The 15 Best Cafes In Melbourne

Cafes are part of the cultural fabric in Melbourne. Thanks to a number of innovative coffee enthusiasts doing what they do best, and wonderful chefs creating stylish and imaginative brunch menus, Melbourne is thriving, almost saturated, with fantastic cafes and wonderful coffee. Not only that, but many of them also run into the evening, transforming into cocktail slinging bistros come nightfall.

However, with the sheer number of options available, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Thankfully, the standard of coffee is almost always extremely high, and any cafe offering sub-par coffee in this town doesn’t last long.

Melburnians are, after all, notorious coffee snobs and proud of it!

Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite cafes in Melbourne, each hand-selected for their coffee, food, atmosphere and overall vibe. Be sure to check them out; you won’t go wrong. 

Editor’s Update: We know that there are more than 15 cafes reviewed on this page. But in a town with as many fantastic coffee, breakfast and lunch spots, it’s impossible to keep to the limit!

ST. ALi 

Location: 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Ph: (03) 9132 8966 See Website for Further Locations

ST. ALi Coffee Roasters – as the name indicates is a pioneer of Specialty Coffee in Melbourne. And thanks to the brand’s drive to continue pushing boundaries, ST. ALi still remains worthy of that title.

Driving the industry forward by creating direct relationships with farmers, and conducting their own in-house roasting, ST. ALi does incredible work behind the scenes of their gorgeous coffee shop in Melbourne, making it well worth supporting! 

But what about the food? I hear you cry. Well that’s pretty good too. On the current menu, our go to is the delicious Turkish Eggs. With Poached Eggs on a Herb Labneh, topped with Pepita & Sunflower Seeds & ST. ALi Chilli Oil and a side of Peshwari Naan, it’s a great eat – for breakfast or lunch.

Situated in an upmarket warehouse in South Melbourne, the cafe itself is large and airy. Although, this doesn’t stop it filling up quickly! It’s a popular spot, full of people enjoying their top quality Coffee and delicious food. Be sure to check it out! 

Proud Mary Coffee

Location: 172 Oxford St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 9417 5930

Proud Mary, another of the Speciality Coffee pioneers in Melbourne, has now become something of an empire. Serving up quality Coffee, super Fresh Juices and Smoothies, a gorgeous variety of Tea, Homemade Cakes, and an unbeatable All-Day Breakfast, Proud Mary has everything that you could need. 

Food-wise, we can’t get enough of the deceptively simple sounding Mushroom Toast. Featuring Garlic Mushrooms, Poached Eggs, White Bean, Blackened Radicchio, Sage + Walnut Crumb, Ricotta Salata and more, it’s a fungi-lovers dream.

Based in a warehouse style cafe in Collingwood, Proud Mary stands out for its wonderfully fresh ingredients, particularly creative menu (which is renewed seasonally), and great tasting Coffee. The staff are also very friendly and happy to accommodate for diet requirements such as veganism. 

If all you’re looking for is a great panini, give Saul’s Sandwiches a try

Top Paddock Cafe

Location: 658 Church St, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: (03) 9429 4332

In a city blessed with an enormous number of outstanding cafes, it’s a big call to claim that Top Paddock is one of the finest. But this cafe/restaurant eatery really is that special.

Sat on a large, leafy, corner block – it’s outdoor seating area shaded by gorgeous established trees – this place is a blueprint for sophisticated inner city dining.

Charming, but efficient, service and great Coffee from the army of baristas is just the start. This is another Melbourne favourite where the menu reads fairly basic, whilst the plates are anything but.

Here, a simple dish of Avocado Toast is transformed into an edible delight of Avo, Whipped Feta, Pea, Edamame, Poached Egg, Sesame Dukkah and Preserved Lemon Dressing. Meanwhile, The Top Paddock updates a classic ‘big brekky’ with Poached Eggs, Smoked Bacon, Smoked Beef Sausage, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Greens on a vivid pool of Romesco Sauce.

