Are you looking for Melbourne’s best coffee spots? From the aroma of a freshly poured hot expresso to a sweet-tasting iced coffee, here’s your go-to guide to the city’s best coffee.
Melbourne’s fascination with delicious coffee began with the advent of the Italian immigrants after the Second World War, and since then, it has taken off! Since then, we’ve always been looking for a good cup of Joe.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Melbourne’s Coffee Culture
Whether you’re visiting or working here, you’re in luck because Melbourne’s coffee culture is unmatched anywhere else in the world! In fact, in a survey done by booking.com, Melbourne emerged as the city with the world’s best coffee, beating titans like Rome, Vienna, and even Sydney.
You don’t have to be a coffee sommelier to know the difference between good coffee and bad coffee. Coffee has that dual effect in that the good stuff propels you through a slow day and horrible coffee just adds to the blues of a lousy day. Thankfully, Melbourne’s CBD and the rest of the Melbourne area are teeming with great options for coffee.
With that said, this one is for you, the curious tourist or you, the one in need for that extra boost. Of the wide range of options, these are some of the best Melbourne coffee shops in this vibrant Australian city!
1. Brother Baba Budan
How would you describe Brother Baba Budan? It’s pretty hard, especially because this tiny establishment on Little Bourke Street has so much character. Yes, if I had to define Brother Baba Buda in a single word, that’s the one I’d use.
For me, there’s something very animate about the small shop itself. It almost feels like this 15 seater café wants to recount to you the ancient history of coffee- because it was there! Maybe the suspended chairs on the ceiling have something to do with that whole vibe though (I need to ask the baristas about that sometime).
What about the coffee? Brother Baba Budan exclusively uses only the best Seven Seeds coffee for their brews. The brews themselves usually come in the form of espresso, nitro-brew or filter coffee. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t know anything about the inner workings of coffee brewing- here’s the take-home- Brother Baba Budan coffee is great!
Address: 359 Lt Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone Number: (03) 9347 8664
Website: sevenseeds.com.au
2. Rumble Coffee Roasters
Is there anything more Melbourne Coffee Scene than a small espresso bar, tucked in the back of an industrial district? We don’t think so, and that’s why Rumble Coffee Roasters makes it onto the list.
One of the best-kept secrets in our opinion – Rumble is nestled into a strip of warehouses in Kensington, the team have carved out a name for themselves in Melbourne’s über competitive cafe culture by delivering an unpretentious brew that’s loved for its bold and rich flavors. One of the best coffee roasters indeed.
From knockout blends to single origin coffees from the world’s premier growing regions, the team at Rumble are all about coffee for coffee lovers. Plus, it’s all transparently sourced, so you can feel good about where your coffee comes from and supports farmers.
The espresso bar is attached to the roastery, so if you’re lucky enough to be dropping in while they are roasting a fresh blend of best coffee beans, you’ll be treated to that incredible smell wafting through the bar as you enjoy your espresso.
Address: 8 Thompson St, Kensington
Website: rumblecoffee.com.au
3. Axil Coffee Roasters
Another big name in Melbourne’s coffee scene, Axil Coffee Roasters has locations not only in Hawthorn but also in the CBD, Chadstone Shopping Centre and Southern Cross Lanes.
This family-owned establishment does not sell single-origin coffee in any way. You get to have a taste of beans from all around the world. They have coffee from as far as Africa to Central and South America. This is great especially for someone like me who finds coffee’s appeal in the story it tells about different geographical locations.
Axil guarantees that they have a direct relationship with all their coffee suppliers, down to the farmers themselves. Not only does this mean that they can guarantee sustainability, but also that you get only the best!
Address: 322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9819 2645
Website: axilcoffee.com.au
4. Proud Mary
With branches both in Melbourne and the United States, Proud Mary is another example of the coffee industry success in Melbourne. Nolan Hirte, the founder, is also the person behind Aunt Peg and Collingwood Coffee College.
Needless to say, Proud Mary is one of the best coffee shops in all of Melbourne. Try it!
Address: 172 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9417 5930
Website: proudmarycoffee.com.au
5. St. Ali Coffee Roasters
Are you in the inner suburbs of South Melbourne? Don’t settle for sub-par coffee. St. Ali’s coffee is another great option in this general location.
It just so happens that person behind St. Ali, Salvatore Malatesta is one of the biggest names in Melbourne’s coffee industry. As one of the frontrunners of specialty coffee in the city, one can only expect that this Melbourne cafe serves a mean latte. And it does!
The feel of the establishment itself is something else altogether. This laneway-esque style cube of café gives off a very unassuming vibe. Don’t be fooled though! Those four walls could very well house some of the most excellent coffee you’ll ever have!
Address: 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9132 8966
Website: stali.com.au
6. Dukes Coffee Roasters
Located at the Ross House on Flinders Lane, Dukes Coffee has been serving great coffee for more than a decade.
While many establishments give only their coffee full attention (as they should), the folks at Duke Coffee put equal thought to the café itself. It has a very warm, natural feel to it that I’m sure you’ll appreciate.
