Cafes

What began as a lockdown project in 2020 has grown into one of Melbourne’s most reliable dessert destinations.

When a neighbourhood eatery is backed by someone who’s been at the forefront of Melbourne’s favourite venues for decades, you know you’re in pretty good hands

There’s no shortage of excellent baked goods in Melbourne, but BakeStand has arrived with a point of difference that might stop you in your tracks: a ‘Melbourne-style’ cookie. 

Melbourne loves an American-style cinnamon scroll, and Simply Mike's has
drawn crowds since opening in March 2026.

From the team behind beloved suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino and Lucia comes Breadcetera—a fresh neighbourhood concept where daily essentials meet delightful discoveries.

Rumble Coffee Roasters has officially opened the doors to its new espresso bar in the heart of Kensington, marking an exciting new chapter for the Melbourne-based specialty roaster.

If you've been watching the ever-growing trend of coffee shop DJ sets with eager eyes, you'd better get down to Cremorne's newest venue OnAir. 

Adorable fish-shaped waffles, Matilda-inspired chocolate cake, and an Oriental Bloody Mary... If the perfect Asian-inspired brunch exists, it's got to be this. 

Como Lane might be the most South Yarra opening South Yarra has seen in a good long time. Oozing European class, the 60-seater indoor outdoor cafe sits flush with Como House, an historic mansion owned by the National Trust, dating back to 1847. 

We don’t want to be dramatic but if we could only live off one food group for the rest of our lives, it would be carbs from Little Sister Bakery.

The city's smallest bakery (well, distributor of baked goods at least) Agathé Pâtisserie Petite has grown into a bigger space, but still in Royal Arcade.

In a “love letter” to the two places that Duy and Shy cherish most, the quaint Japanese cafe Osoi, is a celebration of Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene and Japan’s rich tea culture.

We said it once but we’ll say it again—we’re not sure when Saul’s will stop opening new stores, but we’re absolutely not complaining if we saw that iconic logo on a corner of every Melbourne suburb.

Blink and you'll miss it on Smith Street. Brewsmith is Fitzroy’s latest gem, proving that great things truly come in small packages.

True to its name, Milkbar is serving up your favourite café classics but reimagined: think old-school Aussie milk bar with a touch of Melbourne flair. The option to add a side of yellowfin tuna tartar to your morning eggs on toast, if you will.

Mont Blanc lovers, prepare to bookmark this one for your next coffee date. Nestled amongst the Collingwood warehouse offices is Secondipity Roasters, a Korean-style micro roastery and bakery.

Crumbed and deep-fried. Need we say more? Tucked away downstairs off Queen Street is Katsuhon is serving up six different kinds of mouthwatering and traditional Japanese katsu.

This Melbourne-staple has truly stood the test of time and when a new generation of the family took over, expanded into a very hip (and much more relaxed) Fitzroy outpost, and then headed over west to Highpoint.

Yes, it is in Mid-Air. This open-air architecturally designed rooftop is a stunning addition to Melbourne's skyline and your must-do list.

Sitting pretty atop a Cremorne tenth floor is none other than Amatrice, a swish Italian joint that’s changing the rooftop bar game.

Cheri, the latest everything venue by the Darling Group (that’s the Top Paddock and Higher Ground crew, for the uninitiated) in South Melbourne and it bumps.

It’s no secret that Italy’s cafe culture is top-notch. The melange of European charm, elegant aesthetics and community all bundled into your morning espresso is irresistible. Luckily for us, Melbourne has scored a(nother) taste of this prestige in the heart of Cremorne—Caffé Amatrice.

Nestled between skyscapers in the eternal hustle and bustle of Exhibition Street in the CBD, Japan-influenced bakery Bloomwood has carved a croissant-shaped hole in our hearts. 

Longstanding institution Ned’s i.e. Ned’s Bakehouse in Prahran and Armadale and Ned’s Bake & Bistro in Middle Park has been snapped up by the Valarc Group.

A cornerstone in the Melbourne Italian scene is undoubtedly Trattoria Emilia, and after a decade of dispensing an outstanding menu, the team have opened the door on a sister venue, Emilietta. Residing in the bar area of Emilia, this lunch spot is all about fried flatbread made into quick bites—something you might liken to a sandwich. Some call them Crescentina, but at Emilietta, they’re calling it Tigella, which is the type of stone used for cooking.

