Cafes

On the hunt for the best cafe in Melbourne? It's a tough one, simply due to the sheer volume of options. The standard the city has set has been replicated all over the world, and it's no surprise as the quality of our coffee is world-class and our brunch is unbeatable.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

The Melbourne edition of il Mercato Centrale, originally launched in Florence in 2014, offers a dynamic day-to-night dining experience, from light snacks to full restaurant meals. Located in the iconic McPherson building on Collins Street, this 2,500 sqm space has been transformed into a vibrant retail and culinary hub.

Melbourne is Australia's breakfast (or brunch, depending on how late you stay up) queen. The city basically invented modern cafe culture, with our easy-going, wake-up late for a bite culture emulated all over the world. But with so many options, where do you start? Don't worry, we gotchu with Melbourne's best cafes and breakfasts for 2025.

Today’s diners are more intentional, discerning, and value-driven than ever. They’re eating out more frequently, but scrutinising every dollar, expecting premium experiences without the premium price tag.

The Prince Hotel's snuck in another cheeky refresh, just in time for summer. 

Matcha, what's not to like? It's the drink of the year and if you've been to Japan and you're chasing those memories from the trip, or want to live vicariously, we've got the nine best spots in Melbourne for you to check out.

Sustainable living starts with small, impactful changes, so who better to inspire us than our fave eco-friendly cafes leading the charge? 

We teamed up with Australia's largest generator of renewable energy, Momentum Energy to ask you guys where your fave eco-friendly cafes are, and you absolutely delivered. 

In Melbourne, coffee isn't just a drink; it's a daily ritual and a passionate debate. Whether you’re en route to work, waiting in line at your favorite cafe, or clutching your morning brew, conversations about Melbourne’s best coffee are always brewing. 

What's Melbourne's best new restaurant is something we're forever being asked here at Urban List. The thing is, what's best and what's new is always changing because the restaurant, bar and cafe scene is ever-evolving. Good thing we've made it easy for you, we've pulled together all Melbourne's newest openings right here.

Is Melbourne having a cinnamon scroll redux right now? If we look at the facts, it might appear that the answer to that question is yes.

Whether you're a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast or a total croissant fiend after a fix you'll find something that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance at Melbourne's best bakeries for 2025.

It could be a quick refuel, a boozy business meeting, or perhaps sharing a meal to catch up—lunch is a sacred part of the day for many Melburnians. We love lunch here. We're starting to steer clear from the grab and go, a hangover from (we won't say it) the past few years, and taking the time to sit and dine now. These are some of our top picks for Melbourne's best lunch spots for 2025, that are sure to impress your mates, visitors or colleagues. 

Looking for the best cheap eats in Melbourne? We've got you covered with a curated list of delicious, budget-friendly spots around the city. Dive into our picks for the top cheap eats Melbourne has to offer and discover how to satisfy your cravings without splurging.

The bagel is near and dear to many hearts. An ideal option for both breakfast and lunch the brilliance of the spherical bread-type is in its versatility—allowing almost anything, be it sweet or savoury to be sandwiched in between and enjoyed. Across Melbourne we’re lucky enough to have some real primo outlets, dishing up tasty bagels on the daily from both south and north of the river. 

Some mornings are meant for sleep-ins and some are meant for indulging in the best bottomless brunch in Melbourne. Are you after endless mimosas, too many proseccos, more margaritas than you can poke a stick at? Well, if you've woken up on that side of the bed, get your Sunday (or Saturday) best on, and get ready to party. Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne in 2025.

In 2025, Melbourne’s high tea game is stronger than ever, bringing together the best of old-world charm and modern-day fun. Whether you're in the mood to channel some classic 19th-century vibes, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and scones stacked high, or you're looking for something a bit more daring—think themed high teas, live music, and a splash of burlesque—Melbourne’s got you covered.

