This city is renowned for hosting some of the finest cafes globally. Our benchmark for coffee and brunch quality is emulated worldwide, unsurprisingly, as we offer unparalleled excellence in these areas. From venues perfect for a quick coffee and pastry to leisurely Sunday brunches, and even those boasting menus of fine dining caliber, Melbourne’s finest cafes are all here.
To guide you through this world steeped in coffee, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cafes in Melbourne for 2023, showcasing the best of our vibrant cafe culture：
1.The Hardware Societe
Founded by Di & Will Keser in 2009, Hardware Société started as a charming 35-seat café in Melbourne and has grown into an international sensation with locations in Paris and Barcelona. The Paris branch offers a stunning blend of Melbourne’s coffee culture with Parisian elegance, while their Barcelona outlet, opened in 2022, echoes the vibrancy of Eixample. Each café reflects its city’s spirit, making Hardware Société a symbol of global café culture.
📷@patrickcolpron
Hardware Société, a café with roots in Melbourne, showcases its unique story of quality and innovation across continents. Each location, from Melbourne’s urban elegance to Barcelona’s artistic touch, offers a distinct yet harmonious dining experience. Signature dishes like their famous baked eggs highlight a fusion of global and local flavors, complemented by Melbourne’s celebrated coffee. More than just a café, Hardware Société is a cultural journey, uniting diverse locales with its foundational charm and warmth. As it expands globally, each new stop promises a taste of local culture infused with Melbourne’s spirit.
🚩 Address: 10 Katherine Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday 7.30am – 3.00pm, Saturday – Sunday 8.00am – 3.00pm
📖 Menu: hardwaresociete.com
☎️ Phone: (03) 9621 2100
2.The Grain Store
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD lies The Grain Store, more than just a café, but a celebration of gastronomy and lifestyle. This charming spot, once a granary on the Yarra River, resonates with history. Chef Ingo Meissner expertly fuses traditional European countryside flavors with modern cooking, creating nutritious and delightful meals, with each dish a testament to culinary finesse.
📷@grainstore.com.au
Complement your weekend brunch with their hand-brewed coffee, a must-try experience. For a sweet treat, their chocolate chip cookies served with cold milk are perfect for dipping, requiring just a 10-minute pre-order. If in a hurry, visit the ‘table of inspiration’ for a quick selection of chicken sandwiches, pies, quiches, and salads.
🚩 Address: 517 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Mon – Fri7AM – 3PM, Sat – Sun8AM – 3PM, Public Holidays 8AM – 3PM
📖 Menu: grainstore.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 9972 6993
3.Fitzrovia
From the early morning buzz at 7.00am with breakfast delights and aromatic coffee from Nook on the La Mazocco, to the lively afternoon spread of treats and cocktails overlooking the park, Fitzrovia is a hub of culinary passion. The team dedicates their day to working with, selecting, and innovating with food.
📷@Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia’s commitment to quality starts with sourcing: bio-dynamic milk from St David’s Dairy, Tatura butter, Romsey Range beef, Mount Zero salt, South Gippsland lamb, and more. They cherish local Victorian produce, from Red Hill goats’ cheese to organic mussels from Port Phillip, ensuring every dish tells a story of the region’s bounty.
🚩 Address: 2/155 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday：7am -3pm ,Saturday and Sunday：8am -3pm
📖 Menu: mryum.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 9537 0001
4.Brunetti Classico – Carlton
Brunetti began as an authentic Italian Pasticceria in Carlton in 1985 and has since evolved into a beloved icon among Melbourne’s cafes. Renowned for its exquisite coffee, traditional cakes, gelati, and savory delights, Brunetti has become a staple for both local and interstate customers. Their signature coffee is the Brunetti Classico blend, expertly roasted by Griffiths Bros. Coffee Roasters, known for its inviting aroma and rich flavors.
📷@brunetticlassico
Expanding beyond Carlton, Brunetti Classico now welcomes patrons at their airport locations in T2 and T4. Open every day, they offer an authentic Italian cafe and pasticceria experience, including a family-friendly environment with complimentary babycinos for children.
🚩Address: 380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
⏰ Hours: Monday-Sunday 6am-10pm
📖 Menu: brunetticlassico.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 7034 7066
5.Roulegalette
At Roule Galette Flinders Lane in Melbourne, immerse yourself in the essence of France with their array of traditional French delights. The cozy laneway café, resonating with classic and contemporary French tunes, features a staff that greets guests with authentic French charm. The menu is a celebration of galettes and crêpes, both sweet and savory, inviting diners to savor the rich flavors of France.
