Ask any Australian which is the best café in Melbourne and most of them will direct you to Proud Mary.

The Collingwood café has achieved a lot over the past seven years; it was ranked as Melbourne’s Best Café in 2012 by The Age Good Food Guide and most recently, it was ranked as Australia’s second best cafe by review site Beanhunter.

Proud Mary is more than just a coffee shop. The household name has evolved tremendously and today, it is also a coffee educator, a coffee retailer and a coffee roaster. Founder Nolan Hirte makes it a point to visit the coffee producers annually to maintain a sustainable working relationship.

Proud Mary is packed daily as eager patrons flock to the backstreets of Collingwood to get their brunch and caffeine fix. The queue is notorious and if you cannot wait, do call to make a reservation. However, do note that bookings are accepted only on weekdays.

Start your day with a Flat White (A$3.80) or a Nitrogen Infused Cold Brew (A$6). The beans used to prepare your coffee are on a rotational basis—simply refer to the current coffee showcase menu to understand where your coffee comes from.

The speciality coffee café also takes its food very seriously. Ingredients are primarily local and vegan options are available. Treat yourselves to Pork On Ya Fork (A$21.50) or Butterscotch Hotcakes (A$18.50).

Should you be interested to learn the ropes from Proud Mary’s baristas, you could register your interest for coffee classes too. Courses range from a two-hour An Introduction To Grading Green Bean Coffee class to a two-day Barista Boot Camp.

Proud Mary
172 Oxford St
Collingwood VIC 3066
Tel: +61 3 9417 5930
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Hodgson St/Smith St

The world’s most liveable city is also home to Australia’s best cafes and coffee shops. While Melbourne’s city centre is already home to a sheer number of cafes and coffee shops, the inner suburbs such as South Melbourne and Fitzroy have a lot waiting to be discovered.

From Seven Seeds Specialty Coffee to South of Johnston, here is an alternative guide to our 25 Favourite Cafes in Melbourne’s Suburbs.

A whole new world awaits when you are ready to venture out of the CBD grid system. Please share with us your favourite cafe haunts too!

ADDICT FOOD & COFFEE

This minimalistic space in Fitzroy is one that is both photogenic and cosy. It has a menu of all-day breakfast items and healthy grubs for clean eating – which is precisely what we love about Addict Food And Coffee. Try the chia puddings while you are at it!

The coffee here is serious business too. There are Axil Coffee Roasters blends for the milkier coffees, and roasts from Sir Charles for the black coffee lovers. Filter coffee options are available too.

240 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9415 6420
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Johnston Street – Stop 19

AUCTION ROOMS

Located in North Melbourne, the beautiful Auction Rooms is a popular brunch spot serving all-day breakfast from 7am onwards. Coffee beans are supplied by Small Batch Roasting Company, which is also owned by the same owner who owns Auction Room.

We particularly enjoyed their bestseller Brûlée French Toast (A$16) served with passionfruit labné, poached mandarin, macadamia crumble and white chocolate ganache. Those who prefer something savoury can consider ordering their signature Pressed Pork Shoulder (A$18) served with white bean puree, morcilla, pickled carrots and sweet potato.

103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9326 7749
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Errol St/Queensberry St

BREAKFAST THIEVES

Who would have thought that a seemingly simple focus on fresh local goodness could be the recipe for a cafe’s success? A meal at Breakfast Thieves is easily one of Melbourne’s best and residents of Fitzroy could vouch for that.

The scrumptious menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, think gluten-free Spicy Baked Eggs (A$19), vegetarian Spanish Croquettes (A$19) and whatnot. Aussie flat whites (A$4) are lovingly prepared with Haymaker’s Blend from Rumble Coffee Roasters.

Shop 1, 420 Gore St, Fitzroy
Tel: + 61 3 9416 4884
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Keele St

CRABAPPLE KITCHEN

Crabapple Kitchen serves hearty breakfast items throughout the day and its comprehensive menu is largely influenced by the Mediterranean. Visitors can expect an ever-changing seasonal menu that reflects the culinary team’s vast travels.

Do not miss out on their signature Crab Apple Sliders (A$8 for one, A$15 for two)! The palm-size baby brioche milk buns are stuffed with breakfast radish, Kewpie mayonnaise, mustard cress and delicious spanner crab. Absolutely divine!

659 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn VIC 3122,
Tel: +61 3 9078 5492
Daily: 7am – 5pm
Nearest Train Station: Glenferrie

CHEZ DRÉ + BIBELOT

Tucked away in an alleyway near South Melbourne Market, Chez Dré has made quite a name for itself with its delectable variety of French-inspired sweet and savoury all-day breakfast items. It has recently split the warehouse cafe and adjoining patisserie, Bibelot, into two separate brands.

Bibelot has evolved into a multifunction venue where it is essentially a chocolate shop, espresso bar, gelateria, high tea salon and patisserie. We recommend visitors to have breakfast at Chez Dre before heading next door to Bibelot for coffee and desserts.

285-287 Coventry St, South Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9690 2688
Daily: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Tram Station: York St/Clarendon St

DEAD MAN ESPRESSO

Using only the best blends from Market Lane, Sensory Labs and St Ali etc, coffee snobs can be rest assured that their cuppa will be nothing but heavenly.

Their seasonal menu features a delightful selection of gluten-free and vegan options. Our favourite dishes include the Deadman Chicken Burger (A$18.50), which contains buttermilk fried chicken with homemade pickles, vegemite mayonnaise and coleslaw.

