hidden cafes

How Many Hidden Cafes In Melbourne?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Two of Melbourne's top lures for tourists are its street art-filled lanes and its specialty coffee culture. You will certainly encounter little or well-hidden eateries as you navigate Melbourne's laneways and back alleyways. These cafes serve coffee that is often made locally, and their employees are passionate about both the coffee they serve and the customer service they provide.

    Here are some insider tips on where to locate decent coffee in Melbourne's city centre and surrounding suburbs that aren't immediately apparent, saving you from having to spend your entire trip wandering the streets looking for a secret find.

    Melbourne has developed cafes in every nook and cranny to satisfy the city's insatiable thirst for coffee. The city consequently has some of the most creative, unique, and fascinating coffee shop locations. In an effort to satisfy your morning coffee addiction, we took great care to locate some of Melbourne's remotest and most difficult-to-reach coffee shops.

    Guide to Melbourne’s Best Hidden Cafés

    It's no secret that Melbourne is a city with a lot of secrets. Our city is full of unusual and fascinating secrets simply waiting to be discovered. These discoveries range from boozers that open at 6 a.m. to espresso bars the size of a pocket.

    Despite the fact that most of us are already familiar with Jungle Boy, the bar hidden behind the refrigerator in Boston Sub, we are all keen to learn about other hidden spots in Melbourne, whether they are cafés, bars, or a combination of the two.

    Roller Door Café

    There is a technologically advanced bean machine behind the roller door that can make coffee that is superior to anything you could ever imagine, whether the door is open or closed. One more reason to keep a keen look out to the left if you don't want to miss it is its convenient placement within the chaotic North Melbourne railway station's field of vision.

    You enter the establishment after being welcomed by the straightforward sign that reads, "Roller Door - Monday through Friday," and you see the baristas sitting comfortably in order to either converse, make, or do both at once. It's probable that Ben and Bill will appear in one of the most gorgeous courtyards located behind the building.

    This cafe exemplifies all that is wonderful about Melbourne: it has an industrial chic design, raw wooden tables and chairs, exposed brickwork, walls that double as galleries for local street painters, and coffee that leaves other cities in the dust.

    Choose between an all-day breakfast and a few small meals to share, such as olives marinated in olive oil, chicken wings seasoned with lemon pepper, and greens pan-fried with tahini. At any time of the day, you can't go wrong with an acai bowl topped with granola and fresh fruit or a plate of Portuguese sardines.

    Roller Door accommodates special dietary needs and can provide vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, or nut-free food if that's what you're looking for.

    Located at: 13 Stawell Street, West Melbourne

    Krimper

    Melbourne's prefered architectural aesthetic is exemplified by Krimper's construction. The use of natural components like wood, plants, and textures from the outside helps the room retain a feeling of warmth. A sizeable percentage of the cafe's furnishings and architectural elements were made from recycled items like elevator doors, mechanical tires, and various warehouse trinkets.

    The area where the cafe is now located was originally used as both a sawmill and a warehouse for cabinet manufacturing. Shulim Krimper, a mid-century designer, never actually resided in the structure, but Mun Soon, the owner of the cafe, was so inspired by the artist's creations that he decided to give the place his name.

    Office workers from the neighbourhood travel to Noisette for the bakery's pastries and take-out coffee. If you wish to treat yourself, reserve a table and sit down for a substantial lunch in the restaurant's ultra-Melbourne ambience.

    Absolutely no admission; please refer any questions to the office on the second floor. The writer is equally concerned and excited by the message that is posted on Krimper's front door. Is this a sign from a bygone era that no longer applies or do we not have the authorisation to enter? All of our questions are answered with only one quick push of the door.

    Brick walls that resemble those of a former sawmill and an art deco dining room greet us. There is also the option to buy refreshments in addition to the huge Krimper burger.

    Because it was previously a sawmill and furniture factory, Krimper on Guildford Lane is a vast café facility that you would never think existed from the highway. It performs the dual roles of a café and a casual office. The perfect location for any urban explorer in search of their fill of CBD coffee.

    Located at: 20 Guildford Lane, Melbourne

    Cafe Bu

    The coffee paradise of Cafe Bu is spread across several levels. It's a little space on the ground floor where native Five Seeds coffee is served. However, if you climb the steps to the secret rooftop, you'll discover that this is the place those in the knowing enjoy breakfast and sip copious amounts of espresso. The North Carlton neighbourhood is extensively served by trams in addition to buses.

