As a result, coffee lovers in Melbourne will be spoiled for choice when it comes to satisfying their cravings. Since the city is home to more than two thousand coffee shops, each one must do more than serve "good" coffee and tasty snacks to stand out from the crowd.
A restaurant's food quality is no longer the primary factor people consider when looking for a place to eat. A growing number of people in today's aesthetically-focused culture are seeking out novel experiences in even the most banal activities, such as eating out.
We have four cafés in Melbourne, each offering something different from the norm in terms of food and drink, for those who are seeking out truly novel experiences.
Modern Melbourne's cafes, with their one-of-a-kind menu items, drinks, and furnishings, are a wonderful reflection of the city's ingenious spirit. If you're looking for the most photogenic cafes in Melbourne, with their hidden locations, speciality menus, and offbeat furnishings, this is the list for you.
The Best Quirky And Unique Cafes In Melbourne
The Budapest Cafe
One of Melbourne's newest cafes, The Budapest Cafe, has been designed to look like the lobby of the Grand Budapest Hotel. Thanks to director Wes Anderson's fondness for symmetry, clean lines, and pastel colours, every last detail in The Budapest Cafe has the feel of having been lovingly crafted. That's the only word for it.
If you serve a variety of Japanese classics like omurice and soupless udon and have great coffee, brunch can easily become a filling meal. Budapest Cafe also sells the film's signature pink 'Mendes' boxes, which are stocked with delicious desserts and are available if you're in the mood for something sweet.
498 Swanston St, Carlton, VIC 3053
Easey’s
Melbourne is home to some of the world's most inventive cafes, including the mind-bending Easey's, which seems to defy the laws of physics. There are three abandoned train cars in Collingwood, each of which sits atop a multi-story building and is covered in graffiti. In what is undeniably one of the coolest and most uniquely themed vintage cafes in Melbourne, trains appear to be suspended above the city, as if hung there by a feng shui version of King Kong.
There are booth seats and condiment dispensers inside each car, just like in a real American deli. Enjoy some of Melbourne's best burgers, fries, and hot dogs as you take in the city's sights.
3/48 Easey St, Collingwood, VIC 3066
One Plus Piece Cafe
Listen up, anime fans: the One Plus Piece Cafe has everything you need to become a rabid fan of the series. One Piece is a popular anime series based on a pirate-themed story, and when you step inside, you'll find one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Melbourne full to the brim with merchandise and collectibles from the series.
The show has its own mural on the back wall, which features an anime take on the Last Supper. There are chunky themed burgers, rich milkshakes, and One Piece latte art at this American-Japanese fusion cafe that will take your taste buds on a voyage across the seven seas.
266 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC, 3103
Marche Board Game Cafe
The sweet taste of victory has never been more satisfying than it is at Marche Board Game Cafe. Centrally located in Melbourne's bustling Central Business District, this cosy cafe serves up delicious Taiwanese fare to patrons as they listen to the jangle of Monopoly pieces on the table. Popular games like Catan and Cards Against Humanity sit alongside a wide selection of more obscure board games.
The Marche Board Game Cafe doubles as a karaoke lounge, so all you singers out there can belt out your favourite tunes to your hearts' content. The time has come for you to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for yourself.
63 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Cat Cafe Melbourne
The Cat Cafe Melbourne is a great place to meet up with pals, and it's tucked away in a charming laneway. As "Australia's first cat cafe," this two-story coffee shop is stocked to the brim with fluffy feline friends you can pet and play with while you enjoy a hot beverage.
The cafe provides a safe haven for rescued kitties while they recuperate and await adoption. Many of the cafe's four-legged regulars hail from the area because of its Instagram-worthy decor. Thus, a visit to the Cat Cafe in Melbourne is an experience you won't soon forget if you're interested in dining with some of the city's furrier customers.
Less than a minute's walk from Krimper is Melbourne's first Cat Café, where patrons can relax and socialise with dozens of adoptable felines.
The two-story coffee shop is home to about 15 free-roaming cats, whose many beds and seemingly infinite supply of toys have spread across the floor. Even though the cafe only serves coffee, tea, bottled drinks, and cake, the novelty of having cute cats vying for your attention more than makes up for the limited menu. There are various beverages and baked goods available for purchase at the cafe.
The Cat Café is similar to other cafes in that it serves food and drinks, but unlike other cafes, it requires customers to reserve a seat in advance and pay $12 for entry for a period of one hour. You can do this via the company's website, by calling them, or in some cases, by doing both. Nevertheless, we are certain that your visit to the Cat Café will not be in vain, whether or not you are a cat person.
