Modern Chinese Brunch Café · 135 Commercial Rd · South Yarra

The
Human
Place

A modern Chinese brunch café in South Yarra.
We didn't just build a place to eat ,
we built a place to feel human again.

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A world full of noise.
A place to breathe.

Think about your last meal out. Were you actually there? Or were you half-scrolling, half-listening, one eye on a screen? We're all guilty of it. The world got very loud and very fast, and somewhere along the way, just being present became weirdly hard.

The Human Place is our small, edible protest against all of that. Good food. Great coffee. A space so warm and honest that you'll forget your phone exists.

Just real food, real people, and real conversation.

"We exist to bring people back to what matters. Real moments. Real food. Real conversation."

Three friends.
One question.

Three friends. One question: what does it mean to actually feel human these days? That question became a café. The café got a corgi. The corgi became everyone's favourite staff member.

Eric, Vincent, and Jimmy, the team behind The Human Place

Left to right: Eric, Vincent, Jimmy, and the one in the bandana.

01
Vincent
Co-founder · The Dreamer

Chemical Engineering grad who realised pretty quickly that labs and offices weren't really his thing. Always been more curious about people than formulas — how we think, how we connect, why we do what we do.

Funny enough, he's a bit awkward in social settings himself. So building a place about human connection? Totally on brand. After 5 years in short-stay accommodation, he saved up enough to bet on something that actually meant something. This is that bet.

02
Jimmy
Co-founder · The Craftsman

10 years in Melbourne's café and drink scene. That's a lot of coffees, a lot of late nights, and a very finely tuned sense of what actually tastes good versus what just sounds good on a menu.

Jimmy knows flavour the way some people know music, intuitively, deeply, and with strong opinions. That cup in your hand? Yeah. That's him.

03
Eric
Head Chef · The Storyteller

Over 30 years in the kitchen, including years at Flower Drum, one of Melbourne's most legendary restaurants. Eric has forgotten more about modern Chinese cuisine than most chefs will ever learn.

He's not the type to shout about it. His food does that for him. Come hungry. Leave wondering why you don't eat like this every day.

🐕
Bip Bip
Chief Morale Officer · Rescued & Loved Corgi

Bip Bip came into our life at three years old, after being left behind. For a long time, he didn't get much attention , so now, he makes sure no one around him feels the same.

Short legs, big energy, and always ready for a cuddle. You'll probably see him around the café. (And yes, he's very friendly.)

Every seat
has a story

From the window bench facing Commercial Rd to the communal stone table at the heart of the room, every seat at The Human Place is a different way to experience the space. Walk-ins are always welcome. But a reservation means your seat is ready and waiting, which we think is a nice feeling.

Address 135 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Next to Prahran Market (Commercial Rd entrance)
Phone Update soon
Email inquiry@thehumanplace.com.au

We hold reservations for 15 minutes. For groups of 8+, please email us at inquiry@thehumanplace.com.au. Note: we are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

You're in, reservation request received. We'll confirm via email within a few hours. See you soon.

Come as you are.
No masks, no expectations.

No makeup, no masks, no expectations. Just you.

Right next to Prahran Market on Commercial Rd. The one with the raw stone walls and the olive tree growing through the middle, you'll know it when you see it.

Location

135 Commercial Rd
South Yarra

Melbourne VIC 3141

Next to Prahran Market (Commercial Rd entrance).

Tram: Routes 72 & 78 stop nearby.
Street parking available on side streets.
Short walk from South Yarra Station.

Opening Hours

Open
Most Days

Monday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Tuesday Closed ,
Wednesday Closed ,
Thursday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Kitchen closes 30 min before close
135 Commercial Rd, South Yarra