Melbourne is the world's coffee capital, with its highest amount of cafes per-capita. So, it's no wonder the best cafes in Melbourne are some of the finest on earth.
Everyday, customers pour into the best cafes in Melbourne, either buying their very important morning coffee, or stopping by for a hearty breakfast. Come midday, you’ll find uni students set up with lunch and a laptop while pensioners catch up over scones and tea. No matter who you are or where you come from, Melburnians have integrated cafe culture into their lifestyle.
It’s a culture that runs far deeper than a bougie Instagram pastime. Our cafes have been a crucial part of the development of our multicultural society. Our city has quite literally been built around them, so understandably, choosing where to go can be a little daunting. So, for your convenience, we’ve compiled a mega-list of the best cafes in Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs.
If you’re after something specific, check out our lists of Melbourne’s best dog-friendly cafes, hidden cafes, record store cafes, or florist cafes as well.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The best cafes in Melbourne’s CBD
Operator Diner
Open till early afternoon each day, Operator Diner is a newer spot that has come to life from the team behind Operator25. Operator Diner will sling all day breakfast, high quality coffee and tasty sandwiches for that lunch rush, is there anything else you need? Operator Diners’ their highlighted meals include French toast, pancakes, bacon and egg muffins, pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and plenty more.
Kudo
Placed in the upper class space of Little Collins St, Kudo is a brand new café with a bakery slant. There’s all the popular stuff like cakes and baguettes, plus hot drinks too, so you can enjoy a lazy afternoon. It’s also an easy spot to pop into for lunch, with delicious toasties on offer. More information and a full menu for Kudo can be found here.
Dame
If a fancy breakfast is what you’re after, look no further than Dame. This resplendent café looks at breakfast in an original way, their menu full of interesting items. One of the highlights being the Dame Breakfast set – sourdough complete with Bloody Mary flavoured tomatoes. Is your mouth watering too?
Manchester Press
If you’re heading city way, hit up Manchester Press. The venue is best known for their tasty bagels which sell incredibly quickly each day. The pickled pork with applesauce and herbs, the chorizo and olive with olive tapenade, feta and cherry tomatoes are all great. If you’re after something meat-free, go for the avocado and feta smash (an ever-assured-enjoyment) with lemon, chilli, and confit tomatoes. Rankins Lane is a gorgeous part of Melbourne.
Hardware Societe
Breakfast and brunch are always two of the hardest meals to make at home, so why not have it out? Hardware Societe specialises in meals, producing scrambled eggs, brioche, and plenty more.
Krimper
Hidden among the shrubs and trees in Melbourne’s most beautiful alleyway, Krimper cafe has become one of Melbourne’s most adored spots for a weekend brunch outing. “Strictly no admittance – all enquiries at office 2nd floor”. The message emblazoned on Krimper’s entry door is both disconcerting and thrilling at the same time. Are we not allowed to enter or is this just an obsolete message of a time gone by? A quick push of the door and all our queries are answered. We are greeted by rustic old sawmill brick walls and an art deco dining area. The Krimper burger is massive and you can buy beers too.
Brother Baba Budan
The iconic café opened in 2003 and is named after the world’s first coffee smuggler. As an added bonus, BBB uses some of the best coffee in Australia, roasted by Melbourne’s own famous coffee smuggler, Mark Dundon (Seven Seeds).
The best cafes in Fitzroy
Standing Room Coffee
There’s no question that when it comes to coffee, Melbourne knows how to do it best. Our city is home to many of the most well-regarded award-winning coffee makers, and with the new Standing Room Coffee opening, there’s one more contender that’s been added to the list. They’ve got all the trimmings, laid back atmosphere, there’s no reason you shouldn’t head hear for a visit.
Nonna’s House
Found in Fitzroy North, Nonna’s House is a new takeaway café providing patrons with mouth-watering Italian subs. The top subs feature mushrooms, meatballs, chickpea fritters, eggplant, and much more. On top of that, of course you can add in fries, even loaded versions featuring Carbonara or Bolognese.
Moon Cruller
They might be a bit more popular in the US, but there’s a massive gap in the market for these decadent sweet treats on home soil. For an easy $5.50, you can grab one of their great flavours, to name a few, passionfruit, raspberry, vanilla, or even a cappuccino flavour. Check out more info on Moon Cruller here.
Mile End bagels
What makes Mile End Bagels one of the best cafes in Melbourne? Well, it’s pretty simple. First off, they’ve got one of the best bagels in town and also is quite spacious, meaning there’s no laptop clashing going on. Try onr of their classic hits such as the brisket pastrami with plain crème cheese, pickles and hot ‘n’ seed mustard on a rye bagel. Or, the smoked beef with chive crème cheese, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and horseradish mustard on the everything bagel. Paired with a strong black coffee, it’s a very enjoyable spot to get work done.