Rathdowne street has recently birthed a family-run cafe, bringing a little taste of the Middle East to Carlton North—Cafe Jabelle. 

Fans of the Sicilian pastry pipped full 0f creamy ricotta will be glad to know a cafe dedicated to the treat has landed in Carlton with Melbourne's cannoli king Dario Di Clerico leading the charge.

Scott Pickett, Melbourne chef and restaurateur can do no wrong and his aptly named, Smith Street Bistrot on Smith Street, Collingwood is no exception. 

Melbourne is unapologetic about its current sanga craze, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Down in the south-east, Cheltenham has a fresh face on the scene in the form of Robin’s Deli, fittingly from the team behind Merrymen in Hampton. Head Chef Cristina Kelly’s menu is designed to balance unique flavours, marrying classic sandwiches with more modern combinations. 

YAWYE is Little Collins Street’s all-new smoothie and acai bar here to level up your nutrition game. 

Pascoe Vale South has a new all-day brunch spot that’s begging you to feel at home, Emil’s. The space is packed to the brim with memories and cosy vibes—once their childhood home, brothers John and George El-Khoury have refurbished their parents' milk-bar into a delicious destination, keeping much of its raw aesthetic from their childhood. 

Nestled across from the Fitzroy Gardens is Roccella—East Melbourne’s all-day Italian eatery, backed by generations of family recipes. Fuelled by his Catania heritage, head chef Francesco Crifo brings over 20 years of experience, after residing in some of Iltaly’s most famed pizzerias and perfecting the foundations of each province’s pizza. 

Mount Macedon Winery has just gone through one helluva glow-up, and within the evolution comes the introduction of Uumm, a fine diner focusing on the produce of Mount Macedon Winery and surrounds. 

The butcher shop of Gary’s Meat has been within the family for five generations, now with the addition of daughter Ash, the beloved Prahran Market shop has taken on the new of moniker of G.McBean Family Butcher.

Hawksburn’s humble Italian espresso bar, Officine Zero, has doubled in size and evolved into the newly opened Officina Gastronomica Italiana  (OGI)—an all-day Italian bistro dedicated to bringing Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomy to Melbourne.

Making its way across the river, boutique baked goods shop, Bistro Morgan has planted a flag right on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy.

High Street Prahran is getting a taste of Miami and Cubano sandwiches with the newly opened Little Havana. The name is an ode to a vibrant Cuban neighbourhood in Miami, Florida and it’s rich Latin American culture. 

There are big shoes to fill when your father is responsible for founding one of Australia's premier pie outfits, Bocastle. Pieman's Son is the latest opening from Pat Cremean who grew up entrenched in a world of pastry and mince. 

Nestled in at the far north end of Glenferrie Road in Kew is the neighbourhood’s go-to wine bar, Cru.​​ The 28-seat wine bar operates as a family-friendly cafe during the day while transforming into an intimate and low-lit space at night.

It's a sleek-looking shop right in the heart of the CBD, situated on Swanston just a few steps from Bourke Street, Miilk Cake Studio is the all-new cake shop harnessing South East Asian flavours. 

From the team behind the beloved speciality coffee roasters, Code Black, a brand new venue has sprung up on the ever-bustling Flinders Lane. Introducing No. 100, a wine bar, delicatessen and restaurants all rolled into one conveniently located little package. An all-day venue, No. 100 serves up everything from midday nibbles to a chef-selected menu where decision fatigue is a thing of the past. 

Located on the ground floor of the Euro-style Market Lane building, you'll find Chessell & Clarke—the slick Mediterranean diner by culinary masterminds Serge Thomann (i Carusi ii) and Murat Ovaz (previously Yagiz).

205 Bridge Road was previously the residence of a costumier who created garments for the Richmond neighbourhood. But now, the infinite rolls of fabric and various sewing machines have since been removed, and a brand-new, sophisticated diner has taken over. 

In September last year, the lavish inner-city suburb of Albert Park was greeted with a sleek stand-alone cafe located on the buzzing corner of Kerferd Road and Montague Street. Since then, Halcyon Days has been serving up a decadent Euro-inspired menu and freshly brewed cups of Industry Beans coffee in the residential area.  

