There are a number of cafes in Melbourne, and it can be hard to know which one to choose. It’s important to choose a cafe that has a good reputation, serves great food, and has a decent selection of drinks. That’s why I’ve put together this list of some of the best cafes in Melbourne, Victoria.
Hardware Societe
Hardware Societe is a classic Melbourne cafe that serves up delicious food. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes classic French dishes as well as more experimental dishes.
This cafe also offers coffee and alcoholic drinks. It has been recognized as one of the best cafes in Melbourne.
One of their signature dishes is the lobster Benedict. Their brunch is served all day and it includes bircher muesli, maple pecans, and poached rhubarb.
Another classic is the baked eggs. You can choose from a variety of ingredients such as brioche, chorizo, and eggs. These are served with toast.
If you are looking for something a little more exotic, try the prawn gribiche. Or, you can also order the potato tortilla.
Aside from its brunch menu, Hardware Societe also offers a charcuterie plate. The menu also features sweets and pastries.
As with any cafe in Melbourne, they offer efficient service and the best coffee. On the weekend, you can check out music festivals. There are several in the Central Business District.
Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, you are sure to have an incredible experience at Hardware Societe. Their cool atmosphere and personable staff make for a memorable dining experience.
Glover Station
The Glover Station cafe, a Balaclava gem, serves high-calibre food in a stunning Tudor-fronted ex-service station. There’s plenty to enjoy here, whether you’re looking for brunch or takeaway.
Monk Bodhi Dharma is one of Melbourne’s best cafes for vegan food. This is because the menu features quality local produce. They also roast their coffee on site, so there’s a big variety of flavours.
Pillar of Salt is another popular place for brunch. It’s got a funky, shabby-chic design, with exposed brick walls and a lovely courtyard.
Convoy is a relative newcomer to the Melbourne cafe scene. Run by the same team as Tinker and Terror Twilight, the cafe serves a range of breakfast favourites. Their Turkish eggs are served with red pepper butter and lemon yoghurt.
Everyday Coffee has an impressive selection of coffee and other caffeine-based drinks. You can have a latte or cappuccino, or opt for a hot or cold milk crates.
ST ALi is an experimental micro-roaster and a whole precinct dedicated to coffee. Their subtle cold-drip coffee is one of the best in the city.
Axil Coffee Roasters is the best place to get a good cup of coffee in Melbourne. They source coffee from some of the best coffee estates in the world.
Industry Beans
Industry Beans is a specialized coffee roaster in Melbourne and Sydney. Their latest creation is a coffee bubble cup. This innovative device makes five coffees at once. It also comes with a handy set of at-home coffee making supplies.
In addition to their many cafes across the country, Industry Beans has a thriving wholesale business. They are known for their expertly roasted coffee. They offer an extensive list of teas and their own brand of kombucha. The company is currently expanding into Brisbane.
At Industry Beans Brisbane, you can expect freshly brewed espresso, filter coffee and more. They even have a brunch menu. There are two areas to choose from: the semi-outdoor bar and the indoor lounge. You can even order a takeaway or dine-in.
The Industry Beans brand combines an expertly roasted coffee with an innovative beverage menu, an impressive tasting lab, and a design-forward interior. They even offer a unique espresso martini brunch. If you’re in the mood for something a little more complex, they also have a multi-course brunch.
As one of the premier specialty coffee roasters in the country, Industry Beans has a long list of awards and accolades to its name. Among these are a 2014 World Design Award for their cafe’s interior.
Dundas and Faussett
Dundas and Faussett cafe has a laid-back, community vibe. It is a popular cafe in Albert Park, with a menu that offers upscale lunches and desserts. The bar area has cozy booth seating.
The cafe also has a patio for al fresco dining. With a wide selection of Australian cuisine, as well as Southeast Asian dishes, the cafe is an ideal place to meet up with friends.
The restaurant features an impressive wine list. Executive Chef Dave Marshall (ex Middle Park Hotel) guides the menu. He has a great knowledge of British pub classics.
Whether you’re in the mood for all day brekky, or a cocktail at the end of a long day, there are many bars and pubs in the Albert Park area. You can find a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine and more.
Located in the heart of the Albert Park village, the Vincent Melbourne offers a great restaurant and wine list. The space is a contemporary take on a Victorian pub. A wall mural by world-renowned street artist Fintan Magee is a highlight.
Seven Seeds is another popular cafe in the Albert Park area. Founded by Mark Dundon and Bridget Amor, the cafe serves some of the best coffee in Melbourne. They also offer free cupping sessions.
Lume
If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Melbourne, look no further than Lume Cafe. This new restaurant offers a plant-based tasting menu. It also offers the best coffee in Australia.
The LOTI menu is inspired by Australian seasonal produce. LOTI’s in-house sommelier has hand-picked a selection of wines to suit your dining experience. You can choose from a range of menu options including a three-course lunch or a seven-course degustation.
With a smattering of food-inspired art, you can enjoy a culinary experience that’s more fun than it’s serious. LOTI is a perfect destination spot.
While Lume’s service is impeccable, what’s most impressive about this eatery is its food. Chef John Rivera’s Filipino heritage and pastry training are evident in the dishes.
In addition to a world-class wine list, Lume offers a zero-proof cocktail pairing. For the ultimate Lume experience, you can opt to indulge in a degustation, which includes Murray cod and mussels, partridge and venison, pipies and more.
Lume has a small but dedicated staff. Manager Az Azman oversees the food and drinks experience. They are knowledgeable and passionate about their food and beverages.
The Lume is located in a former burlesque club. The space is filled with flattering lighting.
Market Lane’s roastery and cafe at Prahran Market
Market Lane’s roastery and cafe is at the entrance of Prahran Market. It has become a staple in Melbourne’s coffee scene and it has grown in popularity as well. Besides being a specialty roaster, it also offers a variety of artisan bakery items, a library of books and brewing equipment. Moreover, it hosts a free cupping every day.
Aside from offering great coffee, it also has a great focus on transparency. To this end, Market Lane is certified B Corp. This means that the company takes action to benefit the planet and the community.
The cafe has a range of interesting coffees on offer, from the simple to the sophisticated. One of Jason’s favourites is La Esperanza from Colombia. It has a smooth, clean taste with a hint of acidity.
The cafe has a beautiful ambience, and is a perfect place to grab a quick bite while visiting the market. They even have a mushroom burger stall at weekends.
Market Lane is one of the first specialty coffee retailers in Australia. Founded in 2009 by Fleur Studd, it is a roaster, retailer and coffee cafe. In the past 12 years, it has spread across Melbourne and even opened stores in the northside.
Seven Seeds
The Seven Seeds cafe is one of the best coffee places in Melbourne, Victoria. This unique cafe has a special brewing system and coffee roaster. It has a small menu of simple food and coffee.
The cafe has a great coffee selection and is perfect for takeaway. They also have a nice selection of cakes and donuts.
The Seven Seeds cafe also has regular tasting sessions. You can sample different coffees to find the one you like. There are several single origins and seasonal blends that are available.
One of the highlights of the cafe is their brunch menu. Some of the best items include chorizo sausage brioche roll, jalapeno French toast and char siu pulled pork baguette with chipotle aioli.
The menu changes throughout the year. However, you can always count on reliable brunch options.
Their espresso blends are home brewed. They feature sweet caramel notes and bold chocolate notes. The café also offers a filter option and a batch.
The cafe also has a variety of pastries and sandwiches. On Sundays, they host a brunch. Another feature of the cafe is the public cupping sessions. At the end of each cupping, the cafe donates all of the coffees’ cupping contributions to charity.