Best Cafés in Melbourne 2026: 36 Top Spots, Rated

Looking for the best cafes in Melbourne in 2026? You've come to the right place. Melbourne’s café scene sets the benchmark for the world, and in 2026 it’s stronger, more creative, and more competitive than ever. From inner-city hotspots to neighbourhood favourites, the best Melbourne cafés 2026 deliver an unmatched blend of specialty coffee, innovative menus, and design-driven spaces that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Whether you’re searching for the best cafés in Melbourne CBD, a laid-back brunch in Fitzroy, or hidden gems in the suburbs, this guide of 36 cafés has you covered. Expect expertly brewed coffee from some of Melbourne’s top roasters, alongside dishes that go far beyond the basics - think seasonal produce, globally inspired flavours, and beautifully plated brunch classics. From iconic smashed avo and silky eggs to next-level pastries and fusion plates, Melbourne cafés continue to push boundaries while staying true to quality and consistency.

What defines the top Melbourne cafés in 2026 is their ability to evolve - embracing sustainability, championing local suppliers, and creating spaces that feel both welcoming and cutting-edge.

This curated list of the best cafés Melbourne has to offer in 2026 highlights the venues leading the charge - places worth lining up for, revisiting, and recommending. I have visited every café on this list and rated each one out of 10, scoring food, coffee, service and atmosphere across my visits. Each entry includes the address and an approximate price guide ($ = most dishes under $20, $$ = $20–30, $$$ = $30+). Opening hours change often, so check the venue's own website before you go. Check out our articles on best cafes in the eastern suburbs, best cafes in the western suburbs, and best cafes in Melbourne's inner north. Visiting iconic Melbourne cafes is one of the best things to do in Melbourne.

Updated October 2026.

Jimmy's Deli — Yarraville ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Loaded sandwiches, specialty coffee
Must order: Katz Deli Tribute, New Yorker, Beef Short Rib, Veal Schnitty
Address: 30 Anderson Street, Yarraville · Price: $$
Good to know: Closed Mondays

Jimmy's Deli is a revelation in Yarraville, a popular destination for great coffee and some of Melbourne's best loaded sandwiches. Brilliant young owner and chef Eleftheria "Thierry" Amanatidis brings stellar service and creative lunch options.

Famous for the pastrami-inspired Katz Deli Tribute, other lunch sandwich options excite including the massive New Yorker, Beef Short Rib sandwich, the Veal Schnitty and Steak Frites. Enjoy your lunch inside Jimmy's or out on the main street of Yarraville (a vibe).

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Inked Cup — Doncaster East ⭐ 8.75/10

Best for: All-day breakfast, jaffles, community vibe
Must order: Signature jaffles, sandwiches, waffles
Address: 2/1004 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East · Price: $$
Good to know: Extended trading hours on weekends

A café gem in the eastern suburbs with high-class coffee and innovative, rewarding dishes including top-notch jaffles, all-day breakfast, popular sandwiches, waffles and various mains. They bring the party to the people with a host of signature dishes, and they also aim for conversation and community, encouraging local craftspeople and artists by selling their wares in the café. A popular oasis on Doncaster Road - the locals flock here and love it. One of the best.

Jaffle heaven, but also check out the sandwiches, waffles and ever-evolving mains.

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Industry Beans — Chadstone ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Elevated brunch, cold brew, specialty coffee
Must order: Porcini Nest, Chilli Barramundi, Cold Brew, Bubble Coffee
Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone (outside Chadstone's luxury entrance) · Price: $$$
Good to know: Bookings available; also runs high tea

Industry Beans Chadstone is brunch with a touch of class - truly some of these dishes belong in the NGV. Cold Brews and Bubble Coffees are the name of the game, and the Porcini and Barramundi mains take café offerings to the next level. This is a destination of elevation when it comes to the Melbourne brunch scene. Of course the coffee is amazing, as they roast their own. With vibrant, innovative dishes in a bright and stylish setting, it sets some benchmarks.

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Hatter and Hare — Bayswater ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Themed brunch, unique vibe, creative dishes
Must order: Knave of Hearts French Toast, Down the Rabbit Hole acai bowl, The Tweedledee
Address: 1/21 Scoresby Road, Bayswater · Price: $$
Good to know: About 400m from Bayswater Station; book for high tea

Not all brunch offerings are the same. Hatter and Hare is a quirky themed café in Bayswater bringing Alice in Wonderland vibes with top-notch brunch dishes. Check out the Knave of Hearts French Toast, the Down the Rabbit Hole acai bowl and The Tweedledee, as well as the array of cakes in the display cabinet. Extremely popular with locals, this is creativity central and the vibes are unmatched.

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Neruda's — Brunswick ⭐ 8.75/10

Best for: South American flavours, live music, community atmosphere
Must order: Chorizo with scrambled eggs, empanadas (7 types)
Address: 6/210 Albion Street, Brunswick · Price: $

Neruda's brings South American joy to the brunch scene, with a café run by a musician owner (there's often live music) that has built up a real community vibe. Check out the fresh-made chorizo with scrambled eggs, and the sensational empanadas.