The best cafes in Brunswick
Small Axe Kitchen
It’s not too often you get a café inspired by Italy; Small Axe Kitchen is a one of a kind café. Home to menu items like the famous Breakfast Pizza, Sicilian donuts and chickpea panelle, there’s almost no reason for lunch and dinner. They do some pretty gnarly cocktails too, so be sure to stick around later into the day if you’re feeling up to it.
A1 Bakery
A1 Bakery has now become a must-visit for anyone visiting the northern suburbs, with its delicious offering of Lebanese cuisine reflecting the thriving culture of Melbourne’s north. Drop by to try some delicious cheese pie!
Project281
Project 281 brings a collection of tasty café meals to the people, there’s a bit of everything on offer, things like a peach and coconut pudding, steak sandwich, chicken and waffles, and even a crab and prawn okonomiyaki. Of course they’ve got all the Melbourne coffee favourites on offer too, you can grab pour over and cold brew here.
A Minor Place
A Minor Place is situated in an innocuous wood-accented 50s’ style cottage in Brunswick East. The big breakfast is mastered to perfection – it’s sure to leave your belly full and your taste buds satisfied. They also do a brilliant smashed avocado on toast. Hidden behind the northern stretches of Lygon Street, there’s nothing minor about A Minor Place apart from its stature. An affable affogato awaits.
The best cafes in Northcote
Holy Sugar
If you’re more of a sweet tooth when it comes to cafés, Holy Sugar is the spot for you. There’s all the tasty sugar filled treats available – meringues, cakes, tarts, and much more. Holy Sugar’s mastery of meticulously crafted sweet treats puts it on the map as one of the best cafes in Melbourne for dessert options.
Tinker
Northcote’s popular brunch hotspot, Tinker, will gratify your sight and taste. First opened in 2016, Tinker is run by a couple of self-described mischievous dreamers, and is now the cream of Melbourne’s café crop. The dishes at Tinker are almost too aesthetically pleasing to actually eat; if only they weren’t so delicious with perfect execution and delectable flavour combinations.
The best cafes in Carlton
Flovie
A freshly born café and florist has opened in Carlton, bringing an Asian-fusion menu and copious blooms to the tree-lined Queensberry Street. Dubbed Flovie, this dual space is a unique amalgamation of fare, coffee and flowers.
A leaf-shrouded, lilac, Victorian facade lends to the aesthetic hallmarks of Notting Hill, combining contemporary design with antique adornments. Set to be a neighbourhood favourite, the new venture balances its co-owners’ respective passions – one, a floral aficionado, and the other, a talented barista.
The best cafes in Collingwood
Into Coffee
There’s no question why this café takes the top spot in Collingwood, and thus one of the best cafes in Melbourne. Into Coffee is a must-visit spot when it comes to your cup of joe needs. Into Coffee is a zero-waste café, so there’s no shame in splurging during a visit here. They’ve got Industry Bean coffee, Toasted Sandwiches, and pastries delivered fresh each and every day.
Terror Twilight
Don’t let the name a fool you, a visit here is anything but a terror, there’s all the café favourites available, with interesting twists, stuff like anchovy toast, spiced Greek yoghurt, and spicy green eggs. There’s even merch available, if you feel like repping Terror Twilight around the town.
Plug Nickel
If you consider yourself somewhat of a coffee connoisseur, look no further than Plug Nickel. There’s interesting types of coffee on offer here regularly, including the Cascara, a bean with a distinct cherry taste.
South of Johnston
This location has been around since 2012, and has continued to be a staple of café life in Collingwood. It’s also got a beautiful interior, making it one of the best cafes in Melbourne for all those freelance café workers can be found nestled inside cafes.
Proud Mary
Very rarely is the coffee menu of a spot over two pages, but Proud Mary is unlike many other cafes out there. There’s many interesting selections available, including the Pacamara, the Heirloom, and the Geisha, check out more descriptions on the high quality coffees offered by Proud Mary here.
ACoffee
Acoffee is unlike many others out there, the minimalistic interior and laid back design is like you’re walking into a display home in an upper class suburb. While you’re here, enjoy delicious morning drinks. The uniqueness of this place makes it easily one of the best cafes in Melbourne.
Oxford Larder
If you’re looking for a spot perfect for the family to grab a morning bite, look no further than the Oxford Larder, a spot full of mouthwatering meals, tasty drinks, and chill vibes. A selection of the highlighted meals include porridge, breakfast wraps, museli, and plenty more.
Allpress Espresso Roastery and Coffee
It’s always hard to stick out from the pack when it comes to café life in Melbourne, but Allpress Espresso manages to do that, with interesting additions to their café. If you’re keen to dive into the world behind Allpress, they offer Barista Training, Technical Workshops, and Roastery Tours, more information can be found here.
