Being from Europe, I thought that Italy held the monopoly on the best cities to find a coffee so imagine my surprise when I arrived in Melbourne and was immediately told: “you HAVE to get a coffee here”. Not a big coffee drinker myself, I took this as an opportunity to begin (or percolate) my coffee education and discover what all the fuss was about.
So why does Melbourne have such a great coffee scene? During the 50s, Italian migrants moved to Australia and brought with them, you guessed it, coffee machines. With over 60 years of experience, it’s no wonder that the baristas here are some of the most accomplished in the world. Over the last decade, Melbourne has seen an increase in micro-roasters and companies sourcing the very best beans from around the world. With these companies creating tailored brews, it’s no surprise that their knowledge and expertise are second-to-none.
Another reason Melbourne’s coffee is so good is that Australians need a good brew to accompany their epic brunches. Aussies have a reputation for being brunch pros with smashed avocado on toast found at almost every café. A flat white or cappuccino is a popular accompaniment here, but filter coffees also appear to be gaining popularity. With a filter coffee, you can sip your way through a batch brew whilst enjoying whichever poach-egg-topped meal you’ve chosen. If there is a definition of ‘Australian cuisine’ then this must be it.
So where should you go for the best coffee, you ask? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. Cafes and coffee bars don’t follow a strict formula in Melbourne since many are small establishments set up by coffee-loving entrepreneurs that want their places to be as unique as they are. If you love a freshly roasted bean, then it doesn’t come much fresher than Patricia’s as they roast and grind their own. There’s no seating in this little café, but you can stand and enjoy your coffee or take it to go.
Market Lane Coffee has a few locations dotted around the city so if you would like to try their home-roasted coffee then you’ve got a few locations to choose from. You can also buy their coffee beans, so if you really love their coffee then you can take it home with you! Or if you’re looking for something more individual, then you can hunt out the hidden gem that is Switchboard. This tiny hole-in-the-wall was once a cupboard-sized switchboard station and brews excellent coffee. Enjoy it to go or slide yourself along the narrow table in what looks like a shop window display.
If you simply must have something sweet to accompany your coffee, then KoKo Black lets you choose from an array of stunning deserts and chocolates that will have you heading here on every cheat day. Another fantastic option is Brunetti. This café specialising in coffee and Italian pastries was taken over By Giorgio Angelé in 1991. Angelé’s immense experience in pastries has made this café famous for the sweet treats it provides to go with your favourite brew. And if you want smashed avo on toast to accompany your beverage, Brunetti has that too.
Other coffee brewers worthy of a mention are Brother Baba Budan, Three Bags Full, and Duke’s Coffee Roasters. Of course, there are many more places that could be added to the list, but we would be here all day and you don’t have time for that – you have coffee shops to visit. The best way to discover the finest coffee Melbourne offers is to go out there and find it for yourself. Happy coffee hunting!
Once you’re fully energised from your coffee hit, why not take in the sights of Melbourne on a tour? Sightseeing Tours Australia offers a half-day tour of the city where you can take in all that Melbourne has to offer and, of course, see where its amazing coffee shops can be found! Or visit the nearby snow mountain in the winter!
Recommend Tour: Mt Buller Snow Tour
Price: $85
Once you’re fully energised from your coffee hit, why not take in the sights of Melbourne on a tour? Sightseeing Tours Australia offers a half-day tour of the city where you can take in all that Melbourne has to offer and, of course, see where its amazing coffee shops can be found! Or visit the nearby snow mountain in the winter!
Recommend Tour: Mt Buller Snow Tour
Price: $85