Add in a very tempting Pastry cabinet and busy Coffee Window and Top Paddock has you covered from early morning until mid-afternoon.

Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters

Location: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton, VIC 3050 Ph: (03) 9347 8664 & 7 Montefiore St, Fairfield, VIC 3078 Ph: (03) 9347 8664

Editor’s Note: The group also has Brother Baba Budan in the CBD as well as Traveller Coffee, and Suburbia Bakery in Fairfield.

If you’re a Coffee lover in Melbourne, there’s one place that should be near the top of your list: Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters.

Founded in 2007, Seven Seeds is dedicated to providing excellent Coffee while fostering a Coffee culture that is supply-chain transparent and fair-trade based. Loyal customers rave about the consistently exceptional Coffee served up at Seven Seeds. It’s no wonder they’ve gained a reputation for being one of the best Coffee spots in Melbourne.

An admirable feature of Seven Seeds is the commitment to using top quality ingredients in their small All-Day menu. . Their Brunch classics are given a delicious spin and are fresh and offer good value. At the moment, their Chilli Scramble with its fiery Crispy Peanut Chilli Oil is our top pick. But let’s be real, it’s the Coffee that really steals the show.

Stop by for a bite to eat, but don’t leave without taking home some of their packaged Coffee Beans. And if you don’t have a grinder at home, don’t worry – they’ll grind them for you. While you’re browsing, take a look at their retail shelves stocked with cold filter casks, drip coffee bags, and other coffee accessories. It’s clear that Seven Seeds is committed to all things coffee, from sourcing and roasting to brewing and retailing.

Seven Seeds takes its name from the story of Baba Budan, who smuggled seven seeds of fertile Coffee out of Yemen and into India during the 17th century. This daring act broke through the tightly regulated system that had previously kept Coffee cultivation within the confines of the Arabic world. Because of Baba Budan’s determination, a once-rigid Coffee monopoly was broken and we’re now able to source beans from all over the world.

Now that’s a crime we can applaud!

Looking for somewhere to grab a drink and a nibble by the Yarra? See our guide to the Best Restaurants in Southbank Melbourne

Pillar of Salt

Location: 541 Church St, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: (03) 9421 1550

Pillar of Salt has been ground-zero for Richmond’s discerning, Coffee-loving hipsters for some time now. And pop in for a meal or a drink and you’ll soon understand why.

For a full and detailed review of Pillar of Salt, see here

Inside, it’s all exposed brick and relaxed vibes, but nip through to the back and you’ll find a charming courtyard.

For brekky, the Breakfast Burger – Beef Patty, Halloumi, Fried Egg, Avo and Pillar of Salt Signature Bacon Jam – is an excellent choice. When it comes to lunch, we’re huge fans of one of their Californian Superfood Salads. And the Coffee. We love their Coffee.

Take your coffee making to the next level – and save a bit of cash! – with one of these sleek, easy-to-use coffee machines.

Incidentally, we’re not the only ones. Pillar of Salt is a great place to do a bit of celebrity-spotting. We’ve regularly spotted AFL players, TV actors and comedians dropping by for a feed or a take-put brew.

Higher Ground 

Location: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 8899 6219

From the team behind Top Paddock and Kettle Black, comes Higher Ground, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. If you’re looking for a cafe with all the benefits of a restaurant, be sure to check out Higher Ground.

It is a wonderfully large cafe-restaurant, with 130 seats across 6 levels, boasting incredible chefs and great wait staff. 

The kitchen regularly switch up the menu, but at the moment, we can’t get enough of the Seasonal Ricotta Hotcake. The current version has Roasted Pear, Dark Chocolate, Burnt Butter Maple, Cinnamon Cream & Cacao. It’s rich and seductive.

Whether you fancy a place to visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Higher Ground has you covered. From top quality ingredients, to excellent service, to a gorgeous interior design, Higher Ground is an exceptional place to visit in Melbourne. 

