When I was ordering an espresso at a coffee shop in Munich, I complimented the barista for making excellent coffee. He responded that it was high praise from someone who lives in Melbourne. This exchange made me realise that I absolutely had to write a guide to the best coffee in Melbourne CBD. Not because I am the arbiter of good (espresso) taste, but because I can test and retest and amend this list with ease. I live here, after all!
Because Melbourne has such a huge coffee culture, I wanted to create a guide specifically for Melbourne CBD. My method is to research the article using Reddit, TikTok, websites and articles and then try each place to form my list. I have no skin in the game and only recommend the places I love.
One last thing before we dive into it. I want this to be a living list! I’ll be updating it regularly with any new spots I find and would love to hear from you if you have a favourite that isn’t here.
Best coffee in Melbourne CBD (only open on weekdays)
I wanted to create this category because I got stung by weekday only openings on my most recent venture into the CBD. If you desperately want to visit any of these coffee shops, make sure you plan appropriately!
Patricia (two locations)
Patricia has recently opened a second location at 50 Lonsdale Street. I have first hand experience with how busy the first location (on Little Bourke) is, so we ventured to the Lonsdale location. It was gorgeous, places moved quickly and the staff were lovely (as was my espresso, unsurprisingly). Both Patricia locations are open 7am-4pm Monday to Friday and closed on weekends.
Palace
The hidden alleyway sleek aesthetic of Patricia reminds me so much of the cafes in Seoul. Beyond the cute aesthetic, the coffee at Palace is also excellent. Furthermore, a single espresso cost me $3.50 whereas it has cost me at least $6 everywhere else. Insanity!
Best Melbourne CBD coffee open weekdays and weekends*
Traveller
Traveller has been a CBD mainstay since I was studying at University (a year which shall remain unnamed for denial purposes). I can confirm it’s still as good as ever – beautifully made espresso and friendly staff. At the time of writing, Traveller is open from 7am-4pm weekdays, 7am-2pm Saturday and *closed on Sunday.
Vacation
Vacation is a bubblegum coloured coffee shop on the corner of Flinders and Exhibition Streets. The espresso is excellent and the vibe is surprisingly peaceful given the bustling city location. At the time of writing, Vacation is open from 6.30am-3.30pm weekdays and 7am-2pm weekends. They also have a store in Richmond.
A Coffee
A Coffee was my old local when I lived in the Collingwood edge of Fitzroy. They now have a store in the CBD essentially nextdoor to Hyde Melbourne Place hotel (which is very handy when you’re a guest). The coffee is as good as ever and the store is lovely and sleek. At the time of writing, A Coffee in Melbourne is open from 7am-4pm weekdays and 8am-4pm weekends.
Everyday Midtown
Another regular haunt in Collingwood, Everyday coffee has consistently been delicious. Now they have a location in the city on Little Collins Street which did not disappoint. At the time of writing, Everyday Midtown is open from 7am-3pm weekdays, Saturday 7.30am-1pm and Sunday 8.30am-1pm.
Code Black
A classic in Brunswick during my years of working at Barkly Square, Code Black has always made great coffee. They now offer it (among other locations) in the CBD underneath a car park which feels quintessentially Melbourne. At the time of writing, the Flinders Lane location is open from 7am-5pm weekdays and 8am-4.30pm weekends. I’d recommend checking their website for the opening hours of the other CBD locations – Southbank, Spencer Street and Collins Street.
Dukes
Dukes is a gorgeous and sleek little spot in the CBD. Their coffee is excellent and they have a focus on organic and sustainably sourced and regenerative coffee beans. It has a few seating spots and excellent espresso. At the time of writing, Dukes is open from 7am-4.30pm weekdays, 8am-5pm Saturday and *closed on Sunday.
Bench Coffee
Bench Coffee is a blink and you’ll miss it spot that has bench style standing room (it took me a minute to put this together). The interior is sleek and modern and the coffee is great. They actually have a number of locations – Saint Dreux in Emporium, two spots on St Kilda Road and a roastery in Brunswick. At the time of writing, the Little Collins Street Bench Coffee location is open from 8am-4pm weekdays and 8.30am-5pm weekends.
Brother Baba Budan
Another spot that was hugely popular while I was at uni, Brother Baba Budan has stood the test of time. A super cute little cafe with unique interiors, great coffee and friendly staff. At the time of writing, Brother Baba Budan is open from 7am-5pm everyday.
Market Lane (various locations)
Is a best coffee in Melbourne list complete without Market Lane? They have locations dotted all over the city and are a reliable choice for a great coffee. At the time of writing, Market Lane has locations at The Vic Market (Queen Street, Victoria Street and the Dairy Hall) and Mitchell House. Their Collins Street store is closed long term for renovations. I recommend checking the Market Lane website for the opening hours of various locations.
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