Why Australia’s coffee culture is world-renowned
Australia’s coffee scene is unparalleled, a reflection of our relaxed lifestyle deeply intertwined with our love for caffeine. With nine out of ten Australians enjoying their daily coffee, it’s no wonder our country boasts a thriving industry of skilled roasters and baristas, receiving global recognition year after year. Sydney and Melbourne consistently rank among the world’s top cities for coffee.
We’ve carefully selected a list of Australian roasters that excel in every aspect of the coffee-making process, from sourcing and roasting beans to brewing the perfect cup. Discover the best coffee roasters Australia has to offer.
Ona, Canberra, ACT
At Ona in Canberra, coffee is treated with the same reverence as fine wine, with a menu presented in a burgundy, leather-bound booklet. This extensive menu covers various coffee types, including milk-based, espresso, and filter options, and even includes a glossary for enthusiasts. Founded in 2008 by Saša Šestić, a former handball Olympian turned barista, Ona offers one of the widest ranges of single-origin beans in the country, sourced through Project Origin. Whether you opt for their Aspen blend, perfect for milk-based drinks, or explore their exclusive ‘coffee cellar’ with rare, small-batch beans, you’re in for a treat.
Seven Seeds, Melbourne, VIC
Inspired by the legend of Baba Budan, who smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Arabia, Seven Seeds has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s coffee culture since 2007. This airy, wood-accented Carlton café showcases a selection of single-origin beans, roasted to perfection. Known for their lighter roasting style, Seven Seeds has perfected three core blends: the sweet house blend, the chocolatey Golden Gate, and the F. Bomb, designed for filter coffee enthusiasts.
Single O, Sydney, NSW
Celebrating 21 years of leading Australia’s coffee industry, Single O has been a pioneer in promoting single-origin coffee beans and their unique flavour profiles. Founders Emma and Dion Cohen have introduced innovative concepts like a self-serve batch brew bar, offering options like iced oat lattes and cold brews from their single-origin roster. Their Reservoir blend, known for its gentle fruity acidity, is a staple, while their smaller batch beans are best explored through a filter flight.
Industry Beans, Melbourne, VIC
No matter which city you’re in, Industry Beans’ sleek, minimalist interiors are instantly recognisable, along with the comforting aroma of their nationally famous coffee. Known for their creative cold brews, including the unique bubble coffee with coffee-soaked tapioca pearls, they also offer the Fitzroy iced, infused with wattleseed and panela. Their innovative approach keeps coffee enthusiasts coming back for more.
Code Black Coffee, Melbourne, VIC
Code Black Coffee has become a Melbourne staple, known for its exceptional brews crafted from beans roasted at their Brunswick flagship store. The team meticulously selects beans through seasonal sampling and cupping, with buying trips to origin countries throughout the year. Their flight experience, which includes a single-origin espresso, a seasonal blend latte, and a house batch brew, showcases the best of what Code Black has to offer.
Mecca, Sydney, NSW
At Mecca’s Alexandria roastery, there’s no greater joy than enjoying a cup of their signature blend or a niche single-origin brew while basking in the sunlight streaming through their large windows. Established in 2005, Mecca offers a selection of rare beans, including the light and floral Geisha variety and the explosive SL28. Their light and fruity house blend is a favourite, while their King Street outpost in Sydney’s CBD offers the bold Moonwalker blend.
Micrology, Perth, WA
Micrology is a local gem, with a passionate team dedicated to sourcing and roasting beans from microlots worldwide, catering to the tastes of Perth locals. Their commitment to keeping things local extends to their offerings, including a two-litre cold brew cask, perfect for stocking up.
Coffee Anthology, Brisbane, QLD
True to its name, Coffee Anthology offers a rotating selection of high-end coffee in Brisbane city. The knowledgeable baristas are happy to guide you through flavour profiles ranging from chocolatey and nutty to fruity, ensuring that your chosen roast is brewed to perfection. Keep an eye out for exciting developments, including the launch of coffee-infused cocktails and a second café focusing on international blends.
Reuben Hills, Sydney, NSW
Reuben Hills is dedicated to sourcing the best beans from small producers, paying premium prices directly to farmers. Start with their smooth house blend, featuring caramel and stone fruit notes, and don’t miss their single-origin espresso of the day, roasted upstairs in their leafy Surry Hills café. For something different, try their almond honey cold brew or coffee cola.
Sample Coffee, Sydney, NSW
Sample Coffee takes coffee seriously, with a focus on transparency and sustainability. They offer an exciting mix of blends and single origins from around the world, roasted on restored vintage German roasters. Their website provides handy guides for brewing at home, as well as fortnightly or monthly coffee subscriptions.
Bellissimo Coffee, Brisbane, QLD
Since winning the espresso championship trophy at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards in 2009, Bellissimo has continued to excel, expanding to three locations across Brisbane. They offer a wide range of beans, available for purchase wholesale or via subscription, and their Fortitude Valley café is open until 6 pm, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Axil Coffee Roasters, Melbourne, VIC
Axil Coffee Roasters prioritises high-quality, ethical coffee, and their commitment has paid off, with founder Anthony Douglas winning the World Barista Championship three years in a row. If you haven’t yet experienced Axil’s coffee, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about.