Check out our review of Hazel Restaurant, a chic eatery from the same people who started Higher Ground

Industry Beans 

Location: Industry Beans Fitzroy, 70-76 Westgarth St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Ph: (03) 9417 1034 See Website For Further Locations

Begun by two brothers who were inspired by the Third Wave Coffee movement, with a vision of roasting high-quality Specialty Coffee in a transparent and accessible environment, Industry Beans has a great community ethic. 

They offer fantastic Coffee and brunch, which can be consumed on-the-go, or as a part of a more immersive experience. If you fancy a sugar hit, but also crave something a little different, try the Matcha & Coconut Bubble Waffle. It comes with Strawberry & White Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Citrus Gel, Coconut Vanilla Gelato & Maple Roasted Hazelnuts.

Their brunch menu changes seasonally, and each dish is carefully considered and selected. 

Industry Beans also created the Bubble Cup in 2016, a Cold Brew Coffee, within which Coffee-soaked Tapioca Pearls sit. Be sure to check these out if you take a visit to Industry Beans!

TOASTA & Co

Location: 181 Adderley St, West Melbourne 3003 / Ph: (03) 9995 0308

It’s all in the name. TOASTA makes the best toasted sandwiches in the city:

TOASTA Is About Real Food And Unreal Taste, Sandwiching Old-School Comfort Food With New-School Flavours.

Rebecca Feingold, co-owner

The model is pretty simple. Take the finest produce and put it between the tastiest bread. The skill is finding the best combinations and ensuring consistency of quality and output. TOASTA has got it nailed.

TOASTA started out as food truck catering in 2014, specialising in casual and fun catering for festivals and events across Victoria. The cafe in Adderley St, West Melbourne, launched in 2016.

It’s a lovely cafe, located in an old school corner store, with plenty of room outside for taking the air and sitting in the sun. The cafe serves legendary toasties and excellent Schnitzels, which are made with chicken thighs (rather than breasts), to ensure they’re always moist and never dry.

There’s also a breakfast menu, quality coffee, grab-and-go food and alcohol too.

The TOASTA group has subsequently expanded into high-quality Schnitzels, with its Von Crumb catering van. Keep an eye out for it. These next level Schnitzels are served on pretzel rolls, in bowls or with chips.

Editor’s Note: Although the Adderley Street cafe appears to have closed, it seems that the toastie truck lives one.

Ondo

Location: 115 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 0422 468 787

If you’re hunting for a fabulous Asian cafe, look no further than Ondo. Whatever, kind of cuisine you prefer, it’s definitely one of the best cafes in Melbourne.

Originally running from a soothing space on Wattletree Road, Armadale, Ondo has subsequently moved into the city. But don’t worry. The kitchen is still doing some of the tastiest Korean food around and offers Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus.

Whether you’re looking for a safe and reliable Vegetable Slicer or a Magnetic Spice Rack, we’ve got just what you need. Click here for a full range of Kitchen Gadgets and labour saving devices.

Chef Levi Eun cut his teeth at such celebrated fine diners as Longrain, Quay and Igni – and it shows. Whilst Ondo may look like a modest enough cafe, the food is elite. Especially the impressive selection of Banchan (or Bansang) that accompanies their plentiful meals.

On a chilly Melbourne morning, you’ll struggle to find a breakfast dish more comforting that the Nokdo Samgyejuk. It’s a warming bowl of Korean Rice Congee, Shredded Chicken, Barley, Ginseng & Mung Beans. Honestly, it’ll set you up for the day far better than any watery porridge.

For lunch, it’s hard to ignore the Dwaeji Galbi. A morrish plate of Soy Marinated Grilled Pork Neck, Ssam Veggie, Walnut Ssamjang & Pine Nut, it’s a flavour sensation.

Terror Twilight Collingwood

Location: 11-13 Johnston St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 9417 0129

Another must-visit breakfast and lunch spot is the wonderfully named Terror Twilight.

