Melbourne
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Australia
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Melbourne 〰️ Australia 〰️
The coffee capital of the world for good reason. Amazing hospitality across the board from cafes to wine bars that really set the standard for all of Australia and even abroad, if you ask me. Some iconic institution roasters such as Market Lane Coffee and Seven Seeds for coffee and spots like Tipo 00 for Italian. Here is my work-in-progress and frequently updated Melbourne list below.
Cafes
Standing room only and always my first pit stop when visiting Melbourne. Sparkling water as soon as you order and engaging staff who make the effort to make the hospitality as memorable as the coffee.
Market Lane - Multiple Locations
My first cafe experience that made me fall in love with the culture was had here many years ago when I was starting out as a barista. Pour-overs prepared on order, exceptional service and beautifully roasted coffee. Market Lane is also B Corp certified, which is a plus.
A Seven Seeds (also worth checking out for a coffee as well as their other venue, Traveller) iconic espresso bar, which was named after Baba Budan, a merchant who smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Yemen (hence the name Seven Seeds, too). I have a soft spot for BBB as I worked here when living in Melbourne. It’s an OG of the coffee scene. I love you, BBB.
Lumen People - North Melbourne
Great people, great coffee, great food and even great wine. The Lumen staple ‘2 honest eggs’ on a milk bun pairs perfectly with a jersey milk flat white or filter. Owners Mirichi and Emma have done something special with this place.
Maybe the most relaxing coffee shop in Melbourne, in my opinion. Assembly serves filter to order and also hosts an amazing range of their specialty teas.
As the name suggests, Everyday Coffee is open, well, everyday, even Christmas. Located in Collingwood, it’s the type of place you can again and again. The bagels here are great, too.
Florian Eatery - Carlton North
You feel transported to France at Florian. The brunch is amazing - especially the cured fish plate.
Fieldwork Coffee - North Melbourne and CBD
A micro-roastery in North Melbourne and espresso bar in the CBD. Fieldwork is led by Tim Williams and his team, who take real pride and care about coffee from source to how it’s brewed.
Hectors Deli - Multiple Locations
The undisputed best place for sandwiches in Melbourne - and maybe anywhere. The beef and pickles or fried chicken are my two favs.
Enjoy Small Batch coffee at their roastery in North Melbourne where they also serve delicious house-made pastries - which go perfectly paired with a filter to start the day.
The most amazing scrambled eggs or mushroom congee if that’s your jam. Juniper is from the team behind Florian Eatery and shares the same standards for quality.
Honorable mentions: Burnside, Nico’s, Aunty Pegs, Cathedral Coffee, Bench Coffee Co and CIBI
Market Lane
Juniper
Brother Baba Budan
Bakeries
A seriously great bakery operation with Market Lane coffee. Wildlife also have a mini supermarket and cheese shop near by on Sydney Road called Wild Life Superette worth checking out.
Lune Croissant - Multiple Locations
Who hasn’t heard of Lune? Lune makes croissants and some of the best croissants you will ever have - just be prepared to line up and wait.
A Scandinavian-style bakery with a focus on great flour and a must for their cardamon buns as well as their bread, butter, cheese and marmalade combo. You’ll feel transported to Copenhagen.
Falco Bakery - Collingwood and
Bread, sandwiches and really great pies. Savoury or sweet, Falco hits the spot.
All Are Welcome - Multiple Locations
Now with a few locations, All Are Welcome makes you feel welcome with their baked goods and coffee. Their Northcote location on High Street will always be my favourite shops of theirs. Plus, they now serve Fieldwork Coffee.
Mile End Bagels - Multiple Locations
A bagel shop that bake using a wood fire oven on the daily. The chewy yet softness of the dough makes me confident in saying they are the best bagels in Melbourne.
Hector’s Deli
Resturants and Bars
I've had pasta in Italy and I've had pasta at Tipo 00... And I'm going to say Tipo 00 is still the best I’ve ever had - except for maybe at my Italian mother-in-law's home on a Sunday evening.
Gimlet serves as both a cocktail bar and dining room, situated in the CBD's beautiful building that is Cavendish House. An amazing experience every time.
I may be biased because I got married here - but Old Palm Liquor is just the coolest restaurant and vibe, much like their other venue Neighbourhood Wine also worth checking out.
Shop Ramen - Fitzroy and Bruswick
I fell in love with ramen here. A slightly less traditional take on Japan’s famous dish but still amazing and worth going back to time and time again.
Mauritian food that is careful curated and plated up in an intimate setting. Manze has become a must-go spot when visiting Melbourne.
Live music, good times and a tasty food menu to go with great wine. The perfect place to go with friends to hang out in Collingwood Yards.
Public Wine Shop - Fitzroy North
A great spot to have a quick glass of wine, share a bottle or enjoy a proper meal. Also a great option to grab a bottle for takeaway to be had for a picnic in Edinburgh Gardens or at home.
When living in Melbourne, I would go here every single week, and sometimes more than once a week. The best falafel pita or plate you will find.
Exceptional Guinness on tap and a creative cocktail list. Caretakers Cottage is basically a micropub in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Deep wine list and some of the best house-made sourdough. Word has it they were trained to make their bread by bakers from Tartine.
Honorable mentions: Marion, Capitano, Supernormal, Bar Liberty, Waxflower and Builders Arms
Caretakers Cottage
Shop Ramen