Opening up just over a year ago in turbulent COVID times, the first Puzzle Coffee shop with its minimalist and ultra-chic design took over the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins. Fast forward to today and the ribbons have just been cut on their second outpost, taking over the exceptionally tight-spaced shop at the entrance to Melbourne Central, formerly of Standing Room. 

A sultry blend of French and Mediterranean cuisine is coming to Melbourne with the opening of the new restaurant and bistro, Tartine. The new diner is taking over the former space of Meatball And Wine Co on Swan Street Richmond. The creation of self-admitted Francophile and illustrious head chef, Andrew Beddoes, in collaboration with Matteo Bruno, owner of The Meatball & Wine Bar. “The concept for Tartine has been long in the making...I look forward to sharing my love of Tartine and ‘all things French’ with Melbourne,” says Beddoes. 

Melbourne's insatiable appetite for ice cream is well noted, come rail, hail or shine there's always a queue at several of the top gelaterias around town. Coming in with an exciting new take on the dessert variety is Kōri— a boutique ice cream store inspired by the flavours and methods of Japan. 

Some of Melbourne's top deli sanga connoisseurs, Saul's Sandwiches is an enterprise that's always looking forward. They've swooned the hearts and stomachs of many with their Carnegie, Bentleigh, and Hawthorn stores as well as a drive-thru store in South Melbourne for good measure.  

The iconic Sorrento corner store founded in 1896 has been reimagined into a timeless restaurant bar and providore. Set at the top end of Ocean Road overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Stringers is ready to wine and dine both locals and passers-by. The Darling Group who are also behind stalwarts like Kettle Black, Top Paddock and Higher Ground are the masterminds behind this new seaside venture.

Inspired by the farming landscape, with the intention to serve slow, whole foods alongside perfectly brewed coffee comes Juno. It’s the latest project from the team behind Prior, and they’re ready to bring a fresh, progressive approach to hospitality in the bayside suburb of McKinnon. 

From their humble origins in Abbotsford to sleek new digs on Southbank, Au79 is spreading the love across Melbourne. Not wanting anyone to miss out on their signature coffee blends and quality-crafted baked goods, they’ve opened an airy and light-filled space on City Road in Southbank, which will soon also double as a wine bar. 

Fans of flavour and seafood feasts, listen up. Louisiana-style Crawfish sensation, The Boiling Crab, is bringing their hands-on dining experience to a brand new location in Melbourne’s CBD. 

BAM, (Bread And Milk) is Essondon’s local corner store. A one-stop shop for specialty coffee, gourmet sandwiches, baked goods and artisanal pantry staples; meeting the needs of any modern Melburnian. 

As you stroll down Brunswick Street keep your eyes peeled for Magnum Pi’s shopfront. Despite being relative newcomers, The Magnum Pi team have already cemented their status in Melbourne, stocking pastry cases all around the city. Locals know their flaky, meaty parcels from Saturdays at The Fitzroy Mills Market but now they’ve taken their stall and set up shop in Fitzroy.

Set out in the winding roads and hills of Ferntree Gully, Lorna is that reliable favourite. A popular option for those who’ve braved the nearby 1000 steps track, the white-washed venue has a breezy and spacious feel, large-shaped booth tables with olive green cushioned backs and long wooden bench seating that runs towards the back of the space. 

It may be sandwiched amongst one of the busiest stretches of the CBD, but stepping into the light-filled space of Hikari on Swanston Street is an instant reprieve from the city bustle.

Melbourne’s Northsiders have just copped a new sambo haven with Derby Hot Sandwiches opening up. With an emphasis on free-range meats, ethically sourced ingredients and locally made products, Derby is ready to show you what a seriously upstanding sandwich tastes like. 

Tucked away down Fulton Lane, Morpha has taken up residency in the CBD to breathe new life into Melbourne’s breakfast scene; dishing up a menu stacked with Asian Fusion brunch options.

Sable is tucked away in Cremorne just a few steps away from Swan Street, it’s a long shop front that looks out onto the railway and is easily missed unless you know where to find it. With a completely plant-based menu, Sable is setting a new standard for vegan cafes in Melbourne—specialising in the core food groups of bagels, cookies, and cake. 

