Pellegrini's made history as it brought the first-ever espresso machine to Melbourne in the 1950s, continuing to excel at brewing classic espresso up to this day.
Proudly perched on Flinders Lane, a renowned food hotspot in the city, is Dukes, a beacon of Australian miniature roasting excellence. The inside of this café is elegantly tailored with an alluring combination of authentic timber slats, visible and refined brickwork, and downtrend lights. The bar seats and shared table within this venue are a magnet to the local urbanites. In the heart of the cafe, a formidable Joper roaster from Portugal diligently transforms unrefined beans into robust, flavorsome espresso blends and unique origins. Their culinary offerings are top-notch too, serving delectable petite dishes like smashed avocado layered on toast, teamed with soft poached eggs, bacon candied with honey, enhanced with a touch of dukkah – an experience to cherish. Fantasizing about savoring their flavors in the comfort of your own home? Their vibrant Market Espresso Blend encapsulates the essence of Melbourne in every cup.
Contact:dukescoffee.com.au
Prices: £
In the heart of Melbourne, Pellegrini's set a landmark in the coffee industry by introducing the city's first ever espresso machine in the 1950s. Its legacy continues with the delightful old-school aroma of coffee.
Another gem in the crown of Australian coffee culture is Dukes, a respected name in the realm of micro-roasting. Nestled along Flinders Lane, a gastronomical paradise, Dukes is a feast for the senses. Its tastefully crafted interiors boast of raw timber panels, exposed brick ultramodern designs, and warm low-hanging lamps. The bar sees a steady inflow of trendy locals, who favour the community-based seating arrangement. Behind the buzzing hubbub, the main attraction lies in a massive Portuguese Joper roaster. This machine meticulously churns out sumptuous, full-bodied mixture blends of espresso and single-origin beans. And it’s not just about the coffee here; Dukes also serves fantastic small dishes like the delectable avocado hummustoast, perfectly accompanied by poached eggs, honey glazed bacon and a sprinkle of dukkah for that perfect touch of divine. Visiting Melbourne soon and looking to experience more of its renowned culinary scene? If you're planning to explore beyond the delightful offerings of Dukes, consider staying in one of the Victoria hotels in Lygon Street on www.hotelsinvictoria.net. Known for its vibrant food culture and Italian cafés, Lygon Street is just a stone's throw from Flinders Lane, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the flavors of the city.
The signature Market Espresso Blend is a rich concoction that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Melbourne. Fancy making this at home? You can buy these impressive beans from the café itself so you can enjoy a piece of Melbourne in your own cup, wherever you are.
Contact:dukescoffee.com.au
Prices:£
Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of espresso blends at Dukes The Hardware Société, a hidden gem located in the foodie haven of Flinders Lane.
With its recent expansion, the café has successfully catered to the ever-growing demand for their exceptional Padre-blend coffee and iconic baked eggs. The new space merges industrial aesthetics with cozy Hoffman chairs and a soothing pastel color scheme, creating a comfortable ambiance that appeals to all. In addition to their classic offerings, Hardware Société's menu features an array of enticing options, including tender beef cheek accompanied by velvety hollandaise, succulent poached lobster, or the traditional French delicacy boudin blanc with poached eggs. Alternatively, you can keep it delightfully "brunchy" with their fried brioche topped with freeze-dried lychees and black sesame, perfectly complemented by prosecco-infused ice tea.
Visit them at 10 Katherine Place and prepare to be amazed by the gastronomic delights that await. For reservations, contact 00 61 3 9078 5992. The café is open from Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 3 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 2.30 pm, and Sunday from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm.
Experience the ultimate coffee and brunch experience at Dukes The Hardware Société, where culinary excellence meets understated elegance.
Head to the foodie haven of Flinders Lane for full-bodied espresso blends at Dukes The Hardware Société
With snaking weekend queues to contend with, nothing could please Melbourne’s brunch set more than this recent upsizing. The charming original still turns out its excellent Padre-blend coffee and signature baked eggs, but Hardware Société’s new incarnation, a vast industrial space softened by Hoffman chairs and pastel tones, keeps everyone happy. Including those who prefer lunch itself. Hollandaise can be teamed with unctous beef cheek or plumb lobster, there’s boudin blanc and poached eggs for the Francophiles or stay definitely brunchy with fried brioche, freeze-dried lychees and black sesame, washed down with prosecco-pimped ice tea.
