Melbourne’s coffee scene stands out as something truly special. Since Italian and Greek immigrants brought their espresso machines after World War II, the city has turned coffee into an art form. Now, in 2024, Melbourne boasts over 2,000 cafes and some of the world’s top baristas.
This guide will take you on a tour of Melbourne’s best coffee spots, from hidden gems to famous roasters. You’ll discover what makes Melbourne coffee unique, where to find the best cups, and how to enjoy the city’s coffee culture like a local.
Why People Love Melbourne Coffee Shops So Much
Coffee runs deep in Melbourne’s veins. It shapes how people socialize, work, and think about their city. A walk through Melbourne’s laneways and neighborhoods reveals how coffee brings people together and defines the city’s vibe.
How Italian and Greek People Started Melbourne’s Coffee Trend
Melbourne’s coffee story began when Italian and Greek immigrants arrived after World War II. They brought espresso machines and coffee expertise, setting the stage for a city-wide passion. Today, Melbourne holds the title of “Coffee Capital of the World” – a badge of honor for locals.
What’s Special About Melbourne’s Coffee Places
Melbourne’s coffee scene shines for several reasons. First, local roasters and cafes are picky about their beans. They often build direct relationships with farmers and co-ops worldwide to get the best single-origin coffees.
Melbourne baristas also excel at their craft. They experiment with various brewing methods, from classic espressos to pour-overs, siphons, and cold drips. The result? A wide range of flavors and experiences for coffee lovers.
The cafe culture adds another layer to Melbourne’s coffee scene. Coffee shops serve as community hubs where people gather to chat, work, or relax. This social aspect makes Melbourne’s coffee culture truly unique.
Here’s a snapshot of Melbourne’s coffee obsession:
| Statistic | Number | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cafes in Melbourne | 2,000+ | High density of coffee shops |
| Annual coffee consumption per person | 1.83kg | Strong coffee culture |
| Independent cafes | 95% | Emphasis on unique, local spots |
| Average weekly coffee consumption | 18-19 cups | High coffee consumption |
| Start of coffee culture | 1950s | Long-standing tradition |
These numbers show just how big coffee is in Melbourne. With so many cafes and such high consumption, it’s clear that coffee isn’t just a drink here – it’s a huge part of our daily lives and culture.
If you’re new to Melbourne, the coffee scene is just one of many things to enjoy here. For those thinking about making Melbourne their home, check out our guide for expats moving to Melbourne in 2024.
Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne City Center
Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) is packed with great coffee shops. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city or a local on your lunch break, you’ll find plenty of options for a top-notch cup. Here are some of my favorite CBD coffee spots:
1. Patricia Coffee Brewers: Great Coffee in a Tiny Space
- Location: 493-495 Little Bourke St
- Known for: Simple menu, high-quality coffee
- Specialty: “Patricia Blend” (available for purchase)
- Atmosphere: Standing-room-only, buzzing vibe
Patricia Coffee Brewers is a tiny spot that packs a big punch. This standing-room-only cafe has been a CBD favorite since 2011. They keep things simple here – just “black,” “white,” or filter coffee. But don’t let that fool you; the quality is outstanding.
They roast their own “Patricia Blend,” which you can buy to take home for $65 a bag. The service is super friendly, and the vibe is always buzzing. Just don’t expect to linger – there’s no seating, so it’s more of a grab-and-go spot.
2. Dukes Coffee Roasters: Good Coffee and Nice Looking Cafe
- Location: 247 Flinders Lane
- Known for: Ethically sourced coffee, beautiful interior
- Specialty: Single-origin and blended beans
- Atmosphere: Cozy, with green-and-blue tiled floors
Dukes Coffee Roasters is serious about ethical trading and sourcing their beans from individual farms and small co-ops around the world. The cafe itself is beautiful, with light wood benches and green-and-blue tiled floors. You can try their coffee as espresso, filter, or French press.
My tip? Pair your coffee with one of their pastries for the full Dukes experience. The queue can get long, especially during the morning rush, but the wait is part of the quintessential Melbourne coffee experience. Plus, the cozy atmosphere makes the wait more bearable.
3. Market Lane at Queen Victoria Market: Coffee and Shopping Together
- Location: Shop 73-76, Queen Victoria Market
- Known for: Quality, sustainability, coffee education
- Specialty: Single-origin coffees
- Atmosphere: Bustling market setting
If you’re visiting the famous Queen Victoria Market, don’t miss Market Lane Coffee. Market Lane was one of Melbourne’s first specialty coffee shops, and they’ve built a cult following for good reason. They’re all about quality, sustainability, and educating people about great coffee.
After your coffee, you can explore the market stalls – it’s a great way to experience two Melbourne institutions at once. The proximity to fresh produce and artisanal goods makes this spot extra special. You can grab a coffee and then stock up on cheese, fresh veggies, and other goodies to take home.
Top Coffee Shops in North Melbourne
North Melbourne is home to some of the city’s best roasters and cafes. It’s a bit off the tourist track, which means you’ll often find yourself rubbing shoulders with locals and serious coffee aficionados. Here are some top picks:
4. Code Black Coffee: Cool-Looking Cafe with Unusual Coffee Drinks
- Location: 15-17 Weston St, Brunswick
- Known for: Industrial chic decor, experimental drinks
- Specialty: House blends and rotating single-origin coffees
- Atmosphere: Cool and spacious
Code Black Coffee in Brunswick is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a bit of a trek from the city center, but totally worth it. The space is all industrial chic with a fancy stone and metal fit-out. But the real star is the coffee.
They always have a house blend for black and white coffees, plus rotating single origins. The baristas here really know their stuff and are always happy to chat about the coffee they’re serving.
Pro tip: try their coffee Negroni or the ‘Smoky’ cold filter coffee cocktail – it’s a unique twist on your usual brew.
5. Seven Seeds: Old Favorite Coffee Shop in Melbourne
- Location: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton
- Known for: Seasonal coffees, coffee education
- Specialty: Micro-roasted beans
- Atmosphere: Quirky and welcoming
Seven Seeds is a Melbourne coffee institution. Named after the seven coffee seeds that Sufi Baba Budan supposedly smuggled out of Yemen in the 17th century, this micro-roaster sources seasonal coffee from around the world. The cafe space is quirky and welcoming, and the coffee is consistently excellent.
They also offer a small menu of simple food if you’re feeling peckish. What I love about Seven Seeds is their commitment to education – they often host cuppings (coffee tastings) and brewing classes, so it’s a great place to deepen your coffee knowledge.
6. Wide Open Road: Coffee in an Old Warehouse Building
- Location: 274 Barkly St, Brunswick
- Known for: House blend “Bathysphere,” inspired food menu
- Specialty: Various brewing methods
- Atmosphere: Industrial chic in a converted warehouse
Wide Open Road in Brunswick is another good coffee shop in Melbourne. It’s got that classic Melbourne industrial chic vibe, set in a converted 1950s warehouse. Their house blend, Bathysphere, is designed to be drunk black, but all their coffees are top-notch.
Watch the roasters in action through the plexiglass windows while you sip your brew. And if you’re hungry, their cafe food is some of the most inspired in Melbourne. The space is large and airy, making it a great spot for a leisurely weekend brunch or a casual meeting.
Must-Visit Coffee Shops in South Melbourne
South Melbourne offers a great mix of established coffee institutions and newer, innovative cafes. It’s a great area to explore if you want to see how Melbourne’s coffee scene has evolved over the years. Here are a couple of standout spots:
7. ST ALi: One of the First Fancy Coffee Shops in Melbourne
- Location: 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne
- Known for: Experimental brewing, influential in Melbourne’s coffee scene
- Specialty: Cold-drip coffee, extensive brunch menu
- Atmosphere: Industrial, down a graffiti-covered laneway
ST ALi is a legend in Melbourne’s coffee world. It’s been around since 2005 and is often credited with kickstarting Melbourne’s specialty coffee movement. The cafe has a cool, industrial vibe with its dumpster-chic decor down a graffiti-covered laneway.