Coffee runs thick through Melbourne's veins, and in every corner of the city you'll find caffeine-soaked cafes to frequent. But cafes go beyond a good coffee, and for Collingwood cafes, we're spoilt for choice. You've got specialty sandwich joints with lines down the street, spots that swap caffeine for cocktails as soon as the clock strikes twelve, and some of the best French toast you'll get your hands on. We shall not delay you any longer. Here is Urban List's guide to the best cafes in Collingwood for 2025:

Home to six diverse dining havens, the slick new entertainment hub has cosy spots for date night, slick breweries, and lantern-laiden restaurants. 

Let’s be honest, when you roll out of bed on New Year’s Day you’re going to want a rather large coffee–preferably made by someone else. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes open New Year’s Day in Melbourne for all your hangover needs. You won’t want to cook your own food either, right? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered for that too.

Stuck in the Christmas Day food coma? How about washing it down with an ice-cold beer? Or pile on some more food to keep the Christmas spirit alive into the new year. Either way, we don’t want you sulking on Boxing Day, so get out, check out the lucrative shopping deals and keep celebrating with delicious drinks and eats. Here’s what’s open in Melourne on Boxing Day 2024.

Pick plates, rooftops and gluten-free, moody retro venues and lots of small plates: there were some definite themes to new openings this year, and we were there for all of them. This is your 2024 restaurant guide wrapped. 

We all have memories of traversing the empty foyer of South Yarra's Jam Factory to head to the cinema, but no more. The iconic precinct has officially closed to make way for a $2.75 billion redevelopment which will see it become a massive shopping and dining hub that will land somewhere between Collins Street in the CBD, and Chadstone Shopping Centre—bougie.

We had a yarn with Gareth Whitton about the top Aussie dessert businesses and pop-ups that he believes are redefining the world of all things sweet.

Robots delivering dishes, lab-grown meat and 3D-printed veggies—imaginations run wild when thinking about the future of food.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of the Melbourne Cup public holiday. It starts with a coffee at your local, then the day could likely mosey into a meal at the pub, followed by a cocktail and bite at one of the many watering holes open on Tuesday 5 November.

Plus, win an adventurous Aussie holiday worth up to $3.5K.

The team behind Terror Twilight and Hi Fi haven’t stopped, and their latest project is a day-to-late-arvo cafe and wine bar called Ophelia.

Welcome to our shiny new series, Budget Ballin’—a curated collection of Melbourne’s best eats and drinks that will have you living the good life without the hefty price tag. We’ll be covering all bases from midweek bites and fancy chef menus to call-in-sick-worthy happy hours.

We love Melbourne, but you know ... living in one of the world's best cities comes with a price tag, good thing Urban List has you you covered with a stack of things to eat, drink, do and see all on a shoestring as part of our series Budget Ballin'. This time we've teed up 20 of the best cheap and free things to do in Melbourne to keep both you and your hip pocket happy.

Score a free oat coffee in Melbourne or Sydney with Oatly’s "Support Your Local Oat Dealer" campaign. Find out where to get yours from Sept 16-22.

Melbourne is breakfast royalty. Our fair city has easily the most elevated cafe game in the country, if not the world. But what happens when you hit peak breakfast? Someone flips the game and you get a spot like Lilijana Eatery in Port Melbourne. It’s brunch done differently. 

From Melbourne’s bustling cafes to Sydney’s vibrant brunch spots, all the way to Brisbane’s innovative morning eats and Perth’s beachside beauties, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to breakfast across Australia.

We know that money is tight right now for a lot of us, but that doesn’t have to impact your social life or love of dining out.

It may be a whole lot colder but the prospect of a three-day weekend is one mighty-fine way to warm the soul. This coming King’s Birthday in Melbourne for 2024, Monday 10 June, a selection of Melbourne’s venues will still be turning it on for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Here's what’s open on this King’s Birthday public holiday in Melbourne 2024 (so far):

It's not easy to land on a single choice for the best restaurants in Fitzroy, and that's because there are simply too many. The previously working-class inner-city suburb has blossomed through the renaissance of Melbourne’s cultural boom and is now home to some of the highest-rated diners in the entire city. So, read on, and tick off the best Fitzroy restaurants for 2024.

