Melbourne has a reputation for roasting, grinding and brewing some of the finest coffee in the world. In fact, the city’s obsession with flat whites, lattes and macchiatos means that some of the best coffee houses in New York and London have a Melbourne barista running their coffee machine.
So it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that Melburnians take their morning caffeine fix very seriously.
Whether you’re a coffee fanatic, or you just like a cup on your morning commute – you know how important it is to go to a good coffee house. There’s nothing worse than handing over your money, to receive a sad, bland coffee.
Well, with our guide, dull, uninspiring and insipid coffee will be a thing of the past.
In this article, we’ve researched the best coffee shops in Melbourne. That’s right, 15 coffee shops to choose from. We’re giving you plenty of options.
So whether you like a shot of espresso, a cappuccino, or a nitro cold brew, we’ve got you covered.
With that said, let’s get stuck in.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Location: 66 Bourke St, East Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9662 1885
First up on our list of the best 15 coffee shops in Melbourne, is Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar.
To say that Pellegrini’s is a Melbourne institution really doesn’t do this adored place justice.
This revered Italian cafe recently turned 70. 70! And in a city where food fads come and go quicker than the weather changes, that’s astounding. But then, the folks at Pellegrini’s will tell you that the first espresso machine in Melbourne sat on the counter here. Yep, great coffee runs through the veins of everyone associated with this authentic espresso bar.
In fact, very little has changed here since that first espresso was brewed in 1954. From the famous neon sign, to the scuffed black and white floor and the mirrors on the walls. Happily, it also remains a coffeehouse where you can always get a genuine, hearty pasta dish and a decadent slab of cake.
And the customers? You’ll find people from all walks of life, sitting up at the counter, tucking into aromatic piles of spaghetti and lasagne. Well-dressed business types rub shoulders with students and out-of-towners who’ve made a pilgrimage to this iconic Melbourne coffee shop. All are welcome to enjoy that wonderful common denominator – coffee.
Here’s hoping that Pellegrini’s Espresso bar is around for another 70 years.
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ST.ALi
Location: 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Ph: (03) 9132 8966 See Website For Further Locations
Next we have another Melbourne caffeine heavy-hitter. ST.ALi Coffee Roasters – South Melbourne.
If Pellegrini’s is old skool Melbourne coffee culture at its finest, then ST.ALi is at the front of the new breed of businesses. From the uber-cool converted warehouse space to the always interesting Food Menu. And, of course, truly excellent coffee. In fact, coffee so good that ST.ALi South Melbourne now has a number of outlets across Melbourne and tentacles in Jakarta, Bali and Manila.
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However, we love the original venue. After a big night, few things pep you up quicker that their Espresso Flight ($19) featuring 3 superb blends. Brunch-wise, Our Mexican Cousin ($33) – Corn Fritters, Poached Eggs, Haloumi Crumb, Sweetcorn Salsa, Leaves & Kasundi is a life-saver. That said, if you really need reviving, push the boat out with their Banquet Breakfast ($76pp) which runs to 6 of the kitchen’s most popular dishes.
Heaven!
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Brother Baba Budan
Location: 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9347 8664
Next up on our look at great Melbourne coffee shops is Brother Baba Budan.
If you pop into this wonderful coffee shop, you’ll find top-of-the-line roasted coffee. Whether you opt for the flat white, or you choose the noble espresso, you’ll taste the quality in every sip.
What’s more, you can even order the ‘Coffee of the Day’, so you can discover a new, quality roast. Prices range from $4 — $5, so it’s a reasonably priced coffee house. Oh, and if you bring your cup, you can get 20 cents off your cup.
If you’re familiar with the story of Brother Baba Budan, then you’ll understand why this is a lovely name for a coffee shop.
If not, here’s the concise version: in the 17th century, Baba Budan stole seven seeds of coffee from Yemen, and took them to India. It’s heartwarming to see the tale honoured.
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Dukes Coffee Roasters
Location: 62 North Street, Richmond VIC 3121 & 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9417 5578 See Website For Further Locations
If you’re looking for a coffee house that is committed to ethical trading, then Dukes Coffee Roasters is for you. Their coffee is sourced from traceable farms and co-operatives, so you’ll always know where your coffee is coming from.
Dukes Coffee Roasters is also good on price. Filter coffee ranges from $3 to $10, so whatever your budget, there’s a cup for you.
If you’re in the mood for an espresso, you can buy one for only $4, and if you bring your mug, you can get 50 cents off. We always appreciate that initiative.
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Captains Of Industry
Location: 2 Somerset Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9670 4405
Moving on with our take on the best coffee shops in Melbourne, we have Captains of Industry.
