Just Open: Second Home, Eltham

Clearly not one for laurel resting, restaurateur Jason M Jones (Entrecote, Porgie & Mr Jones, Friends of Mine) has loaned his Midas touch to yet another new venue, and this time he's gone full suburban, popping up in downtown Eltham.

The latte-deprived outer 'burbs might seem an odd choice after chichi South Yarra and Hawthorn, but there's logic behind the move. Jones' business partner for the venture (and long-time Porgie manager), Catherine Westwood is an Eltham native. Plus Jones says that with Melbourne's inner suburbs so heavily saturated with great cafe options, it made sense to turn his gaze to the untapped outers.

Located down an unassuming back street, flanked by industrial warehouses, the space is something of an oasis – visually and culturally. Previously an art gallery, the classic mid-'70s brick space has been given a thoughtful makeover by Jones' partner, interior designer Brahman Perera, and features cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light and just the right amount of original '70s brickwork.

The menu is split between "toasty things" and healthy breakfasts (acai bowls with coconut, buckinis and fresh berries), as well as brunch options such as citrus-cured salmon with grilled corn bread, horseradish creme fraiche and poached egg, and sophisticated "luncheon" dishes such as venison carpaccio with baby beet, grana padano and pickled shallot.

Elsewhere on the menu, fans of Jones' other venues could be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu. He's carried over a smattering of signature classics such as the uber-popular grilled bechamel cheesy toast and "obligatory smashed avocado", as well as the "libations trolley" (think Mumm champagne, breakfast martinis, Beroccas).

Phase two of the project will see the north-facing rear courtyard open up in coming weeks, followed by an on-site commercial bakery, which will service Jones' entire stable, due to open in March.

Open daily 8am-4pm.

21 Brougham Street, Eltham, 9439 5362, secondhomeeltham.com.au