Melbourne has earned its reputation as the coffee capital of Australia, if not the world. With a passionate coffee culture and a rich history of espresso artistry, the city is home to some of the best coffee spots you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re a die-hard espresso aficionado, a flat white enthusiast, or just someone who loves the experience of sipping a perfect brew in a cozy café, Melbourne has you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best coffee spots in Melbourne—each one offering a unique experience that will make your caffeine cravings truly unforgettable.

1. St. Ali (South Melbourne)

• Location: 12 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne
• Vibe: Trendy, Industrial, Coffee Innovation
• Why Visit: As one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s coffee scene, St. Ali in South Melbourne is a must-visit for any serious coffee lover. Known for its artisanal approach to coffee, the café offers a wide range of blends, single-origin beans, and innovative brews that will please even the most discerning caffeine connoisseur. Their espresso-based drinks are perfectly balanced, and their knowledgeable baristas are always happy to walk you through their latest offerings.
• What to Try: Don’t miss their flat white or a classic espresso, but also be sure to ask about their seasonal single-origin coffees, which are often brewed with experimental methods like pour-over or cold drip.

2. Proud Mary Coffee (Collingwood)

• Location: 172 Oxford St, Collingwood
• Vibe: Hipster, Light-filled, Sleek Design
• Why Visit: If you’re looking for a coffee destination that embodies Melbourne’s creative spirit, Proud Mary in Collingwood is the place to go. This café and roastery has gained a loyal following thanks to its focus on high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and its dedication to perfecting the craft. Proud Mary roasts their own beans, so you can expect fresh and exciting flavors in every cup. The spacious, modern design also makes it a comfortable spot to enjoy your coffee and relax.
• What to Try: The filter coffee is outstanding here, but you can’t go wrong with their espresso-based drinks. Try their signature Proud Mary Espresso blend, or ask for a recommendation from the barista based on your taste preferences.

3. Seven Seeds (Carlton)

• Location: 106-114 Berkeley St, Carlton
• Vibe: Laid-back, Specialty Coffee, Community Hub
• Why Visit: Seven Seeds is one of the best spots to dive into Melbourne’s coffee culture. Located in the heart of Carlton, this café is famous for its specialty coffee, and they offer a variety of unique and high-quality beans that change regularly. Whether you prefer a strong and bold espresso or a smooth, creamy flat white, Seven Seeds is a reliable choice for coffee lovers seeking an exceptional cup.
• What to Try: Their latte is a fan favorite, but for something a little different, try their cold brew or pour-over coffee. Don’t forget to pair your brew with one of their delicious pastries or light bites.

4. Industry Beans (Fitzroy)

• Location: 3/62 Rose St, Fitzroy
• Vibe: Trendy, Industrial, High-Tech Brewing
• Why Visit: Industry Beans is a Melbourne coffee institution that’s famous for its innovative approach to coffee. The café itself is sleek and modern, with an open brewing area that allows you to watch the magic happen. They focus on showcasing the best beans from around the world, using cutting-edge brewing techniques like nitro cold brew and siphon brewing. It’s a great place to learn more about the science of coffee while enjoying an exceptional cup.
• What to Try: The Nitro Cold Brew is a standout, as is their signature Industry Blend espresso. If you’re into unique and creative coffee experiences, ask about their brew bar, where you can experiment with different brewing methods.

5. Axil Coffee Roasters (Hawthorn)

• Location: 322 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
• Vibe: Warm, Cozy, Expertly Crafted Brews
• Why Visit: Axil Coffee Roasters is a local favorite, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying your coffee in peace. Their focus is on quality, sustainability, and the craft of roasting, making them a top choice for coffee lovers who value every aspect of the coffee-making process. With a team of passionate roasters and baristas, Axil consistently delivers high-quality, rich coffee that’s perfectly brewed every time.
• What to Try: Their flat white is creamy and rich, but if you’re a fan of cold coffee, don’t miss their iced lattes or the cold brew. They also offer a wide range of single-origin beans, so ask for a pour-over if you want to try something special.

6. Brother Baba Budan (CBD)

• Location: 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD
• Vibe: Cozy, Stylish, Minimalist
• Why Visit: Brother Baba Budan is a Melbourne institution, serving up some of the best coffee in the city. Tucked away in an unassuming space on Little Bourke Street, this café has a minimalist design and a loyal following. Despite its small size, the café is renowned for its exceptional coffee, roasted by St. Ali, and its intimate, relaxed vibe.
• What to Try: Their espresso is a must-try, but be sure to explore their seasonal offerings, which often include limited-edition single-origin beans. You can also try a classic cappuccino or long black.

7. The Coffee Academy (South Melbourne)

• Location: 39-43 Coventry St, South Melbourne
• Vibe: Educational, Expert Baristas, Quality Brews
• Why Visit: If you’re looking to deepen your coffee knowledge, The Coffee Academy in South Melbourne is the perfect destination. As both a café and a training facility, this spot is dedicated to teaching the art of coffee-making, while also serving up some of the best coffee in the city. Whether you’re here for a barista course or just to enjoy a well-crafted cup of coffee, you’ll be in good hands.
• What to Try: The single-origin pour-over coffees are a highlight, but you can’t go wrong with their expertly made espresso-based drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about their seasonal coffee specials.

8. Sensory Lab (Melbourne CBD)

• Location: 1/437 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD
• Vibe: Sophisticated, High-Tech, Professional
• Why Visit: Sensory Lab is all about precision and quality, making it a top pick for coffee lovers who are serious about the brewing process. The café’s sleek, high-tech setup allows them to extract the perfect flavors from every coffee bean, and their baristas are experts at crafting delicious, balanced drinks. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Sensory Lab is the ideal place to stop for a quick, high-quality caffeine fix.
• What to Try: Their espresso is finely balanced, but if you want something special, try their pour-over coffee, which highlights the nuances of their single-origin beans. The flat white is also highly recommended.

9. Stomping Ground Coffee (Collingwood)

• Location: 100 Gipps St, Collingwood
• Vibe: Comfortable, Vibrant, Community-Oriented
• Why Visit: Stomping Ground has a laid-back and friendly vibe, and it’s a favorite among locals for its fantastic coffee and inviting atmosphere. With an emphasis on quality, Stomping Ground is dedicated to sourcing and roasting the finest beans. The café has a strong community feel, and it’s a great place to hang out with friends or get some work done while sipping on a delicious brew.
• What to Try: The long black is a standout, but the cold brew is perfect for a hot day. Pair your drink with one of their freshly made pastries or sandwiches for a complete experience.

10. Marios Café (Carlton)

• Location: 101-103 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
• Vibe: Classic, Old-School, Iconic
• Why Visit: If you want a truly classic Melbourne coffee experience, look no further than Marios Café. Located on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, this family-owned café has been serving delicious coffee since 1954. The retro vibe, friendly service, and expertly brewed coffee make it a local favorite, and it’s one of the best places to enjoy a laid-back, old-school café experience.
• What to Try: Marios’ signature espresso or a classic latte are both delicious options. Be sure to pair your coffee with one of their famous sandwiches or pastries.

Conclusion

Melbourne’s coffee scene is a reflection of the city itself—diverse, passionate, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re looking for a traditional espresso, an innovative brew, or a cozy spot to relax, Melbourne’s coffee culture has something for everyone. These cafés represent just a small taste of the city’s vast array of coffee spots, but each one is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable caffeine experience. So grab your coffee-loving friends, explore these incredible cafés, and experience Melbourne’s best brews for yourself!