    As one strolls down Canning Street, they come across what they perceive to be an effervescent and cosy design: a swarm of flowery umbrella shades that have protruded over an aqua brick corner house. All unconsciousness is swept away by the startling interruption of a man with a beard who is casually aproning himself and straightening some tables and stools that have been placed in a convenient spot out front.

    Everything about Café BÜ is cute, from the cheerful coffee mugs to the restrained selection of pastries and sweets to the quirky rooftop terrace that is surrounded by flourishing succulent plants. Beans from Five Senses can be used to make excellent coffee.

    Located at: 585A Canning Street, in the neighbourhood of Carlton North

    Capulus & Co

    The unassuming black and white shop front, which is hardly larger than a regular home window, is the only thing that reveals Capulus & Co.'s location in Brunswick. Only those in the know among coffee lovers and neighbourhood residents are aware of this secret gem. Although it doesn't have the largest space, its outstanding coffee and family-friendly atmosphere more than makeup for it.

    The fact that a family operates the coffee shop out of their living room shouldn't be shocking. The twins alternate running the coffee bar while making croissants and other delicious baked products in-house. Be at ease and at home. It may even end up turning into a habit.

    Located at: 9 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

     

    hidden cafes (3)

    A Minor Place

    It's not uncommon for people you barely suspect to propose lunch spots to you. Aunts aren't often the first people you think of when planning your daily meal schedule, but when someone was a child, their Aunt would take them to a quiet home with wood accents that were tastefully designed in a 1950s style so that they could satisfy their growing appetite.

    They made me a big and tasty breakfast, and today they serve me avocado toast that is excellent and consistent with my evolving dining preferences. A Minor Place is concealed behind the northern reaches of Lygon Street, but it is not small other than in scale. An amiable affogato awaits.

    Located at: 103 Albion St, Brunswick

    Hell’s Kitchen

    Whereas diners flock to the many eateries on Degraves Street, which have tables dispersed throughout the street's alleyways, Centre Place's eclectic mix of design and book stores draws more people and serves better coffee, too.

    Hell's Kitchen is a café and bar with windows overlooking the busy laneway that runs through the arcade connecting Flinders Lane to Collins Street. Overlooking the arcade that links Collins Street and Flinders Lane is where you'll find Hell's Kitchen. However, booths away from the glass offer a peaceful space for personal chats and professional gatherings once you've gotten your fill of folks.

    Try their Late Riser, which is smoked baked beans served on toast Turkish bread, if you need to refuel so you can go shopping again. Once you've finished your shopping and determined the moment is correct, try a Left Bank cocktail or a mojito made with fresh mint. Hendrick's gin, St. Germain, and sauvignon blanc are combined to make the Left Bank drink, which is shaken and swirled.

    Located at: 20A Centre Place, Melbourne

    Vertue Coffee Roasters

    The central Melbourne neighbourhood of Carlton is home to a number of significant cultural organisations as well as several of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Not far from the gas station, hidden away in a remote region, is where you'll find Vertue Coffee Roasters. You must visit during the warmer seasons to take advantage of the generous food portions and the verdant patio.

    Early in the morning and midday are the busiest hours at the café. Every day the cafe is operating. Why not arrange to eat brunch rather than go out to dinner? This speciality coffee roaster's espressos, lattes, and macchiatos are so excellent that you'll want to boast about them to your friends and family.

    Located at: Carlton 8 Raffa Place

    Lot 3

    The 108-year-old construction of this Sicilian-styled old railway master's residence was the consequence of a long-standing conflict between two Attica rivals. Lot 3 is well known for its homemade sodas and gooey open sandwiches. It was established with the intention of serving the Ripponlea groundhog population, which is known for its laid-back lifestyle and frequent trips to and from the adjacent railway station.

    They haven't done anything to update the dated facade, which provides for an honest presentation, but as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a dining area that is cosy and welcoming.

    Located at: 3 Glen Eira Ave, Ripponlea

    Seedling Cafe

    The Seedling Cafe, a little wellness haven, is located on Flinders Lane. Remember that the store is only open during the week and that it can get very busy at lunchtime when employees from nearby offices come to order takeout. There is seating available, however, because of the small space, patrons frequently have to decide between waiting for a table and ordering meals to go.

    Every day, a fresh salad is offered on a changing menu. One of the options on the menu that is totally gluten-free is the Seedling Lunch Set. It includes a choice of two salads, tomato relish, and your protein of choice (chicken, meatloaf, or frittata).

