Opening up underneath a brand new block of apartments, Code 21 is a cafe that’s going for more of a healthy(er) take on brunch, but one that’s also appealing to the eye. It’s quite a small venue that’s spread out over an L-shaped space, with generous spacing between tables and pops of greenery flowing down from the shelving.

For the Crispy Southern Fried Chicken, a fair stack of protein is piled onto a soft waffle, accompanied by an interesting sweet and smokey cranberry BBQ sauce and chipotle slaw. The Grilled Cauliflower Steak is a definite highlight for me. The cauliflower, charred broccoli and barley gives me the healthy kick I need, and it’s certainly very tasty too. There are plenty of spices, predominantly cumin, and the distinct blobs of different sauces allow us to mix and match the ones we prefer.

The Spiced Orange Hotcake with blackberry curd, lemon curd, pomegranate poached pear, berries, pistachio and chocolate parfait is more springy and spongey than fluffy in texture, though moisture is provided by the ice cream. There’s a combination of sweetness and tang, including plenty of fruity flavours.

The bright and colourful design of both Code 21’s interior and plating will draw people in, and its front counter sandwiches and sweets will be a boon to the coffee crowd and nearby residents alike.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Code 21 as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time.

Code 21
2/21 Brunswick Rd
Brunswick East, VIC, 3057
(03) 8370 9078
code21.net.au