It’s common knowledge among tourists that Australia is the best place to have a really good cup of coffee. However, Melbourne’s coffee culture is well-established even by international standards.
Everywhere in the city, seasoned roasters are putting more emphasis on seasonality, and newcomers are either pioneering new brewing methods or bringing South American and African ideas to Western consumers for the first time. Ten places where we believe you can get the best coffee in Melbourne right now have been selected.
1. Proud Mary:
Proud Mary is a specialty coffee shop located in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood. It was founded in 2009 by Nolan Hirte, a coffee roaster with a passion for sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee beans. Since then, Proud Mary has become a staple in Melbourne’s coffee scene, winning numerous awards and gaining a dedicated following.
Proud Mary sources its coffee beans directly from farmers around the world, ensuring that they are of the highest quality and that the farmers are paid fairly. The beans are then roasted in-house, using a custom-built Loring Smart Roaster that allows for precise temperature control and consistency.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, Proud Mary is also known for its innovative brunch menu, which features dishes like blueberry ricotta hotcakes, Korean fried chicken burgers, and vegan shakshuka. The cafe’s interior is modern and minimalist, with plenty of natural light and seating options, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee or a meal.
2. Market Lane Coffee:
Market Lane Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer that has several locations in Melbourne, including in the CBD, Prahran, Carlton, and Queen Victoria Market. The company was founded in 2009 by Fleur Studd and Jason Scheltus, who were passionate about sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee beans.
Market Lane Coffee is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, working directly with farmers and cooperatives in countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya to ensure fair prices and sustainable practices. The company also focuses on roasting the beans in small batches, to bring out the unique flavours and characteristics of each origin.
At their retail locations, Market Lane Coffee offers a variety of coffee drinks, from espresso and pour-over to cold brew and nitro coffee. They also sell their beans and brewing equipment and offer classes and workshops for coffee enthusiasts who want to learn more about the craft.
Market Lane Coffee’s retail spaces are designed to be simple and functional, with an emphasis on showcasing the coffee and the brewing process. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and always happy to share their passion for specialty coffee with customers.
3. Industry Beans:
Industry Beans is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The company was founded in 2010 by Trevor Simmons and Steve Simmons, who were passionate about creating a new kind of coffee experience that blended specialty coffee with innovative food.
Industry Beans sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. The beans are roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, Industry Beans is also known for its creative food menu, which features dishes like the “Fairy Floss Hotcake” and the “Peanut Butter Latte”. The cafe’s interior is modern and industrial, with plenty of natural light and seating options, making it a great place to work or relax.
Industry Beans also has a wholesale program, supplying coffee to cafes and restaurants around Australia, as well as an online store where customers can purchase coffee beans and brewing equipment.
The company is committed to education and community outreach, offering classes and workshops for coffee enthusiasts, and partnering with local organizations to promote sustainability and ethical practices in the coffee industry.
4. Axil Coffee Roasters:
Axil Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe with locations in Melbourne’s Hawthorn and CBD areas. The company was founded in 2009 by Dave Makin, who was passionate about creating a new kind of coffee experience that emphasized quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Axil Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives. The beans are then roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to their exceptional coffee, Axil Coffee Roasters is also known for its extensive food menu, which features dishes like the “Breakfast Bowl” and the “Truffle Mushroom Toast”. The cafes’ interiors are modern and minimalist, with an emphasis on natural materials and plenty of seating options for customers.
5. Dukes Coffee Roasters:
Dukes Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer with several locations in Melbourne, including in the CBD, Windsor, and Flinders Lane. The company was founded in 2008 by Ross Quail, who was passionate about sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee beans.
Dukes Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans directly from farmers and cooperatives around the world, with a focus on sustainable and ethical practices. The beans are then roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
6. Higher Ground:
Higher Ground is a multi-level specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Melbourne’s CBD. The cafe is housed in a former power station and features a stunning interior design that combines industrial elements with natural materials.
Higher Ground sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. The beans are roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, Higher Ground is also known for its innovative food menu, which features dishes like the “Pulled Pork Benedict” and the “Fried Chicken Waffle”. The cafe’s interior features several levels of seating options, including a mezzanine and a rooftop terrace, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
7. The Kettle Black:
The Kettle Black is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Melbourne’s South Melbourne neighbourhood. The cafe is housed in a historic terrace house and features a stunning interior design that blends contemporary and vintage elements.
The Kettle Black sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on sustainability and direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives. The beans are roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, The Kettle Black is also known for its creative food menu, which features dishes like the “Ricotta Hotcake” and the “Spanner Crab Scrambled Eggs”. The cafe interior features several levels of seating options, including a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city skyline.
8. Seven Seeds:
Seven Seeds is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Melbourne’s Carlton neighbourhood. The company was founded in 2007 by Mark Dundon, who was passionate about creating a new kind of coffee experience that emphasized quality, sustainability, and community.
Seven Seeds sources its coffee beans directly from farmers and cooperatives around the world, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. The beans are then roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, Seven Seeds is also known for its innovative food menu, which features dishes like the “Baked Eggs” and the “Banana and Walnut Bread”. The cafe’s interior features a minimalist design with an emphasis on natural materials and plenty of seating options for customers.
9. St. Ali Coffee Roasters:
St. Ali Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in South Melbourne. The company was founded in 2005 by Salvatore Malatesta, who was passionate about creating a new kind of coffee experience that emphasized quality, sustainability, and community.
St. Ali sources its coffee beans directly from farmers and cooperatives around the world, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. The beans are then roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
10. Patricia Coffee Brewers:
Patricia Coffee Brewers is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Melbourne’s CBD. The cafe is known for its minimalistic and industrial design with a focus on showcasing the coffee-making process.
Patricia Coffee Brewers sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on quality and sustainability. The beans are roasted in-house using a custom-built Probat roaster, which allows for precise control over the roasting process and produces consistent, high-quality coffee.
In addition to their exceptional coffee, Patricia Coffee Brewers is also known for their dedication to the art of espresso making. The cafe features a beautiful La Marzocco Strada espresso machine that is used to create a range of espresso-based drinks, including cappuccinos and flat whites. The cafe also offers a small selection of pastries and cakes.
Patricia Coffee Brewers is a popular destination for coffee lovers, particularly those interested in espresso-based drinks. The cafe is small and can be busy, but the friendly staff are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft.
The cafe does not offer much in the way of seating, but there is a small bench outside where customers can enjoy their coffee on a sunny day.
Conclusion
Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture, and there are many exceptional coffee shops to choose from. Some of the must-try coffee shops in Melbourne include Proud Mary, Market Lane Coffee, Industry Beans, Axil Coffee Roasters, Dukes Coffee Roasters, Higher Ground, The Kettle Black, Seven Seeds, St. Ali Coffee Roasters, and Patricia Coffee Brewers.
Each of these coffee shops has its unique style, menu, and atmosphere, but they share a common commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Whether you’re looking for exceptional coffee, innovative food, or a welcoming atmosphere, you’re sure to find a coffee shop in Melbourne that suits your tastes.
In conclusion, Melbourne’s coffee scene is one of the best in the world, and these coffee shops are just a few of the many excellent options available. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to take some time to explore the city’s coffee culture and enjoy the many exceptional coffee shops that Melbourne has to offer.
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