Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture, with specialty coffee shops popping up all over the city. From trendy cafes to hidden laneway gems, there is no shortage of options for coffee lovers in Melbourne.
In this guide, we will take you on a journey through some of the best specialty coffee shops in the city, highlighting their unique offerings and what sets them apart from the rest.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you discover some of the best coffee Melbourne has to offer. So grab your cup and let’s get started!
Why is Melbourne Famous for Specialty Coffee?
Melbourne is renowned for its specialty coffee culture, which has been thriving for decades. The city’s love affair with coffee began in the 1950s when Italian immigrants brought their passion for espresso to Australia.
Since then, Melbourne has become a hub for coffee enthusiasts, with a vibrant and diverse coffee scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Melbourne’s specialty coffee shops are known for their exceptional quality, unique blends, and innovative brewing techniques, making them a must-visit destination for coffee lovers from around the world.
Whether you’re after a classic espresso or a trendy latte, Melbourne’s specialty coffee shops have got you covered.
What to Expect from Melbourne’s Specialty Coffee Shops?
When visiting Melbourne’s specialty coffee shops, you can expect a unique and personalized coffee experience. These shops take pride in their craft and are dedicated to sourcing the highest quality beans from around the world.
You can expect to see a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over, siphon, and cold brew. The baristas are highly trained and knowledgeable, able to guide you through the different flavor profiles and brewing techniques.
Many of these shops also offer a selection of pastries and light bites to complement your coffee. Overall, Melbourne’s specialty coffee shops offer a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.
1. Proud Mary
Proud Mary is a specialty coffee shop located in Collingwood, Melbourne. It is known for its exceptional coffee, which is sourced from all over the world and roasted in-house. The shop has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a spacious seating area and friendly staff.
In addition to coffee, Proud Mary also serves a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options, including avocado toast, eggs benedict, and burgers.
The shop is a must-visit for coffee lovers in Melbourne, and its reputation as one of the city’s best specialty coffee shops is well-deserved.
2. Market Lane Coffee
Market Lane Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that has been serving the people of Melbourne since 2009. They are known for their commitment to sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee beans from around the world.
Market Lane Coffee offers a range of single-origin coffees and blends, each with its own unique flavor profile. They also have a variety of brewing methods available, including pour-over, aeropress, and espresso.
The shop itself is minimalist and modern, with a focus on showcasing the coffee and the brewing process. If you’re a coffee lover looking for a truly exceptional cup, Market Lane Coffee is definitely worth a visit.
3. Brother Baba Budan
Brother Baba Budan is a popular coffee shop located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The shop is named after Baba Budan, a legendary figure who is said to have smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Yemen and introduced coffee to the rest of the world.
The interior of the shop is unique and quirky, with chairs hanging from the ceiling and walls covered in coffee sacks. The coffee here is top-notch, with a range of single-origin beans and blends available.
The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and are happy to chat with customers about the different brewing methods and flavour profiles. Brother Baba Budan is a must-visit for any coffee lover in Melbourne.
4. Axil Coffee Roasters
Axil Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop that has been serving the people of Melbourne since 2009. They are known for their high-quality coffee beans that are sourced from all over the world and roasted in-house.
The shop has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff who are always happy to help you choose the perfect coffee. They also offer a range of delicious food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Axil Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for any coffee lover in Melbourne.
5. Industry Beans
Industry Beans is a specialty coffee shop that has been serving the people of Melbourne since 2013. The shop is located in Fitzroy and offers a wide range of coffee blends, including single-origin and house blends.
The shop also has a roastery on-site, where they roast their own coffee beans. Industry Beans is known for its innovative coffee brewing methods, such as cold drip and pour-over, which are sure to impress coffee enthusiasts.
The shop also offers a range of food options, including breakfast and lunch dishes, which are made using locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere at Industry Beans is relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up with friends.
6. St. Ali Coffee Roasters
St. Ali Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers in Melbourne. This specialty coffee shop is known for its exceptional coffee blends, which are roasted on-site. The shop’s industrial-chic decor and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to spend hours sipping on a delicious latte or cappuccino.
St. Ali also offers a range of food options, including brunch dishes and pastries, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend breakfast or lunch. Don’t miss the chance to try their famous “Magic” coffee, a uniquely Australian creation that combines a double ristretto with steamed milk.
7. Dukes Coffee Roasters
Dukes Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop that has been serving the people of Melbourne since 2008. They source their coffee beans from some of the best coffee farms around the world and roast them in-house to ensure that each cup of coffee is of the highest quality.
The shop has a minimalist and industrial design, with a long communal table and a few smaller tables for those who prefer a more intimate setting. Dukes Coffee Roasters also offers a range of food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee on the go or a place to sit and relax, Dukes Coffee Roasters is definitely worth a visit.
8. Seven Seeds
Located in Carlton, Seven Seeds is a popular specialty coffee shop that has been serving up delicious coffee since 2007. The shop is known for its high-quality coffee beans, which are sourced from all over the world and roasted on-site.
In addition to their coffee, Seven Seeds also offers a range of tasty breakfast and lunch options, including avocado toast, sandwiches, and pastries. The shop has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or get some work done.
With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Seven Seeds is a must-visit for any coffee lover in Melbourne.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene is thriving and constantly evolving. From the classic espresso bars to the trendy cafes, there is no shortage of options for coffee lovers in this city.
Whether you prefer a smooth latte or a bold pour-over, you are sure to find a coffee shop that suits your taste. So next time you’re in Melbourne, be sure to explore the city’s vibrant coffee culture and discover your new favorite spot.