Mochi, typically characterised by its elastic and chewy texture, originated in Japan during the Jamon period when rice cultivation began to flourish—and thank goodness it did because us mochi enthusiasts have grown very fond of the bite-sized treat. The dessert composed of glutinous rice flour has been tinted with an assortment of unique and authentic flavours and fillings. While it may be as divisive as boba (pearls), mochi has evolved into innovative forms, so if the classic gooey mochi isnt for you, mochi chews or spongey glazed mochi doughnuts might just be. 

Reliable wifi, access to power outlets, an ambience that’s both lively yet conducive to focus, ergonomic seating and the freedom to nurse a cup of coffee without feeling pressure to leave are just some of the requirements freelancers look for when seeking a suitable working space. 

If you're heading out for that morning coffee in the sunshine leaving the dog behind can feel like one of the biggest betrayals. Luckily there are a raft of cafes around town that cater to our four-legged friends, from a beachside pavilion to converted warehouses, serving puppy cinos, dog treats and more. 

Everyone knows how the saying goes, dogs are a girl’s best friend. Another heartbeat in the house, a wagging tail that greets you every time you come home, and someone that will literally never judge you or your poor decisions. But our hearts just break when every day we have to pack up, go to work and we have to shut the door on those big puppy eyes that stare into our souls. 

May is almost here, which means there's that one thing you should be been prepared, but you probably aren’t. That’s right, it’s Mother’s Day. But don’t fret, as we’ve got the perfect guide for you to organise those last-minute plans to celebrate the remarkable woman in your life. Whether it’s your mum, grandma, aunty, someone special, or you are the mum looking to treat yourself, we've compiled everything that's happening for Mother's Day in Melbourne for 2024:

Experienced in both crypto and hospitality, it only made sense for Guy Bentley to combine the two, pioneering Nouns Deli, formerly Stan’s Deli, in Australia’s first NFT-funded venture. Situated in Melbourne’s southeast suburb of Malvern, the quick-service deli is backed by NFT and Ethereum project, Nouns DAO—a community-driven brand harnessing crypto in charitable projects. 

Situated past the windy bends of the Great Ocean Road is Lorne, a tree-clad enclave and coastal town characterised by its thriving surf culture, shopping prospects, multicultural culinary scene and parks that edge onto the white-sand beach. With its easy access to the Otways and close proximity to the adored Erskine Falls, Lorne attracts a throng of Great Ocean Road locals as well as Melbourne city dwellers.

Box Hill has had the glow-up of the decade, there’s no doubt about it. Once a market hub, with plenty of family-run restaurants to drop into, the place has been refurbished and polished up to include brand-spanking new buildings, even a high-rise or two. Of course, food still remains the epicentre and Box Hill restaurants are some of Melbourne/Naarm's best.

These are the best things to eat, drink and do in St Kilda this summer.

As much as we love a public holiday, 26 January (what is currently officially known as Australia Day) is a complex day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and here at Urban List, we believe it is not a date to celebrate.

If you’re after for a stay that’s as eclectic and exciting as the city you’re in, Hotel Indigo’s latest instalment in Brisbane’s North Quay is the perfect basecamp for exploring the best of the city. 

In a city that’s buzzing with bars, boutiques, galleries, theatres and high-end restaurants, you need a high-end hotel to match. Enter Hotel Indigo, Melbourne’s new laneway hotel smack bang in the middle of the action on the iconic Flinders Lane. 

Looking for the coolest cafes across Melbourne to fill up at? We’ve sussed the ultimate hit list for you below—happy sipping. 

From bold in-your-face tastes to smoother flavour profiles, knowing your go-to coffee preference can be a game changer when it comes to kicking off your day right.

The Exec Chef shares his Yarra Valley food faves—from cheap feeds to gourmet picnic staples and top-notch wineries for date night.

The culinary legend shares where to go for a no-fuss feed, the spots his kids would love to visit, and hidden gems for flaky pastries and cardamon buns.

If you’re craving la dolce vita but couldn’t afford Euro summer this year, we’re bringing the sunshine your way instead. We’ve teamed up with Peroni to bring you a slice of the good life from the best Amalfi-inspired spots all over the Mornington Peninsula.

