Melbourne, known as Australia’s coffee hub, boasts a café culture that’s both vibrant and eclectic. From the smallest gems hidden away in laneways to some of the busiest around town, each cafe offers patrons a totally different feel in terms of specialty coffee, innovative cuisine, and atmosphere. Join us as we delve into the 20 best cafes in Melbourne—where the coffee culture thrives and every meal comes with a memory attached. Best Cafes in Melbourne
1. Proud Mary
Indulge in Specialty Coffee
Proud Mary is an institution in Melbourne’s coffee culture, touting a specialty coffee and creative brunch venue. Tucked away in Collingwood, the bustling cafe roasts its beans in-house and features a rotating single-origin offer from around the world. Creates a warm atmosphere with a menu that will delight both the caffeine and foodie fans. It truly is a pride-worthy venue. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Proud Mary Top Features: Savor expertly brewed coffee from sustainably sourced and perfectly roasted beans Brunch options, diverse and exciting, featuring creative twists such as smashed avocado on toast with a twist: a poached egg atop, finished with house-made hot sauce We will feature our signature espresso martinis made with cold-brewed coffee and premium spirits. Best Cafes in Melbourne
2. Market Lane Coffee
Experience World Class Coffee Craftsmanship
Market Lane Coffee has cornered the market on sourcing, roasting, and serving the freshest coffee beans. One of several Market Lane venues can be found inside the Queen Victoria Market—this operation is known and loved for its ethical and sustainable credentials. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Goodies at Market Lane Coffee: Freshly brewed filter coffee highlighting beans from known regions that take their coffee seriously Single-origin espressos: specialty drinks that really show the bean characteristics. Take home freshly roasted beans for further enjoyment of brews. Best Cafes in Melbourne
3. Higher Ground
Dine in Style
Within the confines of a heritage-listed warehouse in Melbourne’s CBD, Higher Ground is an absolute visual masterpiece with its high ceilings, imposing exposed brick walls, and leafy greens that come together to form a perfect setting for any breakfast, brunch, or lunch engagement.
Higher Ground Highlights:
- Kick-start the morning with their expertly brewed coffee made from locally sourced beans. Indulge in decadent brunch options in a globally-inspired seasonal menu sourcing local produce. Picture-perfect interior cafe scenes for Instagram. Best Cafes in Melbourne
4. Auction Rooms
Specialty Blends to Die For
Auction Rooms is an inviting cafe in a spacious converted North Melbourne warehouse, priding itself on specialty coffee blends and constantly new menu items. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Auction Rooms Highlights:
- Specialty coffee blends flown in-house to taste in a flight. Pair any of it with their signature dishes like corn fritters with avocado salsa and the bacon jam. výsled involvethe wide array of single-origin beans at one’s disposal and brewer types. Best Cafes in Melbourne
5. Axil Coffee Roasters
Experience Excellence in Coffee
With venues across Melbourne, Axil Coffee Roasters has built a reputation on quality, consistency, and sustainability. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Axil Coffee Roasters Highlights:
- Axil’s signature espresso blend offers a cup that is both balanced and full of flavor. Treat yourself with their in-house baked pastries and sweet goodies and how they match with their coffee. Join their coffee masterclass and cupping sessions to have a better appreciation of fine coffee.
6. Brother Baba Budan
Quirky Coffee Discovery
Interesting cafe with warm, homey decor, complete with hanging chairs, Brother Baba Budan is an intriguingly named cafe inspired by a legendary Sufi mystic who coffeesmuggled his way through life.
Brother Baba Budan’Contact Highlights: Sip their renowned house blend amidst eclectic decor featuring vintage furniture with antique grinders. Also, find for yourself a variety of their coffee beans and brewing equipment to take home and enjoy. Best Cafes in Melbourne
7. Patricia Coffee Brewers
Embrace Coffee Simplicity
Located into Melbourne’s CBD is Patricia Coffee Brewersan outfit reviewing their coffee beans in a very minimalist setting where inherent characteristics shine. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Patricia Coffees Brewers’ Highlights:
- Savor perfectly brewed and very well-sourced cof- fee coming from top nations of fine coffee.
- Indulge in sumptuous sweet and savory treats to go with your coffee. Chill in their relaxed atmosphere, great for some me or social time. Best Cafes in Melbourne
8. Dukes Coffee Roasters
Quality, Sustainability and Innovation in Coffee Craftsmanship
Located at the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Dukes Coffee Roasters is all about quality, sustainability, and innovation. Best Cafes in Melbourne
How much do I love Dukes Coffee Roasters?