30 Guildford Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eggholic
Simple business principles serve as the compass for Eggholic, such as the company's insistence on staying laser-focused on one central goal and accomplishing that goal without fail. In the newly opened sandwich shop, patrons can indulge in delicious egg sandwiches made in a style typical of Korean cuisine. Imagine two thick slices of brioche bread, toasted, and filled with an egg and other fillings for the benefit of the uninitiated.
This staple of the Melbourne street food scene is typically paired with a Korean latte or a bubble tea from a top-tier boba shop. One of Melbourne's most popular cafes, this one has a stellar reputation. The sandwich shop, however, closes at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, or whenever all of the food is gone, whichever comes first.
G06/545 Station St, Box Hill, VIC 3128
Bakemono Bakers
Bakemono Bakers, formerly a city garage, appears to be a private parking lot when its roller doors are closed. In contrast, once the doors are thrown open, the room becomes a cosy Japanese bakery reminiscent of those you might find in Kyoto or Osaka, complete with a wooden exterior and the sweet scent of fresh baked goods. The menu items are just as imaginative:
Finding popular items, like Korean-style garlic bread or Japanese shokupan, can be challenging in Melbourne (milk bread loaf). When visiting Bakemono Bakers, timing is of the essence as their pastries often sell out before lunchtime. Consequently, if you want to experience one of the most distinctively themed cafes in Melbourne, you should plan to get there early.
273 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Cafe Colores
The vibrant decor of the cafe may give your day a little more zest. Melbourne's newest and most Instagrammable cafe stands out thanks to its use of LED panels, each of which displays a different colour once a month. Despite the fact that the cafe's ambience and vibe change with each new combination, their South American-inspired snacks and coffee are consistently delicious. Pasteles, a type of pastry widely enjoyed in Colombia, are a local speciality. They are square in form and typically contain meat (chicken, beef, or eggplant) in their centre.
783 High St, Reservoir, VIC 3073
Krimper
When Krimper was tasked with renovating a former sawmill and cabinet factory, the company's goal was to preserve as much of the building's historic character and atmosphere as possible. A cafe with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and wooden tables have been created in the heart of Melbourne, giving the area the feel of an old factory. In between servings of steaming coffee and delicious brunch fare at a venue that is as lovely as it is charming, you can pause to reflect on the past.
The city of Krimper takes great pride in its heritage as an industrial hub, which dates back to the ruins of a demolished warehouse. Krimper's centrepiece, a dining booth, was repurposed from an antique car lift that was also located on the property. Each chair and table at Krimper is handcrafted from repurposed wood from the original warehouse. Warm lighting and exposed brick walls create an instantly inviting atmosphere as soon as guests enter through the massive wooden doors.
In this enormous restaurant, you and your party will receive unrivalled hospitality and service. Aside from the delicious fusion of French and Japanese cuisine on offer, Krimper is also known for its excellent coffee. The dishes are so artistically presented that you may want to snap a few pictures of them before you dig in.
20 Guildford Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Hopetoun Tea Rooms
Few coffeehouses have survived the years, despite the widespread closure of their industry. Hopetoun Tea Rooms, with its decadent cake displays and Victorian era furnishings, seems to have been frozen in time since it opened in 1892.
The exquisite teas, scones, and cakes, along with the vintage charm permeating the entire establishment, will have you jumping for joy. You'll be treated to one of the most unique high teas in Melbourne. This Instagram-friendly cafe will make sure you fully partake in this time-honored practise.
421 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Ponyfish Island
Ponyfish Island is a floating restaurant and bar that has set the standard for Melbourne's offbeat cafe culture.
The Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, which is directly above it, is the only route to get there. There is no way to reach the area above ground; the only access is from below the bridge. Repurposed wood and wooden planters filled with exotic flowers and foliage beautifully convey their theme.
Ponyfish Island's menu changes with the seasons, but staples like nachos and appetiser platters remain on the books year-round.
At any time of day, but especially at sunset, you are cordially invited to stop by for a meal or a drink while taking in the magnificent Yarra River and the magnificent Melbourne skyline.
Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, Southgate
Melbourne’s Themed Cafes
The high standard of Melbourne's cafe culture hardly comes as a surprise. A seemingly endless number of cafes serve both delicious food and excellent coffee, making it difficult to choose one for a leisurely Sunday brunch. The fact that most of these cafes have an atmosphere that is virtually identical to one another does nothing to help the situation.
