Melbourne has some seriously great cafés, so much so that it’s almost hard to choose where you should spend your Sunday brunch. From little roasters in the ‘burbs to spots along Chapel Street for an iconic Melbourne vibe – there are a ton of choices when it comes to great coffee and food! I’ve compiled all my top café picks for this year into this handy blog post – I can guarantee that sipping on one of these cuppas will have you banishing those morning blues right away.
If you’re in a hurry, I’ve put together this quick breakdown which will easily guide you to just what you may be looking for in a Melbourne café. Let’s get that caffeine in you!
Best in the CBD – Higher Ground
Best lunch menu – Top Paddock
Best for cool ambience – Monk Bodhi Dharma
Best cafe for smashed avo – Proud Mary
Best for sweet treats – Lune Croissanterie
Best for a vegan menu – Monk Bodhi Dharma
My personal favourite – St. Ali Coffee Roasters
Exploring the best cafés in Melbourne is a great way to start any morning! Caffine-lovers will be delighted by what’s on offer in Australia’s coffee capital, ranging from iconic institutions to tiny, tucked away coffee roaster spots. I’ve put together a list of 27 amazing cafés in Melbourne – perfect for early birds, late risers and all those in between.
Whether you’re just stopping by or calling Australia home, each one of these brew houses has something special to offer every time. With great food on the menu and expertly crafted coffee, they provide a real taste of the local scene – so why not visit one today?!
Get ready to experience some of Melbourne’s cool cafe vibes with Higher Ground! This chic spot from the masters behind Top Paddock and The Kettle Black is serving up drool-worthy dishes with it’s all day menu. Located in the heart of the CBD, this huge high-ceilinged restaurant invites you for brunch or lunch time dining in style.
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
For the gram: highergroundmelbourne
Melbourne’s foodie scene has been elevated with Industry Beans! This cool cafe is a must-visit for its stunning seasonal brunch menu, which includes scrumptious, drool-worthy delights (see below for my top recommendations!). Plus the aromatic brews from their boutique roaster will hit those morning pick me up spots every time you visit!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 345 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: industrybeans
Dukes is one of the best coffee experiences out there. They take caffeine seriously and their coffee laboratory is proof of that – Dukes’ mission is to bring forth an amazing experience for coffee enthusiasts. From perfectly roasted specialty blends to different types of brewing methods, Dukes has become a trusted name among caffeine lovers in Melbourne. Everything from the passionate baristas who create delicious lattes to the quirky cafe decor makes this coffee shop experience unique.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 247 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: dukes_coffee
If you’re looking for an exceptional cafe experience in Melbourne, you’ll want to check out Otherside. Located near the banks of the Yarra River, this city staple serves up freshly-roasts from a range of local suppliers, giving you the best possible brew each and every time. Add to that some mouthwatering sweet treats and breakfast items – from homemade pastries to quiches and avocado bagels – and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable morning pitstop.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: Shop 3/188 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Stop by Axil Coffee Roasters for a unique brunch experience! Their cool and contemporary warehouse-like venue has an extensive menu plus hand-sourced espresso made from single origins bean. But that’s not all – you can also watch their expert roasting skills in action while you dine.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: Bourke St. – but also multiple locations in the city
For the gram: axilcoffeeroasters
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to kick-back and enjoy a truly unique cuppa, then Maker is the perfect place to be. With a hip, artsy atmosphere reminiscent of the city itself, the cafe has earned steady praise among locals and tourists alike. From its simple yet refined menu to its quality service, Maker provides a warm and inviting experience where you’ll get more than just your caffeine fix.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 387 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: makercoffeemelbourne
This local café takes pride in sourcing their beans from around the world, bringing a unique twist to the classic Australian flat white and latte. Whether you come for a brew, the pastries, or just to chill and get some work done, this café is set apart by attention to detail: their staff are barista-certified so your drinks will always turn out great and they’re often running latte art competitions and interactive events.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 8 Exploration Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: leagueofhonestcoffee
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Little Rough cafe is an absolute must-visit for foodies! The café has a unique rustic charm – from their warm colours to re-purposed furniture, this place is certainly not your average spot. They serve up delicious coffee, tea and light meals every day, all of which are freshly made in-house. If you’re looking for something special though, go ahead and try their famous homemade maple thyme hotcake – the perfect brunch option!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 12 Drewery Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: littleroguecoffee
Lune Croissanterie is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone who loves pastries! Known for their delightful creations and innovative flavours, this charming bakery has been part of the local cafe circuit since 2009 and built a reputation for having the best croissants, some day, in the world! Daily queues for a croissant seem to go down the road! But don’t just take my word for it – it’s something you will have to decide for yourself!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address:Shop 16/161 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
For the gram: lunecroissant
With its rustic-chic décor and welcoming vibe, Tall Timber the perfect place to grab brunch in South Yarra. They live up to their motto of “Good food. Good coffee. Good people.” with a menu filled of delicious crowd pleasers – !