Set in a bright, welcoming space, complete with a baby pink Coffee machine, a turntable and a shelf of vinyl, it’s the kind of place where you could pop in for brunch and end up staying for a Cocktail or 2.

So what about the food? Well, there are innovative menus, and then there’s Terror Twilight. If you need an energy boost, the Sweet Potato Panacakes are a revelation. Served with Pandan Cream Cheese, Mango Curd, Coconut + Cinnamon Crumb, Compressed Pineapple & Blueberries, they are both colourful and yum.

Feeling more savoury? Then dip into the Bowls and Broths section of the All-Day offerings. This is the ultimate build-your-own lunch, with options to choose Bases, Sides, Dressings, Broths, Noodles, Proteins and more.

As well as this Collingwood gem, the same team are also behind a number of other cafes that are worth checking out. There’s Hi Fi by Terror Twilight (also known as Hi Fi Collingwood), which knocks out ace Sandwiches and Coffee. Over in the west, there’s Convoy Moonee Ponds, where the Dark Chocolate Banana Bread with Espresso Butter has to be tried to be believed. Next, the group have Ophelia Westgarth, which blends a cafe with a wine bar. Finally, just up the road from Ophelia you’ll find Tinker Northcote.

All-in-all, it’s quite the cafe empire. And one that we hope keeps expanding.

For a rundown of the Best Wine Bars in Melbourne, see here

Linger Cafe

Location: 101 Bowen St, Camberwell, VIC 3124 Ph: 0427 800 018

Set in a hundred year old church building, Linger Cafe – or Linger Patisserie Cafe as it’s also called – is a much-loved local gem.

The all day Brunch Menu at first glance features number of popular dishes. However, a closer look shows that everything has an interesting little tweak. So the Magic Mushroom includes House Made Truffle Ricotta, Pickled Fennel & Mushroom Croquette on Mushroom French Toast, as well as the more usual Sauteed Mushrooms & Poached Egg. Similarly, The Gangnam Style Burger elevates the standard Fried Chicken sandwich with Spicy Mayo & Kimchi. It’s a delicious innovation.

However, the real icing on the cake from Linger Cafe- literally – is that patisserie bit. The kitchen has a very successful sideline in Asian style mousse cakes – both large and small. Stand-our include their fabulously realistic ‘Oranges’ and their take on the Black Star Pastry Watermelon Cake.

For our guide to the Best Bakeries in Melbourne, see here

Journeyman 

Location: 169 Chapel St, Windsor, VIC 3181 Ph: (03) 9521 4884

Journeyman has an industrial setting, within which they offer some of the finest coffee within Melbourne.

Situated where Dukes Coffee Roasters previously sat, on Chapel Street, Journeyman has built on such iconic foundations and has continued to deliver some of the most delicious food and coffee around. 

Sandwiches are such a staple snack. Now you can make cafe-worthy sandwiches, toasties, paninis and more with one of these affordable sandwich makers.

Their all day menu consists of delicious brunch dishes alongside fresh and filling plates such as mushroom gnocchi. In terms of drinks, they have a great selection of coffee and organic artisan teas. Though, if you fancy something a bit boozier, their cocktails are to die for. 

The Kettle Black 

Location: Fifty Albert, 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Ph: (03) 9088 0721

The Kettle Black has to be one of Melbourne’s most sophisticated spots for food and drinks. It is a unique blend of a cafe and restaurant, and is wonderfully decorated using a merge of old and new styles. So it just had to make our best cafes in Melbourne.

The Kettle Black manages to elevate brunch to a whole new level. It has gourmet dishes, a chic environment, and wonderful staff. It is vegetarian friendly, and has multiple vegan and gluten free options.

That said, we’d walk across hot coals for their Korean Fried Chicken Burger. With a zippy Gochujang Glaze, Wombok Slaw, Pickles, Aioli, Spring Onion, Sesame & Fries, it’s a total winner.