Because of Melbourne's cafe culture's openness and diversity, even those in search of the unusual can find what they're looking for. Cafes in Melbourne can be found with a wide variety of themes, from vintage glamour to a whimsical wonderland.
Alice Nivens
If you follow the rabbit hole just a little bit, you'll end up in Alice Niven. There are garden chairs and a large mural of Alice in Wonderland on the wall at this cafe with a Wonderland theme. The combination of these features lends an air of whimsy to the cafe.
The area is littered with interesting curios, such as inverted teacup-shaped pendant lights, rosebuds in glass bottles, and various rabbit figurines, making it a collector's paradise.
- Address: Shop 13, Port Phillip Arcade, 228-236 Flinders Street. Melbourne 3000, VIC
- Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 730 pm – 4 pm
Flipboard Cafe
At the very end of La Trobe Street, you'll find a cafe whose wooden interior design makes clever and efficient use of the limited space available. There are surprises around every corner of the cafe, which is laid out like the video game Tetris. Tables and chairs are just two of the many interior fixtures that make heavy use of hinges.
When opened, the row of wooden boxes reveals a comfy couch and a paper table, perfect for a romantic get-together for two. This is likely to be one of the most eye-catching aspects of the product. It's perfect for kicking back with a friend in the city and chatting over a cup of delicious coffee.
- Address: 141 La Trobe Street, CBD, Melbourne
- Opening hours: Mon – Thurs, 7 am – 430 pm | Fri, 7 am – 10 pm
Little Mule Cafe
The Little Mule is a favourite stop for bicyclists because of its selection of high-quality coffee. You'll be hard pressed to find this trendy and modern restaurant and bar in an alley, but it's well worth the search. The walls are white brick, and there are cables dangling from the ceiling lights and various bike parts mounted on the ceiling.
The bikes aren't just for show; the staff can construct and repair gear bikes, and you can also buy a premade bike with your own specifications from the shop. The restaurant has a great breakfast menu (and serves breakfast all day on Saturdays!) and excellent poached eggs. It's a win-win scenario because you can eat while your bike is getting fixed.
- Address: 19 Somerset Place, Melbourne, Australia
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 730 am – 330 pm | Sun, 930 am -330 pm
Larry David’s Cafe
Fans of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm may be particularly interested in these New York-style bagels, as production on the ninth season of the show has recently begun. White tiles, wooden chairs, and potted plants maintain the store's interior as a simple and clean environment. The large mural depicting the famous comedian saying "meh" is painted across an entire wall, and it serves as the room's focal point.
Grab a "some vanilla bullsh*t, latte cuppa thing" T-shirt and try one of their creative flavour combinations for a portable and satisfying bagel snack. As the owner put it, "pretty, pretty good," we have faith in the quality of this coffee shop despite its short history.
- Address: 461 St George’s Rd. Melbourne, Australia
- Opening hours: 8 am – 3 pm, daily
Brother Baba Budan
There's a line of people in suits stretching out into the streets, and the strong scent of freshly ground coffee is enough to make anyone want to join it. This tiny gem of a cafe is named after the first coffee smuggler in recorded history, and its popularity is growing at an exponential rate, in direct contrast to its diminutive size.
The use of dark wood, along with some warm accents and jars of coffee beans on the shelves, gives the impression that one is in a traditional merchant's shop. The arrangement of the wooden chairs in a canopy that reaches the ceiling is particularly eye-catching.
Because there is only one large table, the tiny bar can only fit about 15 customers at a time, despite having plenty of seating. Coffee is their main focus, so expect to find only small pastries and cakes for consumption.
- Address: 359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 7 am – 5 pm | Sun, 9 am – 5 pm
Operator 25
If you go to the historically significant building known as Operator 25, you will feel like you have stepped into a telephone exchange room from the 20th century. There is evidence that construction on this building began in the turn of the century. The decor of the cafe is a throwback to the days when telephone calls were handled by operators seated at switchboards. The exposed brick, clever slogans, dangling cord wires, copper-colored light shades, and wooden furniture all contribute to this feeling.
It's easy to see why people are willing to "stay on the line" despite the lengthy wait; the only difference is the level of comfort, and the mouthwatering variety of brunch items available from the menu, which is updated seasonally.
