by Stella Oh and Preet Bulchandani
Menu | Location | Photos
Bite Me! Is the newest food column brought to you by Glass editors Stella & Preet. You can expect reviews on local favorites and ‘hidden gems’. Our aim is to reduce the anxiety surrounding new environments through vibe checks, with considerations about Wi-Fi and plug points, and of course – the food and drinks.
In essence, we will be helping you decide whether it’s your next study/work spot or a casual hang.
Vibe Check
Tucked into a leafy stretch of Paddington, Chapter IV is your classic inner-city brunch spot (artsy, busy, and self-aware enough to serve a deconstructed iced latte). We swung by on a Sunday morning- and so did half of Brisbane. From the street, it looked small, almost unassuming. But inside, it’s a spacious plant-filled café with a cheeky veranda that gives you a stunning view of the city skyline.
It’s undeniably pretty – but the question is, is Chapter IV your next study or casual spot?
Chapter IV could be an ideal study or work environment considering the front of the café had ample power points, but we would recommend going on a weekday as the environment certainly carried the hustle of Sunday morning brunch. There is Wi-Fi available, but you’ll need to ask for the password.
The Food
Breakfast Potatoes $19.90
The spinach and herb-roasted potatoes formed a solid base, crisp on the edges, soft inside, and well-seasoned without going overboard. The sunny-side-up eggs were perfectly cooked, with golden yolks that added richness to every bite.
The Spanish chorizo brought a gentle smokiness and just enough spice to balance the savory notes of the dish. The Portobello mushrooms were tender and full of depth, paired with lightly seasoned tomatoes that offered a touch of acidity.
Every element felt deliberate, and together, the plate struck a satisfying balance between comfort and substance.
3.5/5
Avocado on Toast $22 (With extra mushrooms on the side)
Avo on toast might be a brunch cliché, but it’s also the ultimate benchmark and at Chapter IV, it was a mixed bag. The sourdough was over-toasted, making it tough to cut through and a little too crunchy to enjoy fully. A slight adjustment in texture could have made all the difference.
That said, the avocado itself was well done – fresh, creamy, and seasoned just right, with a subtle hint of citrus and a touch of chilli that lifted the flavours without overpowering them. It’s a classic that almost delivered, but the balance was thrown off by the base it was built on.
3/5
Deconstructed Coffee $6.50
Served with the espresso shot on the side for a bit of DIY flair, the execution didn’t quite match the presentation. The coffee bean itself lacked depth, resulting in a brew that was more bitter than bold.
While the aesthetic was there, the practicality was questionable. We (just Preet and not Stella) managed to spill half the shot while attempting the pour, which says more about the setup than the coordination. In the end, it was a fun idea that didn’t quite deliver on flavour.
2/5
Final Verdict
Recommended for
Brunch after a long night out, a treat-yourself moment post-thrift shopping on the same street, or a casual catch-up with friends over a well-built plate. The food is filling, the portions are generous, and the space has charm (especially if you’re not in a rush.)
Not recommended for
Study sessions, quiet mornings, first dates. The noise and price point make it better suited to a planned outing than a spontaneous drop-in.
BITE ME Rating: 2.8 / 5 chews
Would we go back?
Maybe on the right day, with the right company, and preferably after payday