Coburg is a diverse suburb located in Melbourne’s north, known for its thriving cultural scene, rich heritage and lush green spaces including Coburg Lake Reserve and the Merri Creek Trail. While neighbouring Brunswick may claim the popularity of Sydney Road, the long stretch extends into Coburg and boasts a multicultural hub of restaurants, delis and cafes that reflect the suburb’s diverse community. 

We all love a good sausage roll, it’s a quintessential Aussie favourite known to locals and travellers alike, be it just as a breakfast snack or a whole meal.  

Few have made the white-washed walls of a Collingwood warehouse look quite as good as CIBI does. 

Dig into delicious dishes all over the state to find your perfect plate in regional Victoria.

The classic pie is a cornerstone of any well-balanced diet, it's got all the necessary nutritional values from flaky and buttery pastry, slow-cooked beef and a healthy topping of relish or tomato sauce. 

The institution that brings authentic Roman Italian to Melbourne—Brunetti Classico—is coming to Moonee Ponds this November. 

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

A bakery champion, a quintessential purchase alongside a meat pie, two paper bags swinging in harmony, the vanilla slice is an Australian icon. Affectionately referred to as a ‘snot block’ in some circles, the vanilla slice originates from the French dessert the Mille-Feuille, a layered pastry and custard creation. The Australian variation usually cuts out the middle pastry layer in favour of extra thick-set custard and sugar icing on top, or a ‘fondant’ if you feel like being fancy.

An institution is a word that gets tossed around too often nowadays (we're guilty) however there are only select few bistros, bars, diners and delis around Melbourne who have truly earned this accolade. 

Don’t wait for the weekend and enjoy a not so casual, casual week night, only at Crown.

Thick cream cheese frosting meets a perfectly dense cinnamon-spiced bun in symbiotic perfection—this is the simple yet revolutionary premise of the all-star baked good operation of Sebby's Scrolls. 

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Have you got an irresistable sweet tooth? Well you're going to want to cop an eyeful of Gelato Messina's latest gelato tub.

While it’d take a decent amount of time to round up every dish Box Hill Central has to offer, we’ve selected a handful to kickstart your dining experience.

While Essendon’s best food and drink may be less discovered, locals take cafe culture very seriously, so for those who know where to look,  it is home to an eclectic mix of hidden gems, either tucked away in the area’s nooks and crannies or perched on the busy traffic-ridden stretch of Buckley Street. 

If you're a big fan of food (like us) you'll be happy to know there are towns filled with farm-fresh food and local brews along this winding water source. From hatted restaurants to local wineries, consider this your gateway to the best things to eat and drink up and down the river. 

Via Porta is the family culinary venture from siblings Simon, Jonathan and Ryan Consentino. Together the brothers set out with the intention to share their family’s Italian kitchen and tradition of gathering around good food, first opening in Mont Albert in 2019 the Via Porta collective has just ticked over to three outposts with further stores in Hawthorn and Kew. All three Via Porta venues have their own identity but are unmistakably related—just like the Consentino siblings

Doesn't matter how you spell it, doughnuts or donuts in Melbourne are kinda a big deal. They're the ideal baked good, they're sweet enough to be a treat, yet usually hefty enough to be a meal if you're so inclined.

Roughly a 75-minute drive west of Melbourne, your next culinary adventure awaits. Steeped in art and culture, the heritage-filled town of Ballarat is the perfect place to indulge in a foodie getaway.

Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Bendigo is a place where you can step back in time to get a fix of the state's history. Here, you’ll uncover a vibrant arts scene, old-world architecture and some of Victoria’s most delicious eats. 

With the temperature dropping into snuggle season, it's an ideal time to get away with your number one for a loved-up retreat

Situated in the northwest region of Melbourne on Wurundjeri land, Moonee Ponds is an inner-city suburban oasis just seven kilometres from the CBD. Awash with statuesque Victorian houses and red-brick cottages the area’s leafy and tidy aesthetic has become a bedrock for dining and coffee culture. 

Consider this your shortcut to some of the best plates to taste in the Grampians and surrounds.

Not sure where to start the tastebud tour? We’ve rounded up the top nine eats you can’t miss on your next visit to Geelong and The Bellarine.

