Recent social media posts
13/08/2026
Big few weeks at Big Elma! Lots of cute events, community connections, new teaspoons, chilly mornings, fresh art by Veronica, epic murals by Laurette, funky silent disco led by Dave, Ellie's Rijsttafel + fairy cake and lots of Carl's cardamom buns.
Winter mornings are so chilly at the moment so we like to bring the warmth at the cafe. Heaters on, good tunes, cosy vibes and good chats.
It's super cool to be able to host these events at the cafe and at every single one of them, we get excited by the connections made.
On the hunt for more local artists that would like to have an art exhibition at Big Elma's this year! Get your artist friends to send us a DM if they're interested.
See you soon, Coburgers ❤️
22/07/2026
Ooooh yeah, it's almost time for our next event, the one where we boogie with Dave Hall! If you haven't joined a silent disco before, you really should.
They're so much fun and you'll feel like you're part of a little secret community that's connected through the headphones. It's THE BEST.
This Saturday, come down for a drink and a snack first and then come and boogie from 7.30 pm. Let us know in the poll or comments if you're keen! 🪩
Are you coming down for a boogie?
10/07/2026
HOW EXCITING! We have an awesome pop up coming up this Wednesday ❤️ Surprise chef Carl Lindeberg will be baking fresh Swedish cardamom buns here at Big Elma.
We love the Swedish word "Fika" which means to take an intentional break that's always accompanied by a sweet treat. Have your Fika at Big Elma this upcoming Wednesday to munch on some fresh cardamom buns and wiggle to some Swedish tunes too. It will be fun!
See you there ❤️
07/07/2026
Good morning Coburg! We would like to introduce you to our newest dish, the Nordic Winter Fish.
We like to describe it as a warm hug in a bowl. Fresh rockling, poached in a creamy pond of veggies and dill, topped with a homemade rösti and caper creme fraiche.
Inspired by the Finnish fish soup "Lohikeitto" and jazzed and bedazzled with Big Elma's favourite ingredients and toppings.
Is this going to be your next Big Elma favourite?
03/07/2026
Come and join us tonight on our last Friday eve for a little while! After tonight, we are taking a little break off Friday evenings. We'll be back, don't worry! But for now, we are going in Friday evening hibernation mode. We'll be there for all your cafe cravings during the rest of the week.
Pop in tonight for an oyster, a burger, a margarita and a hot chocolate ✨
See you there ❤️ XO Big Elma
26/06/2026
FRIDAY EVE, let's have fun ❤️
Open from 5-9 pm for oysters, cocktails in tea cups, burgers, cosy vibes and boozy hot chocolates.
See you tonight XO Big Elma
23/06/2026
EVENT ALERT!
This Saturday we are having our third edition of "De Rijsttafel". A tribute dinner to Ellie's 101 (almost 102!) year old Indonesian oma.
Rijst means rice and tafel means table - a celebration of Indonesian textures and flavours and rice on the table. Something pickled, something fried, something braised, something spicy, something crunchy and fluffy fragrant rice. This feast will have it all.
Excited to host you for this special night! ❤️ Please book ahead through the link in our bio. Vegan and GF friendly.
04/06/2026
Winter is here and Big Elma is looking and feeling cosier than ever! Brett just picked up a few more funky and comfy chairs and Ellie spent the last hour filling old pickle jars and odd shaped vases with flowers.
This Big Elma room used to be a v**e shop, we think this extra dining area is a way better use for it 😎 It's also a really great space to have a birthday party in!
If you haven't seen the new room, pop in this weekend and have yourself a cosy brunch. See you soon!
02/06/2026
A little recap of our 3 year Big Elma birthday party! Such a beautiful eve with our amazing team, regulars, big friends, little friends, music, boogies and CAKE! Emma made a crazy yummy Pandan & Rhubarb cake to celebrate 3 years of us.
It's been an incredible journey and we are in awe of the community that we have and that is constantly growing. We love you so much Coburg!
So excited for more years of wishing you a good morning, showcasing local artists, cooking delicious food and growing this community even more.
❤️❤️❤️ Lots of love, Ellie, Brett, Dylan, Emma, Paige, Tom, Charlotte & Yoyo ❤️❤️❤️
30/04/2026
Catering for Bianca and Stu's wedding tea ceremony on the beautiful .estate . Intimate, beautiful and full of love. We cooked on site, surrounded by the beautiful vines.
Braised eggplant with vegan ricotta, braised orange and olive chicken, freekeh salad, radicchio with hazelnuts and burrata, dill and cornichon potatoes and more.
Catering is the best ❤️ we love it a lot. Let us know if you would like a spread like this too ❤️
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Address
138 Nicholson Street, Coburg
Melbourne, VIC
3058
To reach your destination at Nicholson Street in Melbourne, you have a couple of options for public transport and driving.
**Public Transport:**
1. **Tram:**
- If you're coming from the city center, catch tram number 96 or 86 from Bourke Street towards East Brunswick or Bundoora.
- Get off at the stop closest to your destination on Nicholson Street.
2. **Train:**
- Take a train to Parliament Station on the City Loop.
- From there, you can walk to the nearest tram stop or catch tram number 11 or 12 towards West Preston and get off at a stop along Nicholson Street.
3. **Bus:**
- Several bus routes service Nicholson Street. Check local schedules for routes that may be convenient based on your starting location.
**Driving/Parking:**
- If you're driving, head towards Nicholson Street via major roads such as Lonsdale Street or Victoria Parade.
- There are street parking options available along Nicholson Street; however, be mindful of parking restrictions and time limits.
- Alternatively, look for nearby parking garages if street parking is full.
Make sure to check real-time public transport schedules and traffic conditions before you set out!
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
7:30am - 2pm |
| Wednesday |
7:30am - 2pm |
| Thursday |
7:30am - 2pm |
| Friday |
7:30am - 3pm |
| Saturday |
8am - 3pm |
| Sunday |
8am - 3pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Big Elma on Nicholson Street in Melbourne is a delightful café that perfectly blends a warm atmosphere with exceptional food and coffee. This charming spot is not only dog-friendly but also features a kids' play area outside, making it an ideal destination for families looking to unwind while enjoying delicious toasties.
The café prides itself on its diverse coffee offerings, catering to every palate. Whether you prefer your brew with oat milk, enjoy the nuances of batch brew, or savor a classic latte, Big Elma has something for everyone. The quirky cups and mugs add a unique touch to each experience, inviting patrons to share their favorite coffee orders and engage with the vibrant community.
With opening hours from Tuesday to Thursday until 2 PM and extended hours on Friday through Sunday until 3 PM, Big Elma provides ample opportunity for guests to stop by and indulge in their culinary delights. The welcoming ambiance and friendly staff ensure that every visit feels special.
In addition to its fantastic menu, Big Elma has fostered a sense of belonging within Coburg. The café's journey has been filled with beautiful moments and cherished memories, creating an inviting space where everyone feels at home. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely meal, Big Elma is sure to leave you smiling.
