Errol’s is a spacious cafe, restaurant, bar and function room where modern Australian cuisine meets international flavours in the leafy surrounds of North Melbourne’s Errol Street.

“My parents Sam and Nouhad bought Errol’s back in 2007 with two of my uncles,” Adriana Hamod reminisces.

“It was an existing cafe, and they bought it because they had experience running other cafes.   The partners owned it together for about nine years.”

In 2016, Adriana, Sam and Nouhad had the opportunity to take over the whole operation of Errol’s. Since then, they have set about putting their own stamp on the place.

They have worked on the menu to include more vegetarian and vegan options as well as dairy and gluten-free, noticing a trend in what customers are asking for. There is also space in their light-filled upstairs function room for large groups and gatherings.

When asked about the secret to Errol’s longevity in North Melbourne, Adriana credits the restaurant’s consistency.

“Our regulars and locals know that they’ll always get a good feed here. We're also open early for breakfast then late until 9:30 pm every day, which means people can order all-day breakfast or get a coffee when most of the other cafes have closed. We have a lot of shift workers that will specifically come here for our coffee, which is from Brunswick roaster Antico, who makes a signature blend for us.”

 Adriana describes Errol’s coffee blend as a strong, robust coffee without the bitterness that you may find with other Melbourne coffee blends. 

Errol’s is also famous for their thin-crust pizzas, the huge Errol’s Breakfast as well as the Spanish eggs and the classic smashed avo. Adriana highly recommends the breakfast bruschetta, while Nouhad’s favourite is the sweet potato and chickpea curry.

If you would like something sweet, they have a range of house-made cakes and pastries and can even custom make cakes for your next event.

The trio love the neighbourhood charm of North Melbourne, with its proximity to the CBD and the close-knit community that helps the area to thrive.

“I love the social aspect of owning Errol’s with my family and interacting with our regulars,” says Adriana. She smiles over at her father.

“Sam puts a lot of himself into it. He'll prepare a lot of the menu and drinks. For example, he makes a nice spice mulled wine during the winter and makes a limonata. He also loves talking to customers and getting their feedback.”

“It’s nice having a restaurant with such a loyal local community where we can provide our hospitality.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio