The Best Cafes in Melbourne

I will admit that I am new to the Melbourne vibe, but I am no stranger to cafes. Melbourne is a city that is overflowing with culture, especially in the caffeinated category. If you’re looking for some place close to wake up with an aesthetic, scroll no further.

1. Tinker

Location: 235 High Street, Northcote

Tinker is open from 7:00AM-4:00PM on Monday through Friday and from 8:00AM-4:00PM on the weekends. You can find trendy dishes like smashed peas on toast and incredible pictures of these dishes on their Instagram (@tinkernorthcote)!

2. Plain Sailing

Location: 144 Ormond Road, Elwood

Plain Sailing only takes walk-ins, but is located in the cute little suburb of Elwood. They’re open Monday to Friday from 7:00AM-4:00PM and from 7:30AM-4:00PM on the weekends. This cafe has an extremely friendly staff serving their innovative dishes.

3. Piggery Cafe at Burnham Beeches

Location: 1 Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke

Piggery Cafe is a modernly designed cafe that truly boasts the authentic Australian culture through its food, architecture and art. It was created to be more than just a bustling business, but to tell a story.

4. Riddik

Location: 1-3 The Mall, Templestowe Lower

Riddik has a relaxed environment that still contains tons of experience within the culture. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week and always seem to have fun deals going on.

5. Brunetti

Location: 314 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Brunetti was first established in 1985 and is an authentic Roman Pasticceria. It’s a family business run by the Angelé family, who bring in extensive experience from Rome itself. This is one of the most iconic Italian style cafes in Melbourne.

6. Fifty Acres

Location: 65 Bridge Road, Richmond

Fifty Acres is a trendy walk-in cafe in Richmond. They’re open Monday to Friday from 6:30AM to 4:00PM, 7:00AM to 4:00PM on Saturday and 8:00AM to 4:00PM on Sunday. This is the place to go when you’re craving avocado toast.

7. Terror Twilight

Location: 11-13 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Terror Twilight is known for serving good vibes and good food. They have everything from healthy broths or bowls to vegan or gluten free options, making it a great stop for any dietary concerns. However, don’t worry, they still know when it’s time to treat yo’ self.

8. Left Field

Location: 358 Koornang Road, Carnegie

Left Field is a cafe in Carnegie that’s open from 7:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday and from 7:30AM to 4:00PM on the weekends. This is a classic neighborhood spot that has tropical vibes you cannot miss.

9. St Ali

Location: 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne

St Ali is a hidden gem. Built inside a sort of warehouse, your breakfast will not be compromised. If you’re looking for a hipster cafe equipped with chic artwork, look no further.

10. Babajan

Location: 713 Nicholson Street, Carlton North

Babajan is a Turkish and Middle Eastern style cafe that takes on a modern perspective. Built in a neighborhood full of soul, Babajan is open for breakfast and lunch from 8:00AM to 5:00PM Tuesday through Sunday, as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday.

11. Wide Open Road

Location: 274 Barkly Street, Brunswick 

Wide Open Road is an industrial-chic cafe open from 7:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday and 8:00AM to 5:00PM on Sunday. They also sell coffee wholesale in their website.

12. Higher Ground

Location: 650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Higher Ground describes themself as not quite a cafe, but not quite a restaurant. Though you can come here for great lunch and dinner, they also offer extremely exquisite coffee blends. This is one of my favorite brunch spots of all time in Melbourne

13. Smith & Deli

Location: 111 Moor Street, Fitzroy 

Smith & Deli is an incredible place to go for brekkie. They simply haven’t done a poor job on any of their meals. In fact, Smith & Deli was fully booked this past Valentine’s Day, which has to stand for something.

14. Seven Seeds

Location: 114 Berkeley Street, Carlton 

Seven Seeds is one of my favorite cafes because they are big on being environmentally friendly. “Roasting is subjective, but transparency is clear.” They also participate in direct trade and have delicious coffee blends.

15. Axil Coffee Roasters

Location: 322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Axil Coffee Roasters are also environmentally friendly, as they participate in direct trade and enabling a fair price for the farmers. They have a few different locations and each one is better than the next.

16. Hash Specialty Coffee

Location: 113 Hardware Street, Melbourne

Hash Specialty Coffee is known for their Instagram-famous hot chocolate. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, as they have everything from French Toast Bacon Croissants to Chilled Pineapple, Peach and Rose Bud Tea.

Note: Hash Specialty Coffee has permanently closed due to COVID-19.

17. Industry Beans

Location: 3/62 Rose Street, Fitzroy

Industry Beans is a specialty coffee roaster and award winning cafe in Fitzroy. It was also named “Best Boutique Roaster 2014.” You can buy their coffee online at their website or in-store (which I highly recommend).

18. Good Times Milk Bar

Location: 83 Tucker Road, Bentleigh

Good Times Milk Bar is open Monday to Friday from 7:30AM to 4:00PM and from 8:00AM to 4:00PM on the weekends. They have everything on the menu from burgers and shakes to avocado toast and remedy kombucha.

19. Matcha Mylkbar

Location: 72 Acland St, St Kilda

Matcha Mylkbar’s mission is “To help the Earth survive so that you can thrive.” They’re open from 8:00AM to 3:00PM Monday through Friday and from 8:00AM to 4:00PM on the weekends. Though they don’t take bookings, you can always hit them up to see what’s on the latest menu or ask any burning questions you may have. Also, don’t you tell me that those burgers don’t trigger Spongebob memories.

I hope this list gave you a quick guideline of where to begin your caffeinated journey, but if you have any other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below!

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