Address:10 Katherine Place
Contact:00 61 3 9078 5992
Opening times:Mon-Fri, 7.30am-3pm; Sat, 8am-2.30pm; Sun, 8.30am-2.30pm
Prices:£
Step inside The Hardware Société, and you’ll find a delightful ambiance characterized by vivid Christian Lacroix butterfly wallpapers and charming teacups reminiscent of a garden party adorning the walls – an eccentric charm, it possesses in abundance. But what should truly demand your attention is the premier coffee experience it offers, made only better with mouthwatering culinary delights.
As another gem in the city, we have Southside Market Lane Coffee which is both a top-tier café and a roastery. It's situated within the popular gastronomical hub - Prahran Market. Offering a diverse selection of seasonal coffee marked by its intricate flavors and strong essence, it is best when complemented with a freshly made pastry. The market’s doors are closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. To the utter delight of coffee enthusiasts, they organize complimentary cupping (tasting) events at 10 am every Saturday. The catch? There's no requirement for prior booking – but make sure to arrive at least by 9.30am to secure your spot. Not to forget, it also coincides with the special mushroom burger day!
Contact: marketlane.com.au
Prices: £
Adorned by Christian Lacroix's butterfly-themed wallpaper and vibrant garden party teacups, The Hardware Société is a cafe loaded with charm and whimsy. However, the real attractions are its outstanding coffee and mouthwatering food - a true testament of Melbourne's vibrant coffee culture.
One such epicenter of this culture is the Southside Market Lane Coffee. This prominent café-cum-roastery is situated in the heart of Melbourne's culinary paradise, the Prahran Market. It serves exclusive seasonal coffee, renowned for its intricate, intense flavor profile. These aromatic brews are best complemented with a crusty pastry. Remember, the market remains shut on Mondays and Wednesdays, in case you plan to pick some local produce from the market stalls. For coffee connoisseurs, free cupping sessions are conducted every Saturday at 10am, offering you a chance to immerse in a sensory coffee tasting experience. Also, Saturdays mark the special serving of mushroom burgers. Don't forget to arrive by 9.30am to secure your spot - no prior booking required.
Contact: marketlane.com.au
Prices: £
In 1951, the world's first espresso machine was imported to Melbourne, a testament to the city's enduring love of coffee. Additionally, Melbourne is known for its specific style of coffee, termed "Melbourne Magic," which is a double ristretto, served in a small cup with steamed milk.
Market Lane Coffee, a renowned roastery-café blend, is nestled comfortably in Prahan Market, a bustling destination that food enthusiasts find irresistible.
In the heart of Fitzroy, tucked away in a repurposed warehouse just a stone's throw from the vibrant Rose St Artists' Market, you'll discover the city's finest coffee. This café-roastery is managed by siblings Trevor and Steve Simmons, a dynamic duo who are passionate about all things coffee, from harvesting to roasting and brewing, promising a taste that truly gratifies. The eccentric Steve has a penchant for moustaches and penny-farthings. Their extensive menu elucidates on the daily coffee selection, crafted from either single-origin beans or a variety of blends, served with an approachable charm devoid of affectation. This locale also serves as an attractive spot for a satisfying breakfast or lunch, offering a variety of café standards, all amplified by the use of fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally.
Contact via industrybeans.com
Prices:£
Adding a couple of unique details here: Melbourne has been associated with high-quality coffee for a long time, gaining international recognition in the 'Specialty Coffee' field. The said recognition is due in no small part to establishments like the ones described above, that give particular attention to the sourcing, roasting, and presentation of coffee.
Foodies flock to Prahan Market, which is home to Market Lane Coffee, one of the city's top roastery-café hybrids
You'll get the best coffee in Fitzroy at this warehouse turned café-roastery, just around the corner from the lively Rose St Artists' Market. Brothers Trevor and Steve Simmons run the show. Steve has a thing for moustaches and penny-farthings, and both are obsessed with sourcing, roasting and brewing coffee that pack a satisfying punch. The comprehensive menu gives the low-down on the coffee of the day, made from single-origin beans or blends, refreshingly served without pretence. This is also a great spot for breakfast or lunch, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients ratcheting up the menu of café standards.
Contact:industrybeans.com
Prices:£
Embodying the classic Fitzroy bohemian spirit, the finest coffee in town can be found in a transformed warehouse which is now home to the café and roastery, Industry Beans. This fusion of urban industrial aesthetics and quality coffee crafts a unique experience for patrons. Image credit goes to Jake Roden from Vertue Coffee Roasters.