📷@roulegalette
Indulge in exquisite choices like the truffle and smoked salmon galette or the spicy lamb and beef sausage option, followed by a tempting dessert crêpe such as chocolate with salted caramel or the flambéed Suzette. Roule Galette offers a true French culinary experience in the heart of Melbourne.
🚩 Address: Shop 1/241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Tuesday -Thursday 8 am–8 pm ,Friday 8 am–9:30 pm ,Saturday 9 am–9 pm ,Sunday 9 am–5 pm, Monday Closed
📖 Menu: roulegalette.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 9639 0307
6.Square One Rialto
Nathan Toleman, a significant figure in Melbourne’s café revolution, has ventured into the wine bar and restaurant domain with Dessous, Hazel, and Liminal. His latest venture, Square One Rialto, stands out in Melbourne’s CBD. This ambitious concept café collaborates with top Australian chefs like Victor Liong and Nagesh Seethiah, offering a dynamic menu that changes every season with new dishes from 10 different chefs.
📷@squareonecoffeeroasters
In addition to its innovative menu, Square One Rialto serves as a retail space for Toleman’s Mulberry Group’s roastery. It contributes 10% of profits to the Common Ground Project, supporting community farming and providing opportunities for those facing disadvantages. The café’s unique approach to menu curation and commitment to social causes makes it a notable destination in Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene.
🚩 Address: 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4pm Sat 8am -3pm
☎️ Phone: (03) 9046 2450
7.Cuff Food and Wine
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling laneways, Cuff offers a quintessential city experience. Situated in the historically significant Customs House, the venue blends modern elegance with a rich past, making it an ideal spot for both professional meetings and casual drinks.
The name “Cuff” is a tribute to the area’s history in the Manchester Trade, reflecting the legacy of seamstresses and rag-traders that once thrived in Flinders Lane. This connection to the past adds a unique character to the venue, making it a significant part of Melbourne’s vibrant laneway culture.
🚩 Address: GF, 325 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday : 7am – 4pm, Saturday – Sunday: Closed
📖 Menu: cuffmelbourne.com
☎️ Phone: (03) 9620 7122
8.Higher Ground
Higher Ground, alongside its sister cafes Top Paddock and The Kettle Black, redefines the café experience. Known for its unique offerings like blue swimmer crab Benedict with caviar for breakfast and small plates featuring Hiramasa kingfish, this café stands out for its culinary innovation. The staff, dressed in uniformed shirts, add to the sophisticated ambiance, echoing a boutique hotel vibe.
📷@highergroundmelbourne
Occupying a former power station, Higher Ground’s design is inspired by London’s Ace Hotel and Soho House, featuring a spacious dining room with soaring 15-meter ceilings and abundant natural light. The venue includes a stainless-steel bar for coffee, teas, wine, and cocktails, and an upstairs lounge area with its own barista station, perfect for a relaxed meal or a work session.
🚩 Address: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm ,Saturday and Sunday 7:30am – 5pm
📖 Menu: highergroundmelbourne.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 8899 6219
9.Darling Street Espresso
Darling St Espresso, nestled in a renovated corner store off the main streets of Moonee Ponds, is a hidden gem of a café. Known for its creative menu, the café prides itself on using only the finest local ingredients to craft its dishes.
📷@espressohouse
As a family-run establishment, Darling St Espresso is committed to homemade quality, with every item prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The café also features a tranquil courtyard out back, offering a perfect retreat for guests with prams or canine companions.
🚩 Address: 146 Athol St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM ,Saturday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📖 Menu: darlingstreetespresso.com.au
☎️ Phone: (03) 9326 2212
10.The Premises
The Premises, located in the quaint corner of Kensington, close to the city, is known for its exceptional coffee. Run by coffee industry veterans Alex Anderson and Kate Holloway, along with their skilled team, the café uses Seven Seeds for its delightful brews. The kitchen, led by Kate, offers standout café dishes, with the creamed corn with smoked bacon and slow-roasted pulled pork with homemade chutney being local favorites.
📷@premisescafe
The café’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, featuring green Italian tiles and vintage lamps, with furniture handcrafted by Alex’s father. This charming setup, coupled with a focus on local community and produce, makes The Premises a beloved spot, embodying a polished, homemade aesthetic.
🚩Address: 202 Bellair St, Kensington VIC 3031
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
☎️ Phone: (03) 9376 7565