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Ophelia — Westgarth ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Stylish all-day dining, cakes, pasta nights
Must order: Breakfast Plate, Calabrian Eggs, homemade cakes
Address: 85 High Street, Northcote (Westgarth end) · Price: $$
Good to know: Also open for dinner on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights

An extremely stylish café in a great location - café by day and restaurant by night. Check out the Breakfast Plate, the Calabrian Eggs, the excellent specialty coffee, and the homemade cakes and baked goods. Their pasta nights are epic.

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Lenny 3206 — Albert Park ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Beachy vibe, outdoor seating, innovative dishes
Must order: Duck & Waffles, Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Roll
Address: 113 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park · Price: $$
Good to know: Licensed and dog-friendly

Lenny 3206 is a café that ticks all of the boxes. One of the first things you notice is the grand building and the modern fit-out by design firm Golden. I love bright, airy cafés and Lenny 3206 delivers with large windows, white and blue (beachy vibe) colours, a pink marble benchtop, compelling artwork and charming wicker chairs inside. Or sit outside and take in the street vibes of Albert Park. There's a festive and convivial atmosphere at this café, reinforced by the colourful umbrellas on the sidewalk.

Not something we expected to find on a café menu, but welcome.

Duck & Waffles is a signature hit dish featuring slow-cooked duck leg (with perfectly crispy skin), herb and cheese waffle, apple salad, juniper-infused maple and a fried egg. A delicious, sophisticated dish at a reasonable price. In my opinion the duck was cooked perfectly and the waffles were a perfect complement, with zesty salad and the joy of an oozy fried egg.

We also went for a lunch special (now on the permanent menu): the Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Roll with iceberg lettuce and sesame prawn crackers with sriracha mayo. A decent amount of wagyu cheeseburger filling and crispy spring roll casing was a standout, with prawn crackers and lettuce for extra crunch. And don't underestimate that delightful sriracha mayo to dip into. Eating with your fingers is the way to go. A crowd-pleaser café in every way.

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Tamper Trap — Brighton ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Creative brunch, Japanese-inspired dishes, bayside dining
Must order: Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancake, Cheesy Croquette Benny, Hotcake Sandwich
Address: 3/181 Bay Street, Brighton · Price: $$
Good to know: A five-minute walk from North Brighton Station

Tamper Trap is a revelation in Brighton, with smart dishes that are innovative and satisfying. Located on iconic Bay Street in a leafy, upmarket part of the city, they are hitting the high notes. If you take the well-known adage "give the customers more than they expect", then Tamper Trap excels. The Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancake was a smash hit, served with crispy ginger chicken and edamame slaw.

Food is inspired by Melbourne favourites with a twist, and you’ll also find Salmon Two Ways and the sweetest Hotcake Sandwich with homemade peanut butter ice cream. Or try their other brunch favourites such as the Fruity Crunchy Bircher, Trapped Chilli Scramble, Honey Hotcakes and the Sweet Potato and Zucchini Fritter Breakfast Tacos, plus salads, healthy burgers and superfood bowls for lunch. There's also a delightful range of sandwiches in the display cabinet for those on the go.

So rewarding is the Cheesy Croquette Benny with poached egg, bacon, chorizo and hollandaise, with added smashed avocado. All my favourite things in one brunch dish. The croquettes were satisfying in themselves with cheesy comfort, and the combination of chorizo and crispy bacon with benny eggs on top was a winner. I recommend adding the smashed avocado to lighten the dish, as it's quite intense (but wonderfully so).

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Stovetop — Carlton ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Buzzy student-area café, strong coffee, family-style dishes
Must order: Stovetop Benny, Nutella Croissant
Address: 108–128 Leicester Street, Carlton · Price: $$
Good to know: Currently open weekdays only

Stovetop is an iconic Carlton café frequented by students. It is always buzzing, and it has hit the high notes since relocating to the premises next door. Stovetop is a great example of a Melbourne café with a strong coffee game (including its own blends), a range of signature dishes to suit all tastes, and a light, airy, modern vibe with attentive, engaging staff. George, one of the owners, tells us the café began as an extension of the family kitchen, serving up favourite dishes with family hospitality, and they have kept this value.

Packed out on a weekday lunchtime in the heart of a student hub.

The parma was a great example of a classic dish done well. The Nutella and Banana Pancake was a joyful sweet dish, though it has recently been superseded by a Nutella Croissant. The Stovetop Benny is a signature twist on a standard Benedict, with poached eggs, prosciutto, parmesan, black pudding and rich truffle hollandaise. Bravo to the Stovetop team.

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Shanklin — Hawthorn East ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Work meetings, groups, converted terrace atmosphere
Must order: Sweet Corn Fritters, Baked Eggs Shakshuka - dishes that have kept locals coming back for many years
Address: 500 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East · Price: $$
Good to know: Open seven days

Shanklin is a great example of a modern Melbourne café and delivers in terms of vibe, quality food and excellent coffee. Walk into a converted 19th-century terrace with a charming frontage featuring large tables for groups. Inside, discover an industrial look with an awesome vibe and classy fit-out. If you wanted to show a friend from outside Melbourne a great example of a Melbourne-style café, you might take them to Shanklin.

A highlight at Shanklin Cafe is the Sweet Corn Fritters - excellent crunch on the outside and a delicious, hearty dish that looks as pretty as a picture. Add salmon or bacon (I can recommend the salmon).

