In Australia's Melbourne, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life. From hidden laneways to bustling street corners, the scent of freshly ground beans is inescapable, and the city's obsession with the perfect cup is world-renowned.
But Melbourne’s coffee culture didn’t emerge overnight—it’s rooted in a fascinating history shaped by immigration, post-war resilience, and a growing love for the ritual of coffee-making, which makes it the coffee capital of Australia today.
Melbourne’s coffee story begins in earnest after World War II, when waves of European immigrants—particularly Italians and Greeks—arrived in Australia, bringing a love for espresso. At the time, Melbourne’s café scene was modest, with tea still the dominant drink of choice and bars being the top pick on weekends. But the new communities changed that forever.
Espresso machines, a rare sight in Australia until then, became a staple in Italian-run cafés. Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne’s unofficial “Little Italy,” was one of the first places where this espresso revolution took hold. These cafés in Melbourne became community hubs, offering more than caffeine—they served connection, conversation, and comfort in a new land. Over the decades, this European coffee tradition merged with Australia’s evolving café scene, giving birth to a Melbourne style of coffee: high-quality, locally roasted beans brewed with skill and served with creativity.
By the 2000s, Melbourne had become Australia's third-wave coffee epicentre, emphasising bean origin, brewing methods, and barista craft. The city’s love for flat whites, single origins, pour-overs, and latte art soon gained international acclaim.
Today, Melbourne is dotted with independent cafés and roasteries that are as serious about their coffee as they are about their interiors and community vibes. Here are three of the city’s famous coffee shops to experience Melbourne’s café culture at its finest.
Founded in 2005, ST. Ali was one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s speciality coffee movement. Tucked away in a laneway in South Melbourne, this cafe-roastery hybrid is a destination in itself. With a focus on direct trade and sustainable sourcing, ST. Ali offers a rotating selection of house-roasted beans, brewed by expert baristas. Whether you prefer a bold espresso or a delicately brewed filter coffee, this place never disappoints.
Address: 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Seven Seeds, located near the University of Melbourne, is a sleek café and roastery known for its transparency and consistency. Started by coffee veterans Mark Dundon and Bridget Amor in 2007, Seven Seeds helped define Melbourne's speciality coffee scene. Their menu often features single-origin beans, and the knowledgeable staff are always happy to talk tasting notes and brew methods. It’s the perfect spot for those who want their morning coffee with a side of education.
Address: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
With a mission to make good coffee accessible to all, Market Lane Coffee has carved out a loyal following. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and focus on traceable, seasonal beans, Market Lane offers a curated menu of coffee brewed to perfection. Their original store in Prahran Market is still a favourite, but you’ll find their calming, design-forward cafes scattered across Melbourne.
(With inputs from multiple sources)
