Overview
In a city obsessed with coffee, the bar is high—and Melbourne’s CBD rises to the occasion. Concrete Playground’s 2024 list, The Ten Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne’s CBD, is a curated caffeine-lover’s guide to where to get your daily fix in the heart of the city.
This roundup dives deep into the cafés that not only serve a great brew but do so with care, character, and craft. Whether it’s a perfectly dialled-in single origin espresso, a smooth batch brew, or a frothy oat flat white, these venues are leading the charge in Melbourne’s ever-evolving coffee culture.
Expect a mix of minimalist brew bars, cosy laneway nooks, and cafés that double as creative spaces or micro-roasters. Some offer sleek Scandinavian vibes; others lean into industrial-cool aesthetics or heritage charm. What they all have in common? Great beans, expertly prepared by baristas who really know their stuff.
Concrete Playground brings its signature edge to the list, focusing on venues that not only deliver quality coffee but also contribute to Melbourne’s cultural buzz. Many featured spots are favourites among creative professionals, students, and city workers alike—places where coffee isn’t just fuel, but ritual.
Whether you're grabbing a quick takeaway between meetings, catching up with a friend, or settling in with your laptop and a long black, this list is your perfect guide to navigating the CBD’s rich and rewarding café landscape.
So skip the chains, follow the locals, and let Concrete Playground’s 2024 guide lead you to the best brews Melbourne’s city centre has to offer.
Last update July 2025