If you’re looking for a quirky coffee house, then you’ve come to the right place. Captains of Industry is a bistro, and yet also a barber and shoemaker. It’s quite genuine really, a one-stop-shop for all your coffee, beard, and shoe repair needs.
Seriously though, the espresso comes out of a Faema E61 machine — you’re not getting a cheap, shoddy cup of coffee. The baristas also measure the temperature of the milk by hand, everything in this unusual shop is precise to the exact detail.
If you’ve got a partner who’s always bored, patiently waiting for you to get your hair done, so you can continue your day of shopping, here’s the perfect place.
Tell them to relax and have a coffee, while you get the perfect trim (you can even get those not-so-new shoes repaired, while you’re at it).
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Good Measure
Location: 193 Lygon St, Carlton, VIC 3053
Maybe it’s the cosy timber interior, but Good Measure feels like a tiny slither of Japan in Italian-centric Lygon Street. But whatever it’s origins, this place is cool and the staff know they way around a Filter Coffee and a cold drink. And if you think that a ‘cold drink’ has no place on a review of the top coffee shops in Melbourne, then think again.
You see, Good Measure is known for its chilled beverages. In particular, it’s Mont Blanc. This viral sensation is an Iced Filter Coffee with added Dark Sugar for sweetness, topped with a crown of Cream and a dusting of Nutmeg and Orange Zest. People have been lining up to take photos of it since the team produced their first one – and we can see why. It’s a fantastic take on a refreshing summer drink.
Incidentally, if you are feeling peckish, Good Measure do an excellent selection of Sandwiches during the day. We are big fsans of their Smoked Chicken sanga. Come night, the cafe transforms into a Cocktail Bar, complete with a turntable playing vinyl.
Honestly, what else could you ask for from a local caffeine joint?
Everyday Coffee Midtown
Location: 213 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Continuing our recommendations, we have Everyday Coffee Midtown.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop, that is swift with orders and is designed for takeaway coffees, then this is the place for you. That said, if you want to sit down in this coffee house, you totally can. They have a minimalist seating area if you prefer drinking your coffee indoors.
These guys roast their coffee every day, right in Melbourne. They have the most wonderful blends of coffee. Their All Day blend is a Colombian mix with traces of chocolate and it’s delicious.
While their menu only has ‘black, white, pour-over and batch’ you can ask for traditional coffees, such as Cappuccino or a latte, no questions asked.
Tom Thumb
Location: 53 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tom Thumb is next up on our list of the best coffee shops in Melbourne.
So, Tom Thumb is a real small coffee shop, because their game is in the takeaway coffee business. However, they do have outdoor seating, and a small space upstairs for a couple of people to sit down.
It’s a little cozy nook, that sells superb coffee. There’s always a queue at Tom Thumb, so you know their product is rated highly. Prices vary from around $4.50 to £3, depending on your order.
They also give you 50 cents off your order if you bring your cup, which is a pretty neat discount.
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Workshop Brothers
Location: 4/190 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9078 6533 See Website For Further Locations
This is a great coffee shop for those who like a pastry with their coffee.
Workshop Brothers get their coffee from Axil Roasters, so you know the quality is great. They also sell their own blend called The Huntly. It’s a peachy medium roast, with a sweet aftertaste.
Oh, and back to the pastries. They sell an insane Nutella croissant. And it pairs perfectly with their blend.
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Patricia Coffee Brewers
Location: 493-495 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Next up on our list of the 15 best coffee shops in Melbourne, is Patricia.
This is a coffee shop for all you fast-paced, city dwellers. If you want a crafted coffee-to-go, then this is the place for you. Patricia is a standing-only coffee shop, so it’s pretty much in-and-out, or you know, in and standing.
While this is a super speedy coffee shop, you’ll be pleased to know that the baristas are still incredibly helpful. While they rapidly make coffee, they’ll explain to you what coffees they have on offer, and the different tasting notes. So, you don’t have to be a coffee expert to find your perfect drink.
Interestingly, Patricia said ‘no more!’ to sizes-small, medium, and large. Instead, they just have one coffee size at a standard $4. If you prefer a white coffee, then it’s a standard charge of $4.30.
While you’re there, be sure to grab one of their wonderful baked goods. The peanut butter cookie is a fan favourite.
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Axil Coffee Roasters
Location: 565 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9629 7339 See Website For Further Locations
Next up on our list of the best coffee shops in Melbourne, is Axil Coffee Roasters.
Axil Coffee Roasters is the place to go if you’re looking for great quality and ethically sourced coffee. Talk about traceability – the beans are roasted in Hawthorn. You can get a wide range of coffee, and the single organ roasts alter daily.
It’s also the perfect coffee house to visit if you’re looking for coffee on the cheaper side. A standard cup is only $3.80, so you’ll be saving money, without skimping on quality.
