Melbourne is globally known for its dynamic café culture. From laneway espresso bars to artful brunch destinations, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a tourist looking to experience Melbourne’s famous brews or a local on the hunt for your next go-to spot, the variety is endless. The best cafes in Melbourne serve more than just coffee—they offer unique atmospheres, expertly crafted menus, and unforgettable experiences.
In this guide, we explore the 10 best cafes in Melbourne that combine excellent food, quality coffee, and outstanding service. Each café has its own charm, with something special that makes it stand out in a city brimming with great options.
1. Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – A Melbourne Icon
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar is a timeless establishment in the heart of the city. Located on Bourke Street, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into Melbourne’s Italian heritage. The interior hasn’t changed much in decades, and that’s exactly what people love about it. From the red stools at the bar to the handwritten menus, everything screams tradition.
Here, you’ll find strong espresso served with confidence and charm. Pellegrini’s is known for more than just coffee—the homemade lasagna and classic Italian desserts are just as delightful. The staff treat everyone like family, making you feel right at home. For anyone looking to experience old-school Melbourne, this café is a must.
2. Industry Beans – A Coffee Experience Like No Other
Located in Fitzroy, Industry Beans is both a café and a coffee laboratory. The venue is sleek, modern, and filled with natural light—perfect for enjoying a fresh brew. Their coffee is roasted in-house, and each cup is prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
The food menu is innovative and seasonal, often featuring dishes like coffee-rubbed wagyu and beetroot-cured salmon. You can also attend one of their coffee masterclasses to deepen your knowledge. Industry Beans isn’t just one of the best cafes in Melbourne—it’s an experience that every coffee lover should have at least once.
3. St. Ali – South Melbourne’s Specialty Coffee Giant
Tucked away in South Melbourne, St. Ali is a pioneer of the third-wave coffee movement in Australia. From the outside, it might look like a simple industrial building, but inside, it’s a bustling haven for coffee enthusiasts. The baristas are highly trained, and each drink is crafted with passion.
They roast their own beans and offer a wide variety of brew methods including espresso, filter, and cold drip. Beyond coffee, the food menu features adventurous dishes like green chilli scrambled eggs and Korean-style fried chicken. St. Ali continues to push boundaries, making it a consistent feature on any list of the best cafes in Melbourne.
4. Seven Seeds – Minimalist Vibes with Maximum Flavour
Seven Seeds is a staple in Melbourne’s coffee scene, especially among university students and professionals in Carlton. Housed in a converted warehouse, it combines industrial aesthetics with warm hospitality. The café places a strong emphasis on ethically sourced beans and experimental brewing techniques.
They offer everything from batch brew to pour-over, making it ideal for both casual drinkers and coffee nerds. The food is also worth mentioning—think hearty sandwiches, fresh pastries, and nourishing bowls. Its consistency in quality and relaxed atmosphere make Seven Seeds one of the best cafes in Melbourne to spend a lazy afternoon.
5. Proud Mary – Where Brunch and Coffee Collide
Proud Mary, based in Collingwood, is more than a café—it’s a lifestyle. With its warm, lively atmosphere and extensive coffee menu, it attracts both locals and visitors in droves. They roast their beans locally and supply them to other top cafés across Australia.
The brunch menu is equally impressive, offering dishes like corn fritters, eggs benedict, and vegan-friendly options. Each meal is beautifully plated and full of flavour. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both quality coffee and a standout food menu, Proud Mary is one of the best cafes in Melbourne without a doubt.
6. Axil Coffee Roasters – Where Sustainability Meets Excellence
Axil Coffee Roasters has built a reputation for premium coffee that’s sustainably sourced. With multiple locations across Melbourne, it’s easy to see why they have such a strong following. Every cup is crafted from beans roasted in-house, sourced from farms that follow ethical practices.
Their café interiors are stylish and inviting, designed to provide a calm and enjoyable setting. While coffee is their star attraction, the food menu is also worth exploring. From gourmet toasties to seasonal salads and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. Axil offers the full café experience and deserves its spot among the best cafes in Melbourne.
7. Market Lane Coffee – A Purist’s Paradise
If you’re someone who appreciates the finer details of coffee, Market Lane Coffee is the place for you. Located near Queen Victoria Market and several other suburbs, this café focuses solely on offering high-quality single-origin coffee. The environment is minimalist, letting the coffee speak for itself.
Baristas are approachable and happy to guide you through the tasting experience. While the food menu is minimal, the simplicity enhances the overall vibe. Market Lane Coffee is not about bells and whistles—it’s about delivering perfection in every cup. For many, it’s a hidden gem among the best cafes in Melbourne.
8. Brother Baba Budan – Small Space, Big Coffee
Brother Baba Budan may be small, but it delivers some of the strongest coffee in Melbourne’s CBD. Named after the man who smuggled coffee beans from Yemen to India, the café embraces a bold personality. Its quirky interior, complete with chairs hanging from the ceiling, is instantly memorable.
Despite its size, the coffee quality is on par with the city’s best. It’s part of the Seven Seeds family, which means the beans are always top-notch. Perfect for a quick takeaway or a short sit-down, Brother Baba Budan is a legend in Melbourne’s inner city café scene.
9. The Kettle Black – Elegant and Instagrammable
The Kettle Black blends fine dining with casual coffee culture. Housed in a beautiful white Victorian terrace near South Melbourne, it’s one of the most picturesque cafés in the city. The space is luxurious yet comfortable, attracting foodies, influencers, and coffee lovers alike.
Their coffee program is handled with precision, using beans from specialty local roasters. The menu is imaginative, offering dishes like hotcakes with seasonal fruits and coconut yogurt. The Kettle Black isn’t just beautiful—it delivers quality that lives up to its reputation. It’s easily one of the best cafes in Melbourne for both its visual and culinary appeal.
10. Higher Ground – A Café That Feels Like a Hotel Lobby
Located in a converted power station in the CBD, Higher Ground offers an elevated café experience. The grand space includes towering ceilings, lush greenery, and cozy corners for both dining and working. It feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional café.
Their all-day menu features sophisticated dishes like ricotta hotcakes, roasted mushrooms, and fresh granola bowls. The coffee, naturally, is exceptional—each cup balanced and beautifully presented. Whether you’re having brunch or catching up on emails, Higher Ground offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It absolutely earns its place among the best cafes in Melbourne.
Why Melbourne’s Cafés Are Truly Exceptional
Melbourne’s café culture is rooted in passion, innovation, and community. It’s more than just grabbing a cup of coffee—it’s about enjoying a crafted experience. Many of the best cafes in Melbourne roast their own beans, use local produce, and pay attention to the tiniest details. That dedication creates a city where every café visit feels like something special.
From rustic espresso bars to refined dining spaces, there’s a café for every mood and moment. With so much creativity and care involved, it’s no surprise that Melbourne is considered one of the coffee capitals of the world.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the café scene is one of the best ways to experience Melbourne. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these cafés offer incredible coffee, inventive menus, and unforgettable spaces. Each location on this list brings something unique to the table, making them stand out among countless options.
So next time you’re in the city, skip the big chains and explore the spots that make Melbourne’s café culture so iconic. After all, discovering the best cafes in Melbourne is a journey worth taking—one delicious sip at a time.
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