- A rich-bodied Espresso Blend with chocolate, caramel, and stone fruit flavors in a cup of coffee.
- Seasonal menu locally sourced produce
- Coffee appreciation courses and cupping
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9. St. Ali
The Epitome of Coffee Creativity
St. Ali is an innovation of coffee and food with a relaxed atmosphere and varying dining experiences.
St. Ali Highlights: Specialty coffee blends made with various beans around the world Menu offerings that change with the seasons, crafted using locally procured ingredients Signature Items: “Magic” coffee and espresso mascarpone banana bread. Best Cafes in Melbourne
10. Industry Beans
Experience Coffee Innovation
Industry Beans caters to and satisfies any coffee aficionado’s dream of weird and wonderful coffee creations. Best Cafes in Melbourne
The Best of Industry Beans: DAO – taste Industry Beans signature espresso blends for intricate flavor profiles. /menu – Experience a dish off their seasonal menu, which expresses seasonal produce and international influences. -design takes the sleek, designed-for-comfort-and-community interior.
11. Operator 25
Modern Cafe Charm
Operator 25 is an inner-city haven that tops off modern aesthetics with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy specialty coffee and inventive brunch in Melbourne’s CBD.
Operator 25 Highlights: The expertly brewed seasonal coffee pairing with seasonal brunch offers Cozy ambiance perfect for casual outings or intimate gatherings A variety of freshly baked goods and distinctive signature dishes.
12. The Kettle Black
Architectural Elegance
The Kettle Black features a highly acclaimed quality of coffee, architectural beauty, and innovative menu.
The Kettle Black: Hotspots:
- Brilliant coffee blends in a wonderfully designed setting
- Dining with local sustainable ingredients
- Breathtaking views over a cup of coffee of the city
13. Seven Seeds
Coffee Roastery & Cafe
Seven Seeds is the pioneer behind Melbourne’s coffee culture, with the inclusion of a roastery experience alongside a world-class cafe known for its dedication to quality and the community.
The Lists: Seven Seeds:
- Get a view of their variety of exquisitely roasted coffee beans
- Taste the seasonal ingredients in their café menu
- Take part in their coffee workshops and events to improve your love for coffee.
14. Industry Beans Lt. Collins
Urban Oasis
Industry Beans Lt. Collins creates a tranquil setting within this urban haven for patrons to relax over cups of specialty coffee and inventive food. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Industry Beans Lt. Collins Key Features:
• Signature blends of coffee, carefully crafted to tease the senses
• Menus filled with food boasting rich flavors and fresh produce
• Stylish, inviting space perfect for solo breaks or meetups with friends
15. Manchester Press
Cafe oozing Character
Manchester Press offers a one-of-a-kind setup—specialty coffee and bagels in an informal atmosphere, set up in a converted laneway warehouse. Best Cafes in Melbourne
The Best of Manchester Press:
- Specialty coffee set against an industrial-chic backdrop of the cafe
- Fresh, baked bagels with creative fillings and spreads
- An artistically descending feel, making this spot close to the heart of Melbourne’s design crowd
16. Addict Food and Coffee
Neighborhood Gem
Addict Food and Coffee in Fitzroy is a much-loved local haunt, highly regarded for its excellent coffee and delicious all-day menu items. Best Cafes in Melbourne
Addict Food and Coffee: The day starts with expertly brewed coffees, along with delicious brunch options. A warm setting is available that makes people spend time over a cup of joe while melting into plush seats, rejuvenating the mind and soul with friends or individually. New contemporary twists on breakfast items are included on their seasonal menu.
17. Proud Sprout
Community-Focused Cafe
Proud Sprout is at the heart of Camberwell—this community-focused spot serves specialty coffee next to healthy meals, all made with local ingredients. Best Cafes in Melbourne
The Best of Proud Sprout:
- Taste the bean: every cup made with precision and love
- A food menu focused on nourishing you with dishes for all tastes
- Marinate within warm and inviting community vibes that are distinctly Proud Sprout
18. Short Straw
Quaint and Charming
Having all this considered, Short Straw in Hawthorn East delivers a cute and quirky boutique cafe experience. Certainly, it combines exceptional coffee with delightful seasonal foods and global flavors on the menu.
Flavors to Try at Short Straw:
• Its skillfully made coffee, decked from fine beans
• The taste that’s sure to introduce you to practically both local and international
• The warm atmosphere for a quiet cup of coffee or a chat over coffee with family and friends.
19. Aunty Peg’s
Specialty Coffee Roastery and Cafe
Aunty Peg’s in Collingwood is more than a cafe, it’s a working coffee roastery pursuing quality and inspiration.