A quest for excellent coffee could lead you to this hidden gem of a café, tucked behind a petrol station. Its extensive coffee offerings are among the most sought-after in Melbourne, ranging from an expertly brewed pour-over to a comforting caffè latte. The beans, roasted on premises, are seasonal, providing an ever-changing flavor profile throughout the year. While the coffee lures you in, the delicious food offerings from fresh, buttery croissants to a savory Scotch egg served with smoked pork belly, pig skin cracker, piccalilli mayonnaise, onion marmalade and brioche soldiers will encourage you to stay. The establishment’s inviting interiors, characterized by hanging greenery, polished timber, and vibrant blue touches, are collectively the vision of Mike Cracknell and local design team, Two Design.
Contact:vertuecoffee.com.au
Prices:£
In typical Fitzroy hipster style, the best coffee comes from a warehouse that now houses café and roastery Industry Beans Credit: JAKE RODEN Vertue Coffee Roasters
The coffee at this hard-to-find café (hint, it’s hidden behind the petrol station) ranks among the best in town, whether you're after a specialist pour over or just a standard caffè latte. The beans are seasonal and roasted on site. Come for the coffee but stay for the food, from spot-hitting croissants to Scotch egg with smoked pork belly, pig skin cracker, piccalilli mayonnaise, onion marmalade and brioche soldiers. Don’t forget to spare a little time for taking in the space itself: all hanging planters, polished wood, and bold blue accents via owner Mike Cracknell and local design outfit Two Design.
Contact:vertuecoffee.com.au
Prices:£
In the heart of Melbourne, the quest to discover Vertue Coffee Roasters is indeed a challenge, but the charm of uncovering Seven Seeds is undeniably worthwhile.
Barely noticeable amidst the hubbub of the city, a simple warehouse located just north of the city centre is home to what is considered the pinnacle of Melbourne's coffee scene. Functioning as both a café and a micro-roastery, this spot is a popular haunt for a variety of visitors. Notably, this includes imaginative souls in skinny jeans, suited business professionals, ambitious Melbourne University scholars, and athletic cyclists in their breezy weekend Lycra. A remarkable aspect about this location is that their filtered coffees receive even more praise than their exceptional espressos. Curious about the diverse range of beans and brewing techniques? Feel free to join their public coffee tasting sessions, taking place every Wednesday at 9am. Entrance to these cultural events requires just a modest AUD 4 (£2) donation, a contribution going towards a good cause. Save the date and make sure to arrive slightly ahead of time, as advanced booking is not a prerequisite.
Reach out:sevenseeds.com.au
Costs: £
While it may require a bit of a search, discovering Vertue Coffee Roasters and Seven Seeds is definitely worth the effort.
Discreetly situated in a warehouse a few blocks to the north of the city center, the Holy Grail of Melbourne's coffee culture serves not just as a café but also as a bustling micro-roastery. With a clientele listing that effortlessly features fashion-forward creatives in skinny jeans, corporate professionals in formal attire, diligent Melbourne University students, as well as the weekend gathering of Lycra-clad cyclists, this cafe never fails to draw varied crowds. Their artfully curated, rich filtered coffees manage to garner more accolades than even their superb espressos. If you have an interest in the world of coffee cultivation and brewing, you'll relish their public cupping sessions. Taking place every Wednesday at 9am, these sessions are open to all for a mere AUD 4 (£2) contribution, which subsequently goes to charity. Advance booking isn't required; just make sure to show up a bit ahead of time.
Contact:sevenseeds.com.au
Prices:£
With Seven Seeds, you experience an exciting coffee culture flourishing within an industrial warehouse, bringing together a community of caffeine connoisseurs from all walks of life. Just north of Melbourne city centre, this precious haven awaits your discovery.
Creating an ambience where everyone is welcome, they've crafted an environment revolving around exploring the intricacies of coffee - all for a noble cause. Why not join them on this aromatic journey? They're just a click away!
In Melbourne, Seven Seeds holds the coveted title of being the 'Mecca of Melbourne's coffee scene'. Here, the filtered coffees outshine even the finest espressos, garnering significant attention. Grown, harvested, and processed with a craftsman's touches, the coffee beans hypnotize with their explosive flavor profiles. You can expand your knowledge about these artisanal coffees at their weekly tastings.
