Just Open: KereKere Green cafe gives back to the community

For those who like their morning coffee with a side of green, another of Melbourne's iconic gardens has had a foodie revamp. Jardin Tan led the way at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Now Southbank's popular social enterprise cafe KereKere has sprouted a sister venue, KereKere Green, in the spanking new eco-designed Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre.

With its breezy, wood-lined fitout, large deck and views across the lawn, it's a tough call between sitting in or nabbing a patch of grass.

Expect a simple, quality food offering: salads, sandwiches with fillings like grandmother ham, cheddar, grilled zucchini and hot apple chutney, sweet things such as salted caramel blondie, and excellent coffee.

All this plus a chance to support a range of local causes and charities. Generous extras such as free cake day every Thursday during February and regular "free fruit Fridays" tap into the KereKere ethos of "giving without expectation".

Open Mon-Fri 6.30am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-5pm.

KereKere Green, Fitzroy Gardens Visitors Centre, 230 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, kerekere.org