Melbourne's cafe culture is renowned for its vibrant and diverse atmosphere, and excellent coffee. With a plethora of quirky laneways and hidden gems, the city boasts an extensive array of cafes, each with its unique personality. Locals and visitors alike embrace the ritual of sipping expertly crafted espresso while indulging in innovative brunch offerings. From trendy espresso bars to cozy corner cafes, Melbourne's coffee scene reflects a dynamic blend of creativity, quality, and a deep-seated appreciation for the art of brewing.
With a name like that you cant help but take it seriously and, predictably, its airy interiors have been attracting coffee aficionados in droves. It's an offering from the same stable that gave java drinkers Padre Coffee South Melbourne Market and the Brunswick East Project. An impressive lineage. Given the ample selection of single - origin coffees, the coffee is expectedly great, to be downed with flaky French croissants. But if nothing else, go there to ogle their pair of custom-painted Slayer espresso machines, said to one of the world's best.
Address: 8 Exploration Lane, CBD
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6.30am - 3.00pm; Saturday: 8am - 2pm; Sunday: Closed
Phone: 03 9654 0169
Know more on their website
Di Bella is Australia's leading coffee chain and their Melbourne Roasting Warehouse is a must-stop for every serious coffee drinker. Hidden away from the crush of Melbournes CBD, its set in one of the city's oldest suburbs. The rustic interiors feature a giant roaster occupying centre stage and the eclectic menu pairs beautifully with their top-notch coffees. Just in case you cant get thee to Melbourne, Coffee by Di Bella operates several cafes in Mumbai and Hyderabad (and hopefully expanding to other cities soon).
Address: 19-21 Levenson Street, North Melbourne, 3051
Phone: +61 1800 332 163
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Thibault Fregoni, the proprietor of this Brunswick-based chocolate factory-cum-cafe, makes his own chocolate from scratch. If that is not going to give you superlative chocolate, nothing will. There is a local, seasonal food menu (think pork belly with roasted pears) and the fame of its hot chocolate has spread far and wide. You can also purchase blocks of chocolate, segregated by country of origin.
Address: 351 Lygon St, Brunswick East, Melbourne,VIC 3057
Phone: +61 3 9381 5575
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In the heart of the CBD, Indonesian expatriates Barry Susanto (formerly with Navi) and barista Erwin Chandra have channeled their yearning for the tastes of their homeland into an energetic sandwich shop. The space exudes a retro charm with its cork and rattan decor, serving as the backdrop for a variety of Indonesian-inspired sandwiches. Standouts include the beef brisket rendang, featuring layers of pastrami bathed in rendang sauce and topped with American cheese, or the charry pork in shokupan complemented by tangy pickles and black garlic.
Diverging from the original Richmond cafe, this city location also caters to breakfast cravings, offering options like the sausage and egg muffin paired with a zesty "bazzinga" sauce.
Address: 13 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
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The heavens must have smiled when Mörk Chocolate, well known around Melbourne for supplying its delish dark chocolate drinking blend (cocoa content 70%) to cafes around town, decided to set up its own retail venture. Now, you can sample their handcrafted speciality hot chocolate blends made with all-natural ingredients in a minimalist setting where the focus is purely on chocolate (so no coffee is served). There are two taps, however, one dispensing soda water infused with vanilla pods, the other sparkling chocolate soda. Amen.