Hyping up the Toorak area, Dan’s Deli has recently opened and is bringing locals together to celebrate good, tasty sangas. Inspired by New York-style eateries— Dan’s Deli is focused on creating an environment that provides the highest quality sandwiches and a sense of community. “We are spicing up the area and both the young and old are loving it,” owner Daniel Espinosa explains. 

If you’re a Melbourne foodie, chances are you have heard of Brunetti’s. Known for their authentic gelato, espresso and decadent cakes, the original Lygon Street store first opened in 1974 by Pierro Brunetti. It didn’t take long for Melburnians to grow attached to the sweet delicacies, which saw the business outgrowing their original store. So, in 1985 Brunetti’s moved to Lygon street where in 1991 it was purchased by the Angelé family.

Making noise from their Footscray stronghold, Ollie's Deli is bringing a bite of Melbourne's heaving deli-sandwich scene to the Western suburbs. Pronounced 'Foot-A-Scraaay' by local legend and furniture kingpin, Franco Cozzo, Ollie's Deli calls the suburb home with a laid backspace on Barkly street. 

 Launching Woods Yard back in 2020—owners and brothers Kris and Aaron Woods have recently re-opened the doors open to their swanky pizza bar in South Melbourne. 

By now you’ll be aware that we’ve always got a soft spot for a good sandwich. The newly minted Milhouse Canteen in the backstreets of Mordialloc ticks plenty of the boxes—a mouth-watering menu of sangas, pies, tasty coffee, and most importantly good vibes. 

You may already be familiar with the aesthetic leading BENCH COFFEE CO. or perhaps their equally elegant sister store Saint Dreux. The CBD based cafes are focused on speciality coffee, which they roast themselves off-premises. Just like Saint Dreux, Bench is adorned in the collective’s now-signature colour palette of white, black, and metallics and ‘Guided By Design’ philosophy.

Inspired by the bakeries of Japan and Korea, Bakemono’s magical wooden storefront on Drewery Lane in the city is a refuge for quality bread and pastries. Alongside its sister store and cafe, Little Rogue, the pair offer the lane some serious charm.

What can you expect at Bissel B? You guessed it, bagels. Sitting right on on the cusp of Punt Road in Richmond this quaint little shopfront has rafts of local devotees lining up daily to get their fill of the spherical handheld wonders. 

The Saul’s family continues to grow, after the opening of their Hawthorn operation owners Leor Haimes and Elliot Koren have turned their hands to their cafe Time & Place, re-branding the former brunch spot into a dedicated Saul’s sandwich space.

Operating out of a former garage—or glorified storage shed—is the very recently opened Bala Sanga, and it's an absolute blessing to the Balaclava region. They're providing top-notch sandwiches from their small brick shop front on a laneway just off the back of Carlisle Street. 

Casa Nata is the undisputed home of the Portuguese tart in Melbourne. Since opening their Thornbury-based operation they’ve curated a devoted base of tart enthusiasts from all over Melbourne who make the pilgrimage to High Street to sample the top-pedigree creamy custard and crispy tarts.

After ten years in the business, Melbourne-born Industry Beans has opened their sixth venue—a brand new all-day dining flagship at Chadstone Shopping Centre. The venue will be a multi-faceted restaurant, cafe, roastery, coffee house and retail store all in one with something for everyone. 

When westside locals Jayden Costello and Matthew Defina realised their neighbourhood lacked a good Euro-style Deli, they got to work. From this dream arose Matteo’s Delicatessen, a deli sandwich and Cannoleria shop smack bang in the heart of Altona, on Pier street 

Le Shoppe is the latest addition to restaurateur Scott Pickett’s quiver, serving takeaway delights, quality produce, pantry staples, and house-made food by Chef Rob Kabboord.

Down in the leafy streets of Camberwell, there’s a sleepy little cafe that’s been making some noise in the suburban precinct. Old Garage Cafe which launched back in mid-2020 has made its home out of a former mechanic's garage, the industrial feel of the space with the raw brick interior brings back some of that repair shop charm. Tucked down a side street just off the main drag Old Garage has a very casual feel, a doggo friendly policy also adds to the welcome atmosphere.

As the name would suggest, there’s a fair bit of affection for coffee going on with these folk.