If you’re planning to catch up with a medium to large group of friends over some great food, be sure to consider heading to The Kettle Black.

For a cool bar, great cocktails and stunning Asian fusion food, check out our review of Richmond’s Kekou

Studley Park Boathouse

Location: Studley Park Picnic Area, 1 Boathouse Rd, Kew, VIC 3101 Ph: (03) 8563 0028

The Studley Park Boathouse proudly describes itself as ‘Melbourne’s Oldest Riverside Gem’ – and they are not joking.

Drive the windy road through the pleasingly wild bush landscape of Studley Park down to the banks of the Yarra. There you’ll find a lovingly restored Edwardian boathouse and throngs of people eating lunch at its sprawling cafe.

Newly re-renovated, the ‘Boathouse is quite something, with multiple decks tiered to the water’s edge, as well as inside dining spaces.

For a full and detailed review of Studley Park Boathouse, click here.

Whilst technically a restaurant, we feel the casual dining vibe makes this spot perfect for our best cafes in Melbourne page.

Whether you are hunting for a Digital Meat Thermometer for that perfect steak, or an easy-to-use Knife Sharpener, we can help. Click here for a full range of useful Kitchen Gadgets.

The Food Menu includes a selection of Woodfire Pizzas, Salt & Pepper Calamari ($21) and house made Burgers, amongst other things. Given the stunning location, within a piece of urban parkland, it’s no surprise that many people simply pop in for a refreshing glass of Wine and a Charcuterie Board ($38) or Bowl of Seasoned Fries ($13).

With super efficient staff bustling around and the option of an after lunch row on the river, the Studley Park Boathouse really is a gem of a place.

Auction Rooms Cafe

Location: 103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne, VIC 3051 Ph: (03) 9326 7749

Situated in the former WB Ellis auction house, Auction Rooms provide wonderful Coffee. All of their Coffees are sourced from their own beans, which are roasted at the Small Batch Roasting Company. 

In addition to providing top quality Coffee, they also offer a great food selection for brunch and lunch. Also, if you’ve had too much caffeine and are looking for something a little boozier, they have a good array of Alcoholic Drinks and Cocktails.

As a bonus, there is a small outdoor patio that you can sit on. Be sure to try the Chorizo Chilli Scrambled Eggs if you go. It’s the kind of brekky dish you return for again and again.

Bagels are all the go in Melbourne at the moment. Some of our favourites are made at Mile End Bagels.

Lorna Cafe

Location: 1053 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully, VIC 3156 Ph: (03) 9758 6180

A rather humdrum strip of businesses running along the Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully might not seem an obvious spot for one of the best cafes in Melbourne, but that’s where the fabulous Lorna lies. And what a total gem this place is.

Light and sunny, with superb staff, comfy tables and chairs and a memorable menu, Lorna. Cafe is the kind of establishment that any area would be happy to have.

The All-Day Menu does elevated versions of a number of brunch favourites. Their Benny has a Hot Smoked Salmon & Potato Croquette, Poached Eggs, Black Garlic Mayo, Chilli & Herb Salad & Sourdough. The Chicken Waffle features succulent Southern Fried Chicken on a Cornbread Waffle with Whiskey Maples, Chipotle Whipped Butter & crunchy Pickled Celery. And the fabulous house-made Lorna Crumpets comes with Lemon Curd, Macerated Strawberries & Lemon Balm and look afternoon tea perfect.

If you fancy a walk in the nearby Dandenong Ranges National Park or a hike up the 1000 Steps, make sure you pop by Lorna Melbourne for a Coffee and something to eat on your way home. It’s totally worth your time.

Hardware Societé 

Location: 10 Katherine Place & 123 Hardware St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 9621 2100

If you want to visit Hardware Societe, be prepared to wait in line! They are an incredibly busy venue, but the food is 100% worth the struggle to get in. Hardware Societe has a iconic status within Melbourne, and is often thought of as the best place around. 

