It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that Melbourne has some of the best cafés in the world. Australians know that their beans and food are unlike anything else, so whether you reside in South Yarra or you’re dropping by the CBD, why not grab something extraordinary? Here are the best coffee shops in Melbourne that you need to visit today!
Coffee Shops Windsor
Journeyman
If you’re taking a stroll down Chapel Street, you can’t go past Journeyman. Delivering some of Melbourne’s specialist coffee and dishes, you’d be hard-pressed finding a café this impressive. They celebrate lush and fresh produce, creating delicious and clean recipes that will make your mouth water. What more could you want?
Website: www.journeymancafe.com.au
Dietary Options: Gluten-Free Options, Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options
Windsor Delicatessens
Welcome to the home of excellent coffee, great food, and delicious cookies. Specialising in sandwiches and other baked goods, you’ll want to try everything on the menu. Look out for their gluten-free options, as well as their hearty lunches and other mouth-watering meals. With a menu this good, no wonder it’s known as Windsor resident’s second home!
Website: www.windsordeli.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Tusk
Put a modern twist on Australian cuisine at Tusk. Located on the lively Chapel Street, this is the perfect spot to sit back and watch the world go by, all while devouring something delicious. Whether you’d prefer to have a coffee or a full-blown meal, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this charming café.
Website: www.facebook.com/TuskCafe/
Dietary Options: Gluten-Free Options, Vegetarian-Friendly
One Thirty Two
Grab one of the best coffees in Windsor at One Thirty Two. With friendly staff and scrumptious food, this café may just become your go-to place. Choose from their famous buttermilk pancakes to the top-notch lattés, as this is one spot that you simply can’t miss.
Website: www.facebook.com/onethirtytwochapelstreet
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Coffee Shops South Yarra
Two Birds One Stone
Step into this sleek and stylish coffee shop and feel instantly at home. Two Birds One Stone offers an array of imaginative food, surrounded by an oh-so-cool interior and fantastic service. With bright lights, white subway tiles and a myriad of Insta-worthy pancakes you won’t find another café like this for a long time.
Website: www.twobirdsonestonecafe.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Kanteen
Enjoy Turkish pizza and a stunning riverside view at the Kanteen. With a laid-back vibe and delectable dishes, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon at this spot. Grab a seat outside and enjoy their popular smoothies, all-day breakfast, and of course, their fantastic coffee. Once you enter this café, you’ll never want to leave!
Website: www.kanteen.net
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Tom Dick & Harry Café
With healthy and delicious Italian food on offer, how could you say no? Choose from their delicious smashed avo or delightful pork belly, and you’ll want to come back again and again. Don’t be afraid to get your phone out and snap some pictures of your dishes – they’re worth sharing on Instagram!
Website: www.facebook.com/tomdickharrycafe
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Café Gaia
For those who aren’t afraid of a little alcohol with their brunch, Café Gaia is for you. Complete with tasty and locally sourced produce, you can enjoy an all-day breakfast with a Bloody Mary on the side. Whether you’re just swinging by to grab a delicious coffee or you’re aching for a catch-up with some friends, this is the perfect spot for you!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/cafegaiaau
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Lucky Penny
Eat the tastiest food Chapel Street has to offer at Lucky Penny Café. Located in a bright and open space, this coffee shop is sure to knock your socks off. Get enticed by their rustic and Scandinavian vibe, and fall in love with their meals such as smokey bacon and other delicious comfort food, not to mention the excellent espresso. Once you stumble across this spot, you’ll make it your go-to choice!
Website: http://luckypenny.cafe
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops Richmond
Top Paddock
It’s a café you can’t walk past. Top Paddock offers a unique take on the Melbourne brunch, inviting you to stay a while and enjoy their delicious dishes. From pork belly to chilli scrambled eggs, you can enjoy the most satisfying meals all day, seven days a week. Whether you’re catching up with some friends or you’re having a day to yourself, this is the spot to do it.
Website: www.toppaddockcafe.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Denis the Menice
Playful and sustainable, Denis the Menace is a fantastic place to have a coffee and some delicious food. It’s one of Melbourne’s hottest brunch destinations, and with good reason. With dishes such as the cheeky Wagyu burgers or healthier Melon Melange, you’d be hard-pressed finding a café like this. Whether you’re feeling a little naughty or you’re just in need of proper feed, this is the spot for you!
Website: www.denisthemenace.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options
Saint Thomas Coffee and Kitchen
Take a break and enjoy a proper meal at Saint Thomas Coffee and Kitchen. From healthy cuisine to something a little hearty, everyone can find a dish that will tickle their fancy. Wette your appetite with their delicious DC coffee and satisfy your cravings with a pork belly benedict, mixed mushrooms and other tasty treats.
