Welcome to Big Elma

138 Nicholson St, Coburg VIC 3058, Australia

General Info

Tucked away on 138 Nicholson St in Coburg, Big Elma is a cozy café that immediately draws you in with its warm, inviting atmosphere and thoughtful setup for all kinds of visitors. From the moment you step inside through the wheelchair accessible entrance, the space feels inclusive and welcoming, making it easy to settle in whether you're on your own, catching up with friends, or visiting with a group. The interior is simple yet charming, with plenty of seating options and a relaxed vibe that encourages lingering over both conversation and a good cup of tea.

Big Elma shines when it comes to its menu, particularly if you’re after a satisfying snack or light meal. Their Ham and Cheese Toastie is a standout, perfectly toasted with gooey cheese and savory ham layered just right-comfort food at its best. Alongside this, the café offers a range of prepared foods that are ideal for a quick bite, yet crafted with attention to flavor and quality. Every dish is presented with care, reflecting the café’s commitment to both taste and customer satisfaction.

For tea lovers, Big Elma is a small haven. Their great tea selection offers everything from classic blends to more adventurous options, making it easy to pair your favorite brew with the warm, comforting flavors of their menu. It’s the kind of spot where the aroma alone invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Meanwhile, practical touches like a gender-neutral restroom ensure the café is considerate of every guest, while still maintaining a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors consistently appreciate the café’s balance between convenience and charm. Reviews often highlight the friendly service, the ease of access for groups, and the consistent quality of both food and beverages. Big Elma’s location in Coburg also makes it a perfect stop for locals or anyone exploring the area, blending neighborhood charm with a menu that satisfies both taste and comfort. Whether you’re popping in for a quick prepared meal or settling in for a leisurely tea, the café manages to feel both familiar and refreshing, giving you a genuine experience that’s hard to forget.

The combination of thoughtful amenities, crowd-pleasing dishes, and a relaxed, inclusive setting makes Big Elma a café that stands out among other nearby locations, providing both a culinary treat and a welcoming environment for everyone.

Big Elma Photos 2
HOUR OPENING
  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Thursday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Friday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM ,
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Big Elma Photos

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What customers say?

“ Great atmosphere and friendly staff!!! The food was really yummy and it was served timely. We had a great time and will return for sure!! PS loved the sticky Chai!!! ”

- Valentina Angeloni -

“ Lovely cafe with a small but quality menu. The scrambled eggs were so good. Loved the friendly staff, lovely atmosphere and service. Absolutely a returning customer here ”

- shehan marino -

“ I had a great experience at Big Elma. As a European I can say that the bread I had was delicious. Ham and Cheese toastie isn't just a toastie. The combination with mustard and pickles gives it something special. Maybe a little less mustard on the bread itself . The coffee was made with love and latest Full and creamy. Atmosphere and service has been great ”

- Robin Utsch -

“ Had some of the best brekkie tacos I've eaten here at elmas. Staff are rly nice and coffee has been very consistent. Has become a regular spot for me to bring my friends on a day off! (Coffee not pictured cause I drank em too quick). ”

- John -

“ We have found our new local! Good coffee. Delicious food. Great service by friendly staff. Kooky vibes, a great place to hang out and spend time with the community without feeling rushed. ”

- Doris Toh -

“ I love this cafe. The food (which caters for gluten free!) is always tasty and fresh, and the coffee is delicious. I always feel like a valued customer when I pop by for a takeaway coffee or stop in for a hot breakfast, with my “usual” order remembered. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm and the owners and their staff are lovely. Thankyou so much! ”

- Erin Munro -

“ I first came here under the old identity over ten years ago, amd one thing that hadn't changed is that it's STILL the ideal hangout to head to for refuelling after a Coburg fun run! Big Elma is as highly regarded and fantastically on point for food and great coffee as this site had ever been, and we couldn't speak highly enough of our toasties, cakes, granola and drinks. The crew are very friendly and welcoming, and the relaxed vibe is a wonderfully happy sanctuary. My one suggestion would be that milkshakes seem to be a very obvious addition that's inexplicably missing. We'll definitely be back! ”

- Tony Titheridge -

“ How delightful is Big Elma! We have found a little piece of heaven. From the moment we arrived we were warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. All the other diners were happy and laughing and the atmosphere was bubbling with good vibes. Then the food, omg, Ellie is a master of flavour and texture and she does it all out of one of the smallest kitchens I have ever seen. Think Rachel Khoo and her Little Paris Kitchen, only right here in Coburg! Ellie was ably assisted by Brett, who is attentive and charming. I would highly recommend the mussels with pearl couscous but they change the menu monthly to make the most of seasonal ingredients. Big Elma is now my pick for real homestyle hospitality and seriously delicious food and well matched wines. ”

- Sandy Harman -
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Location & Contact

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information Big Elma:

138 Nicholson St, Coburg VIC 3058, Australia

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