Our story

Mavis the Grocer came to life in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Owner Raghav Bhatia swapped a career in electrical engineering for aprons, coffee machines, and early mornings, taking over Mavis in its original Abbotsford digs. What began as a leap of faith quickly became a place built around good food, good coffee, and familiar faces!

Driven by community

Raghav is also part of the team behind some iconic Melbourne venues, including Monk, Kelso’s, and Gary’s—places known for their soul and warm, welcoming vibes. In August 2025, we opened our Elwood sister café on Tennyson Street. Same Mavis spirit, different postcode.

We’re big on seasonal produce, solid flavours, and menus that don’t tell you what time of day it is. Start with a morning latte and poached eggs, level up to chilli scramble with an extra-spicy Bloody Mary, then stick around for a craft beer and a chicken burger. Think golden yolks, creamy hollandaise, and brunch that doesn’t rush you.

At its heart, Mavis the Grocer is a neighbourhood café—a place to eat well, linger comfortably, and feel right at home.

I recently visited Mavis and was thoroughly impressed by both the quality of the food and the exceptional service. I recommend trying their food and pairing it with a delicious cup of their specialty coffee.

Delighted Customer