Website: www.saintthomas.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Black Gold
Move over rustic; Black Gold café is a little bit luxe. With recipes from all over the world, this is a coffee shop for those who are infected with the travel bug and wish to eat delicacies from around the globe. Enjoy the award-winning coffee and Instagram-worthy dishes in this secret spot that deserves a visit.
Website: www.blackgoldest2016.com
Dietary Options: Gluten-Free Options, Vegetarian-Friendly
Pillar of Salt
Are you ready for some eclectic dishes and mouth-watering food? Well, Pillar of Salt is the destination for you. With exposed brick walls, a Canadian plywood communal table and colander light fittings, this is so much more than a café; it’s perfection. Watch as your delicious dishes are presented beautifully and enjoy them to the last spoonful. Once you’ve encountered this coffee shop, you’ll never look back.
Website: www.pillarofsalt.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops Prahran
Fourth Chapter
Fourth Chapter is as Melbourne as you can get. From the brunch classics such as smashed avo and big breakfast to delicious French toast and mango matcha bowls, this is the perfect spot for an afternoon with your friends. Step through the large white door and enter a world of beautiful plant life and an airy atmosphere and enjoy tasty dishes. What else could you possibly want?
Website: www.fourthchapter.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegan Options
Abacus
What do you get when you combine fresh food, a stunning location, and delicious espresso? Abacus Café. This Prahran coffee shop offers locally sourced dishes and tempting brunch favourites. Abacus sets the bar pretty high for other Melbourne destinations. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or you’d prefer to try their homemade honeycomb, you’ve come to the right place!
Website: www.abacusbar.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Oscar Cooper
Putting a subtle twist on modern Australian cuisine, Oscar Cooper has changed the game for brunch-goers. The earthy decor and Greville Street location are the perfect addition to this cafe, with delicious menu options that are made for even the pickiest of tastebuds. So sit back, enjoy a fantastic coffee (or an espresso martini), and watch the world go by without a care.
Website: www.oscarcooper.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Tall Timber
Enjoy a thoroughly tasty coffee and a healthy treat at Tall Timber Eatery. Located on Commercial Road, this café offers mouth-watering pumpkin bruschetta and the famous Timber Benedict. The meals are so tantalising it’s impossible to pass them up!
Website: www.talltimbercafe.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Hobba
Put a contemporary twist on your favourite dishes at Hobba. Situated in a converted warehouse this unassuming café is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or satisfying lunch. So bring your pet, have Hobba’s famous wolfpack burger and enjoy your afternoon – it’ll be one of your new favourite places to go.
Website: www.hobba.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops Melbourne CBD
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Take a quick caffeine break and watch the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD at Patricia Coffee Brewers. It is made for serious coffee lovers, and although there are only a few pastries on offer, you’ll want to stay for another latté or two. It is a busy and lively place to grab your daily brew, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
Website: www.patriciacoffee.com.au
Industry Beans
Bring out your camera and get ready to take some snaps at Industry Beans. This Insta-worthy cafe is not only a beautiful spot to visit, but it’s also one of Melbourne’s best places to brunch. From something light to a hearty meal, this is an absolute favourite for many locals, and it isn’t hard to see why. But don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself!
Website: www.industrybeans.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Dukes Coffee
Swing by Dukes and have a cup of espresso like no other. This small but powerful café is one of Melbourne’s best. As one of the city’s busiest shops, they also pledge to be one of the most environmentally friendly. With every coffee subscription purchased, Dukes Coffee will plant a tree. So stop by, grab a delicious brew and help save the planet. It’s a win-win!
Website: www.dukescoffee.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Market Lane
There’s nothing quite like a Market Lane espresso. This café loves making coffee for the city that loves to drink it, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked too. With a strong focus on the beans, we’re not sure you’d find a cup as good as this. You can even take a bag home for you to brew in your favourite mug!
Website: www.marketlane.com.au
Everyday Midtown
Melbourne’s CBD is the perfect spot to grab a quick coffee, and Everyday Midtown is no exception. Filled with natural light and a polished concrete bar, this is a place you can’t miss. Enjoy their cookies and banana bread, which are baked in-house, as well as their array of aromatic and delicious espressos on offer.
Website: www.everyday-coffee.com
Dietary Options: Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops South Melbourne
The Crux & Co
Life’s all about balance, and that’s the ethos behind The Crux & Co. Blending sweet pastries with a Korean savoury edge this café takes brunch to a whole new level. Get comfy on their soft couches and surround yourself with delicious food and good coffee. The patisserie creates their delicacies on-site, and don’t forget to try their famous “crogle” (a croissant and bagel hybrid). This South Melbourne café is one you can’t miss!