Address: 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9417 5578
Website: dukescoffee.com.au
7. Seven Seeds Coffee Carlton
Remember Brother Baba Budan? Well, this is one a continuation of that chapter- literally. Brother Baba Budan the man believed to have introduced coffee to India from Yemen, is said to have done so buy bringing with him 7 seeds- hence the name Seven Seeds Coffee.
It’s a neat coffee history session told by two establishments owned by Bridget Amor and Mark Dundon. This establishment near North Melbourne, like its tiny brother on Little Bourke Street, serves amazing coffee.
Address: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Phone Number: (04) 60 579 905
Website: sevenseeds.com.au
8. Code Black Coffee Brunswick
As the name suggests, there’s a very experimental vibe to this place for sure. Coffee experts will particularly enjoy the vibe. The establishments catchphrase is even more telling of the mystery and wonder of code black. It simply reads – On The Edge Of Mystery And Altered States.
Like all good scientists, the baristas at code black only use the best coffee, sourced from different coffee growing areas around the world- from Colombia to Ethiopia and Kenya.
If you’re looking to have your coffee with some food, Code black doesn’t disappoint. Try their avocado toast and eggs Benedict for brunch!
Address: 15-17 Weston St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9381 2330
Website: codeblackcoffee.com.au
9. Market Lane Prahran
The best pour-over and espresso coffee in the Prahran Market period!
Address: Shop 13, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9804 7434
Website: marketlane.com.au
10. Padre Coffee Brunswick East
The origins of this establishment are quite interesting. The owner of this establishment Marinus Jansen had no prior background in coffee before starting her first branch. In a way, these humble beginnings are what make Padre coffee so good. They don’t pretend to know everything about coffee, so feedback is taken seriously and acted upon.
Having said that Padre Coffee is another great option in the Brunswick area.
Address: 438 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9381 1881
Website: padrecoffee.com.au
11. Industry Beans
Having been opened in 2017, this branch in Little Collins was the very first Industry Beans branch. There are two more branches, one in Fitzroy and the other in Sydney, but it was only fitting that we chose the pioneer branch. It also has amazing reviews though. Everything from their cold brews to their single-origin black espresso is up to par. Beyond coffee though, they have pastry accompaniments from Rustica (an amazing bakery) and from their Fitzroy branch.
Address: 345 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9417 1034
Website: industrybeans.com
12. Workshop Brothers
Workshop Brothers is more than just an Australian coffee café. In fact, the establishment’s mantra is that they want to offer you a more holistic coffee experience. To them, this not only involves the beverage itself, but also the food and overall service.
Their house blend is the best seasonal coffee available, making them one of the best places to get specialty coffee.
In case you want to try out their other branches, they’re located Riverside Quay in Southbank and collins street.
Address: 4/190 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9078 6533
Website: workshopbrothers.com.au
13. Sensory Lab
We chose the branch on Bourke street, but Sensory Lab has branches in Little Collins, Port Melbourne, the Rialto, and 30 Collins.
As the name suggests, the entire spirit of the sensory lab is to keep discovery exciting new flavour variations of the beverage. As of right now, they have four signature roasts, each with a unique flavour profile.
The Steadfast espresso blend which also happens to be their signature blend has undertones of milk chocolate, molasses, and jam. The Stellar blend which happens to be the stronger variant has butter, almond and chocolate undertones, and generally nutty feel. Their Santo Espresso blend has a cocoa cherry and peach blend. Lastly, the Sans decaf for those that are averse to caffeine still does not disappoint on taste. It has notes of nougat honey and chocolate.
All in all Sensory Lab is another great option.
Address: Level 1/310 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (0)3 9078 6533
Website: sensorylab.com.au
Want something to go with that coffee, check out our list of the best restaurants in Melbourne.
14. Aunty Peg
This new member of the popular Proud Mary brand is a coffee café in reverse. Why do I say this? In many coffee cafés, even though the brewing is done on-site, you don’t get the full feel of the process. Aunty Peg changes that.
This two-story establishment on Wellington Street in Collingwood is more than just a café. It’s a fully-fledged roastery and barista training institute. It’s truly a coffee lover’s nirvana. But even if you’re only interested in coffee is its consumption, you’ll still appreciate the work that has been put in to make your cup.
For tourists, this is a great place to start, if you want to get an understanding of what all the rave on Melbourne’s coffee scene is about! Try their unique take on cold brew and cold drip.
Heads up, there’s usually a free coffee tasting event every Saturday.
Address: 200 Wellington Street Collingwood
Phone Number: (03) 9417 1333
Website: proudmarycoffee.com.au
Honourable Mentions
We’re not done yet! Here are other cafes you should not miss when you’re in Melbourne:
- St Ali Coffee Roasters
- Bench Coffee Co
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Melbourne the best coffee city?
Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture and is often in the top 10 cities in the world for coffee lovers. The city’s passion for great coffee and unique cafe experiences has gained international recognition. For example, Food & Wine magazine put Melbourne at number 10 in their list of best coffee cities.
What’s the most popular coffee in Australia?
Latte is the most popular coffee in Australia. A survey in April 2023 found 30% of Australians prefer lattes over other types of coffee.
