Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a fan of a gentle, weak latte, these leading coffee roasters and brewers in Melbourne offer the perfect pour for every taste.
Every local here seems to have their go-to for Melbourne’s best coffee. Many have a favourite barista who knows their order by heart and starts preparing it before they even reach the counter. For those with elaborate coffee preferences, there’s a café where they feel understood, no judgement given—even for the complex, three-quarter decaf oat lattes. And then there are the purists, Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs, who can sense a poorly brewed espresso from a mile away and won’t tolerate scorched milk.
No matter how you take your coffee, Melbourne’s top cafés will deliver — especially those that roast their beans on-site. These establishments are deeply committed to producing the very best brews, transforming a simple cup into an art form. Read on to find a new favourite spot near you.
INI Studio
225 Queensberry Street, Carlton
For a refreshing take, try the iced citrus long black with coffee, lemon slices, and lemon zest.
In a small garage-turned-café on Queensberry Street, INI Studio is a minimalist’s delight. Crisp white decor and clean-lined furniture set the scene for some exceptional coffee. INI roasts its own beans, offering a great range of filter options and expertly pulled espresso shots. Their iced citrus long black, with fresh lemon, is ideal for a hot day, while the cream iced latte is another popular pick. Grab a croffle – half croissant, half waffle – for a truly indulgent treat.
Padre Coffee Brunswick East
438 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Since 2008, Padre has been at the forefront of Melbourne’s coffee culture.
Starting back in 2008, Padre Coffee helped shape Melbourne’s coffee scene. The original Brunswick East location remains a beloved spot, full of the same energy that made it a go-to destination for quality coffee. You could drop by for a quick cup, but it’s worth exploring their more unique brews. Let the baristas introduce you to seasonal blends and espresso specials, each crafted with beans sourced sustainably.
Maker Coffee
47 North Street, Richmond
A unique take on coffee in the heart of Melbourne.
Since its founding in 2015, Maker Coffee has grown across Melbourne, with shops in Richmond, Prahran, South Yarra, and the CBD. This roaster sources beans globally and prioritises sustainability. Try their wide range of espressos or visit the Richmond hub for an even broader selection and a chat with the team about the latest beans and brews. A pastry or afternoon snack completes the experience.
Vacation
1 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Step into a pastel paradise and unwind with an exceptional brew.
On the corner of Flinders and Exhibition Street, Vacation offers quality coffee in a playful, pastel-pink setting. This isn’t just a coffee stop but also a place to stock up on beans. Alongside the drinks, Vacation serves a neat menu of muesli, toast, and sandwiches – perfect for breakfast or brunch with a view over bustling Flinders Street.
Axil Coffee Roasters
322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
A grand coffee “barn” in the city’s caffeine capital.
Axil Coffee Roasters’ spacious Hawthorn HQ feels like a caffeine haven. There’s a bustling yet welcoming vibe, with plenty of room for coffee lovers to enjoy single origins, filter options, and expertly crafted house blends. Whether you’re after a bold espresso or a gentle pour-over, Axil’s commitment to quality shines through.
Au79
27-29 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford
A stylish Abbotsford hybrid of café, bakery, and roastery.
Au79 is well-loved for its indulgent brunch and fresh baked goods, but its signature Midas coffee blend is the star. With a coffee subscription service, Au79 offers regular shipments of fresh brews tailored to your tastes, either as whole beans or freshly ground – though true aficionados might suggest grinding them at home for optimal flavour.
The Flour
199 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
French pastries meet artisanal coffee in a charming, relaxed café.
The Flour, run by pastry chef April Yoonhee Bae and her husband Harry Hyun-suk Go, began as an online bakery and has since evolved into a cosy, French-inspired café in West Melbourne. Their baristas pour dedication into every cup, with the coffee sour being a standout – a fizzy creation with house filter coffee, soda, lemon juice, and blackcurrant. Pair it with a pastry for a delightful experience.