Website: www.thecruxandco.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
The Kettle Black
If you’re looking for a place that serves brunch unlike anywhere else, then the Kettle Black is the spot for you. With a relaxed vibe and an effortless appeal, this café has been set apart from the others and offers the customer an experience they’ll never forget. Whether you prefer their house-infused yoghurt or you’re simply after their custom-blend coffee, you definitely won’t be disappointed when you walk through their doors!
Website: www.thekettleblack.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Padre Coffee
Think you know coffee? Think again. Padre Coffee is a spot that’s sure to blow you away. Enjoy an in-house brew of aromatic and Melbourne-esque beans, and you’re sure to be hooked. There’s a neverending supply of mouth-watering espresso at this café, as well as a selection of freshly baked goods. Lined with black, grey, and white subway tiles and filled with the pleasing scent of freshly ground beans, you won’t be able to resist!
Website: www.padrecoffee.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly
Wynyard
Take a walk down the dead-end Wynyard Street, and you’ll find one of South Melbourne’s most talked about cafés. Its whitewashed walls, polished concrete floors, and plywood tables give an instant minimalist aesthetic, but their food and coffee are anything but simple. They offer an espresso that’s strong but smooth, and their Japanese-infused brunch options are anything but ordinary. Once you swing by this destination, you’ll see why it’s the talk of the town.
Website: www.wynyardcafe.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops Armadale
Mammoth
Located in a triangular building on the corner of Malvern Road and Beatty Avenue is one of the best cafés in Armadale. Find yourself immersed in the unique and delightful menu, with items like Golden Gaytime pannacotta and a lobster doughnut burger on offer. The airy space is fitted out with blue steel and terrazzo tiled floors, leather stools, and oak surfaces. It is a tranquil and calm space to enjoy your brunch in, and once you’ve arrived, you’ll never want to leave!
Website: www.eatmammoth.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
High Society
Take Insta-worthy food and drinks to a whole new level at High Society. As their name suggests, this is the spot for coffee and mouth-watering food, sprinkled with a bit of extra pizzazz. Offering red velvet, blue mermaid, and black nougat lattés, you’d be hard-pressed finding a café with this much flavour. Take a step inside and marvel at their bronze light fittings, warm white walls, and dark wood finishings. You’ll feel like $1 million as soon as you take your seat in this Armadale favourite.
Website: www.facebook.com/highsocietycafe
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Torpe Café
On the surface, Torpe appears to be just another Insta-worthy café that is begging for a snap, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. This eclectic space is filled with Melbourne delights and colourful food with a delicious twist. For those who can’t resist a photo opportunity, head to the Pink Room, where you can find vibrant fuschia walls and marble tables. The bright shades are sprinkled into their menu, too. Immerse yourself in their worldly dishes, with locally sourced produce and aromatic coffee in every cup. This quiet spot is the best option for a brunch date, so drop by and see what the fuss is about!
Website: www.torpe.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Coin Laundry Café
Get your spare change out and head to Coin Laundry. Enter the green and white-clad destination with an exposed brick wall and some delicious food to boot. Enjoy their freshly baked bread and aromatic Allpress coffee – no café is complete without a tasty brew. Whether you head there for a latté or something a little bit filling, you won’t be able to think about anything else!
Website: www.coinlaundrycafe.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Spoonful
Feel like having a home-cooked meal in the middle of Armadale? Well, look no further than Spoonful. Sit back on the snug couches and feel the embrace of the warm and inviting surroundings. Combining rustic charm with an evident love for food, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer. Every day is different here, depending on what fresh ingredients they have in store. Pop next door to Teaspoon and take some of their delicious meals home to enjoy. It is a café unlike any other, so why not give it a shot?
Website: www.spoonful.net.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
Coffee Shops Fitzroy
Sir Charles
Feel like a part of history by visiting Sir Charles Café. Named after the British military leader, Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, this spacious and open plan coffee shop is the perfect spot to drop by and enjoy a delicious meal. With Asian-inspired dishes and a hearty brew to boot, it’s little wonder why this is considered one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.
Website: www.sircharlesfitzroy.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Gabriel
Take a step back in time and head to Gabriel, a ’50s inspired café with a contemporary edge. With emerald-green walls, terrazzo tiles, and a rusted salmon finish, this is a warm and retro-feeling spot that’s the perfect location for brunch. Devour a European breakfast, aromatic coffee, and even some delicious cocktails, and you’ll want to stay there all day!
