Pope Joan

Pope Joan, a legend with more past lives than the whole of Melbourne’s had hot dinners, said to’ve been a medieval leader treated harshly for passing as a man, her true gender disclosed when she gave birth to a son in public on horseback (whoops, unmarried too), became mother to the Bishop of Ostia.

In this life, the legend of Pope Joan is alive & well in an East Brunswick cafe, where Joan (a wise & inclusive woman), proudly cooks modern dishes, made with the best produce, with a smile, drawing on the traditional, the ways of those we’ve loved, as well as new understanding.

Located at 77 – 79 Nicholson street East Brunswick, Pope Joan is now over two years old, having opened her doors in July 2010 after conception by two business sweethearts, Ben Foster & chef Matt Wilkinson.

The Pope serves breakfast & lunch 7 days a week from 7.30am to 4pm. There’s a staple menu & daily specials from noon. You can find function information here.

The Pope was blessed by The Age Good Cafe Guide 2012 with an award for Melbourne’s Best Food Cafe as well as Three Cup status. The papal team is chuffed – what matters most to them is how YOU experience the Pope but it’s nice to think these awards reflect good work.

Keep a look out next door for that late-night owl, The Bishop of Ostia, friend of Aretha Franklin & the Reverend Al Green, charming host at his very own friendly drinking establishment, Wednesdays to Sundays. Whether you’re feeling shy or confident, big or small, hungry or not, the Bishop is a friendly place for drinks, bar snacks & even a hearty shared meal. Say hello to the Bishop’s assistants Marek, Josh and Jess – they’re keen to make you welcome.