Two Birds
Two Birds has all the favourites when it comes to cafes – items like toast, porridge, eggs benedict, and plenty more that you can check out here. It’s a simple place but it’s also one of the best cafes in Melbourne, no doubt about it.
The best cafes in Melbourne’s west
Convoy
This massive café has enough space for 75 people, perfect for a brunch catchup with all of your friends. The presentation game at this joint is absolutely phenomenal too, making the food taste even better and more expensive (somehow). You can grab all your favourite classics, like pancakes, eggs, and much more.
The best cafes in Richmond and beyond
Hugo’s Deli
Located in the heart of the Richmond, Hugo’s Deli is an ideal spot for a lunch break hang. With Deli sandwiches surging in popularity, Hugo’s is absolutely killing the game. There’s all the café favourites – English muffins, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, and much more.
Warkop Coffee + Sandwiches
Richmond’s Warkop has a pretty limited menu, but that’s always a great sign, you know that they are experts in it. What makes Warkop great is that they specialise in Indonesian cuisine, making this venue the perfect place to visit if you are finding the typical modern Australian cuisine a bore (which to be honest, can get boring pretty quickly!). Some of the highlights are eggplant sandwiches and black coffees, among some other stuff you can check out here.
Touchwood
Touchwood may be a veteran of the brunch game, but there is a reason people still talk about it. The spacious café offer something for the ‘clean eater’ and plenty of options for those who prefer to indulge (#bulking). Anywhere that can nail a ‘California Superfood Salad’ and a Double Cheeseburger before midday is a place you should visit. The Bridge road treasure has plenty of tables so if you’re not in a 20 minute-wait-mood, Touchwood is a good option.
Square and Compass
A happy medium between East Melbourne sophistication and new age trendy Melbourne café Square and Compass offer delicious food in a cosy nook of a hospital dominated area. Bridging the gap between old and new with smoothies, broccolini bowls and old favourites such as their daily house made tart. If you’re feeling bold on your next visit, try their signature crunchy peanut butter and cherry tomato dish. Sources say it’s delicious.
The best cafes in Melbourne’s south
Lawson Grove Shop
Take a peek down their hidden pathways and you’ll just find discover Lawson Grove Shop, an almost treehouse-like café cosily nestled there. There are plenty of stools and tables to cosy in – where mornings turn to afternoons, and then to evenings – and as the setting sun peeks through the trees, bliss is certainly assured. Try their ‘Dippy Eggs’ of soft boiled eggs with Vegemite soldiers, or, their ‘Fly Rice’ of broccolini, kale, and cauliflower rice nestled within quinoa, mushroom and miso dressing. Add a poached egg if you feel so inclined.
Tivoli Road Bakery
South Yarra’s Tivoli Road is one of the best bakeries in town and has long been-regarded as one of the best cafes in Melbourne. You’ve probably tried their croissants without realising, as they feature at almost every cafe in Melbourne. Battles often brew between Tivoli Road and Lune Croissanterie over who bakes the best croissants around. Still, this battle remains unsolved. But croissants aside, Tivoli Road bake the softest, fluffiest and chewiest bread around – it’s almost applaud-worthy.
Kanteen
Perched over a bend in the Yarra, the riverside Kanteen cafe is a hybrid between indoor and outdoor dining. They’ll serve up a water bowl for dogs, while you can go for a rye melt or musli with fresh yoghurt and fruit. Covered with large sticks, it kind of looks like an oversized nest, but we promise this only adds to why it’s one of the best cafes in Melbourne. Well worth a look in when you’re after an open space with some well cooked, unfussy food.
The best cafes in Melbourne’s south east
Left Field
The people who gifted Melbourne with Tall Timber and Rustica Canteen have again struck gold with this Middle Eastern accented brunch spot. You probably never had a reason to visit Carnegie, until now. The dishes are not only aesthetically pleasing, as flavourful as they are Instagram-able we suggest you run don’t walk. The Smashed Pea Bruschetta with prosciutto, pesto, zucchini ribbons, goats cheese, all topped off with a poached egg is truly a brunch made in heaven.
Flower Girls & Co
The next time you find yourself Mornington Peninsula bound, it’s worth pulling up a street-side chair at Flower Girls & Co. Immersed in an atmospheric trance of buzzing conversation and wafting croque monsieurs, you’ll imbibe coffee while watching unique floral arrangements come to life.
There’s hand-crafted cakes, flaky pastries and a rotating magazine rack. You can even let the Flower Girls & Co crew conjure up a unique gift-package for your special someone, with white hat boxes and luxe ceramic vases housing expertly zhuzh’ed flowers.
Owners Danni and Michael have over sixty years of experience behind them, lending their talents to a large scope of wedding and events styling in conjunction with this bricks and mortar icon, making it one of the best cafes in Melbourne.
Stay up to date with Melbourne’s latest cafe openings here.