    The entire menu, including the drinks, follows the paleo diet: Instead, you may order a powerful straight black at Bulletproof Coffee and have it spiked with organic coconut oil and grass-fed butter. You can also opt for a turmeric or matcha latte.

    Located at: 275 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

    Mixed Business

    In the vicinity of Mixed Business, which is obscured by its solitude, you are surrounded by the commotion of Queens Parade on your left, the frigid control of the Terminus Hotel on your left, and an old brick childcare centre on your right.

    Despite being situated in an unusual location on one of Melbourne's main interior freeways and without a coffee culture, the employees of the café are unaffected by the rush hour. The restaurant, which used to specialise in furniture restoration, now offers a delectable ploughman's breakfast and creamy Mork hot chocolate.

    Located at: Clifton Hill 486 Queens Parade

    New Day Rising

    It is possible that customers would mistake it for the lively open-planned kitchen exhibition that Ikea has on the weekends when it is open for business. Customers are allowed to copy the coffee-method maker's techniques as they produce their frothy, caffeinated bliss due to the lack of physical barriers between the barista and the customer.

    Despite being only around the corner from Milkwood, Nicholson Street's pride and joy of art deco, many long black lovers walk right past New Day Rising due to the café's veiled front without giving it a second glance. Their CLT bagel is a must-have, along with a fantastic iced coffee.

    Located at: 221d Blyth Street, Brunswick East.

    Ternary Tuckshop

    In Richmond, you'll discover the well-hidden Ternary Tuckshop tucked away behind a gas station and a car dealership. You can be sure that it is not at all like the standard monotonous office takeaway restaurant, despite the fact that it is convenient for the big enterprises that are nearby. Do you recall the times when you used to carry your books using a paper bag that is brown and printed with your name in bold, readable letters? You may replay this experience right here.

    The innovation in this situation is that you may reserve a lunch reservation in advance through Rewardle app, allowing you to grab and go with your food even if you're pressed for time. Poached eggs, dukkah on toast, and the well-known smashed avocado with feta are all available, along with excellent coffee, and getting there is a snap thanks to the tram line that runs along Victoria Street.

    Located at: Richmond 7/3 Bromham Place

    Mart 130

    Another modest stationmaster's building that has been transformed into a café and is placed directly adjacent to a stop for public transportation. It is not a mistake if you enter Mart 130 under the impression that it is the proper location to add value to a Myki card or confirm a PTV concession card.

    The BOAT is a delight and the cold-pressed juices are wonderful, but brace for those occasional putts barraging into the adjoining range.

    Located at: Middle Park,107A Canterbury Road

    In A Shipping Container

    The establishment of Rudimentary in Footscray can be attributed to the expanding cafe, arts, and music culture that is prevalent in the western suburbs. Although it is situated in one of the most well-designed shipping container conversions that you'll ever see, it isn't the finest spot to sit down for a business meeting or D&M; nonetheless, it surely makes for a vibrant area to refuel.

    Additionally, its head barista has relocated from North Melbourne's Auction Rooms, which means the celebration in your mouth will swiftly overpower the celebration in your ears.

    Alley Tunes

    The connection that two plus two equals four has been made by them. Coffee has long been a favourite of vinyl record hunters, but they don't frequently get to enjoy it straight away as an after-adventure reward. In order to quench that persistent desire, Alley Tunes has installed a coffee maker as a remedy to the problem.

    Although the chairs' seating arrangement isn't very intricate, their long black coffee is lethal. Although it is a beautiful cohabitation, some individuals are unable to recognise it, which leads to a setup that is unnoticeable and commonly neglected.

    Located at: 660A Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn

    Central

    Laneway Greens

    67–69 Collins Place, Melbourne, located on the corner of Exhibition Street and Flinders Lane

    The restaurant Laneway Greens offers delicious, uncomplicated fare that changes with the seasons and has a strong emphasis on using sustainable and regionally grown ingredients. Because of the high volume of customers and the limited seating options during lunchtime, it is recommended that you either place your order in advance or arrive early for lunch.

    All of the items competing for your attention, including the market bowl (the selection of vegetables varies depending on the season), falafels, a variety of gourmet salads, and mouthwatering smoothies. There are further locations in Flinders Lane and Swan Street in Richmond (both of which are easily accessible from the city via tram and train).