The Baked Egg Shakshuka with red peppers, cherry tomato, mushrooms and goat's cheese with sourdough is a Middle Eastern-style hit, here with an added side of salmon. Served bubbling hot in a heavy iron skillet, this is an iconic Melbourne brunch dish.

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The Espressonist — Docklands ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Waterfront views, brunch and dinner, innovative dishes
Must order: Smashed avocado on sourdough, Soft Shell Crab Tacos
Address: 108 River Esplanade, Docklands · Price: $$
Good to know: Late opening on Thursdays

The Espressonist is a savvy, chic café on the Docklands side of the Yarra with stunning views across the water. Dine inside or, as we did, outside, taking in the South Wharf vibe and the large boats. Service here is top-notch and the brunch options first class. The Espressonist also opens into the evening, part of a growing trend of cafés serving beyond lunch. We felt the smashed avocado, feta and dukkah on sourdough with poached eggs was one of the best we've had in Melbourne, with some chilli kick (how we like it). Short rib with master stock, potato, kimchi and fried egg was another highly rewarding dish, and the Naughty Fries with kimchi slaw, chilli and coriander are a must-order. A surprise was the dark chocolate mousse with peanut and raspberry - amazing presentation and an excellent dessert.

The smashed avocado dish has stood the test of time.

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Rustica — South Yarra & various ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Bakery café, sourdough, light and airy atmosphere
Must order: Sautéed mixed mushrooms and greens, pastries and croissants
Address: 501 Chapel Street, South Yarra (flagship), plus other locations including Brighton · Price: $$
Good to know: The Hawthorn canteen we first reviewed has closed; the South Yarra flagship is licensed

Rustica is a great example of a modern Melbourne café. Rustica Sourdough began in Fitzroy and has kept expanding, becoming one of the most successful bakery cafés in Melbourne. I find it cheerful and a hub of conviviality.

These are light and airy cafés with a touch of style. I love the colour schemes and use of textures, with plants abounding. There's always a sense of occasion and even community when you visit Rustica.

Whole roasted mushrooms, mixed greens, reggiano, poached eggs, white truffle oil, and kale and walnut pesto with olive and basil sourdough is all you want in a brunch dish.

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Down the Rabbit Hole — Templestowe ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Eastern suburbs gem, creative menu, excellent coffee
Must order: DTRH Reuben, Breakfast Board, Prawn Star, TFC Burger (Templestowe Fried Chicken), Bronuts
Address: 8/22 Newmans Road, Templestowe · Price: $$
Good to know: On-site parking, near Westerfolds Park; the same team opened Rogue Rabbit in Northcote in September 2026

The eastern suburbs of Melbourne have been rejoicing since the arrival of Down the Rabbit Hole. I find this café a breath of fresh air, not the café cliché you sometimes see. The name suggests a touch of Alice in Wonderland, and this café is sure to fire the imagination with hits such as the Breakfast Bagel, a surprisingly filling dish with Istra bacon, fried egg, aioli, tomato, leaf and haloumi on a New York bagel. New York comes to Templestowe. My friend raved about the Shrooms dish, a collection of sautéed wild mushrooms in season and other delights. Coffee here is excellent and staff engaging. Check out the TFC (Templestowe Fried Chicken) and the DTRH Reuben (I order this most times I visit).

Simple brunch dishes done well.

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RIDDIK — Templestowe Lower ⭐ 8.75/10

Best for: All-day dining, healthy bowls, licensed café
Must order: Smashed Avo with shanklish and dukkah, Coffee-rubbed beef burger, Eggs Benny (6 ways)
Address: 1–3 The Mall, Templestowe Lower · Price: $$
Good to know: Licensed from morning to night

RIDDIK is a revelation in the eastern suburbs, bursting with flair and style. RIDDIK is an all-day café (licensed from morning to night) and a game changer bringing inner-city excellence to Templestowe Lower.

RIDDIK serves Code Black espresso all day and Code Black espresso martinis at night. The menu provides a top-notch foodie experience, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner options, including six ways to indulge in the classic eggs Benny!

The RIDDIK smashed avo is a top-notch dish with poached eggs, house-made sumac and thyme shanklish, hazelnut dukkah, figs and mint, finished with pomegranate molasses on sourdough - then I added extras such as rösti and thick bacon to make it the complete dish! Healthy bowls abound; in fact there's something excellent for pretty much everyone.

The Breakfast Tacos are outstanding, with a little heat. Come here at a weekday lunchtime and the place is packed. The menu shows imagination and is brilliantly executed.

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Franks Cafe — Cheltenham ⭐ 9/10

Best for: No-fuss suburban café, burgers, fun atmosphere
Must order: Grass-fed Wagyu Burger, Cinnamon Donuts, Ramen Fried Chicken Bao
Address: 97 Cavanagh Street, Cheltenham · Price: $$
Good to know: Easy street parking; close to Westfield Southland

Franks is a highly impressive café, reinforcing the belief that cafés in the burbs have come a long way in recent years. This is one for the punters, with a distinct lack of pretension and a menu that ticks all the boxes for modern café food.

Signature dishes still include the beyond-your-average cinnamon donuts (with a sense of theatre and a full plated meal), a rewarding burger (with premium juicy wagyu beef) and tangy, crunchy ramen fried chicken bao. Newer menu items include a selection of build-your-own dishes, letting you take control of the most important meal of the day. We loved all these dishes, and they have been mainstays for years.