Dukes Coffee Roasters
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
A compact, cosy café in the heart of the city, passionate about sustainability.
Dukes Coffee Roasters champions ethical and environmentally friendly coffee, carefully sourcing beans from around the world. Each cup tells a story, from rich espresso to balanced filters, all showcasing Dukes’ signature blends. If you can, snag a seat to enjoy a pastry with your coffee – it’s worth the wait.
Industry Beans Fitzroy
70-76 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy
A celebrated roastery with locations in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
Industry Beans began in Fitzroy and has since grown to seven venues nationwide. The Fitzroy flagship serves a dynamic menu of seasonal coffee blends alongside their signature Fitzroy Street blend, plus a range of inventive iced coffee drinks, including bubble coffee.
Wide Open Road
274 Barkly Street, Brunswick
A Brunswick favourite with a roastery, cupping room, and green bean storage.
Behind an understated brick exterior, Wide Open Road roasts exceptional coffee for its own café and select wholesale clients. Their Bathysphere blend is a highlight, available in espresso, drip, and iced varieties. It’s a serious coffee operation, executed brilliantly.
Code Black Coffee
15-17 Weston Street, Brunswick
A warehouse space with breakfast, coffee cocktails, and superb brews.
Code Black’s industrial-style warehouse offers everything from fresh espresso to coffee cocktails. This coffee roastery has kept pace with Melbourne’s evolving coffee culture, ensuring a perfect blend in every cup.
St Ali
12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
The original cult coffee spot in Melbourne’s third-wave coffee movement.
St Ali’s South Melbourne location combines outstanding coffee with an industrial-chic vibe. Known for consistently excellent coffee and a tempting brunch menu, St Ali is a cornerstone of Melbourne’s coffee landscape.
Proud Mary
172 Oxford Street, Collingwood
An enduring coffee icon still attracting lines in Collingwood.
Proud Mary has remained a local institution since opening in 2009, thanks to its expertly roasted global beans and solid café menu. It’s a testament to Melbourne’s unique coffee culture.
Small Batch Roasting Co.
3-9 Little Howard Street, North Melbourne
A gem for those who appreciate thoughtful, sustainable coffee.
Small Batch centres its philosophy on quality, social impact, and sustainable agriculture. Nestled in a warehouse space, the café offers pastries, coffee, and a selection of local produce.
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Corner Lt Bourke and Lt William Streets, Melbourne
A stand-up coffee bar that captures Melbourne’s essence.
Patricia Coffee Brewers’ standing-room-only vibe reflects Melbourne’s fast-paced coffee culture. Here, simplicity reigns, with perfectly brewed black, white, and filter coffees in an unassuming space.
Ona Coffee Melbourne
22 Ovens Street, Brunswick
Canberra’s award-winning coffee roaster arrives in Melbourne.
Known for pushing boundaries, Ona Coffee Melbourne is as much an experience as a café. Their interactive coffee bar lets you explore a vast coffee menu, from espressos to cold brews and a unique frozen coffee option.
Aunty Peg’s
200 Wellington Street, Collingwood
An educational coffee bar from Proud Mary that’s as quirky as it is delicious.
At Aunty Peg’s, lattes are out, and a journey into coffee’s finer details is in. This unique bar invites you to taste, smell, and learn about Proud Mary’s best beans, showcased in creative drinks like nitrogen-charged cold brews.
Market Lane Coffee
Shop 13, Prahran Market, Prahran
Exceptional coffee for Melbourne’s caffeine connoisseurs.
Since 2009, Market Lane has focused on making quality coffee accessible across the city. With locations at Prahran Market and beyond, it has earned its place among Melbourne’s best for a good reason.
Seven Seeds
106-114 Berkeley Street, Carlton
One of Melbourne’s original specialty coffee pioneers.
Hidden in Carlton, Seven Seeds takes roasting to an art. The café uses a single size to ensure a perfect balance of flavours, creating what might just be the best coffee experience in Melbourne.