features exposed brick, wooden counters, and abundant natural light streaming through large windows overlooking Malvern Road. Chalkboard menus, fresh flowers, and a tempting display of baked goods create an inviting atmosphere that encourages locals to linger over breakfast, grab a takeaway pie, or catch up with friends.

 

The space feels lived-in and personal—mismatched furniture, thoughtful details, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee make it the kind of place where owners might chat with you about the menu. It’s a neighbourhood hub where coffee nerds rub shoulders with families and office workers.

 

What’s on the Menu?

Mabels shines with its in-house baked goods and hearty classics. Signature items include:

• Flaky house-made pies – particularly the much-praised steak and cheese.
• Lofty celebration cakes and cupcakes – perfect for special occasions (72 hours’ notice recommended for custom orders).
• The killer fried chicken sandwich with all the trimmings.
• All-day breakfast and lunch options, sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
• Coffee brewed with Coffee Supreme beans, a favourite among Melbourne’s discerning caffeine enthusiasts.

 

The menu changes with the seasons, but the emphasis remains on quality ingredients and generous portions. Everything from the pies to the cakes is made daily on site, ensuring freshness that discerning Toorak locals have come to expect.

 

Business Details

• Address: 525 Malvern Road, Toorak VIC 3142
• Phone: 0423 355 081
• Email: orders@mabels.com.au (for cake and catering enquiries)
• Website: www.mabels.com.au
• Opening Hours (approximate, please check directly):
  • Monday–Friday: 7:30am–3:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am–3:00pm
  • Sunday: 8:00am–2:00pm
• Social Media: Instagram @mabels.melbourne (and related accounts)

Mabels also offers takeaway, online cake ordering, and is popular for both quick morning stops and relaxed brunches.

Why Mabels Matters in Toorak

In an area known for its upscale boutiques and fine dining, Mabels provides something refreshingly down-to-earth. It’s a celebration of simple pleasures done exceptionally well—proper pies, beautiful cakes, and coffee that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re a local looking for your new regular or a visitor exploring Melbourne’s inner east, this unpretentious gem delivers warmth, quality, and a taste of Kiwi hospitality.

 

Next time you’re in Toorak, make time to stop by Mabels. You’ll leave with a full stomach, perhaps a box of treats, and the satisfied feeling that comes from discovering a true neighbourhood favourite.