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 60 Commercial Rd, Prahran
For the gram: tall_timber
Fourth Chapter’s all-day breakfast makes for the perfect brunch spot. With savoury sweet potato nachos to Golden Gaytime waffles and soy-glazed barramundi, there is a meal perfect for you to choose. But it isn’t only their diverse menu that will have you coming back – the cafe is bright and breezy with hanging plants surrounding the tables – such a vibe.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 385 High St, Prahran
For the gram: fourth_chapter
Oscar Cooper serves up more than just good food and hot brews – they care about the local community too! Every dish you order helps support farmers, producers, and suppliers nearby. Plus, this café isn’t just a great place to eat, they also offer catering for events – so keep this one in your back pocket!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 160 Greville St, Prahran
For the gram: oscarcoopermelb
At Two Birds One Stone, you’re sure to be swept away in an atmosphere of sophisticated homeliness! The whitewashed walls, cosy booths and quirky custom lighting help set the stage for a delicious dining experience in South Yarra. This cafe works for breakfast, brunch or lunch. If it was open in the evenings, I would suggest it for dinner too!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 12 Claremont St, South Yarra
For the gram: twobirdsonestonecafe
If the usual Sunday brunch has lost its sparkle, head to The Kettle Black in South Melbourne for a totally transformed dining experience! Set inside an elegant white terrace house, this restaurant offers gourmet options that don’t compromise on flavour – think scrambled eggs with dreamy kangaroo cured right in-house and velvety polenta porridge topped off with burnt maple. Time to take your Sundays up a notch!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne
For the gram: kettleblackcafe
St Ali roastery in Melbourne has been a staple of the city’s coffee scene since 2009. Specialising in ethically sourced Arabica beans, their baristas are truly masters of the craft. As someone who loves exploring Melbourne’s vibrant café culture, I have to say that St Ali is my absolute favourite. From flavourful brews and delicious food, these folks know how to make a memorable experience for all of their loyal customers. Plus, they back it up with excellent customer service! If you ever find yourself in Melbourne and want an amazing cup of java, definitely swing by St Ali and check out the menu.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205
For the gram: st_ali
Using ethically sourced beans from around the world and roasting them in-house, this independent roaster bring out the unique flavours of each bean with their specialised methods. Organic and specialty grade coffee beans and recipe-controlled extraction has resulted in some of the best cups of coffee you can find. From single origin coffees to milk-based drinks, it’s no wonder Padre Coffee Melbourne has become a destination for coffee connoisseurs across the country. You can find Padre Coffee while you shop in South Melbourne Market, down a market lane.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: South Melbourne Market, 33/322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
For the gram: padrecoffee
With its blend of old world charm and contemporary flair, this is the perfect spot for enjoying your favourite cup of joe. Open early to catch the morning rush, Clement offers freshly roasted coffee that always delivers a smooth but flavourful hit. All of the beans used are hand-picked from farms around the continent and then sourced locally to ensure a high quality cup every time. The cafe also has an amazing variety of pastries, cakes and dessert, so everyone can find something to eat to satisfy their sweet tooth.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: Unit 89, South Melbourne Market, Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
For the gram: clementcoffee
Galleon Cafe is a beloved spot among locals in St Kilda. Here you can unwind and tuck into tasty eats while taking in the charming decor of retro furniture, mismatched vintage pieces, and classic compact booths – all creating a wonderfully cosy atmosphere! This is a great café for brunch, with all your breakfast food favourites on the menu.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 9 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
For the gram: galleoncafestkilda
Who says you can’t bring a bit of the New Zealander lifestyle to St Kilda? Certainly not Jason Chan, Kiwi owner of this retro cafe! Whether it’s the top menu or his down-to-earth attitude he infuses into every interaction, locals keep coming back to this brunch spot for more. Stop by for a meal – you’ll see what all the fuss is about!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 320 Carlisle St, Balaclava
For the gram: batchespresso
Experience a unique take on coffee and ice cream at Monk Bodhi Dharma in Balaclava. Set in the back of a charming carpark, it’s more than just your average cafe – with its inviting atmosphere, catching up with friends here can easily stretch into an all-day affair. Treat yourself to some delicious vegan treats and make it one for the books!
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: Rear, 202 Carlisle St, Balaclava
For the gram: monkbodhidharma
Stagger Lee is a Melbourne best-kept secret! Located in a 1920s warehouse, this cool Fitzroy hangout has quickly become the hottest spot to grab a beverage amongst Melbournians. The atmosphere is upbeat and always lively; the music here never disappoints, and the cafés menu will leave you satisfied.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 276 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
For the gram: staggerleesfitzroy
This cozy spot boasts hipster vibes, from it’s delicious single origin coffee to its scrumptious house-made pastries and menu items made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers markets. The food is consistently excellent, but if you’re looking for something special, treat yourself to a plate of their famous Smashed Avocado. The atmosphere at Proud Mary is relaxed and playful; people always seem friendly and chatting away—it’s no wonder the cafe has become a popular hangout amongst locals and tourists alike.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Opening Hours:
Address: 172 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066
For the gram: proudmarycoffee
23. Top Paddock
Arguably one of the most popular venues in Melbourne, this chic cafe offers stunningly presented and delicious seasonal produce perfect for any meal. The ever-changing menu is always sure to tantalise your taste buds with its full-on flavours. While the food alone is worth visiting for, the ambiance inside cannot be overlooked – from the warm colours of exposed brick walls to mismatched furniture, you can’t help but feel relaxed in its characterful features.
MY FAVOURITE DISHES:
Cafe Opening Hours:
Address: 658 Church St, Richmond
For the gram: toppaddock
So, there you have it, my list of the 27 most incredible coffee shops to visit while in Melbourne!
Whether you’re on the hunt for breakfast, brunch or lunch, these cafés have drool worthy food options and perfectly crafted coffees. The bakery at Lune served up some of the worlds finest croissants, and the eggs benedict served at Galleon cafe is simply * chefs kiss * !
If you’re looking for coffee connoisseur quality, you find it on the menu at Higher Ground. Or for fancier food, Top Paddock makes Melbourne proud.
Basically, when it comes to breakfast cafés, Melbourne has something for all of us coffee fanatics out there!
xoxo
Melissa
