Stellar Dine-In Cheese Experience at Maker & Monger
Cheese lover? In the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Prahran Market lies a haven for cheese enthusiasts, a place where the art of curating and savoring artisanal cheeses reaches new heights. Maker and Monger is a full-blown sensory adventure, a celebration of craftsmanship, flavor, and community that beckons food lovers to dive into a world of creamy, bold, and utterly unforgettable delights. For anyone seeking the ultimate cheese experience in Melbourne, this is the destination where passion for quality produce meets a warm, welcoming atmosphere, creating memories that linger.
Walking into Maker and Monger feels like stepping into a cheese lover’s paradise. The air hums with the buzz of the market, a lively backdrop to the cozy tables where diners settle in for an elevated tasting experience. The star of the show (along with insane toasties) is the choose-your-own-cheese adventure, guided by the stall’s friendly and impressively knowledgeable staff. With their expertise, crafting a perfect platter becomes a delightful journey of discovery. From an extensive selection of cheeses, each with its own story and character, you’re invited to select four varieties, paired with thoughtfully chosen accompaniments that elevate every bite. It’s a curated celebration of flavor, texture, and artistry.
On our visit, the staff’s enthusiasm was infectious as they guided us through their offerings, helping us build a platter that was nothing short of divine. The selection we landed on was a masterclass in diversity and balance. First, the Brillat Savarin triple cream Brie, a French masterpiece, enveloped our palates with its luscious, creamy texture, like a velvet cloud of decadence.
Then came the Fourme D’Ambert, a bold French blue cheese with a punchy yet approachable intensity that left us craving more. The Pecorino Pepato, a hard Italian sheep’s milk cheese studded with peppercorns, brought a spicy, nutty kick to the mix. Rounding out the quartet was the Chebris, a unique blend of sheep and goat milk that offered a complex, earthy depth unlike anything we’d tasted before. Many of these cheeses are air-freighted to ensure peak freshness, a testament to Maker and Monger’s dedication to quality. The care they take in sourcing their products is evident in every bite.
No cheese platter is complete without its companions, and Maker and Monger delivers here too. Crisp crackers provided the perfect crunch, while juicy local grapes added a burst of sweetness that balanced the richness of the cheeses. The true showstopper, though, was the fresh honeycomb, harvested from beehives perched on the market’s open-air top floor. Its golden, sticky sweetness was a revelation, pairing beautifully with the cheeses and adding a touch of local magic to the experience. 
To elevate the experience further, we paired our platter with a 2023 Joshua Cooper Cabernet Sauvignon from Pyren Vineyard in Victoria’s Pyrenees region. This bold, rich wine, with its deep fruit notes and smooth finish, was a flawless match for the cheeses, cutting through their richness while complementing their complex flavors. Produced by Joshua Cooper at his Pastoria East vineyard, this 13.5% alcohol wine felt like a love letter to Australian winemaking, adding a sophisticated touch to our meal.
What sets Maker and Monger apart isn’t just the food—it’s the warmth and expertise of the team. Their passion for cheese shines through in every interaction, from sharing stories about the producers to offering thoughtful pairing suggestions. As a parting gift, they even sent us home with a piece of rare Comté, a gesture that left us feeling truly valued. Sitting at their cozy tables, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Prahran Market, we felt immersed in a celebration of artisanal goodness—a moment of connection with local producers, passionate staff, and fellow food lovers.
For cheese aficionados and curious foodies alike, Maker and Monger is a must-visit. It’s a place where every bite tells a story, every sip feels like a discovery, and every moment is infused with the joy of great food shared in great company.
For an extra layer of indulgence, we were given Normandy Beurre de Baratte butter, a rich, velvety spread that feels like pure luxury in every smear. Whether you’re a lifelong cheese lover or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Maker and Monger delivers a masterclass in flavor, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Make your way to Prahran Market, pull up a chair, and let Maker and Monger take you on a cheese adventure you’ll never forget.