They’re known for their experimental coffee brewing, micro-roasting, and green bean trading. Try their cold-drip coffee – it’s smooth and less bitter than regular iced coffee. ST ALi is also famous for its brunch menu, so come hungry and be prepared to wait for a table on weekends.
8. Market Lane at Prahran Market: Lots of Different Coffee Types
- Location: Shop 13, 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra
- Known for: Single-origin coffees, coffee education
- Specialty: Pour-over, aeropress, and plunger methods
- Atmosphere: Busy market setting
Market Lane has several locations, but their Prahran Market spot is special. It’s where they started back in 2009, and it’s still going strong. They’re all about showcasing distinctive single-origin coffees.
If you’re interested in learning more about coffee, they offer free public cuppings (tastings) and brewing classes covering pour-over, aeropress, and plunger methods. The market location adds to the experience – you can grab a coffee and then explore the fresh produce and gourmet food stalls.
Coffee and Work: Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Melbourne
In recent years, more and more Melburnians have been using cafes as their offices. This trend has led to the rise of laptop-friendly cafes that cater to freelancers and remote workers. Here are a few spots that are great for getting some work done while enjoying top-notch coffee:
9. Auction Rooms: Big Cafe with Good Internet for Working
- Location: 103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne
- Known for: Spacious setting, reliable Wi-Fi
- Specialty: Filter coffees from Small Batch Roasting Company
- Atmosphere: Former auction house, plenty of seating
Auction Rooms is a spacious cafe set in a former auction house. With plenty of seating and reliable Wi-Fi, it’s a popular spot for freelancers. Their coffee, roasted at their off-site Small Batch Roasting Company, is consistently excellent. Try their range of filter coffees if you need a caffeine boost to power through your work.
10. Hannah: Nice Outdoor Space and Friendly Place to Work
- Location: 4 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
- Known for: Indoor-outdoor vibe, full food menu
- Specialty: Proud Mary coffee
- Atmosphere: Breezy on warm days, community feel
Hannah is another excellent coffee shop in Melbourne for working. On warm days, they open up their floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a breezy indoor-outdoor vibe.
They use Proud Mary coffee and offer a full food menu if you’re planning a long work session. The Wi-Fi is reliable, and you’ll often see other freelancers there, creating a nice community atmosphere.
How to Get Melbourne Coffee Sent to Your House
Can’t make it to a cafe every day? No worries. Many of Melbourne’s top roasters offer coffee subscriptions, bringing their beans right to your door. Here’s a quick look at a few options:
| Roaster | Subscription Types | Delivery Schedule | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Lane | Single Origin, Blend | Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly | $16-$60 |
| ST ALi | Seasonal, Single Origin | Weekly, Fortnightly | $22-$85 |
| Code Black | House Blend, Single Origin | Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly | $15-$55 |
These subscriptions are a great way to explore different coffees and support local roasters, even when you can’t visit in person.
Big Coffee Events in Melbourne You Can Go To
The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is held annually, usually in September. It’s the largest dedicated coffee event in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together roasters, cafes, and coffee lovers from all over.
There are also smaller events throughout the year, like cupping sessions at various roasters and latte art competitions. Keep an eye on the social media accounts of your favorite cafes to stay updated on these events.
After enjoying your coffee in Melbourne, why not take a short trip to the beach? Melbourne has some beautiful coastlines perfect for relaxing or swimming. Take a look at our list of the 11 best beaches in Melbourne to find your perfect spot by the sea.