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Update: It probably won’t come as a surprise to their regulars, but Anthony Douglas from Axil Coffee Roasters won the 2022 World Barista Championship. So it’s official. Melbourne has the best barista in the world!
LB2 Specialty Coffee
Location: 2 Gallaghers Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Next up on our list of the best 15 coffee shops in Melbourne, is LB2 Specialty Coffee.
Here’s a coffee house that goes the extra mile. When you pop into LB2 Specialty Coffee, you can expect to receive a cup of coffee perfectly curated for you.
The baristas will check to see what type of flavours you like, and the preferred strength of your coffee and the method you like your coffee made, before recommending you a blend.
These guys know their coffee. You can get the v60 pour-over, cold drips, and even batch brews.
If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee and an Asian-infused menu of favourites, check out Linger Cafe in Camberwell.
Editor’s Update: Sadly, we hear that LB2 Specialty Coffee is no more.
White Mojo
Location: K1004/1 Main St, Box Hill, VIC 3128 See Website For Further Locations
Coming in next amongst our best coffee shops in Melbourne is White Mojo.
If you’re looking for a coffee house that will break Instagram, this is the place. You’ve probably heard, or at least seen pictures, of this place because it is so photogenic.
The floors are cool Scandinavian hexagon tiles, and here’s even a bejewelled cow’s head on the wall, that’s right, bejewelled.
While this coffee shop is all about the aesthetic, the coffee is also pretty darn good. The house blend is made from Sumatran beans, that have been naturally dried and washed, providing an intense fruity brew.
They do insane food options too, such as a stunning croissant burger.
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Editor’s Note: although the city branch of White Mojo appears to have closed, thankfully, the team is thriving in other places.
Code Black Melbourne City
Location: Foyer, 360 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph:(03) 9388 0005 See Website For Further Locations
At Code Black Melbourne City, the guys roast their own coffee, so you know you’re getting a quality cup. They have a daily changing blend, so you can always experience a new flavour. And as you would expect, their staff are friendly and very knowledgeable.
It’s a relaxed coffee shop, with good service, and a friendly atmosphere. What’s more, they do some fabulous brunch options. We recommend their Mushroom & Truffle Benny. It’s a fully-flavoured delight of Crispy Potato Galette, Seasonal Mushies, Caramelised Fennel, Poached Eggs, Sauteed Kale & Truffle Mayo. We predict it’ll go brilliantly with whatever their current Single Origin coffee is on the day you dine.
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Sensory Lab
Location: 297 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9643 2610 See Website For Further Locations
Last our list of the best 15 coffee shops in Melbourne – but definitely not least – is Sensory Lab.
Sensory Lab is for those of you who take coffee drinking very seriously. Sensory Lab are kinda like the Elon Musk of coffee. They’re modern, technical, and the coffee shop looks like a little space shuttle. Go figure.
You can trust that these guys roast their own beans, as well as sell and serve them, too. Typically, there are around six roasts on offer daily, which is a decent selection.
The cool part is, the single origins change fairly often. This means that there’s always something new to try.
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So, as you can imagine, this isn’t a cheap coffee shop. A single-origin pour-over can cost you over $9. Even a flat white amounts to $4.50. But, keep in mind that every shot of espresso is a double shot, so you’re kinda getting your money’s worth anyway.
Also, these are not your bog-standard coffee roasters. These guys know everything about coffee. If you ask one of the baristas a coffee question, any coffee question, they’ll know. They just know.
Even though it’s a little expensive here, you can guarantee that you’re going to an expert coffee house.
Another little perk of this place is that in some stores (e.g., 30 Collins Street) there are iPads built into the tables. So, you can have a little browse, or a little read, while drinking your expertly crafted coffee. Sounds good to me!
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Little Rogue.
Location: 12 Drewery Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Those in the know would argue that when it comes to the coffee shops in Melbourne, we’ve saved the best ’til last.
This dinky little temple to caffeine down an obscure side street in the heart of Melbourne has a cult following. And for good reason. The coffee is really excellent.
For a full and detailed review of Little Rogue, click here.
Rather than offering coffee and smashed avocado and 15 types of smoothie, the folks at Little Rogue focus on what they do best. Brew amazing coffee and offer it to have in or go, with a side of gourmet pastries. The service is friendly and knowledgable and ambience of the cafe cool but welcoming.
The only problem with Little Rogue is finding it! It’s actually tucked in behind Melbourne Central in a quirky, little laneway that you’d could easily miss. Look out for the street art. Especially, the big white cat. Next to the cat is a blue door and that’s the entrance to Little Rogue.
And whilst you’re grabbing one of the finest coffees in town, check out the pastries across the way at their sister shop – Bakemono. The Almond & Yuzu Croissants are addictive.
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This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
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