A better-than-expected fit-out showing excellent style and design quality greets the diner. Great use of timber, art and lighting impresses, including the neon Franks sign on the wall. The kitchen is a hive of activity, with more staff than you'd normally see in a café kitchen.

In a city of burgers, the dish simply named "Burger" belies how impressive it is: a juicy delight of grass-fed wagyu, American cheddar, tomato, lettuce, BBQ sauce, the chef's take on Big Mac sauce, pickle and a milk bun. What you want in a modern café. The design is by Ewart Leaf Design, with a mix of functional, attractive dining spaces.

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Sir Charles — Fitzroy ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Asian-influenced brunch, great coffee, industrial vibe
Must order: Korean Fried Chicken Burger with kimchi fries, Sir Charles Benedict (signature), Eton Mess Waffles
Address: 121 Johnston Street, Fitzroy · Price: $$
Good to know: Coffee roasted on site; pram- and dog-friendly

Sir Charles is a surprising café - its facade on Johnston Street belies the depth of the modern café inside.

Check out the seriously good menu with an Asian influence. The Korean Fried Chicken Burger with a side of kimchi fries was a highlight, beautifully presented. Or grab a Super South healthy dish, the Sir Charles Benedict with panko-crumbed eggs, or indeed the Eton Mess Waffles.

We enjoy the semi-industrial copper piping, the lighting, the decent chairs and tables, and the light and airy food. Not to mention the engaging service and excellent coffee.

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MiddleSouthEast Cafe — South Yarra ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Middle Eastern flavours, Chapel Street creative crowd, diverse menu
Must order: Golden Corn Fritters, Middle South Eggs with sujuk sausage, Habibi Classic
Address: 670 Chapel Street (corner Malcolm Street), South Yarra · Price: $$
Good to know: Opens early (6:30am) seven days; a few minutes' walk from South Yarra Station

MiddleSouthEast is part of the new breed of Melbourne cafés bringing Middle Eastern flavours. It's popular with creatives on Chapel Street, with a wide-ranging menu that delivers.

The corn fritters are a must-order, with poached eggs, smashed avocado, goat's cheese and smoked salmon.

A popular dish is the Middle South Eggs with Middle Eastern sauce, Persian feta, fresh chilli, sujuk sausage, za'atar bread and poached eggs. The sauce is compelling and you can mop up the oozy goodness with the bread. The sausage is tasty too, and the dish has some kick from the chilli. A warm and embracing Middle Eastern-style brunch dish.

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Au 79 Cafe — Abbotsford ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Gold-class experience, own roastery coffee, modern menu
Must order: Prawn Benedict, Turkish Eggs, house-baked croissants and toasties, V60 pour over (signature coffee offering)
Address: 27–29 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford · Price: $$
Good to know: Roastery, bakery and patisserie on site

AU 79 is a café sensation in Abbotsford and may be one of the most impressive cafés you ever visit. Having worked in corporate banking in the mining sector, I know that Au and 79 are gold's chemical symbol and atomic number. And it's a gold-class experience you will receive, as well as a golden sign emblazoned on the brick building.

The interior is super impressive, with large light-filled spaces and attractive plants. Curves and straight lines - the vibe is exotic. With their own roastery, coffee is a serious thing here. With house blends and single origins to choose from, we settled on a V60, a great choice.

The modern menu includes Prawn Benedict with delicious poached eggs and prawns on brioche, Turkish eggs with garlic yoghurt and chilli butter, and house-baked croissants and toasties (check out the Kimchi and Cheese).

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Higher Ground — CBD ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Overall best Melbourne café, stunning warehouse space, all-day dining
Must order: Avocado Pretzel, Prawn Toast Benedict, Seasonal Ricotta Cake
Address: 650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne (corner Spencer Street) · Price: $$$
Good to know: Short walk from Southern Cross Station; bookings via the Darling Group website

Stevie Wonder had the soul and funk going with his '70s hit Higher Ground, and Higher Ground café in the Melbourne CBD also has plenty of soul. Like Stevie, Higher Ground has hit its groove with a winning combination of attractive food with finesse, excellent service and a breathtaking converted heritage powerhouse. Long regarded as one of the very best cafés in Melbourne, it's next level and a must-visit.

One gets the feeling this is the ultimate in Melbourne café evolution to date. The name is apt, as the café ticks all the boxes for food, coffee, service and ambience. The space is massive yet you feel a sense of warmth and engagement. High ceilings, plants, amazing decor, a large bar - Higher Ground has it all. Natural light abounds during the day; it's almost like a large cathedral. And the mood changes at night.

Higher Ground doesn't just serve up the usual suspects. The menu is interesting and flavoursome, including the Seasonal Ricotta Cake (a huge pancake that takes 20 minutes to bake), Prawn Toast Benedict (Chinese doughnut instead of the usual toast) and the Blue Swimmer Crab Benedict.

Service is first class and the venue is designed to be an all-day affair. The fact we had to wait 20 minutes to get in, in the middle of the day in the middle of the week, is a testament to this café.

