Skinnys Eatery

107 Gilbert Rd, Preston VIC 3072, Australia
+61 3 9125 1035
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Diner , Sandwich shop
(200 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Skinnys Eatery on Gilbert Road in Preston fits comfortably into the local café scene with its casual, diner-like vibe that blends well with its surrounding neighbourhood. It’s the kind of place where you might drop in for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, whether you’re catching up with friends on a sunny afternoon or seeking a cozy spot out of the rain. The interior feels approachable, and while seating is mostly indoors, the atmosphere invites lingering over coffee or a light meal.

The menu is purposeful rather than sprawling, focusing on coffee and simple, thoughtfully prepared dishes that lean into quality over quantity. Coffee lovers can expect well-executed classics like flat whites and piccolos, alongside batch brews that appeal to daily caffeine fix seekers. Non-coffee options like vibrant sodas add a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing a laid-back feel. The food offers some interesting twists on diner staples—bagels with inventive toppings like roasted beetroot and kimchi cream cheese, or the schnitzel burger, which balances familiar comfort with a bit of flair. The meatball sub and chicken caesar burger show a diner influence that’s solid without overcomplication.

Skinnys seems popular with locals who appreciate a spot that feels both unpretentious and a little different from your standard suburban café. It’s well-suited to groups looking for a casual catch-up, solo visitors who want a focused coffee experience, and anyone wanting to try something a bit distinct—say, a broccolini salad or salt pommes frites with kimchi. The vibe carries a mild wine bar meets diner energy, making it easy to settle in for a light lunch or an afternoon coffee break.

Peak times naturally fall around brunch and lunchtime, when nearby residents and workers wander in for quick eats or lingering meals. The staff consistently get noticed for being friendly and attentive, which adds to the easygoing local feel. While the menu isn’t large, the selective choices cater to a range of tastes including vegans and vegetarians, though hardcore weekend special hunters may find it a bit limited. Still, the quality and care put into the dishes make it worth lingering a while.

In context, Skinnys Eatery complements Preston’s evolving dining landscape without overwhelming it. It’s a spot that feels made for people who want their coffee strong, their bagels interesting, and their fries memorable—especially on days when a low-key but reliable café experience fits the bill.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Does not have assistive hearing loop
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

200 Reviews
Amy Turtle

05 Jan 2026

Spent a sunny afternoon here catching up with a friend. The menu is limited with a few thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options. I had the roasted carrot bagel with currents and sunflower cream and I would happily eat it again but would also try the mushroom ragu on toast next time. Batch brew was tasty too.

Natasha Venizelos

06 Nov 2025

I’m not often over this side of town, but I saw a write-up on this cafe and met some friends who live close by. The staff that worked here were all wonderful! They were all attentive and super friendly. The coffee was also fantastic! The menu was much smaller than expected, and there were no weekend specials. I ordered a nice bagel. I did get food envy of the chicken caesar burger, the chicken looked to have a good crisp.

Yvette Turnbull

29 Oct 2025

Skinnys was the perfect spot to land on a rainy day at lunchtime. I had the Parm Sandwich with Vodka sauce and devoured that thing so quickly! The cheese pull was insane, very happy customer. I also tried out one of their numerous soda selections from the big fridge. I had this cute can called TINA. So refreshing. All round solid afternoon, thanks team!

J J

17 Oct 2025

The fries was 100/10!! One of the best fries ive ever had! Fried chicken english muffin sandwich was 10/10! Definitely will come back!

Quincy

01 Oct 2025

Such a great addition to Preston. Love the vibe and the food, which leans wine bar-meets-diner with an emphasis on simple, high quality ingredients. No matter how you feel about iceberg, the anchovy and chive-dressed wedge is a must try.

Stephanie Rose

27 Sep 2025

@skinnys.eatery Preston Cinnamon French Toast, Whipped Bacon Fat, Grilled Banana Pastrami Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Hot Sauce, Chicken Salt Hash Brown Skinny’s is an retro eatery located on Gilbert Road in Preston. Housed in an old 1930’s milk bar, they have still kept its old school charm and nostalgia running, from the fit out to the Nippy’s milk cartons in the fridge. The menu includes feel good, diner style brunch items. Coffee and Chai both ok, was I dissapointed my cappuccino didn’t come with chocolate on top? Maybe. The Cinnamon French Toast with Whipped Bacon Fat Butter and Maple Syrup was so homely and humble, yet perfected. Of course I added the grilled banana for a little extra. I did feel the dish lacked texture, everything was so soft. The sandwich section of their menu seems to have a bit of American inspiration, I went with the Pastrami Egg & Cheese, paired with one of their Chicken Salt Hash Browns. The sandwich was very tasty, I could definitely have that every morning. I do find charging for sauce a bit icky, $1 for tomato, $1.50 for hot sauce. Actually, there is an optional add on for almost every dish on the menu. Personally I’ve always thought if adding something is going to make is even just 2x better, it should just be included. However I guess this keeps the prices down for those who want something more basic. C’est la vie. A very friendly, very relaxed spot in the neighbourhood, was nice to see regulars come in to support and chat with the team. It is small with limited seating inside for smaller groups, but plenty outside weather permitting. ⭐ 3.7/5 $$

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