    Chapter House Coffee

    4/209 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

    The heavenly (pun intended) Buddha bowls, cakes, coffee, and salted caramel lamingtons that make attending to worship in Melbourne's St. Paul's Cathedral an appetising prospect can be found tucked away under the cathedral's majestic arches. It is important to remember that the cafe is only open on weekdays.

    North

    Red Door Corner Store

    Northcote address: 70 Mitchell Street

    There is a beloved milk bar-turned-cafe on a street that is mostly residential; nonetheless, it is unlikely that you would happen upon it just by passing by.

    When you want coffee that is robust and regularly of good quality, it is well worth your time to drive from Northcote's busy shopping and eating area to Red Door.

    Quinoa and millet salad with crispy chickpeas and dukkah eggs, as well as house-made organic wholemeal crumpets and dukkah eggs, are all regular menu items.

    Cafe Louis

    93 Moor Street, Fitzroy

    Cafe Louis is nestled in the middle of a design business and an housing complex just a few steps away from the pedestrian-friendly Brunswick Street. Even though this newcomer has only been operating for a year, it is already classy, unobtrusive, and provides all of the national dailies. It's ideal for those who want to sip coffee while keeping up with the latest news in business, politics, and the arts.

    You should try the smashed avocado or the superfood salad if you want to fit in with the healthy hipster atmosphere that permeates Fitzroy.

    hidden cafes (2)

    East

    Square & Compass

    East Melbourne, 222 Clarendon Street, Address:

    East Melbourne's beautiful and green Clarendon Street is a great place to take a stroll for a variety of reasons, including omelettes, smashed avocado on toast, organic ginger beer, and perhaps the southern fried chicken burger.

    The Square & Compass institution is run by a skilled team of professionals with experience in the hospitality sector.

    It is clear through the kind and educated service as well as the menu's variety and consistency. The locals are fully aware of the importance of coffee.

    Locals frequently gather here before leaving for work and at lunchtime, but you can also grab a seat and a nice selection of newspapers at other times of the day. Although there are paid and unpaid spots available for one and two hours on the streets near the building, parking can be challenging.

    If you take the tram, it's only a short trip out of the city, but if you want to work up a sweat first, you can walk through Fitzroy Gardens from Spring Street.

    The Black Alchemy

    Blackburn address: 110 South Parade

    If you are staying in Melbourne's city centre, Blackburn is farther away than the majority of the other cafés mentioned on this website.

    The most convenient and fastest way to arrive is by using the train from Flinders Street, since Black Alchemy can be accessed on foot in only five minutes from Blackburn Station. After all the effort it took to get here, you will be greeted with cold-drip coffee, mixed berry muffins, and poached eggs with beetroot hummus.

    South

    Naked Racer Bar Cafe

    1 Grange Road (Cnr Grange Road and Voltri Street), Cheltenham

    All in one spot, Naked Racer serves as a coffee house, bar, and stage for live music. It is hidden in the sense that, although though it is not hidden from view from the street, most Melbourne cafe customers are unaware of it.

    Everyone who appreciates food and drinks, and those who ride motorcycles and scooters, must make a trip here. The coco and almond milk-based bircher muesli is ideal for breakfast at any time of the day.

    St Ali

    South Melbourne, Yarra Place, Numbers 12–18

    Having been transformed from a warehouse, this cafe offers handcrafted coffee and dishes that are ideal for Instagram.

    You can purchase coffee, dining options, coffee brewing and serving supplies, as well as coffee. Melbourne residents know this coffee establishment for its winner brews. Stacks of pancakes drizzled with coffee-infused maple syrup, coffee-infused brownies, or pancakes prepared with white chocolate and blueberries?

    FAQs About Melbourne Cafes

    It is the combination of the various factors – good coffee, nice music, comfortable setting, and comfort food – that contribute to a great environment.

    Top Ways to Get More Customers in My Cafe

    • Get Referrals. So we put this number one because we think referrals are hugely powerful!
    • Great Reviews. 
    • Run a Competition. 
    • Build customer loyalty. 
    • Build an Online Presence. 
    • Imaginative A-Boards. 
    • Collaborate with Non-Competing Businesses. 
    • Make the Most of Social Media.
    • Write Out all Menu Items. Before diving into design, you have to learn to write a restaurant menu.
    • Categorise Menu Items. 
    • Set Menu Prices. 
    • Create Menu Descriptions. 
    • Decide on a Menu Color Scheme. 
    • Design Your Restaurant Menu. 
    • Restaurant Menu Photos. 
    • Choose Menu Fonts, Spacing, and Composition.

