About
Welcome to West 48, a quaint brunch haven nestled in the heart of Footscray, Australia. Located at 48 Essex St, this charming café has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful array of pantry essentials and mouth-watering dishes that cater to a variety of palates. With a phone call away at +61 473 147 775, you’re just moments from indulging in a feast that emphasizes quality, flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere.
As you step into West 48, you're greeted by an inviting vibe that encourages relaxing brunch catch-ups or tranquil solo mornings. The ambiance is cozy yet vibrant, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying their carefully curated menu, which includes standout options tailored for both adventurous foodies and those looking for familiar comfort.
Among the highlights, the Smashed Avocado takes center stage, featuring a zesty mash enriched with feta, chili, coriander, and crunchy devilled pepitas, all elegantly perched on toasted sourdough. It’s a dish that balances textures and flavors, making for a fantastic start to your day. Another crowd favorite is the Granola Rise, delivering a crunchy, nutty experience that’s perfect for health-conscious diners. If you have a sweet tooth, the French Toast with maple syrup, banana, and vanilla mascarpone is a delightful treat that you won't soon forget.
The drink menu is equally compelling, especially for coffee enthusiasts. Known for their rich and expertly brewed coffee, West 48 ensures that whether you order a regular or a large, you’ll leave satisfied. Patrons rave about their consistent quality, which undoubtedly elevates the coffee culture in the area.
Reviews from the locals reflect a strong community presence at West 48. Customers like Irena M appreciate the friendly service and summer ambiance, complete with mist spraying to keep the heat at bay. It's clear that the café not only serves quality food but also fosters a sense of belonging. Heche mentions how integral this café is to Footscray's culture, adding that it should never be taken for granted.
While some diners have noted smaller portion sizes, the overarching sentiment remains positive. Many agree that the experience at West 48, infused with excellent service and a warm atmosphere, makes it a must-visit. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a brunch fanatic, or someone simply looking to explore quality Australian café cuisine, West 48 promises a delightful experience that’s worth revisiting.
“ One of the better breakfast places in the west so far in my time on this side. Everything tasted good but feel we choose 2 greasy dishes which left me feel blah. Next time I’ll try something else on the menu. Coffee was spot on, staff super friendly, and we went during summer. They had mist spraying onto the tables which was perfect. Will come back and try something else. ”
“ West 48 is a welcoming and cozy brunch spot tucked away in the inner west. The atmosphere is warm and inviting perfect for a relaxing catch-up or a quiet morning. The menu offers a great variety with some standout options, and the coffee definitely lives up to the local hype. If you're a coffee lover, you'll appreciate that when you order a large cup, you actually get a large cup—no surprises there! That said, while the food is tasty and well-prepared, the portion sizes are great for the price. Still, the quality and overall vibe make it one of the better local cafes worth visiting every now and then. ”
“ West 48 should never be taken for granted. It is one of the best cafes we have in Footscray and it is an integral part of our culture ”
“ I’ve heard people rave about this place, so was excited to go. The menu was varied with some great options, but when the dishes came the portions were on the smaller side. The flavours were good, but not an stand out. The coffee was good, but even the coffee cups seemed to be a smaller-than-usual size. The prices were above average for standard sized meals, let alone the small portions served to us. The place was packed, so it’s definitely a popular hangout - but is wasn’t for us! ”
“ One of the finest cafés in the area, consistently delivering an exceptional dining experience. Their Shakshuka deserves a special mention — it’s arguably the best we’ve tasted, with perfectly balanced flavors and beautifully presented. The staff have always been attentive, welcoming, and pleasant to interact with, making each visit genuinely enjoyable. Having visited on multiple occasions, we’ve found their food and coffee to be consistently of high quality. Their coffee, in particular, stands out — rich, smooth, and expertly brewed, easily ranking among the best in town. A highly recommended spot for anyone looking for quality food, great coffee, and excellent service. ”
“ such a lovely breakfast spot! i had the breakfast benny with sujuk, and it was perfect. the hollandaise sauce was rich, smooth, and didn’t stray from that classic benny flavour i love. the sujuk added a great twist, but they also offer bacon, smoked salmon, or sausage if you want something different. service was fast and friendly, and the whole place had a calm, relaxed vibe—just right for a quiet, sunny sunday morning. the presentation was beautiful too (just look at that plate!). will definitely be coming back. ”
“ A nice inviting cafe in an inner west suburban cafe; where, if you order a large cup of coffee, it's a large cup! Tasty meals, super friendly staff make the dining experience perfect The mushroom stack I had was delicious ”
“ Took the parents for brunch and definitely worth the trip Lovely coffee and enjoyed the cold brew. We ordered the Shakshuka, Eggs Benny and Chilli scrambled eggs. All were lovely - good portion sizes and full of flavour. Service was really friendly and attentive as well. Only gripe is when I booked I asked for indoors but was given a table outdoors. ”