The iconic Ormond Road and St Kilda Street corner site in Elwood has been taken over by Repeat Offender, a breezy, loosely Latin haunt bringing an entirely gluten-free menu to the bayside locale.

If you’re lucky enough to stumble across Melbourne’s latest lunchtime destination, you’ll be treated to Italian-inspired porchetta sandwiches and French-style petit dejeuner. 

Just a stone’s throw from Queen Victoria Market, this gorgeous little Japanese cafe and bakery in West Melbourne is here to fulfil all your cheesecake and panko crumb cravings. 

If you’ve swung by the absolute vibe-fest that is Coe & Coe Cremorne, then you’ll love their new digs in Yarraville. Expect the same delicious made-to-order coffee, juice and paninis and infectious enthusiasm as their other venues.

Bottomless brunches, viral insta-worthy desserts, smoking rainbow cocktails—Zero Mode has it all. This suburban cafe and bar has had a rapid rise to fame thanks to their cream cakes which literally ooze creamy goodness. 

South Yarra’s newest two-level brunch spot is speckled with greenery and goes by the name of Norman. From Vegemite avo toast to zucchini and corn waffles with red capsicum curd, Norman South Yarra prides itself on serving up classic cafe dishes with a twist. 

Coffee lovers unite. Undercover Roasters have opened their HQ cafe and store in Abbotsford and it is all time. The wholesale business has stuck through the pandemic to open their flagship, so you can now enjoy their signature coffee with a stack of brunch and breakfast options.  

From pop-up to permanent, Portsea’s Blakeaway is here to stay. This family owned and run store comes from the team behind Blakes Feast, a boutique catering company serving up pre-prepared bespoke menus with seasonal ingredients. They specialise in events, but now with Blakeaway, you can pick up your very own treats to enjoy, special occasion or not.

Your belly will thank you after a visit to East Brunswick’s latest takeaway opening. East Rusty’s Sandwich Parlour is the new establishment from Phil Gijsbers and Rob McKenzie following the success of their Green Acre Pizza Bar. The new takeaway joint follows a similar ethos to its pizza bar sister site—quality food, great flavours, and sustainability at the core of the business. 

Head Honcho is backed by a team of ambitious hospitality young guns James ‘Chooka’ Pettenon and Fintan Redmon. These guys are putting the humble toasted sandwich front and centre, with the gooey three-cheese ‘Greenhorn’ toastie taking centre stage—we’re talking Swiss Gruyere, Mozzarella and Cheddar oozing out the sides.

Crooked Letters quickly became a southside institute when they set up shop in their Murray Street corner store several years back; the locale was quintessentially Melbourne, as were the bagels. 

Just by the entrance to the new East Brunswick Village centre, you’ll find the latest northside cafe to open their doors—Bellboy. The fitting name is just the tip of the iceberg for why you’ll love this new brunch spot. They’re pet and cyclist-friendly with abundant al fresco space, and they make their own breads from scratch. House-made sourdough crumpets anyone?

Over the past decade, Richmond’s Swan Street has become its own culinary mecca with a full spectrum of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and now, the transformed stretch welcomes a healthy new addition that’s primed for the summer ahead, Fishbowl.

The humble sanga is making waves in Carnegie, with Saul’s Sandwiches opening its doors on Neerim Road. This sandwich bar is the brainchild of the team behind Bentleigh cafe Time and Place, and after just a week of trade and hype, they’re selling out almost daily.

After several months of operating around the limitations of a global pandemic, Nico’s Sandwich Deli is relocating from its city locale to a pop-up in Fitzroy, for a good time, and maybe a long time.

Just a decade ago, you’d find most hospitality venues that are worth visiting within the CBD and inner suburbs. Fast forward a few years and several culinary hotspots have popped up in relatively unassuming suburbs—just take Moonee Ponds and Glen Waverley for example—and now, it’s Greensborough’s turn. The suburb’s latest addition is Dulce Gelateria, offering up 80 primo flavours a week, with many of them vegan.

The residents of Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street and surrounds quickly became accustomed to picking up their baked goods from the temporary Marion Grocer. Realising it had quickly become a fixture of the cherished culinary strip, restaurateur Andrew McConnell has decided to relocate his grocery, now known as Morning Market, to a permanent locale two doors down.