Their menu seems quite small, however, don’t be fooled. Their food is innovative, fun, and most of all, quite delicious. Take the Hot Smoked Salmon, for example. The perfectly lush fish is accompanied by Russian Salad, a vibrant Beetroot Puree, Boiled Egg, Pickled Onions and Crispy Croutons.

They also offer Coffee by Padre, a wide range of Teas, Fresh Juices and Smoothies. Heck! They even do a great Boozie Tea as a Brunch Cocktail, so be sure to try it if you visit.

Heading up to Sydney and worrying about your caffeine intake? Click this link for our article on the Best Coffee Shops in Sydney

Legacy Camberwell

Location: 347 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell, VIC 3124 Ph: (03) 9041 1796

This Camberwell favourite is deceptively laidback. But take a look around and the from the brick flooring to the classy wooden joinery, healthy pot plants and warm vibe, it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into this attractive cafe.

And that goes for the menu as well.

The Waffle Benedict built around sweet potato and ricotta waffles with bacon, eggs, dried corn and zippy sriracha hollandaise is a great spin on a classic. However, we find it almost impossible to go past the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bao. Having said that, the Soba Noodle Salad with Salmon (or Chicken) is also a winner.

Add in great coffee and a cool playlist and Legacy Camberwell easily make our take on the top cafes in Melbourne.

Feel like indulging in a Bottomless Brunch? These are some of the finest in Melbourne

Mammoth Cafe Armadale

Location: 736 Malvern Rd, Armadale, VIC 3143 Ph: (03) 9824 5239

Bringing up the rear on our best cafes in Melbourne we have a suburban fav.

Mammoth, situated in Armadale, is a particularly charming cafe, with a delightfully delicate interior and wonderfully kind staff. 

At first glance, the menu looks like many others in town. However, dig a little deeper and you’ll see that even the most familiar of dishes has a twist or 2 up its sleeve. Hence, the Eggs Benedict at Mammoth Cafe arrives with Slow Cooked Pulled Ham Hock, Roasted Apple Hollandaise, Pomegranate & Fresh Apple (along with Poached Eggs) on a crisp Potato Rosti.

And if you’re feeling a bit flat, we highly recommend their vitamin-packed Antioxidant Berry Smoothie.

If you love a croissant or 3, see our guide to the Best Croissants in Melbourne

Workshop Bros Southbank

Location: Freshwater Pl, Tenancy a/2 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006 Ph: 0482 829 522

The family owned Workshop Bros have a number of cafes across Melbourne – from the CBD over to the Southbank and beyond.

All of their eateries serve great Coffee, Artisan Pastries and exciting, innovative menus. If you like Asian fusion done really well, book a table at one of their ventures now. At the Southbank Branch give the Roti Delight a whirl. You’ll be treated to a soft Roti, Grilled Bacon & Halloumi, Fresh Herbs & Crispy Shallots, Thai Red Chilli Jams & Poached Eggs. In fact, even their Bliss Balls and Almond Lattes get good reviews.

And if you eat with your eyes, you’re in for a treat – every plate looks stunning!

For a more detailed review of the Workshop Bros empire, see here.

Mr Hendricks

Location: 469 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn, VIC 3103 Ph: (03) 9078 6619

Editor’s Update: It seems that Mr. Hendricks has rebranded as The Mazu Cafe.

Set in a pleasant row of shopfronts on Whitehorse Rd, Mr Hendricks cafe hides one of Balwyn’s best-kept secrets.

Pass through the neat, but admittedly small cafe front and head out the back. There you’ll find a decked courtyard oasis. The perfect spot to sit in the sun under an umbrella and enjoy the Asian-influenced dishes on the creative menu.

Trust us. If pork is your thing, you really should try the Braised Pork Belly Bao. It’s sweet, juicy and savoury all at once.