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Mammoth — Armadale ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Creative brunch, Instagram-worthy dishes, generous portions
Must order: The Benedict with rösti base, Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Dukkah Toast
Address: 736 Malvern Road, Armadale (next to Toorak Station) · Price: $$
Good to know: Bookings taken, but not on the same day

Arguably one of the best in Melbourne. For those who may be bored with the same old food options at many Melbourne cafés, Mammoth brings a point of difference. When we scan café menus it's often a case of finding two or three picks and then deciding. Call us snobs, but that's the way it is. In this case it was about what not to order - interesting and compelling options throughout.

We chose The Benedict - a perfect taste and texture match. The impression was instant: how good is this dish! It has since changed to a potato rösti base with perfectly poached eggs, slow-cooked pulled ham hock and apple hollandaise.

It's art on a plate, without any sense of pretension. It's an Instagrammer's dream, but with foodie substance behind it.

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The Kettle Black — South Melbourne ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: World-class café food, stylish fit-out, special occasions
Must order: Blueberry Ricotta Hotcake, Salmon Benedict, Chilli Scrambled Eggs, single origin filters
Address: 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne · Price: $$$
Good to know: Bookings available; private dining room upstairs

The Kettle Black has become an archetype of the modern Melbourne café, with a stylish, chic fit-out and food that's a treat for the eyes as well as the mouth.

The food at The Kettle Black is as good as anywhere, from the Blueberry Ricotta Hotcake with house-made ricotta to the Chilli Scrambled Eggs and the Salmon Benedict.

Presentation is sensational - art on a plate. After eating here, there was a feeling of being pleasantly satisfied and sufficiently full.

We think it's all part of a trend of restaurant-quality food in cafés, something you don't always see around the world. The Kettle Black raises the bar for Melbourne cafés and is world class. If you were meeting someone you wanted to impress, you might come here.

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Top Paddock — Richmond ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Spacious modern café, imaginative brunch, trendy Richmond location
Must order: Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcake (the original venue to launch this iconic Melbourne dish)
Address: 658 Church Street, Richmond · Price: $$
Good to know: Expect a queue on weekends

Top Paddock is one of Melbourne's standout cafés, with its spacious modern fit-out and extensive, imaginative menu.

The Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcake with berries, organic maple, seeds and double cream is a stunning brunch dish that belongs in the Arts Centre as a colourful masterpiece. It is the Rembrandt and Monet of brunch dishes.

Several years on, Top Paddock is as strong as ever, with strong numbers during the week and a weekend overflow and queue. Kudos!

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Darling Street Espresso — Moonee Ponds ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Fine dining-inspired café food, seasonal menu, courtyard
Must order: Miso Cured Salmon Okonomiyaki, Eggplant Parmi Toastie
Address: 146 Athol Street, Moonee Ponds · Price: $$
Good to know: Tucked away in a renovated corner store off the main strip

Darling Street Espresso is a top-notch, relaxed café in Moonee Ponds with a certain sophistication in its offerings. Café food is taken to the next level here. A modern fit-out and large courtyard inspire, food is fresh and seasonal, and the menu has imagination. Bring on the miso-cured salmon okonomiyaki pancake with tempura poached egg and ponzu dressing - a dream on a plate. The Eggplant Parmi Toastie is a comfort food hit, while the Italian Eggs and The Breakfast Roll are other hit dishes.

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Leroys Cafe — Newport ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Local produce, modern comfort food, all-day breakfast
Must order: OMG Pancakes, The Newport Hollan Daze, Pulled Pork Benedict
Address: 5 Mason Street, Newport · Price: $$
Good to know: Licensed, dog-friendly, with a kids' play area out the back; near Newport Station

Leroys prides itself on the menu's modern flavours, great coffee and a strong belief that local produce and seasonality are the stepping stones to great cooking.

With options for both sweet and savoury palates, the all-day breakfast menu includes the Newport Hollan Daze (hash browns, smashed avocado, bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, rocket and parmesan) - and check out the OMG Pancakes.

Classic comfort food with modern flavours is the essence of the lunch menu. You can't go past the Soft Shell Crab Burger (pictured below) - tempura-fried soft shell crab, saffron aioli, tomato and lettuce in a black bun. The Magic Mushrooms also excite, with a mushroom fricassée, Bulgarian feta and a 60-degree egg.

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Operator 25 — CBD ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Heritage building, buzzing atmosphere, affordable CBD brunch
Must order: Benedict with pulled beef, Singapore Chilli Crab Omelette, Spicy Mala Baked Eggs, Corn Fritters
Address: 25 Wills Street, Melbourne · Price: $$

Operator 25 is a revelation, set in a former telephone exchange in the legal district of the Melbourne CBD. The place is pumping, with interesting dining spaces full of patrons and an intergenerational crowd. I visited this café in a heritage building having heard rave reviews and was not disappointed. Operator 25 has made an effort with its fit-out, with exposed brick walls, quality furniture, a funky blackboard and top-class artwork throughout.

Yes, we are raving - their famous Corn Fritters were a brunch highlight of the year. The menu also offers compelling dishes such as the Beef Benedict with sweet soy and makrut lime-glazed pulled beef, and the Spicy Mala Baked Eggs with Szechuan-spiced baked beans, eggs, smoky bacon and melted mozzarella, served with a Chinese bun.

