The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne (That Locals Actually Love)

Melbourne isn’t just famous for great coffee; it lives and breathes it.

From early-morning espressos in hidden laneways to lazy brunches in converted warehouses, this city has a café to match every kind of coffee craving.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking to upgrade your regular caffeine stop, here’s a guide to some of the best coffee shops in Melbourne. These are well loved by locals and praised by visitors alike!

1. Proud Mary – Collingwood

Walking into Proud Mary feels like entering the beating heart of Melbourne’s coffee scene. The space is warm and bustling, with baristas moving like clockwork behind a glowing brew bar. They roast their own beans and serve everything from strong, syrupy espressos to perfectly balanced pour-overs.

Try this: Their seasonal filter or a classic flat white—it’s smooth, rich, and never bitter.

Why you’ll love it: It’s equal parts hip and down-to-earth, with an outstanding brunch menu to match the coffee.

2. Market Lane Coffee – Various Locations

Minimalist, calm, and beautifully curated, Market Lane feels more like a gallery than a café. Their focus is on quality and transparency, with ethically sourced beans roasted to highlight flavor nuances. This is where you go when you want to slow down and really taste your coffee.

Try this: Pour-over or batch brew made from single-origin beans

Why you’ll love it: The team genuinely cares about the craft, and you’ll learn something new with every visit.

3. Axil Coffee Roasters – Hawthorn, CBD & More

Axil has nailed the sweet spot between style and substance. The space is sleek, modern, and always buzzing, but it’s the coffee that really shines—crafted with precision, bold flavor, and beans roasted in-house.

Try this: Their house blend espresso or a nitro cold brew on hot days

Why you’ll love it: It’s approachable yet adventurous—perfect for both casual drinkers and coffee nerds.

4. St. Ali – South Melbourne

St. Ali is one of the OGs of Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene, and it still brings the energy. The café sits in a converted warehouse tucked down a laneway, and it’s always lively, with a brunch menu that’s just as experimental as their coffee.

Try this: The “Magic” (a stronger flat white) or their signature cold brew

Why you’ll love it: It’s funky, fun, and totally Melbourne.

5. Seven Seeds – Carlton

This bright, open café is where many locals first fell in love with specialty coffee. Seven Seeds roasts its own beans, and the team behind the counter knows exactly how to get the most out of every cup.

Try this: A batch brew or rotating single-origin espresso

Why you’ll love it: The vibe is chill, the coffee is top-tier, and there’s always something new to try.

6. Industry Beans – Fitzroy & CBD

A modern café with a clean aesthetic and a love for innovation. Industry Beans doesn’t just serve coffee—they experiment with it. Think cold brews infused with fruit, nitro coffee on tap, and even coffee bubble tea.

Try this: The bubble coffee or an espresso spritz

Why you’ll love it: It’s like coffee’s version of a science lab, in the best way possible.

7. Patricia Coffee Brewers – Little Bourke St (CBD)

This standing-room-only gem is all about efficiency and excellence. Hidden off a quiet laneway in the city, Patricia brews some of the best espresso in Melbourne without any unnecessary frills.

Try this: A long black or piccolo

Why you’ll love it: It’s fast, fuss-free, and consistently amazing—perfect for a city coffee fix.

8. Everyday Coffee – Collingwood, Carlton & CBD

Everyday Coffee is understated in the best way. It’s the kind of place that feels like a second home to regulars, thanks to its friendly staff, simple interiors, and, of course, its top-quality coffee.

Try this: Oat flat white or batch brew

Why you’ll love it: No attitude, just great coffee and warm vibes.

9. Higher Ground – CBD

If coffee served in a cathedral-like space sounds like your thing, Higher Ground is a must. With sky-high ceilings, hanging greenery, and an open kitchen, it’s both a café and a visual feast.

Try this: A silky flat white or an espresso paired with their ricotta hotcakes

Why you’ll love it: It’s as much about the atmosphere as the coffee, and both are unforgettable.

10. Operator25 – CBD

Tucked away on a quiet street, Operator25 is a cozy brunch café that’s big on flavour and creativity. The coffee is always expertly made, and the food menu brings global flair to classic dishes.

Try this: Cold brew or a specialty latte (matcha or turmeric if you’re feeling adventurous)

Why you’ll love it: It feels like a hidden retreat right in the heart of the city.

11. Humble Rays – Carlton

Humble Rays is cheerful, vibrant, and a little bit playful—perfect for those who like their coffee with a side of fun. The space is light and airy, and the brunch menu leans Asian-fusion with some seriously photogenic dishes.

Try this: Iced latte or white mocha

Why you’ll love it: It’s one of the happiest cafés in town, and the flavours never disappoint.

12. The Fitz Café – Fitzroy

A Fitzroy classic, The Fitz Café is equal parts laid-back and charming. With outdoor seating and an old-school menu, it’s perfect for long chats over coffee or casual Sunday breakfasts.

Try this: Classic cappuccino or chai

Why you’ll love it: It feels like your local—warm, welcoming, and relaxed.