Coffee Hopping Across the Best Cafes in Melbourne
Melbourne is called the “coffee capital of the world” for good reason – the locals take their coffee super-seriously. When you visit, we suggest doing as Melburnians do and settle for nothing less than the best brew in town. Here’s our round-up of some of the best cafes in Melbourne to get you up and going!
Awesome Cafés in Melbourne 
Manchester Press
Blink and you might miss this hip café tucked into one of the many alleyways of Melbourne. It might be easy to overlook, but be assured it’s worth the effort to locate.
You might also want to visit before or after peak hours because aside from good coffee, the fantastic bagels tend to be a huge drawcard. The side effect of this is long waiting times at lunchtime.
Savoury bagel options tend to include heaps of smashed avo (a Melbourne staple) and the sweet option features fruit and nuts. Scrummy!
Address: 8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne
Brother Baba Budan
What Brother Baba Budan lacks in space, it makes up for in quality.
This compact café in the Melbourne CBD might be smallish, but it sure packs a punch with its excellent brews. This is one to quench coffee critics’ thirst as consistency in the quality of the café’s coffees has won it a loyal (and growing) following who insist on coming back for a mandatory morning coffee.
Address: 359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Toby’s Estate
For a hearty start to the day, head to Toby’s Estate, where the delicious smells radiating from the open kitchen and coffee bar deliver in the form of tasty, hearty breakfast food and well-brewed coffee.
Gingerbread waffles, homemade corn bread and shakshuka are just some of the highlights on the worthy menu of this Melbourne cafe. The prompt, friendly service is the perfect accompaniment to a meal that will set your day off on a great note.
Address: 325 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Fifty Acres
Two words: pumpkin pancakes!
If you’d rather have a savoury dish though, fret not because chorizo Scotch eggs are also on the menu, alongside an amazing breakfast burrito that will substantially fill you up. Wash it all down with a warm cup of coffee and soak up the decor for a comfortable treat in Melbourne.
Address: 65 Bridge Road, Richmond
Brunetti
Recommended for those with a sweet tooth and a great place for spending a lazy afternoon (especially if you’re a tourist) watching the crowds hustle past as you sit and sip.
The cakes and pastries at this Melbourne cafe have a reputation of their own. Make a point to enjoy a coffee-dessert pairing.
Addresses: 380 Lygon Street. Carlton; 214 Flinders Lane, Melbourne; level 3, Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street, Melbourne
NSHRY
Pronounced “noshery”, this restaurant-café is worth a visit for the stunning beachfront views in Melbourne. For this reason alone, it’s worth planning your visit around the warmer months so you can take full advantage of the outdoor seating. Few things can make a cup of already good coffee taste better.
Address: 129A Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park
Koko Black
Here, we make an exception – instead of going for coffee, we’d like to gently nudge you in the direction of the hot and iced chocolates instead.
Thick, creamy and hitting all the right spots, the liquid chocolate in Koko Black cafe is an unforgettable experience. It’s really high up there as one of the best cafes in Melbourne, even if you don’t enjoy coffee.
Feel free to go back for a repeat or enhance it with a chocolate dessert. The cakes and ice creams are to die for.
Address: Royal Arcade, shop 4, 335 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Top Paddock
Creatively delicious food menu and a quality house blend coffee makes Top Paddock a Melbourne cafe worthy of your time.
It’s especially good if you prefer a fancier option than the average café as the menu features the likes of chilli scrambled eggs, green tea poached pears accompanying Bircher muesli and lemon curd labna, and an irresistible soft-shell crab and lime on brioche. Consider this your must-visit restaurant and café.
Address: 658 Church Street, Richmond
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Old school Italian pretty much sums up this café. Many consider it an institution that serves up hearty Italian fare. If you’re feeling peckish we hear the lasagne is good.
Otherwise, if you’re simply passing by try the long black – it has a following of its own. Enjoy it at the counter or grab one to take away, so you can enjoy it on the go.
Address: 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne
And that’s our round up of amazing cafes in Melbourne to get more than your coffee fix. What’s your favourite?
More Articles With Activities
From Turkey to Vietnam, these are the best breakfasts from around the world. (It is the most important meal of the day, after all.)
Thrill seekers take note, these pulse-quickening adventures will inspire conversation fodder for years to come—as well as plenty of amazing photos for your Instagram.