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St Ali — South Melbourne ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Hidden laneway gem, serious coffee, Asian and Middle Eastern menu
Must order: My Mexican Cousin, single origin pour over
Address: 12–18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne · Price: $$

St Ali is a hip, cool, fun über café with amazing ambience, stunning coffee and excellent creative menu choices, hidden down a laneway in South Melbourne. This is one of my go-to places in Melbourne and I have loved each of my many visits.

St Ali is named after Ali ibn Umar al-Shadhili, a mystic credited in legend with sparking a passion for coffee. Part of St Ali's mystique is that it can be hard to find. You wander down a nondescript laneway off Clarendon Street in the quest for serious coffee, wondering if it's the right lane. Then you see a group of people emerge from an unmarked entrance and realise this must be St Ali.

My Mexican Cousin is an iconic dish.

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Proud Mary — Collingwood ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Best coffee in Melbourne, roastery café, warehouse atmosphere
Must order: Crispy Potato Hash (perennial favourite since 2009), any single origin pour over
Address: 172 Oxford Street, Collingwood · Price: $$

Proud Mary has been crowned Best Café on several occasions in the press. Nestled in warehouse-like premises in Collingwood with an über fit-out, Proud Mary is the coffee summit. Inspired by founder and CEO Nolan Hirte (who I've met and who is an inspiration), it exudes the rarefied air of coffee excellence. Hirte's stamp is on every aspect - ambience, passion, coffee sophistication and notable cuisine. Proud Mary is a benchmark for roasters and coffee lovers in Melbourne and, along with its sophistication, has the charm of a riverboat queen.

A great option is to have breakfast here and then head into the city for work. Love the breakfast menu! The Crispy Hash is a standout for me - a large, crispy, not-too-greasy hash brown with stringy potato fibres, crispy bacon, buttery spinach, a poached egg and bagna cauda sauce. Too good, especially with a great coffee.

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Bossy Boots Cafe — Brighton ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Take-home meals, gourmet cabinet food, time-poor professionals
Must order: Daily curries, Traditional lasagne, Tuna and Sweet Corn Patties, rotating salad cabinet
Address: 106 Bay Street, Brighton · Price: $$
Good to know: Open into the early evening on weekdays for take-home dinners

Bossy Boots lays claim to the best take-home food in Melbourne. Locals flock here each day to grab dinner or a meal to take home - we were amazed at how many came through in the couple of hours we were there on a weekday lunchtime. This is a unique foodie experience, with few if any cafés as successful at providing such quality take-home food. Each day the kitchen team prepares three or four tasty curries, salads, pastas, tuna and sweetcorn patties, filled crêpes, and sensational pies and sausage rolls.

For time-poor professionals, Bossy Boots is the perfect destination for an impressive dinner, desserts and gourmet treats. The display cabinet is spectacular and you will find it hard to resist the choices.

I remember when Nonna Thomasina (known as Nellie) graced the kitchen and delivered some of the best lasagne and cannelloni you’ll taste in Melbourne (they still serve Traditional Lasagne). Salads here are super popular, including a Tuna Niçoise and a Moroccan couscous salad. Bossy Boots is an iconic café with its own style, creating a convivial hub that is unique to Brighton and Melbourne.

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One Plus Piece — Balwyn ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Japanese anime theme, creative burgers, eastern suburbs gem
Must order: One Plus Double Chilli Burger, Sushi Burger, Asian-fusion sandos
Address: 266 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn · Price: $
Good to know: Busy on weekends - arrive early

Eastern suburbs cafés are on the rise! A great example is One Plus Piece, in a premium pocket of Whitehorse Road in Balwyn surrounded by banks, eateries and high-end shops. This is the only Japanese anime café in Melbourne we know of - playful and fun, but serious about its café offerings.

The menu developed by passionate head chef Cain caters for a variety of tastes, with compelling burgers, moreish dumplings, imaginative breakfasts and a series of healthier dishes.

Burgers? One Plus Piece is super popular for its burgers, and we highly recommend them. Innovative and playful.

Check out this massive One Plus Double Chilli burger (with an extra patty to make it three). It scored an impressive 7.7 on the Burgers of Melbourne index.

The burgers at One Plus Piece are not greasy affairs - they're clean, flavoursome and well presented. One Plus Piece is a breath of fresh air on the Whitehorse Road strip, with Yvette and Cain bringing passion and verve to first-class café options.

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Three Bags Full — Abbotsford ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Specialty coffee, communal atmosphere, warehouse café vibes
Must order: Chilli Scrambled Eggs, Avocado Smash, Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich, single origin pour over, daily brunch specials
Address: 60 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford · Price: $$

Three Bags Full is a Melbourne darling and one of our more eminent cafés. The vibe on a pumping Saturday brunch time is fabulous. It's another foodie haven and the coffee is seriously excellent.

The bright yellow colour scheme suggests Richmond, but you're in Abbotsford. Walk in and immediately fall in love with the place: a large open space with natural light and plenty of tables, though they're often packed. I wondered whether the name had anything to do with it always being full. I love the long communal table that people seem to gravitate to.

These guys are passionate about coffee and offer a great selection, including pour over and single origins. I’m happy to come here just for the coffee and even line up for the privilege.

This ex-warehouse is very cool, with polished floors and exposed brick. That may make for a noisy room, but who cares - I’m into that. Venture outside to enjoy the precinct at small tables.