Brunswick, or Bulleke-bek in Woi Wurrung language, is the inner-city suburb in Melbourne's northeast. The area which was considered very working class has seen a raft of development and gentrification throughout the years but still retains its authentic soul, with a thriving community of artists and creatives calling the area home. 

We called on the experts (you guys) to suss out which dishes are non-negotiable. Pro tip: arrive hungry. 

The cat cafe boom has been seen around the world, and finally, we’re starting to see cat cafes in Melbourne pop-up, both in the city, and further afield. 

There are two things Melbourne has a deep love for; the first is almost any speciality dessert, and the second is the flavours and culinary styles of Japan. This ven-diagram of passions comes together in a big way in this city, with several different regional delicacies, time-honoured staples and Japanese influences on favourites, taking form in some seriously beloved desserts. 

Despite being over a 2.5-hour drive, Echuca and the Murray River or 'Tongala' as it's known by the traditional owners the Yorta Yorta people still remains as one of Melbourne's most loved regional escapes.  

Transforming the old-rental car yard across from Richmond station is the all-new vibe-filled, Pink Lemonade. A big summer mood, the space is poised to host plenty of good times over the coming months as an oasis in the inner-city suburbs. 

It's been two years since Melbourne was introduced to Warkop, and now the world of Indonesian and South East Asian-flavoured sangas is about to extend beyond the Richmond postcode with a second locale on Little Collins Street in the city. 

Fitzroy is one of the city’s oldest suburbs, a storied area, Ngár-go (high ground) as it was first titled by the traditional Wurundjeri owners has seen a lifetime of changes and development in its tenure. 

There’s no doubt that South Yarra is one of the more glitzy suburbs in Melbourne. Home to a myriad of boutique stores, stylish streets and of course, some truly quality dining, South Yarra is a haven for a chic day out.  

Quite frankly, croissants are the best way to start the day. They’re great for lunch as a treat; really, they’re perfect at any time of the day. The only thing better than a plain buttery croissant is one covered in and filled with almonds.

The team behind beloved cafe and bar Heartattack and Vine, have decided to leave another mark on Carlton with a brand new all-day venue, Sunhands. With an emphasis on seasonal produce and local suppliers, Sunhands promises to be a sun-soaked venture, where fresh produce is at the forefront of the menu. 

For the past two years, Carlton North’s Sleepy’s has been quietly building a culture around food, coffee and wine along the Nicholson Street strip. It’s headed up by hospo constant Steve Chan, who’s delicately lined the space with a mix of his Chinese heritage and deep-seated understanding of vino, coffee and a decent meal—what’s resulted is a coffee shop/wine bar hybrid drenched in community spirit.

While most of us will be celebrating the eight hour working day with a public holiday, several of Melbourne’s best foodie spots will be keeping their doors open. It seems a bit ironic, but maybe it’s a testament to the nonstop culinary scene Melbourne is known for. There’s something open for you whether you feel a bit rusty on Monday, or plan to keep the long weekend party going. Here’s what’s open this Labour Day in Melbourne.

See Whats On In Your State This Summer

A direct result of the pivot many cafes made through COVID, Dröm is the all-new artisanal bakery that will soon be gracing the Bayswater region.  

Just a little further down St Georges Road from the well-covered suburbs Fitzroy and Northcote, you'll find Reservoir. The more suburban of the bunch, the area has developed its own identity over the years imbued by a diverse collection of communities— it's now home to some seriously good places to eat. 

Not one to rest on their laurels, The team from Wild Life Bakery has just announced the opening of their second locale on Sydney Road in Brunswick. The all-new Wild Life Superette (small supermarket) will be a charming neighbourhood bakery, grocer and cheese providore. 

There's nothing Melbourne loves more than a boutique dessert spot. The city practically crumbled with excitement when Uncle Tetsu landed a few years back and now we're set to come apart all over again with the announcement of LeTao opening its first store. 

There's a bit happening out in the southeast suburbs of Melbourne. A short drive from the beach and just shy under 20km to the CBD the region of Cheltenham, Moorabbin and Mentone has started to brim with options.