Zenta and Meg Tanaka operate a charming mélange of a café and local produce shop in Collingwood, brimming with a thoughtful collection of elegant homewares on display. Meg's dishes, health-oriented and packed with intriguing flavors, artfully blend Melbourne's contemporary culinary scene with true Tokyo traditions, interwoven with elements of the nostalgic rural cuisine of Japan. The traditional breakfast here, complete with grilled salmon, tomagoyaki (omelette subtly flavoured with mirin), greens, pickles, and soul-soothing miso soup, has been drawing crowds for as long as one can recall. Also renowned are their lunch offerings like the succulent confit chicken augmented with vibrant green olives and the tantalising zing of yuzu pepper. An indispensable component of their venture, is their precisely brewed coffee, a testament to their high-quality beans and skill. Moreover, the charming Cibi cookbook sold here makes for a splendid souvenir from Melbourne.
Contact: shop.cibi.com.au
How To Get There: Catch the 86 tram
Reservations Policy: They accept walk-ins
Price Range: £
At Seven Seeds, the "Holy Grail of Melbourne coffee inhabits", the filtered coffees get even more attention than the excellent espressos; learn more at weekly cupping sessions
Zenta and Meg Tanaka’s mini Collingwood empire is part café, part produce store, and home to afascinating stash of lovingly displayed homewares. Meg’s mix of healthy, earthy and intriguingly flavoured dishes are a fluid conversation between contemporary Tokyo and Melbourne, along with nods to rustic Japanese life. The traditional breakfast of grilled salmon, tomagoyaki (mirin-doused rolled omelette), greens, pickles, and miso soup has been drawing crowds for years, as have lunch plates like confit chicken with green olives and yuzu pepper. The coffee is also spot on, and the pretty Cibi cookbook makes a nice Melbourne memento.
Contact: shop.cibi.com.au
Getting There: 86 tram
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Prices: £
Cibi is more than just a typical café; it combines a charming produce store with a delightful selection of homewares. The Morning Market, on the other hand, is a unique establishment that serves exceptional coffee, delectable bakeries from Baker Bleu, and an assortment of homemade delicacies.
At Morning Market, patrons can savor their coffee and pastries right on the footpath beneath the expansive Victorian awnings. This cozy spot also caters to freelancers, doctors, and nurses from the nearby hospital who often stop by to stock up on fresh produce, pantry essentials, and even bright flowers. With its second location on Prahran's High Street, Morning Market brings its sunny ambiance to an even wider audience.
Cibi is a unique establishment in Melbourne that combines a café, a produce store, and a captivating collection of homewares known as Morning Market. This delightful venue showcases an array of carefully arranged items, offering visitors a sense of soulfulness and inspiration.
At Morning Market, you can indulge in exceptional coffee from local roasters and enjoy delectable Baker Bleu bread and pastries while relaxing under the wide Victorian awnings on the footpath. Their extensive menu also includes house-made cakes, tarts, sandwiches, and salads, catering to diverse culinary preferences.
Excitingly, Morning Market isn't only appreciated by freelancers and residents who visit to savor its offerings; it also attracts doctors and nurses from the nearby hospital who drop by to acquire fresh produce, pantry essentials, and even lovely bouquets of flowers. Furthermore, this sunny corner in Fitzroy is not Morning Market's only location, as they have another branch on Prahran's vibrant High Street in the south.
Get in touch: morning.market
Financially Fit: £
Introducing Brunetti
Bringing together a pasticceria, bar, gelateria, pizzeria, and ristorante all under one roof, Brunetti is not just a place, it's an experience. A nod to Melbourne's fervent and historical Italian connection, this establishment is as much a part of the city as the street art adorning its laneways. It's a perfect place to savor an intense discussion about the latest film you saw at Cinema Nova or indulge in a riveting journey through a novel, punctuated by sips of Montepulciano. Though the neighbouring D.O.C. spots may serve up a marginally superior pizza or pasta, Brunetti remains a beacon for those in Carlton craving a traditional Italian cafe and a slice of tangy lemon tart that could brighten any day. Keeping with the authentic Italian approach, you settle the bill first and place your order next.
Visit: morning.market
Cost Range: £
Brunetti - A Melbourne Classic
Strolling into Brunetti is like stepping into a slice of Italy right in the heart of Melbourne. It stands as a testament to the city's rich Italian heritage, serving as a combination of a patisserie, bar, ice cream shop, pizza place, and a restaurant, all interspersed with grand marble interiors, beautiful terrazzo floors, and vested baristas. The highlight being it is located next door to the arthouse Cinema Nova, making it a delightful spot for post-movie discussions. For bibliophiles, savor a few pages of your novel after your meal while enjoying a glass of Montepulciano.