Three Bags Full is also a great option for breakfast on the way to work in the city. Love the friendly service - busy, busy, busy, but still attentive and personable staff. When paying or just ordering coffee you're invariably in line eyeing off their gourmet products to take away. Three Bags Full is a stellar café that continues to shine.

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Pellegrini's Espresso Bar — CBD ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Melbourne icon, Italian espresso bar, nostalgia and charm
Must order: House blend espresso, iconic Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagne, Tiramisu, Italian cabinet treats
Address: 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne · Price: $

Pellegrini’s, a Melbourne icon, puts a big smile on my face. It's easy to fall in love with Pellegrini's as it exudes so much charm and nostalgia. Classico! Often misunderstood in a sea of nouveau cafés and restaurants, Pellegrini’s is unique - and it was a key forerunner of the Melbourne coffee culture we see today.

It feels like ‘real’ Melbourne, with its history and standing. Where else can you go for such quality banter, home cooking and strong coffee? I once tried entering Pellegrini’s very early in the morning and couldn’t get in the door - and the owner (I think it was) came and unlocked it and showed me in! Really sad about the passing of Sisto Malaspina, a beautiful soul.

First, the coffee. I asked for a latte (in the one-size glass) and was poured something extremely dark, telling me it was as strong as steel. I love a strong coffee. I asked Sisto one day (lest we forget this legend) whether it was a triple shot. “No,” he said, “nothing to do with shots. It’s about the blend and the way it's made. If the shots are no good the coffee is no good – so what’s the point of shots?” You gotta love that philosophy.

Nostalgia everywhere! I love the long bar with its iconic stools, the mirrors along the other wall, and the memorabilia on the shelves with celebrities posing at Pellegrini’s. Authentic Italian pastas capture the palate and the imagination.

Pellegrini’s is a classic Italian espresso bar. You need to appreciate it for what it is rather than what it isn’t! They do pasta and delightful Italian treats well, and they really know coffee. Since the passing of Sisto they are still powering on. Ciao! Ciao!

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Seven Seeds — Carlton ⭐ 9.5/10

Best for: Coffee institution, own roastery, Carlton warehouse atmosphere
Must order: Waffle Eggs Benedict, Double Wagyu Patty Burger, Coffee of the Day single origin, any filter brew
Address: 114 Berkeley Street, Carlton · Price: $$
Good to know: No bookings, but seating for close to 100

Seven Seeds is credited as a highly influential coffee powerhouse that has shaped Melbourne's coffee culture over many years. I believe Seven Seeds is better than ever and continues to shine its significant influence on the café and coffee scene.

Seven Seeds is one of those Melbourne institutions we can take for granted. Walk along a quiet, sleepy-looking street in Carlton, then stumble upon a packed house of coffee lovers behind an entrance almost devoid of signage (apart from a painted name on the wall).

Seven Seeds is a super passionate roastery and café. The coffee lab here shows how serious they are about all things coffee. Seven Seeds never stands still, and the quality of the coffee shows no hint of dropping off, unlike some others that have diminished over the years. The coffee menu features Seven Seeds-roasted coffee, of course!

A converted warehouse, Seven Seeds features plenty of exposed brick, tiles, concrete floors, mounted bikes and large windows that let in lots of natural light. They led the way in café fit-outs, with many since copying the Seven Seeds look. With universities nearby, Seven Seeds attracts its fair share of students - it's an eclectic mix of the young and fashionable.

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Brother Baba Budan — CBD ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Specialty coffee, iconic ceiling chairs, CBD laneway gem
Must order: Coffee of the Day single origin, Seven Seeds blend, toasted sandwiches, pastries
Address: 359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne · Price: $
Good to know: Very limited seating - takeaway is often the best bet

An extremely popular sibling café to Seven Seeds. For those who know their coffee history, it was the revolutionary Baba Budan who, in the 17th century, smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Yemen and into India, where the plants thrived. This started a global coffee revolution that has culminated in the sensational coffee scene we see here in Melbourne. BBB is passionate about coffee, and specialty coffee in particular.

Look through the window from Little Bourke Street and you'll invariably see wall-to-wall people, some at the communal table reading but many lined up for some of the best coffee in town. Single origins, filters and awesome blends - it always looks like a cool party. I took my friend from Dubai here and he had to concede that Melbourne has an awesome coffee culture.

A talking point is always the curious montage of chairs hanging from the ceiling (spectacular but really hard to photograph). I asked a barista if it was OK to photograph them and he said lots of people do, so I felt better. There's limited room for a sit-down experience - a few tables with stools - so most people gravitate to the communal table by the window, or the one behind the baristas with cakes and biscuits above.

The star of the show is the coffee. The default is the Seven Seeds blend, which is awesome, but a smart drinker will order the Coffee of the Day single origin - it's only slightly more expensive. There's also a retail section where you can pick up your AeroPress. One of the best!

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Manchester Press — CBD ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: Bagels, spacious former printing house, latte art
Must order: Savoury and sweet bagels, specialty coffee
Address: 8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne · Price: $$
Good to know: Expect a short wait at weekday lunchtimes and on weekends

Manchester Press is a spacious, funky café you'll want to come back to. It deserves to be a global sensation like Manchester United.

