Overview
In Melbourne, cafés are more than just places to grab a coffee—they’re an institution. And in Urban List’s 2025 round-up, These 20 Cafes Across Melbourne Are Dialled In, the city’s most finely tuned, flavour-forward cafés take the spotlight. This guide isn’t about hype; it’s about consistency, quality, and venues that just get it right—every single time.
Whether you’re starting your morning with a single-origin pour-over, powering through emails with an oat flat white, or catching up over a perfectly plated brunch, these cafés deliver on all fronts. From bustling inner-city espresso bars to serene suburban hideaways, each entry reflects Melbourne’s obsession with the details—great beans, perfect milk texturing, beautiful plating, and welcoming service.
The feature covers all corners of Melbourne, highlighting cafés in the CBD, Fitzroy, South Melbourne, Collingwood, Brunswick, and beyond. Expect everything from Nordic minimalism and Japanese-inspired aesthetics to lush garden courtyards and industrial-chic interiors. It’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about what’s in your cup.
Urban List’s team has handpicked venues that represent the best of the café scene—places that excel not only in quality but also creativity. Think inventive seasonal menus, sustainably sourced ingredients, house-made pastries, and baristas who know their craft inside out.
Whether you’re a devoted local looking to upgrade your regular rotation or a first-time visitor ready to dive into Melbourne’s famed café culture, this list is the ultimate cheat sheet. These 20 Cafes Across Melbourne Are Dialled In proves once again that this city takes its coffee—and its café experience—very seriously.
Last update July 2025