- Address: 25 Wills Street Melbourne
- Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 7 am – 4 pm | Sat-Sun, 9 am – 4 pm
Marche Board Game Cafe
Over a hundred board games are available, so it doesn't matter how many people will be attending your party. Classics like Clue and Monopoly sit alongside more contemporary hits like Cards Against Humanity. Everyone in your group can find something to enjoy. The three-hour session costs $8, plus whatever drinks you want to drink.
The latest versions of songs in English, Chinese, Korean, and even that can be found in the private karaoke room, which also features a selection of board games. More than just a cafe, the Marche Board Game Cafe also serves as a venue for board game tournaments. Because it is a place where people can go to have fun, it is a great place to go on a date or to take a group of friends or family members.
- Address: 63A Abeckett St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Opening hours: Sun – Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm | Fri & Sat, 11 am – 12 am
Biggie Smalls
Inspired by the late Notorious B.I.G., chef Shane Delia puts a fresh spin on classic kebabs while paying homage to rap's glory days. Features such as counter stools, coloured tile walls, vinyl, veneered panelling, and polished alloy give the space the look of a typical New York City diner. Additionally, polished alloy and veneered panelling can be found inside.
There is a lot of variety on the menu, but the atmosphere is dated and too Americanized. Shane's menu is sure to please even the most intrepid foodies thanks to the fusion of Middle Eastern and American flavours. Included are recipes for everything from Turkish ice cream sandwiches to fried chicken with pumpkin pie hummus to chips topped with butter, preserved lemon, and thyme.
- Address: 86 Smith Street Collingwood
- Opening hours: Sun-Wed, 12 pm – 10 pm | Thurs – Sat, 12 pm – 11 pm
The Austen Tea Room
The inspiration for the Austen Tea Room came from three of Jane Austen's books: Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Pride and Prejudice. Featuring prints from the 1996 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, this room is a nod to Jane Austen and an escape from the world outside. Cafe patrons can relax in an environment reminiscent of a quaint English cottage, complete with floral china and embroidered tablecloths.
Their high tea set is perfect for a fancy afternoon meal. Fresh ribbon sandwiches, warm scones with lashings of jam and cream, miniature cupcakes, and other tasty treats are included in the $45 price. A watering hole from the 18th century in England!
- Address: 40 Nicholson St Essendon, VIC 3040
- Opening hours: 8 am – 4 pm, daily
- High tea: weekdays, 12 pm – 2 pm | Weekends, 2 pm – 4 pm
Matcha Mylkbar
This eatery has the peaceful vibe of a modern Zen garden and serves only plant-based fare. If you're a local on the lookout for a new, Instagrammable spot, check out Matcha Mylkbar. The bar's decor is simple and industrial, and it looks great (very hipster).
The cafe's concept turns normally uninterested non-vegans into vegan food enthusiasts. Examples include "bacon" made from dehydrated mushrooms and "poached eggs" made from sweet potatoes, turmeric, and coconut milk. Match Mylkbar has pretty dishes and a wide variety of lattes with ingredients like mushroom, beetroot, and matcha to satisfy your cravings for a healthy meal once a week.
- Address: 72A Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Opening hours: 7.30 am – 4 pm, daily
Conclusion
More than 2,000 cafes can be found in Melbourne, all of which serve unique food and beverages. The cafes of today's Melbourne are a fantastic representation of the city's inventive character. The interior of the Budapest Cafe was inspired by the lobby of the Grand Budapest Hotel. There are many cafes in Melbourne, but one of the most photogenic is Cafe One Plus Piece. Sing your heart out at the karaoke night at Cafe Marche, a board game cafe that also hosts sing-alongs.
Patrons of the Cat Cafe Melbourne can enjoy some tasty Taiwanese fare while taking in the jingle of their Monopoly cards. Cat Café is the first of its kind in Melbourne, a place where people can hang out and socialise with adoptable cats while enjoying coffee and pastries. The egg sandwiches at Eggholic are delicious, prepared in a fashion typical of Korean cuisine. When the roller doors are closed at Bakemono Bakers, it looks like a private parking lot. Pastries from Bakemono Bakers are frequently sold out by noon.
Every month, Cafe de las Colores features a new hue on its colourful panels. It was on this very property that Krimper fashioned his dining booth from an old car lift. It's easy to find a cafe in Melbourne that fits your aesthetic, whether you're looking for a swanky speakeasy or a surrealist den of whimsy. It's hard to settle on a single café for a relaxing Sunday brunch when there are so many options that serve both delicious food and excellent coffee. Bicyclists frequent The Little Mule for the excellent coffee it serves.