    Cafes. Sometimes cafes are known as coffee-houses, and there will be a wide selection of coffees and teas available. Nearly all cafes will have a good espresso machine that can also make cappuccino. Cafe traditionally serves light snacks and simple dishes, perhaps with an extensive range of pastries and cakes.

    People often mix up the two because of the similarities between them, even though they each refer to two different kinds of establishments. While a bistro is a place that serves a mix of food and drinks, a cafe is mainly a place that people can go to to get a coffee.

    Conclusion

    The city has a reputation for its street art-filled lanes and its specialty coffee culture. It's no secret that Melbourne is a city with a lot of secrets. Guide to Melbourne's Best Hidden Cafés KrimperMelbourne's prefered architectural aesthetic is exemplified by the cafe's construction. The area where the cafe is now located was originally used as both a sawmill and a warehouse for cabinet manufacturing.

    Krimper on Guildford Lane is a vast café facility that you would never think existed from the highway. Cafe Bu is spread across several levels, with a little space on the ground floor serving Five Seeds coffee. North Carlton neighbourhood is extensively served by trams and buses. It may even end up turning into a habit.Located at: 9 Sydney Rd, BrunswickA Minor Place A Minor Place is hidden behind Lygon Street, but it is not small other than in scale. The Left Bank cocktail is made with Hendrick's gin, St Germain and sauvignon blanc.

    The Seedling Cafe, a little wellness haven, is located on Flinders Lane in Melbourne. Lot 3 is the home of the Ripponlea groundhog population, which is known for its laid-back lifestyle and frequent trips to and from the adjacent railway station. Bulletproof Coffee Roaster's espressos, lattes and macchiatos are so good you'll want to boast about them to your friends and family. Their CLT bagel is a must-have, along with iced coffee and poached eggs and dukkah on toast. Poached eggs, dukkah on toast, and the well-known smashed avocado with feta are all available, along with excellent coffee, and getting there is a snap thanks to the tram line that runs along Victoria Street.

    There are further locations in Flinders Lane and Swan Street in Richmond and 660A Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn. It is important to remember that the cafe is only open on weekdays. When you want coffee that is robust and regularly of good quality, it is well worth your time to drive from Northcote's busy shopping and eating area to Red Door. East Melbourne's Clarendon Street is a great place to take a stroll for a variety of reasons, including omelettes, smashed avocado on toast, organic ginger beer, and perhaps the southern fried chicken burger. Blackburn is farther away than the majority of the other cafés mentioned on this website.

    Cafe Louis is nestled in the middle of a design business and an housing complex just a few steps away from the pedestrian-friendly Brunswick Street. You can purchase coffee, dining options, coffee brewing and serving supplies, as well as coffee. Having been transformed from a warehouse, this cafe offers handcrafted coffee and dishes that are ideal for Instagram.

    Content Summary

    • Melbourne has developed cafes in every nook and cranny to satisfy the city's insatiable thirst for coffee.
    • Roller Door accommodates special dietary needs and can provide vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, or nut-free food if that's what you're looking for.
    • Shulim Krimper, a mid-century designer, never actually resided in the structure, but Mun Soon, the owner of the cafe, was so inspired by the artist's creations that he decided to give the place his name.
    • The unassuming black and white shop front, which is hardly larger than a regular home window, is the only thing that reveals Capulus & Co.'s location in Brunswick.
    • Hell's Kitchen is a café and bar with windows overlooking the busy laneway that runs through the arcade connecting Flinders Lane to Collins Street.
    • Overlooking the arcade that links Collins Street and Flinders Lane is where you'll find Hell's Kitchen.
      Carlton is home to a number of significant cultural organisations as well as several of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
    • Not far from the gas station, hidden away in a remote region, is where you'll find Vertue Coffee Roasters.
    • Despite being situated in an unusual location on one of Melbourne's main interior freeways and without a coffee culture, the employees of the café are unaffected by the rush hour.
    • The innovation in this situation is that you may reserve a lunch reservation in advance through Rewardle app, allowing you to grab and go with your food even if you're pressed for time.
    • The establishment of Rudimentary in Footscray can be attributed to the expanding cafe, arts, and music culture that is prevalent in the western suburbs.
    • The most convenient and fastest way to arrive is by using the train from Flinders Street, since Black Alchemy can be accessed on foot in only five minutes from Blackburn Station.
    Scroll to Top