Papa Bear

Shop 5 Midway Arcade, 972-974 Main Rd, Eltham VIC 3095, Australia
+61 3 9439 8736
$$$ Cafe
(180 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to Papa Bear, a charming café nestled in the heart of Eltham at Shop 5, Midway Arcade. While the arcade may exude an air of nostalgia, stepping into Papa Bear is like discovering a cozy culinary treasure. This local gem provides a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for those seeking a delightful escape for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Cuisine and Atmosphere

Papa Bear offers a menu that showcases fresh, vibrant ingredients crafted into beautifully plated dishes. The chef is particularly known for the Chilli Scramble, which is an absolute must-try. This dish sits elegantly on top of crisp sourdough bread, boasting an exquisite balance of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of spicy, savory, and fresh elements makes it a standout choice for anyone keen to start their day on the right note.

The atmosphere at Papa Bear is as comforting as the food it serves. With friendly staff who prioritize excellent customer service, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you enter. One customer, Jay Locke, perfectly encapsulates the experience by sharing, “If I could give this wonderful café six stars, I would.” It’s clear that the genuine hospitality and inviting ambiance make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Coffee Perfection

No visit to Papa Bear would be complete without indulging in their expertly crafted coffee. With a blend of Brazilian, Honduran, and Kenyan beans, this café has earned a reputation for serving some of the best coffee in Eltham. Customers like Scott Mcrobert rave about the brew, adding that it stands up to even the pickiest coffee aficionados. Whether you prefer it stronger or milder, their barista knows just how to brew a cup that’s rich and satisfying without the bitterness.

Customer Experiences

Patrons have expressed their satisfaction time and time again, with David Smith noting the beautiful presentation and fresh ingredients that made his breakfast experience truly enjoyable. Don Ewart appreciates the gluten-free options that cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring everyone can find something satisfying on the menu. The shared sentiment is that Papa Bear is not just about great food and coffee but also about forging a community spirit.

In summary, Papa Bear stands out in Eltham not only for its delicious offerings but also for its welcoming charm. Whether you’re visiting for a hearty meal or a quick coffee break, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a desire to return. So, the next time you find yourself on Main Rd, make sure to pop into Papa Bear—you won’t regret it!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

180 Reviews
David Smith

25 Sep 2025

I had the Chilli Scramble breakfast. Beautifully plated, fresh ingredients and well constructed on top of the sourdough bread. A really nice mix of flavours which I throughly enjoyed. Latte was a good temperature, didn't burn my hands holding the glass and a good coffee mix, not bitter more sour. People working there are very friendly and service + meals were delivered efficiently with little wait. Credit card accepted without surcharge. A great Cafe which I strongly recommend.

Don Ewart

23 Sep 2025

Best Eltham morning cafe. Always have gluten free options. Excellent coffee and friendly service. Lots of regular customers.

Scott mcrobert

27 Aug 2025

Google “best coffee in Eltham” and you find Papa Bear. I concur. This hidden gem delivered on its reviews. 5star coffee (and I’m a Heidelberg coffee snob I might add),with some decent brunch options, and a warming atmosphere.

Jay Locke

22 Aug 2025

If I could give this wonderful cafe six stars I would. What an amazing experience to enjoy breakfast, coffee or lunch. It falls under that category of "Don't judge a book by the cover." On first sight, Papa Bear looks small but very inviting. The food is always 100% fresh everyday. The owner bakes all the muffins fresh by himself everyday and discards the unsold ones at the end of the day. You simply must try Papa Bear at least once. You will be back.

Hans R

11 Aug 2025

Tucked away in a little aging arcade-a lovely little coffee shop to either sit in and enjoy some nice food, or else some takeaways at the window in the arcade. Don’t let the aging of the arcade put you off! There are terrific ice cream shops at the end as well :-) staff are really friendly, and coffee was a lovely blend of Brazilian, Honduras, and Kenyan. Well balanced.expert barista knew exactly what he was doing.

Garry Miller

05 Aug 2025

A patron for 7 years. Never missed a beat. Friendly atmosphere, great coffee and food. Highly recommended.

Anastasia Antoniou

04 Aug 2025

Beautiful food. Reasonable prices. Quite small. Only 3 small tables inside. Another 3 outside but undercover. Always excellent service. They couldn't answer a question abt ingredients today so they called the chef. Noone has done that before

Erika O'Loughlin

29 Jul 2025

The best lunch/ take away options, so many homemade choices, everything I’ve had has been delicious.and larger serves than other cafes in the area for the price. Axil coffee is divine every time too. Can’t go wrong.

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