Is this Australia's cheapest cafe? Owners set every item on the menu at the same low price

A cafe in Melbourne could have taken the mantle as the cheapest in the country with every single item on the menu just $4.

The Heart of Carlton has quickly become a local favourite since husband-and-wife owners Michael and Nadeen Kelly opened the venue on Elgin Street in 2017.

The quaint cafe is located a short stroll from Carlton's busy Lygon Street restaurant precinct and the renowned Nova Cinema.

Its speciality is quality food for an unbelievably low price, with its baguettes, pasta, curries, toasties, smoothies, coffee and other treats all just $4.

Michael builds the furniture in the cafe by hand while Nadeen cooks all the food on site and the pair say the prices are kept low because the 'world can be cruel'.

The cafe also doubles as a 1920s Paris inspired reading room, complete with a wide selection of free books and a place where budding musicians can perform.

The shop, which is open Monday to Saturday from 6am-6pm, is often crowded and in the evenings it's not uncommon to see locals, patrons, passers-by and tourists milling around outside to enjoy the free entertainment. 

The cafe's super cheap prices are beloved by locals, who regularly praise the owners on social media.

Every single item at the Heart of Carlton's menu is only $4

Every single item at the Heart of Carlton's menu is only $4

The Heart of Carlton was opened by husband and wife team Michael and Nadeen Kelly (above) in 2017

The Heart of Carlton was opened by husband and wife team Michael and Nadeen Kelly (above) in 2017

'They are such nice people! Always calm, happy and loving,' one wrote.

'They are lovely people, and they serve with a smile!' another added.

The Heart of Carlton is not far from Fitzroy North's popular Piccante café which is visited by celebrities and footballers.

The Daily Mail revealed Piccante is also one of the most affordable cafes in Melbourne and is frequented by a regular crowd of diehard locals, TV personalities, former Hollywood movie stars and champion AFL footballers.

Regular coffee is only $5 and that doesn't matter whether you want oat, soy, macadamia, almond or any other new type of milk.

The Fitzroy North café, owned by the Mauro family since 2018, only recently raised prices across the board.

Eggs cooked your way on sourdough toast now cost $12 at Piccante, while on the other side of town, in Richmond or South Yarra, prices can reach $22. 

Piccante also has a $15 burger and beer deal. 

Inside The Heart of Carlton's dining/reading room

Inside The Heart of Carlton's dining/reading room

The cafe's super cheap prices are beloved by locals, who regularly praise the owners on social media

The cafe's super cheap prices are beloved by locals, who regularly praise the owners on social media

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