Melbourne Tram Cafe & Affordable Restaurant Supporting Hospitality Students
If you’re up for a morning coffee with a touch of history, followed by an unforgettable lunch experience, look no further than William Angliss Institute. Nestled on La Trobe Street, it’s where you’ll find the Melbourne Tram Cafe and Angliss Bistro – two spots where you can relax, indulge, and support Melbourne’s budding chefs and hospitality stars.
Melbourne may no longer have its iconic moving tram car restaurant, but the Angliss Tram Cafe captures a bit of that magic. Though it stays still, this charming café is a perfect spot to enjoy coffee and pastries while soaking up some local history.
A Historic Sip on the Melbourne Tram Cafe
Our morning began at the Angliss Tram Cafe, a cosy coffee stop that offers much more than your typical cafe. Housed in one of Melbourne’s historic W-class trams, Tram 764 is now part of the William Angliss Institute’s hospitality training program.
W-class trams were first introduced in 1923 and are iconic in Melbourne’s history. Though retired from regular service in the 90s, a few of these gems still run today, thanks to the efforts of the National Trust to preserve them.
Now, students from William Angliss make use of Tram 764 as a fully functional cafe, serving up expertly brewed coffee and freshly made pastries. And it’s not just the setting that’s a treat; the coffee is excellent, brewed by students who are just as passionate about the craft as they are dedicated to perfecting their skills.
Whether you take your coffee inside the tram on those nostalgic wooden seats or enjoy it at one of the outdoor tables, the experience is something special.
And if you’re in the mood for a little nibble, the students offer a tempting selection of baked goods that are crafted fresh daily. It’s a true taste of Melbourne, in every sense.
Lunch at Angliss Bistro: A Hidden Gem for Food Lovers
After our morning outing, we came back for lunch at Angliss Bistro. The Bistro is run by students under the guidance of professional chefs, and it’s here that they hone their skills in fine dining, from kitchen to table service.
The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and welcoming, with attentive table service that makes you feel like you’re at a top-tier restaurant. And while the service and presentation are polished, the prices are wonderfully affordable.
What really stands out here is the quality of the service. Every student who came to our table was genuinely friendly and keen to ensure everything was just right. The fine-dining presentation of each dish reflected the students’ hard work and commitment, and the entire experience left us feeling not just full but deeply impressed.
If you’re thinking of popping in, booking a table is always a good idea, though they do welcome walk-ins as well.
Supporting these students feels rewarding – it’s clear that each meal here is more than just food on a plate. It’s a chance for them to gain real-world experience and confidence in their craft, and for us to enjoy high-quality meals that support the next generation of Melbourne’s food industry.
Why You Should Visit
For those in the know, William Angliss Institute has been a leader in hospitality education for over 80 years. Whether you’re after a quiet coffee in a historic tram or a fine-dining lunch at student-friendly prices, you’re in for a treat. And with the knowledge that every coffee poured and every dish served is a learning opportunity for the students, it makes the experience even more fulfilling.
William Angliss Institute in La Trobe St is a hidden gem. I did not know you could have lunch, with beautiful table service, a wonderful meal, amazing low prices, cooked by the students attending William Angliss. Also the attendance at the table was a wonderful experience, being waited on by the students.
I had salmon, perfectly cooked with a cheeky glass of wine. Followed by lemon cake dessert with a cup of tea. The presentation on the plates was fine dining style. Just beautiful. A very lovely, comfortable atmosphere. It was a delight to see and experience the students gaining their experience in hospitality and good customer service. We booked our table, but others were walk-ins. So if you are up that end of town, please take my advice and have a wonderful dining experience while supporting the young ones and your purse!
The converted tram cafe on the footpath was also a delightful surprise. Good coffee either take away or sit in the adapted seating area inside of the tram. There were also outdoor tables and chairs for coffee and light snack offerings.
Very affordable and worthwhile.
– Terrie
Tidbits for Visiting William Angliss Melbourne
- At William Angliss you can also visit Angliss Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner on select days, and The Bakeshop is always worth a look in;
- The Melbourne Tram Cafe is open Monday – Friday from 8am – 2:30pm
- Angliss Bistro is open during term time only, from Tuesday – Friday from 12 pm – 2.30 pm;
- Comfortable seating options with back support available;
- Located on the city loop within the Free Tram Zone;
- Street parking is available;
- Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
William Angliss Institute
555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
03 9606 2111
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