For a more obvious breakfast choice, we recommend the Crispy Eggs with Sweet Potato Puree, Smoked Ham Hock, Lettuce, Bacon Crumb & Ranch Dressing. It’s the kind of crunchy, soft, saucy combination that you find yourself dreaming of when hungry.

Or at least we do. But maybe that’s just us!

For a dedicated review of Mr Hendricks, click here.

Dead Man Espresso 

Location: 35 Market St, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Ph: (03) 9645 9991

Dead Man Espresso is many people’s favourite place for Coffee in Melbourne. In particular, its low acid, Long Black is deliciously different to anything else you’ll find around.

Located just around the corner from South Melbourne Market, it’s in a perfect spot for a brunch and Coffee catch up. 

Their food menu has all you could want for either breakfast or lunch. From Brioche French Toast, to the Wagyu Burger, Dead Man Espresso have a number of top-quality food options. We’re huge fans of their take on Huevos Rancheros. Be sure to check them out!

Love a High Tea? Us too! Here are our go-to venues in Melbourne

Shanklin Cafe

Location: 500 Tooronga Rd, Hawthorn East, VIC 3123 Ph: (03) 9882 7549

We had to slide this spot onto our guide. Why? Well, these folks reckon they are the highest rated cafe in Melbourne.

And we can see why.

Shanklin Cafe is a benchmark in lots of ways. It has a unique interior, its own signature roast of coffee (plus an Instagram-worthy Turkish Delatte) and fabulous food. Which tastes great.

For a full and detailed review of Shanklin Cafe, click here.

Add to this awesome, friendly staff and a salubrious, leafy location and you have a cafe that is worth hunting out.

If you do, give their famous Sweet Corn Fritter ($22) with Guacamole, Sumac & Green Style Yoghurt a try. We like them with a side of Salmon, but the choice is yours.

Either way, we reckon you’ll love this hip little local with is funky food and attention to detail.

The Hatter and the Hare

Location: 1/21 Scoresby Rd, Bayswater, VIC 3153 Ph: (03) 9720 5230

An industrial estate in Bayswater might appear to be an unlikely place for a gourmet hotspot – but trust us. Bayswater is foodie heaven right now.

Firstly, there’s the creative pastries and stellar breads of Dröm Bakery. And secondly, right next door, there’s the wonderland (and yes, we’ve chosen that word carefully) that is The Hatter and the Hare.

Spacious, whimsical, vibrant and with a genuinely exciting menu, this is the kind of cafe that every suburb wishes it had. From the relaxed, friendly service, to the fun decor and the great dishes, The Hatter and the Hare is a fabulous local secret.

For a full and detailed review of The Hatter and the Hare, see here

Honestly, why don’t more venues offer something like the King’s Remedy ($11) – a Flight of 3 Coffees? Or a picture perfect Lavender Latte ($6) for the non-caffeine addicts?

The Alice in Wonderland connection is clear on the food section of the menu. Curiouser & Curiouser ($25) features Slow-Roasted Pumpkin, a contrasting Blue Cheese Whip, Pecan Thyme & Maple Dressing and Fried Sage on Multigrain Toast. From that base, you can free-style by adding Eggs, Bacon or Avocado. Need something sweet to get you going? The Knave of Heart’s Treat ($24) matches Chocolate Belgian Waffle, Cream Cheese Frosting, Amarena Cherries, Chocolate Soil and a wicked Hot Nutella Fudge.

Such is the reputation of this out-of-the-way gem, that bookings are essential. So be warned!

For more on the finest Bakeries in Melbourne, see here.

Final Thoughts

From innovative chefs to perfectionist coffee makers, Melbourne is home to an incredible amount of wonderful cafes. We hope this list helps you find your perfect weekend spot! 

RELATED:

Anne’s Pantry

Whiplash Cafe

Lune Croissanterie

Tarts Anon

Golden Child Cafe

Thymes Five Cafe