The Best of Aunty Peg’s:
- Check out her selection of carefully roasted coffee beans to buy and take home
- Sample her seasonal café menu fresh from the kitchen with locally sourced food
- Soak up the creativity and industrial chic atmosphere en masse in the café
20. Touchwood
Café w/ Atmosphere
Touchwood in Richmond provides you with a lively cafe atmosphere, excellent coffee, and a menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Touchwood Highlights: Exquisitely brewed Coffee served with a smile in a lively setting. Dishes celebrating the best of local produce and global flavours. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for both quick coffee breaks and leisurely brunches.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Cafes in Melbourne
1. Are Melbourne’s cafes open all the time? Yes, the majority of Melbourne’s cafes operate throughout the year; however, the hours of operation may differ from one another. It certainly won’t hurt to find current information on specific cafes through their websites or social media pages.
2. Are there vegetarian and vegan options in Melbourne’s cafes? Yes, absolutely! Most Melbourne cafes offer fantastic menus that really include in-depth vegetarian and vegan options—from plant-based breakfast options right through to dairy-free coffee alternatives.
3. Can I buy coffee beans to take home from Melbourne’s cafes? Yes, most Melbourne cafes provide freshly roasted coffee beans for sale in their houses. Whether it is a specialty blend or single-origin, you will be bound to find many to enjoy at home.
4. Do Melbourne’s cafes offer outdoor seating? During the warmer times of the year, one can sit outside in the many cafes with outdoor seating and enjoy the sun while having a cup of coffee or meal. There is no shortage of outdoor seating options, from sidewalk tables to quaint courtyards.
Begin Your Coffee Journey Through Melbourne
Melbourne’s urban cafe scene stands second to none in reflecting the city’s love for great coffee, whether through the interesting blend of quality brews, innovative dishes, and atmospheres. Whether you’re a local who is into their coffee or a visitor who wants to know what Melbourne’s got to offer in food, here is your definitive list of the 20 best cafes to make that experience truly unforgettable. From hidden laneways to bustling precincts, every coffee shop will beg for intake of the richness of Melbourne’s coffee culture within every sip and each bite. So pack curiosity and appetite, and set off with espresso-infused excitement through the heart of this dynamic city.
The 20 Best Cafes in Melbourne
Cafe Name | Highlights |
Proud Mary | Specialty coffee, in-house roasting, rotating single-origin offers, creative brunch menu, signature espresso martinis |
Market Lane Coffee | Ethical and sustainable coffee, freshly brewed filter coffee, single-origin espressos, take-home roasted beans |
Higher Ground | Heritage-listed warehouse, high ceilings, locally sourced beans, decadent brunch, Instagram-worthy interior |
Auction Rooms | Specialty coffee blends, corn fritters with avocado salsa, bacon jam, single-origin beans |
Axil Coffee Roasters | Signature espresso blend, in-house baked pastries, coffee masterclasses, cupping sessions |
Brother Baba Budan | Renowned house blend, eclectic decor, vintage furniture, take-home coffee beans and brewing equipment |
Patricia Coffee Brewers | Minimalist setting, top-sourced coffee, sweet and savory treats, relaxed atmosphere |
Dukes Coffee Roasters | Rich-bodied espresso blend, seasonal menu, coffee appreciation courses, cupping |
St. Ali | Specialty coffee blends, seasonal menu, “Magic” coffee, espresso mascarpone banana bread |
Industry Beans | Signature espresso blends, seasonal menu, sleek interior design |
Operator 25 | Seasonal coffee, inventive brunch, cozy ambiance, freshly baked goods |
The Kettle Black | Architectural beauty, brilliant coffee blends, local sustainable ingredients, city views |
Seven Seeds | Coffee roastery experience, variety of roasted beans, seasonal cafe menu, coffee workshops |
Industry Beans Lt. Collins | Signature coffee blends, rich-flavored menu, stylish space |
Manchester Press | Specialty coffee, industrial-chic backdrop, fresh baked bagels, artistic ambiance |
Addict Food and Coffee | Excellent coffee, all-day menu, warm setting, contemporary breakfast twists |
Proud Sprout | Community-focused, precision coffee, nourishing food menu, inviting vibes |
Short Straw | Boutique cafe experience, exceptional coffee, seasonal foods, global flavors, warm atmosphere |
Aunty Peg’s | Working coffee roastery, carefully roasted beans, seasonal cafe menu, industrial chic atmosphere |
Touchwood | Lively atmosphere, excellent coffee, seasonal ingredients, relaxed setting |