Melbourne Editor Rick Stephens shares his top Melbourne picks, made easy with KINTO. 

Collingwood’s Peel Street has long had its own hospo micro-community. The strip has said goodbye to several old favourites like Congress Wine Bar while welcoming in newcomers such as Massie’s. The latest addition, and a welcome one at that, comes in the form of a hole-in-the-wall Japanese spot called QQQ Street Kitchen from local duo Akane and Ben.

After developing a cult-followed movement in Sydney, Tokyo Lamington has just swung the doors open to its Melbourne operation. A joint venture between dessert connoisseurs Eddie Stewart (Black Star Pastry) and Min Chai (N2 Extreme Gelato). 

Saturday, October 15 is National Mushroom Day, reminding us to pay homage to the mighty mushrooms in our lives. Whether you’re a mushroom farmer, cafe owner, or simply a humble mushy admirer, Saturday is the day to shout your love of mushrooms to the rooftops and celebrate everything about them—from their mind-boggling health benefits to that unparalleled taste.

From a Gelato tour to taking it slow with your fave hobbies, there are plenty of options to leave the hangover at the pub. 

Everyone loves a classic choc-chip cookie, but the options don’t end there. For sweet tooths think thick New York deli-style cookies and for flavour connoisseurs think cookies infused with things like basil oil and miso-caramel. They may come in all shapes, forms, and flavours but there is one thing they all have in common—they are absolutely delicious. Thanks to the rich variety of gourmet bakeries, cafes, and Instagram cookie stars, you’ll find some absolute belters around town. 

Tour your tastebuds through these exclusive dishes that celebrate the joy of aperitivo. 

A mere hole-in-the-wall of the heritage-listed Windsor Hotel, Kudo is the new CBD bakery specialising in gluten-free bread and baked goods. 

Opening up just three months ago Cookie Culture Co. is the biscuit-led dream of owner/baker Amar Zaikra. The New York-inspired cookie boutique was the passion project of Amar, a former high school teacher who took to Instagram to hawk her wildly creative and thick cookies. 

Say goodbye to home delivery.

From films to fulfilling culinary adventures, this is the perfect culture-lovers escape. 

Opening up right in the thick of it in Moonee Ponds, Convoy is the collective opening from the team of Terror Twilight, Tinkler and Hi-Fi. 

'The Area' is an exploration through different pockets of Melbourne; focusing on the hidden gems, local favourites, and quiet institutions that have been keeping locals and those in the know well fed. 

Vodka, gin, rum—if you can name it, you can taste it at Holy Water.

Melbourne’s west may be considered out of the way to some, but it’s home to many of the city’s best kept food secrets. Footscray is the vibrant, multicultural gateway for these untapped culinary delights, leading the way with its authentic cuisines, under-the-radar menus, and hidden live music venues. 

The team behind Australian label MAAP have been putting cycling kit on the map for the last six years, and have just opened their flagship concept store in the heart of Collingwood. MAAP LaB—LaB standing for life around bikes—is a convergence of all things that make our city great: coffee, culture and cycling. 

Say goodbye to the winter blues and ignite your senses in Bendigo.

Nestled in the beating heart of Surfers Paradise, we’ve found the perfect place for the ultimate fun day out. Think: epic games, live sport and a total foodie nirvana. So where can you find this awesome spot? Perched on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Mall, boasting a 100-metre frontage opposite the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach, is Paradise Centre. Home to over 90 stores, an alfresco dining precinct and a buzzing entertainment hub, gather your crew and make tracks here stat.

From the same team behind Zero Mode who brought us those incredibly aesthetic cream cakes, Pantre is the new Asian grocer and takeaway store on the bottom level of Melbourne Central. 

The CBD's showing signs of coming back into full swing; there's been a slew of new openings, the latest of which is famed Carlton North cafe, Babajan, opening up a brand new space on Little Collins Street. 

Brush up on your pairing skills and add some retro snacks to your repertoire at a series of home entertaining workshops in celebration of CHANDON’s Winemaker Explorations Range.

Add these eight awesome activities at Essendon Fields to your to-do list.