This is a huge space, named after the printing press business that once occupied it. Friends of mine remember its former life, and the renovation has been impressive. Coffee here is amazing, with highly skilled baristas who have a knack for latte art.

The breakfast options, both savoury and sweet, are outstanding - good value and generous. Manchester Press does bagels really well, with many options and toppings. Check out The Lox (smoked salmon), the Avocado Smash bagel and the Philly Steak, as well as the Honey and Ricotta bagel and the Mixed Berry Mascarpone bagel. I was told that all menu options are available at any time, not just divided into breakfast and lunch, and that the menu changes whenever the chef feels like it.

Service is sensational every time, with friendly staff willing to explain things (interestingly, they place the bill in a glass on your table). We have a ritual: I keep going to the counter to pay without bringing the bill, so they go back and grab it from the table again. On leaving, I noticed a mirror ball mounted high in Rankins Lane casting an interesting array of light down the lane. It all adds to the coffee and the art experience.

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The League of Honest Coffee — CBD ⭐ 9/10

Best for: Pour over and cold drip, honest specialty coffee, CBD gem
Must order: Deli roll, toasties, savoury breakfast tarts, bowl latte (my favourite - a huge coffee in a wide ceramic bowl), pour over, cold drip with Padre Coffee
Address: 8 Exploration Lane, Melbourne · Price: $
Good to know: Closed Sundays

The League of Honest Coffee is one of the best coffee houses in Melbourne, with a strong following. This is the crew from Brunswick East Project and Padre Coffee.

The League of Honest Coffee offers great pour over and cold drip options. I'm prone to a creamy bowl latte, which is a bit old school, but these guys do it so well. I love these European-style bowls of coffee. Bowl lattes can lose their punch with too much milk, but this one is amazing. And here is an important point: The League of Honest Coffee uses decent milk, unlike a lot of cafés. (My barista training taught me that milk quality is a major factor in a great coffee.)

Food options are simple but gourmet, with delectable treats in the cabinet.

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The Hardware Société — CBD ⭐ 9.25/10

Best for: French-inspired brunch, open kitchen theatre, special occasion breakfast
Must order: Lobster Benedict, Baked Eggs with chorizo, Fried Brioche with creative toppings, counter pastries
Address: 10 Katherine Place, Melbourne (off Flinders Lane, near the Rialto) · Price: $$$
Good to know: The original Hardware Street café has closed; Katherine Place is now the Melbourne home of The Hardware Société

A great place for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast in Melbourne. It captivates with French sophistication and charm, and a high-quality dining experience. If you’re looking for somewhere that offers more than the usual brunch options, with a certain je ne sais quoi, then The Hardware Société is the place for you.

All eyes are on the crisp, white-uniformed rock-star chefs who perform wonders in the open kitchen for all to see. Each dish has amazing flair and is bathed in TLC - there is a French attention to detail!

The Hardware Société offers some of Melbourne’s favourite dishes, such as baked eggs served in a heavy French cast-iron pan with chunks of chorizo and cheese. They've been serving this iconic dish for years, delivered piping hot to your table.

After a big night out you may prefer the banana bread with caramel and crushed nougat, or the fried brioche with Nutella, strawberries and toasted hazelnuts. There are daily specials too. Even the sourdough fruit toast is sensational, served on a wooden board with an extraordinary amount of butter.

The quality of the food is undeniable. Everything is well cooked, with great flavour profiles, and the freshness (including the bread) stands out. Service is fantastic, with engaging, attentive staff in aprons setting a French tone. Popular and a talking point around Melbourne - rightly so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cafes in Melbourne in 2026?

The best cafes in Melbourne in 2026 include Higher Ground (CBD), Proud Mary (Collingwood), Au 79 (Abbotsford), Operator 25 (CBD), Jimmy's Deli (Yarraville) and Ophelia (Westgarth) — all rated 9.5/10 by The World Loves Melbourne.

What is the best café for brunch in Melbourne?

For brunch, Top Paddock (Richmond), The Kettle Black (South Melbourne), Mammoth (Armadale) and The Hardware Société (CBD) are consistently among Melbourne's best.

Which Melbourne cafés have the best specialty coffee?

Proud Mary, Seven Seeds, Brother Baba Budan and Au 79 are Melbourne's top specialty coffee destinations, all serving coffee from their own roasteries.

Are there good cafes in Melbourne's eastern suburbs?

Yes — Down the Rabbit Hole in Templestowe, RIDDIK in Templestowe Lower, Inked Cup in Doncaster East, One Plus Piece in Balwyn, Hatter and Hare in Bayswater and Shanklin in Hawthorn East are standout eastern suburbs cafés.

What's the best café in Melbourne CBD?

Higher Ground, Operator 25, Manchester Press and The Hardware Société are the top-rated CBD cafés in 2026. For a quick coffee, Brother Baba Budan and Pellegrini's are CBD icons.

Which Melbourne cafés are best for families?

Three Bags Full (Abbotsford), Leroys (Newport, with a kids' play area) and Franks (Cheltenham) are great family-friendly cafés.

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• Best Breakfasts in Melbourne

• Best New Restaurants in Melbourne 2026

• Best Bars in Melbourne

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• Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne

Related Reading: Melbourne Cafes → Best Cafes in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs → Best Cafes in Melbourne's Western Suburbs → Best Eateries in Melbourne's Inner North