For a city with such a deeply embedded coffee culture, it can be hard to decide which Melbourne cafe to frequent next (we get it) - which is why we’ve done the hard part for you and scoured our top 8 Melbourne cafes to get your next barista fix. You’re welcome.
1) Lune Croissanterie, Fitzroy
Chances are you’ve already heard of Lune. The croissanterie’s Fitzroy venue stands proud in a converted warehouse on Rose Street, serving up hundreds of the feather light, buttery, flaky croissants that have been hailed “the finest you will find anywhere in the world” by the New York Times (big, we know - we’ll let you be the judge of the accuracy of this) every day.
Just off Brunswick Street, we suggest sinking your teeth into a pillowy croissant and coffee at the industrial-like venue (and watch as bakers make, shape, and glaze the croissants in-house, in a glass encased kitchen) - or grab your goods to go, and make your way to a nearby sun soaked park.
2) Heartattack and Vine, Carlton
Situated in the university precinct of Lygon Street lies Heartattack and Vine, a cosy Carlton favourite. While the rustic venue is a well renowned wine bar, by day the cafe is just as popular, serving up plates of crunchy porchetta rolls (slow roasted porchetta served on warm ciabatta with house made salsa verde), flaky cheese tomato croissants, and what is arguably this side of the river’s best spicy chai.
Enjoy the cosiness inside or watch the hustle and bustle of Lygon Street unfold (perhaps with a good book or a couple of friends) outside, and take note of how long blacks are swapped with glasses of pinot noir and twinkling tea lights are placed on small tables as the afternoon rolls by.
3) Blencowes, Balaclava
Arguably the nicest wait staff in the world ever, the folks at Blencowes also make a mean cup of coffee. The old school milk bar inspired cafe can be found on Inkerman Street (a four minute walk from Balaclava train station) and has ample indoor, outdoor and courtyard seating.
While their coffee is not to be missed (and served in vessels reminiscent of Victorian era old china tea cups, complete with old timey spoons), the real star of the show here is the indulgent halloumi bagel, so make sure you get your hands on one of those before you leave (or before they sell out, which when considering their popularity is a likely event).
4) Seven Seeds, Carlton
Few cafes in Melbourne have made a name for themselves as a result of just how good their mugs of java are, but Seven Seeds in Carlton, undisputedly is one of them.
Situated just a five minute walk from the University of Melbourne, the large, industrial-like cafe is popular with students cramming for exams over a batch brew, and avid fans of the Melbourne brunch scene alike. While their spicy chilli eggs are not to be reckoned with, the true main character of Seven Seeds is its specialty coffee (sourced by a team of dedicated roasters, no less).
5) Little Rogue, CBD
Nestled within Drewery Lane (behind the hubbub of Swanston Street), Little Rogue is easy -yet unfortunate- to miss. The cafe is light, quaint and unassuming; you’ll find yourself sipping your iced matcha latte on a truly tiny table, or perched on a milk crate in the graffiti sprawled, quintessential Melbourne laneway outside - so you’ll want to get there before or after the lunch rush.
If you’re a sweet tooth, take approximately four steps across from Little Rogue and you’ll find yourself at Bakemono, a pint sized bakery in a converted garage, where flaky, buttery croissants, sticky berry danishes and fluffy Japanese milk bread is served fresh daily.
6) Monk Bodhi Dharma, Balaclava
Nestled behind a supermarket car park (naturally, as these hipster frequented places often are), Monk Bodhi Dharma provides a cosy oasis for those spending the morning or afternoon reading, or catching up with friends over a cup of (speciality, this is Melbourne after all) joe.
Inside, the hip den is all exposed brick and wooden furniture, and it’s relatively quaint - be sure to get in early if you want to snap up a table. While its all vegetarian menu provides multiple tasty and satisfying food options, Monk’s real star of the show is its specialty coffee and spicy chai, which is expertly made in house.
7) Sister of Soul, St Kilda
A mecca of the Melbourne Vegan cuisine (is Vegan food considered a cuisine?), Sister of Soul’s dangerously good selection of dairy free coffee (think coconut milk mochas that taste like a Bounty chocolate bar) are not to miss, whether you’re plant based or not.
The cafe offers outdoor seating, which is just as well; situated in the heart of sunny St Kilda, the local gem is a mere two minute walk from the beach.
8) Darling Cafe, South Yarra
Situated a stone’s throw away from South Yarra Station (and a five minute wander from buzzing, happening Chapel Street) lies Darling Cafe, a mecca for journeying foodie bloggers and staple brunch spot of locals alike.
The coffee is sublime, but so are the colourful, over the top, Instagram worthy smoothies (some of which are served in a glass that appears to be a lightbulb, naturally) and refreshing cocktails. Foodies will love Darling’s menu, too; the dessert style peanut butter waffles served with banana cheesecake mousse and generous drizzles of maple syrup are a hit, but you’ll find healthier alternatives (such as chargrilled broccolini served with poached eggs, asparagus, parmesan cheese, spicy hummus and potato rosti) too, for balance.