The nearby D.O.C. may offer superior pizza and pasta, but when it comes to capturing the authentic vibe of an old-fashioned Italian café, Brunetti is unbeatable. Their mood-enhancing lemon tart, accompanied by rich otherworldly coffee, is a surefire delight that cannot be missed. Keeping in line with the true Italian ethos, remember - you always pay before you order.
Contact:brunetticlassico.com.au
Prices: £
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Pidapipo
Come for perfect classic flavours such as pistachio, hazelnut and fior di latte or unexpected seasonal delights such as blackberry and salted chocolate, manadarin or rose. Ingredients are fresh, premium and often local, including the honeycomb, which comes from city rooftop hives. At the helm is young-gun Lisa Valmorbida, who worked the kitchen at lauded Melbourne restaurant Donovans before honing her gelato-making skills at Italy's Carpigiani Gelato University. Gelato aside, it’s impossible not to love the space: a Carlo Scarpa-inspired medley of worn concrete and marble, softened with playful, and yes, gelato-hued geometric shapes. Don't be put off by the queues – they move fast.
Contact: pidapipo.com.au
Prices: £
Reservations: Walk-ins only
To get in touch with Melbourne's finest coffee spot, visit brunetticlassico.com.au. Noteworthy is that the prices are listed in pounds. Handy for spontaneous coffee lovers, they accept walk-ins only.
Engage your taste buds at Pidapipo.
Pidapipo offers a miscellany of traditional tastes such as hazelnut, pistachio and fior di latte, along with an innovative array of seasonal gems like mandarin, rose, blackberry with a hint of salted chocolate. Ensuring use of top-notch and fresh ingredients which are frequently sourced locally, Pidapipo stands out with its city rooftop hives-produced honeycomb. The person in charge, Lisa Valmorbida, has gained her culinary experience in Melbourne's renowned restaurant, Donovans, and honed her gelato making expertise at Italy's incomparable Carpigiani Gelato University. Lisa's flair for gelato comes to full play in the espresso bar, designed with an irresistible blend of aged concrete and marble in Carlo Scarpa style, sprinkled with playful shapes in gelato hues. The fast-moving queues are a testament to its popularity and worth the wait.
Contact them at pidapipo.com.au. Here also, the pricing is in pounds and it is ideal for the walk-in customers.
Famed among Melbournian caffeine enthusiasts, Seven Seeds is a revered mecca of premium coffee in the city. Here, filtered coffee varieties are given an extraordinarily high level of care and appreciation, sometimes even more so than their top-notch espressos. Enrich your coffee knowledge by partaking in their informative weekly cupping sessions.
From the creative minds of Zenta and Meg Tanaka comes a petite yet influential realm in Collingwood that masterfully merges a café and a produce store, alongside an attractive collection of carefully curated homewares. Meg’s culinary creations are healthy, earthy, and infused with intriguing flavors that seamlessly blend contemporary Tokyo elements with traditional Melbourne tastes, while sprinkling clear influences of age-old Japanese traditions. Their traditional breakfast, a flavorful array of grilled salmon, tomagoyaki (a mirin-infused rolled omelette), greens, pickles and a serving of miso soup, has continually attracted a loyal following. Equally enticing are their lunch servings, such as the confit chicken perfectly complemented with green olives and an assertive yuzu pepper. Their coffee, much like everything else, hits the spot in terms of flavor. Additionally, you can carry a piece of this Melbourne experience wherever you go with the aesthetically pleasing Cibi cookbook.
Contact: shop.cibi.com.au
Reaching there: Take the 86 tram
Reservations: Only accepting walk-ins
Rate: £
At Seven Seeds, the "Holy Grail of Melbourne coffee inhabits", the filtered coffees get even more attention than the excellent espressos; learn more at weekly cupping sessions
Zenta and Meg Tanaka’s mini Collingwood empire is part café, part produce store, and home to afascinating stash of lovingly displayed homewares. Meg’s mix of healthy, earthy and intriguingly flavoured dishes are a fluid conversation between contemporary Tokyo and Melbourne, along with nods to rustic Japanese life. The traditional breakfast of grilled salmon, tomagoyaki (mirin-doused rolled omelette), greens, pickles, and miso soup has been drawing crowds for years, as have lunch plates like confit chicken with green olives and yuzu pepper. The coffee is also spot on, and the pretty Cibi cookbook makes a nice Melbourne memento.
Contact: shop.cibi.com.au
Getting There: 86 tram
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Prices: £