Just Open: Mister Zen, South Yarra

Created as part of a challenge on this season's The Block, Mister Zen isn't merely riding the renovation reality television show's coat tails.

Natalie and Sam Osborne, who also own Piccolo in Prahran, met The Block crew several seasons ago and bought a coffee caravan to cater to the crew, contestants and tradies on the strength of the bond that formed.

Now they've taken over the base of the old Hotel Saville site, home to The Blocktagon apartments for a bricks-and-mortar cafe.

Chef Aman Rai has created a health-driven menu that includes four-grain almond milk porridge, a raspberry smoothie-based acai bowl with raspberry jelly, dehydrated banana, house-made granola and coconut flakes, and avocado smash on chia loaf, topped with smoked soft-boiled eggs dipped in beetroot oil, which gives them a soft pink hue.

Coffee is by 5 Senses, tea by Larsen & Thompsen, and there's a selection of Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs soft drinks and freshly squeezed juices.

The Block contestants helped build the venue under the direction of architect Julian Brenchley, resulting in a modern and clean combination of concrete and timber with a wraparound cabinet containing art and architectural books available to buy.

Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

1-5 Commercial Road, South Yarra