Learning About Melbourne’s Coffee Words and Ideas
In Melbourne, coffee is a craft, a science, and for many, a way of life. Let’s dive into what makes Melbourne’s coffee culture so unique and how you can fully appreciate it.
Coffee Words People Use in Melbourne Cafes
First things first – if you want to fit in at a Melbourne cafe, you’ve got to speak the language. Here’s a quick guide to some Melbourne coffee terms:
- Flat White: Similar to a latte, but with less milk and a higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
- Long Black: Similar to an Americano, but the espresso is poured over the hot water, not the other way around.
- Magic: A double ristretto (a ‘shorter’ shot of espresso) with steamed milk in a smaller cup. It’s a Melbourne specialty!
- Batch Brew: Filter coffee made in larger quantities, perfect for a quick, quality cup.
Many top Melbourne cafes roast their own beans, and it’s a big part of what makes the coffee here so good. Roasters like ST ALi, Code Black, and Seven Seeds are constantly experimenting with different roasting profiles to bring out the best in each coffee bean.
When you visit these places, don’t be shy about asking about their roasting process. Most baristas are passionate about coffee and love sharing their knowledge. You might even get to see the roasting in action at some spots!
Looking for more travel tips and guides? Visit https://destination.com/ for a wide range of travel guides, itineraries, and insider tips. We’ve got everything you need to plan hassle-free vacations and visits to many exciting destinations around the world.
Different Ways to Make Coffee in Melbourne Shops
Melbourne cafes offer a wide range of brewing methods. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Espresso: The base for most coffee drinks, made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure.
- Pour Over: Water is manually poured over ground coffee in a filter, producing a clean, bright cup.
- Cold Drip: Cold water slowly drips over coffee grounds for 12-24 hours, creating a smooth, less acidic brew.
- Siphon: A theatrical brewing method using vapor pressure and vacuum to produce a clean, full-bodied coffee.
Many cafes, like Market Lane and ST ALi, offer coffee classes where you can learn these brewing methods yourself. It’s a fun way to deepen your appreciation of Melbourne’s coffee culture.
Why Melbourne Cares About Where Coffee Comes From
Melbourne’s coffee scene has a big focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing too. Many roasters, like Dukes Coffee Roasters and Market Lane, have direct relationships with coffee farmers and co-ops around the world. This ensures fair prices for farmers and high-quality beans for us coffee drinkers.
When you’re choosing where to get your coffee, look out for cafes that emphasize their ethical sourcing practices. It’s a way to enjoy your brew knowing it’s doing good beyond just perking you up!
FAQs About Melbourne Coffee Shops
To wrap things up, let’s answer some common questions about Melbourne’s coffee scene:
What’s the best time to visit Melbourne coffee shops?
Most Melbourne coffee shops are busiest during the morning rush (around 7-9 AM) and lunchtime. If you want a more relaxed experience, try visiting mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Weekends are generally busy all day, especially for popular brunch spots.
How much should I expect to pay for a coffee in Melbourne?
Prices can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay between $4-$5 for a standard coffee like a latte or cappuccino. Specialty coffees or larger sizes might cost a bit more. Some high-end or tourist-oriented cafes might charge up to $7-$8 for a coffee.
Are Melbourne cafes vegetarian/vegan friendly?
Yes, most Melbourne cafes offer vegetarian and vegan options. Many have plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk for no extra charge or a small fee. Some cafes, like Vegie Bar in Fitzroy, specialize in vegetarian and vegan food.
Can I buy beans to take home from Melbourne coffee shops?
Absolutely! Many cafes that roast their own beans sell them by the bag. Some popular options include Market Lane, ST ALi, and Seven Seeds. They can usually grind the beans for you if you don’t have a grinder at home.
Are Melbourne cafes child-friendly?
This can vary by cafe. Many are welcoming to families, especially in more residential areas. However, some smaller or busier CBD cafes might not have space for strollers or high chairs. It’s always a good idea to check ahead if you’re planning to bring young children.
