Melbourne Coffee Shops: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Brews in Town

Melbourne doesn’t just serve coffee—it worships it. With more cafés per capita than almost any city in the world, finding the best coffee in Melbourne can feel like a treasure hunt. Whether you're after a velvety flat white, a single-origin pour-over, or a hidden laneway espresso bar, this city delivers.

I’ve sipped my way through Melbourne’s caffeine scene (tough job, I know), and I’m here to spill the beans on where to find the best coffee shops in Melbourne, from specialty roasters to late-night espresso spots.

☕ Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne: The Must-Visit List

Melbourne’s coffee scene is a mix of iconic institutions and hidden gems. Here are the top spots every coffee lover should try:

1. Patricia Coffee Brewers (CBD) – The Espresso Experts

📍 Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne
💡 Why Go? No seats, no fuss—just some of the best espresso in Melbourne. Their house blend is legendary, and their baristas treat coffee like an art form.

2. Proud Mary (Collingwood) – Specialty Coffee Heaven

📍 Address: Oxford St, Collingwood
💡 Why Go? One of Melbourne’s top specialty coffee roasters, with single-origin beans and next-level brewing methods. Try their AeroPress or cold brew.

3. St. Ali (South Melbourne) – The OG Coffee Roaster

📍 Address: Yarra Pl, South Melbourne
💡 Why Go? A pioneer in Melbourne’s coffee revolution, St. Ali roasts its own beans and serves killer brunch. Their "My Mexican Cousin" blend is a must-try.

4. Brother Baba Budan (CBD) – Tiny Space, Big Flavors

📍 Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne
💡 Why Go? Named after the legendary coffee smuggler, this tiny café packs a punch with Seven Seeds beans and a cozy, rustic vibe.

5. Market Lane Coffee (Prahran & CBD) – Farm-to-Cup Excellence

📍 Address: Prahran Market & Melbourne CBD
💡 Why Go? Focused on ethical sourcing, Market Lane offers seasonal single-origin coffees and brewing classes for true coffee nerds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Melbourne Coffee

1. What’s the most popular coffee order in Melbourne?

The flat white reigns supreme—it’s smoother than a latte and stronger than a cappuccino. But Melbourne also loves batch brew, cold drip, and single-origin espresso.

2. Where can I find specialty coffee in Melbourne?

Check out:

• Aunty Peg’s (Collingwood) – A coffee roastery with zero milk (yes, really).

• Dukes Coffee Roasters (CBD & Fitzroy) – Small-batch perfection.

• Seven Seeds (Carlton) – A Melbourne coffee institution.

3. Which Melbourne coffee shops roast their own beans?

• Industry Beans (Fitzroy) – Futuristic coffee lab meets brunch spot.

• Axil Coffee Roasters (Hawthorn & CBD) – Championship-winning roasts.

• Ona Coffee (Fitzroy North) – Founded by World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic.

4. Are there any late-night coffee shops in Melbourne?

Yes! Try:

• The Kettle Black (South Melbourne) – Open till 4 PM (late for Melbourne standards).

• Higher Ground (CBD) – Great coffee in a stunning industrial space.

• Captains of Industry (CBD) – Part café, part barbershop, open till late.

🔍 Hidden Gems & Unique Coffee Experiences

Melbourne Laneway Cafés

• Degraves Espresso (Degraves St) – The heart of Melbourne’s café culture.

• Manchester Press (Rankins Lane) – Famous for bagels and strong coffee.

Best Coffee with WiFi (For Digital Nomads)

• The League of Honest Coffee (CBD) – Great workspace vibes.

• Terror Twilight (Fitzroy) – Specialty coffee + chill atmosphere.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Coffee Spots

• Smith & Deli (Fitzroy) – Plant-based pastries + oat milk lattes.

• The Cruelty Free Shop (CBD) – Vegan-friendly brews.

🍳 Bonus: Best Brunch Cafés with Great Coffee

Because in Melbourne, coffee and brunch go hand-in-hand:

• Higher Ground (CBD) – Stunning venue, killer coffee.

• Kettle Black (South Melbourne) – Insta-worthy dishes + top-tier flat whites.

• Top Paddock (Richmond) – Famous for ricotta hotcakes and smooth brews.

🎯 Final Sip: How to Navigate Melbourne’s Coffee Scene Like a Pro

• Follow the locals – If there’s a queue, it’s probably worth it.

• Try something new – Melbourne loves experimental brewing methods.

• Buy beans to take home – Many cafés sell their signature blends.

☕ Your Turn!

What’s your favorite Melbourne coffee spot? Did I miss any hidden gems? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always hunting for the next great brew!