Melbourne’s Café Culture You Simply Must Try

For the Melburnians, coffee is not merely a beverage, but a cherished ritual steeped in history. The city’s coffee culture has roots that extend back to the late 19th century, when the Coffee Palace emerged as a social haven devoid of alcohol. Following World War II, an influx of Italian immigrants infused the city with their love for espresso, transforming Melbourne into one of the world’s premier coffee capitals. It is a pilgrimage for any coffee aficionado and café enthusiast.

Melbourne’s meticulously planned rectangular grid reveals approximately 200 narrow laneways, each brimming with cafés. With around 1,000 coffee venues nestled within this urban landscape, the city boasts the highest coffee-to-space density globally. However, it is not just the quantity that captivates; the diversity and quality of offerings are exceptional. From the beloved “flat white” to artisanal drip and cold brew, the coffee scene is a testament to a commitment to high-quality, fair-trade beans, making the city as renowned for its roasters as for its cafés.

Curator’s Recommendations

• Degraves Street

A bustling laneway alive with cafés, restaurants, and patisseries. Notably, Fieldwork Coffee (Location: 7a Degraves Street) offers a charming atmosphere with its Parisian-style outdoor seating and serves as a micro roastery dedicated to modern Australian coffee culture.

• Little Rogue (Location: 12 Drewery Lane)

A quaint establishment in the CBD, this café offers meticulously roasted coffee from Shamble Coffee Roasters, along with expertly imported blends and single-origin coffees from Manhattan Coffee Roasters in the Netherlands, complemented by a matcha latte that rivals the excellence of its coffee offerings. Do not miss the adjacent Bakemono Bakers, where delectable pastries await to complement your drink.

• Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters (Location: 114 Berkeley Street, Carlton)

As a pioneer of Melbourne’s coffee scene, Seven Seeds maintains its status through unwavering quality. Their signature Golden Gate espresso blend is a must-try, and the brunch menu features inventive dishes, such as eggs benedict served on waffles instead of English muffins.

• Niccolo Coffee (Location: 57-59 Stephenson Street, Cremorne)

Experience coffee at its source with a selection of blends and single-origin offerings straight from the roastery.

As you plan your Melbourne adventure, ensure you uncover the hidden cafés tucked away in the backstreets. Here, you will not only discover your new favorite brew but also gain insight into the quintessential Melbourne lifestyle, where coffee and café culture are integral to daily life.

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