Production on the ninth season of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm has recently begun, so these New York-style bagels at Larry David's Cafe may be of particular interest to fans of the shows. We honour the first coffee smuggler in history with the name of our Brother Baba Budan. Their speciality is coffee, so they don't sell anything larger than a miniature cake or pastry. Although there is plenty of seating, the tiny bar can only accommodate about 15 customers at a time. Board game competitions can be found at the Marche Board Game Cafe.
Escape the outside world and pay homage to Jane Austen at the Austen Tea Room. You can trust that even the most adventurous eaters will enjoy Shane Delia's mashup of Middle Eastern and American cuisines. Matcha Mylkbar is like a relaxing modern Zen garden, with soothing decor and a menu consisting entirely of plants. The concept of the cafe attracts people who would not normally eat vegan food. On weekdays, high tea is served from 12 to 2 pm, and from 2 to 4 pm on weekends.
Content Summary
- For those who are looking for a truly unique experience, Melbourne is home to four cafés that serve food and drinks that stand out from the norm.
- Here are eleven of Melbourne's finest speciality coffee houses, each with its own character and atmosphere.
- In a quaint Melbourne laneway, you'll find the Cat Cafe, a wonderful place to catch up with friends.
- Just a minute away from Krimper is Melbourne's first Cat Café, where you can hang out with dozens of friendly cats up for adoption.
- The Cat Café, like other cafes, serves food and beverages, but unlike other cafes, customers must reserve a seat in advance and pay $12 for entry for a period of one hour.
- Delicious egg sandwiches prepared in a fashion typical of Korean cuisine can now be enjoyed by customers of the recently opened sandwich shop.
- In the middle of Melbourne, an old factory aesthetic has been recreated with a cafe featuring exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and wooden tables.
- The decadent cake displays and Victorian-era furniture at Hopetoun Tea Rooms make it feel as though time has stood still there since it first opened in 1892.
- You'll be overjoyed by the exquisite teas, scones, and cakes, as well as the vintage charm permeating the entire establishment.
- Cafes in the Melbourne area often have a central focus, like the Southbank Pedestrian Bridge or the Southgate neighbourhood.
- It's easy to find a cafe in Melbourne that fits your aesthetic, whether you're looking for a swanky speakeasy or a surrealist den of whimsy.
- Despite its diminutive size, this cafe's popularity has been rising at an exponential rate, earning it the name of the first coffee smuggler in history.
- The Marche Board Game Cafe is more than just a coffee shop; it's also a regular tournament destination.
- You can have a proper high tea with their service.
- This is an authentic English watering hole from the 18th century!
- 40 Nicholson Street, Essendon, Victoria, Australia, 3040
- Putting Together a Mylkbar Matcha
- This restaurant is decorated like a contemporary Zen garden and offers only vegetarian options.
- Go to Matcha Mylkbar if you're a local looking for a trendy new hangout that will do well on social media.
- Pretty dishes and a variety of lattes featuring mushroom, beetroot, and matcha are available at Match Mylkbar to sate your once-weekly desire for a nutritious meal.
FAQs About Melbourne Cafes
MELBOURNE has been voted the city with the world's best coffee by travel website booking.com, beating Rome, Vienna and Sydney to top place. MELBOURNE has beaten Rome, Vienna and Sydney in being judged to have the best coffee in the world.
Australia's true coffee capital revealed
Are you expecting Melbourne to come out on top? Not so. Hobart took out the number one spot, with an average rating of 4.29 / 5. More than half of reviewers rated their cafe five stars! It also sported the most coffee shops per capita, which is good news for anyone with a particularly urgent need for a caffeine fix.
Melbourne's coffee culture is all about paying homage to the classic bean while innovating new coffee styles from pour-over and siphon to cold-drip coffee. From veteran roasters to pioneering upstarts, Melbourne's iconic coffee culture is paving the way for the rest of the world.
"Generally, the roasts used by Australian venues are much smoother, lighter and more caramel than a lot of US coffee which is a much darker roast and more bitter. "There has been, especially in the past five years, a much greater appreciation for quality espresso coffee.
Australian coffee is espresso-style, in contrast with the drip-style filter coffee typically consumed in the US. While Americans love the sugary extravagant coffee beverages such as Frappés or Macchiatos, Aussies keep it simple and prefer coffees such as long black or flat white.