Website: www.gabrielfitzroy.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-friendly
Alimentari
Enjoy a light snack or stay for lunch at this Meditteranean and Middle Eastern café. The traditional deli offers an array of fresh and delicious sandwiches, cakes, and sweets, as well as fantastic coffee. Stop by and grab something on your way home or have a seat and watch the world of Fitzroy go by. You won’t want to leave this cute little spot, and we know why!
Website: www.alimentari.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Breakfast Thieves
Experience a wide range of cuisines at Breakfast Thieves. If you’re hoping to find an Australian café with a subtle but tempting Asian edge, then you’ve found the perfect spot. Combining a classic Melbourne aesthetic with a modern twist, you may not feel like you’re in the middle of the bustling suburb, but you’ll feel like you’re at home. Enjoy their famous Uncle Foo’s fiery crab burger or their tantalising coffee, and you’ll be hooked!
Website: www.breakfastthieves.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Grub Fitzroy
Re-evaluate your thoughts on a classic Melbourne café and take a look at Grub Fitzroy. It is an eclectic, fun-loving, and welcoming space for lovers of good food, excellent service, and, of course, great coffee. Grass, gnomes, and colourful cushions surround the area so you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a secret garden filled with delicious dishes.
Website: https://www.grubfitzroy.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Coffee Shops St Kilda
Sister of Soul
A must-try for all vegans, vegetarians, and everyone in between, Sister of Soul is one of St Kilda’s best spots. From their vegan alternatives such as caramel and apple pancakes, or their Not-tella crumpets with banana and hazelnut gelato, you’ll have a hard time trying to choose what you want. Not only does this café serve mouth-watering dishes, but they also help take care of the community. It is a place that is a must-have for every food lover’s lists – it’s a favourite for a reason!
Website: www.sisterofsoul.com.au
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Matcha Mylkbar
Have you seen green bun burgers pop up everywhere on your Instagram? Well, this is the spot to find them. Matcha Mylkbar is one of St Kilda’s most famous vegan and plant-based cafés. They offer eye-catching treats such as mushroom lattes, vegan eggs, and other deliciously healthy dishes. The open and airy space is complemented by plantlife hanging from the ceiling and brick-tiled floors. If you’re looking for the perfect marriage between healthy and stylish food, this is the place for you!
Website: www.matchamylkbar.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
The Galleon
Despite its small exterior, this St Kilda café has been one of the local’s favourites for many years. With mismatched décor, a friendly vibe and delicious coffee, this is a spot that instantly welcomes you and makes you feel at home. Take a bite out of their classic burger or opt for some yummy breakfast, which is available all day. This ’80s classic isn’t going anywhere any time soon, and once you check it out, you’ll know why.
Website: www.restaurantsnapshot.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Options
The St Kilda Dispensary
What do you get when you combine a ’40s clinic with a contemporary coffee shop? You get The St Kilda Dispensary. This hospital-themed café is one-of-a-kind and is worth a visit. You’ll find medical paraphernalia everywhere you look, alongside the surgery-green walls and sugar-filled beakers. Not only is the brew and food delicious, but the prices are below $12.50. How much better could you get? Once you visit this spot, you’ll want to go to this doctor every week!
Website: www.facebook.com/TheStKildaDispensary
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly
Monk Bodhi Dharma
Fill up on some of the yummiest food without the guilt at Monk Bodhi Dharma. This café is entirely vegetarian and offers some of the yummiest treats. Aside from their exposed brick and old-timey appeal, they also provide a cup of delicious speciality coffee, making it one of the best spots in the area. So, what are you waiting for?
Website: wwww.monkbodhidharma.com
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
FAQs
Where can I find the best coffee shop in Melbourne?
There are so many great coffee shops in Melbourne; it’s hard to call one single venue the best. Many great coffee shops are concentrated in the CBD and inner south suburbs, such as South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, and St Kilda. Check out places like Journeyman, Two Birds One Stone, Top Paddock, Fourth Chapter, Patricia Coffee Brewers, and The Crux & Co.
What is the best coffee brands in Australia?
Some of the best coffee brands in Australia include Lavazza, Merlo, Pablo & Rusty, Coffee Alchemy, and Sensory Lab. A lot of local cafes also roast their own coffee, resulting in a unique and quality offering.
Is Melbourne known for coffee?
Melbourne is definitely known around the world for its excellent coffee. That’s thanks to having innovative and skilled roasters and baristas, plus a unique and enticing cafe scene that also brings amazing food to accompany the brilliant coffee.
What makes a good coffee?
The perfect cup of coffee has a good balance between acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, with a smooth finish. It’s also a combination of good beans, roasting, and brewing – expert knowledge and experience at each stage contributes to the final drop. Of course, each person’s palate is different, so the flavors you prefer in your coffee will differ. Some like fruity African styles; others prefer the more nutty flavors that come from Central American beans.
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