Why Locals Love Miss mat
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Balaclava, Miss Mat is a charming café that captures the essence of culinary creativity and warmth. This delightful spot is not just about great coffee; it’s about a fusion of cultures and flavors that creates an unforgettable dining experience.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a cozy, beautifully decorated space, adorned with soft pink florals that evoke a sense of comfort and welcome. This inviting atmosphere sets the perfect stage for a leisurely brunch or a catch-up with friends. The café resonates with lively energy, enhanced by the friendly smiles of the staff who are always eager to make your dining experience exceptional.
Miss Mat specializes in a unique blend of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and classic Australian breakfast staples, making it stand out in the local food scene. One must-try dish is the Labneh Turkish Eggs, where perfectly poached eggs rest atop creamy labneh, creating a rich and tangy sensation with each bite. Another crowd favorite is the Chilli Scrambled Eggs, bursting with vibrant spices and served to perfection, ensuring a creamy texture that’s truly indulgent.
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the café’s BEEF BURGER is a juicy delight, served with mixed leaves, fresh tomato, and melted cheese all topped with a zesty tangy sauce on a brioche bun, accompanied by crispy fries for A$22.00. And don’t overlook their vibrant range of drinks; the GUILTY GREEN smoothie, featuring pineapple, kale, apple, cucumber, and celery for A$11.00, is a refreshing palate cleanser packed with nutrients.
The reviews from delighted customers further illuminate Miss Mat’s appeal. One patron described it as a “hidden gem worth discovering,” praising the brunch experience that balances flavor, freshness, and beautiful presentation. Another mentioned the complimentary Turkish tea that serves as a thoughtful touch, refreshing the palate between bites of the flavorful dishes.
For those enjoying a meal with four-legged companions, Miss Mat is also pet-friendly, ensuring that even your pup can indulge in treats while you savor your culinary adventures. A birthday serenade from the enthusiastic staff was a heartwarming surprise for one visitor, showcasing the café’s commitment to memorable experiences.
In summary, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to visit Miss Mat at 261 Carlisle St. It’s a vibrant locale where exceptional food, community spirit, and atmosphere come together, making every visit a delightful celebration of flavor.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- No delivery
- Serves great coffee
- Good for solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Serves coffee
- Serves healthy options
- Sells prepared foods
- Quick bite
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves brunch
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Free of charge street parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Nov 22, 2025
This cafe is a must try when you are in the area! Upon arrival we served with a delicious cappuccino and a mocha. We also got their turkish style iced latte and unique twist that’s definitely worth trying. Moving to the food, I tried Labne Turkish eggs for the first time and wow, poached eggs over creamy labneh. The menemen with fluffy eggs, tomato, and a spice that takes your tastebuds on a trip straight to Turkey was next-level.The chicken that was in the chicken shawarma was tender, juicy, and the herby creamy sauce was so good, it was topped with salad. It also comes with fries. The Salmon Benedict was also great.That creamy sauce paired with perfectly toasted bread and the poached egg. We finished the meal with a lovely hot turkish tea, the perfect finish to an amazing meal. The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, with the owner making it all the more special! If you're looking for a cozy spot with incredible food and a welcoming atmosphere, Miss Mat Cafe is a must-visit. The dishes we tried, -Menemen and Salmon benedict (My favourites) -Labne Turkish eggs -Chicken shawarma
- Nov 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Miss Mat – A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering delivers an exceptional brunch experience with dishes that balance flavour, freshness, and presentation beautifully. The chilli scrambled eggs were bursting with vibrant spice and perfectly creamy texture, while the labneh with poached eggs was a standout — rich, tangy, and beautifully plated. The complimentary Turkish tea was a thoughtful and authentic touch that tied it all together. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff make it easy to see why every plate leaving the kitchen looked so tempting. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates thoughtful food done right.
- Oct 28, 2025
Miss Mat Cafe is a gorgeous little gem in Balaclava! The space is beautifully decorated with soft pink florals and a warm, welcoming vibe. The food was absolutely delicious—we had the lamb skewer plate (so juicy and perfectly seasoned), the avocado and feta with poached eggs and pomegranate (my personal favourite), and the honey granola with yoghurt, which was fresh and satisfying. To top it off, we were surprised with a Turkish tea and the most divine Dubai chocolate—rich, spiced, and unforgettable. The staff were incredibly friendly and made us feel truly looked after. A perfect spot for a relaxed brunch with a Middle Eastern twist. Highly recommend!
- Sep 25, 2025
Lovely people, amazing food and awesome vibes - what more can you ask for! The food is a fusion of Middle Eastern with your typical Aussie breakfast. My favourite was the Turkish dumplings - not only they look cute, it’s creamy and it’s filled with protein (beef)! Good enough to feed my muscles! You’ll also get complimentary Turkish tea - which is so refreshing and acts as a palate cleanser after the rich food.
- Aug 17, 2025
The food was very unique, creative and tasty! My pup Avocado enjoyed his treats. The staff was amazing, they even sang me happy birthday which really made my day! Will return again.
- Aug 8, 2025
Miss Mat Café in Balaclava is full of heart. Once “Mr. Mat,” it became “Miss Mat” when owner Clara, a former staff member, took over and made it her own. The place is so Warm, welcoming and full of local charm. It’s the kind of place where regulars feel like family and newcomers are greeted like old friends. The menu is Turkish inspired with some incredible traditional recipes & some spins on traditional brunch food. Here’s an overview of what we had: Spinach & Cheese Gozleme – Crisp, golden, and addictive. The labneh on the side? Chef’s kiss. Manti – Little dumplings of joy in garlic labneh and Aleppo butter. Still dreaming about them. Chicken Shawarma Wrap – Juicy, tender, perfectly wrapped deliciousness. Turkish Eggs – Packed with flavour, with garlic notes and textures that just work. The eggs were cooked perfectly Pistachio Pancakes – Stuffed with cheesy knafeh and topped with crushed pistachio, so indulgent, so good. Pistachio Croissant – Genuinely one of the best croissants I’ve had in ages. Buttery, flaky, unforgettable. This place is a total gem. The food, the service, the vibe, it’s all spot on. Bonus points: they’re dog-friendly too with little puppacinos!!! Definitely check them out 4.8/5
- Aug 5, 2025
Great little cafe... friendly staff with great diverse menu, Turkish influences and beautiful looking & tasting dishes. Second morning we have come here & not disappointed. A must try.