Oh and no worries, you certainly won’t find any dead man at Dead Man Espresso.

35 Market St, South Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9696 3912
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: York St/Clarendon St

GRUB FOOD VAN

People sick of cutting-edge cities’ lifestyles would find Grub Food Van’s peculiar nonchalance for the outside world extremely heartwarming. Think food served through a retro 1965 airstream van and bizarre exhibition of bodiless dolls.

Grub Food Van is after all located in Melbourne’s bohemian district and we dare say that its interiors and decors truly reflect its eclectic neighbourhood. Food and beverages are relatively affordable, where pastries start from A$5.50 and beers start from A$6.

87-89 Moor Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: +61 3 9419 8991
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Bell Street

INDUSTRY BEANS

Coffee connoisseurs must pay speciality coffee shop Industry Beans a special visit. From single-origin espressos to cold brews, you can indulge in a delightful mix of caffeinated beverages.

Complement your drinks with their hearty selection of brunch items such as Coconut Crusted Brioche (A$20) and Cured Salmon (A$22).

3/62 Rose St
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: +61 3 9417 1034
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Leicester Street – Stop 17

KITTY BURNS

Located just along the Yarra riverside walk, Kitty Burn’s ambience is impossibly relaxed and it is one of the most Instagrammed cafes in Melbourne in recent times.

Greenery, geometry and minimalism are the cafe interiors’ key characteristics; it was the gorgeous design that lured us in. Think pastel hues and high ceilings – how do you resist a place like that?

24 Acacia Place
Abbotsford VIC 3067
Tel: (03) 9427 0164
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Tram: River Bvd/Victoria St

MART130 CAFE

On closer look, one would notice that Mart 130 Café is actually named after the word ‘tram’ – except that it is spelt backwards. Indeed, Mart 130 Café is housed within a refurbished stationmaster building and located directly beside an operating tram stop in Middle Park.

The brilliant concept is one-of-a-kind and provides diners with a memorable experience. The only tram stop going through the café is tram number 96 and visitors can easily board the tram from Bourke Street Mall (the direction that is headed towards St Kilda Beach).

107A Canterbury Road
Middle Park VIC 3206
Tel: +61 3 9690 8831
Daily: 7.30am – 3pm
Nearest Tram Station: Middle Park

OSCAR COOPER

Located just a stone’s throw away from Prahran train station, pooch-friendly Oscar Cooper is the go-to place for Melbourne’ best jaffles. But we say, go for the entire dining experience.

Nocturnal creatures rejoice! Oscar Cooper serves awesome breakfast items till 3.30pm, which means you can savour their Breakfast Burrito (A$16) and vegan Twice-Cooked French Toast (A$17) even when its way past brekkie.

The fine cafe prepares superb coffees with Small Batch’s high-quality beans and if you would like an extra kick, try their Espresso Martini (A$10).

160 Greville Street
Prahran VIC 3181
Tel: +61 3 9529 5670
Mon to Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Train Station: Prahran

PEPPER CAFE

Pepper Café is an unpretentious rustic-looking café located in the quiet residential area of New Market. We have dined at this quaint spot countless of times for we love how affordably priced and delicious everything is here.

While Pepper Cafe remains relatively unknown amongst many, the neighbourhood establishment has actually been serving the locals for over a decade. All-day breakfast items are the popular ones here.

44 Pin Oak Crescent
Flemington VIC 3031
Tel: +61 3 9372 2726
Mon to Wed: 7am – 4am
Thu and Fri: 7am – 10pm
Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Train Station: Newmarket

PROUD MARY

Proud Mary has every right to be proud of what they have achieved. They are the rightful owners of the world’s one and only six group Synesso espresso machine and has been unanimously hailed as Melbourne’s Best Café by reputable press and foodies from all over the world.

From all-day breakfast, artisanal cakes to award-winning coffee, there is surely something for everyone at Proud Mary. However, do expect the café to be packed even on a weekday as crowds flock there to get their caffeine and brunch fix.

172 Oxford Street
Collingwood
Tel: +61 03 9417 5930
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Hodgson St/Smith St

RUDIMENTARY

Neighbourhood cafe Rudimentary offers a unique dining experience unlike any other. The premises feature sleek shipping containers – characterised by shades of black and brown – surrounded by brick tiles and Astro Turf. These containers are mobile; Rudimentary can pack up and relocate anytime.

The menu is affordable, simple and healthy. Gluten-free options are available too upon request.

16/20 Leeds St
Footscray VIC 3011
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 3.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 3.30pm
Tel: +61 497 058 173
Nearest Tram Station: Nicholson Street – Stop 62

SEVEN SEEDS SPECIALTY COFFEE

Seven Seeds Speciality Coffee has firmly established itself as one of the most respectable cafes in Melbourne. Discerning diners visit the industrial-chic cafe for two reasons: Premium coffees and exceptional brunch.

Coffee is serious business here. The passionate folks at Seven Seeds roast their own coffee daily, serve them freshly right at the cafe and also export their flavourful blends to other Melburnian cafes.

106-114 Berkeley St
Carlton
Tel: +61 3 9347 8664
Mon to Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Queensberry St/Swanston St

SIR CHARLES

Sir Charles is undisputedly one of the best cafes in Melbourne. The huge space is modern and minimalistic with touches of white and plants hanging around sporadically. A roastery sits within the compound too, and you bet these guys are true coffee connoisseurs.

On its menu, the Eton Mess Waffles (A$17) is what everyone goes for. Essentially Belgian waffle topped with colourful meringue kisses, marshmallow, jelly tip ice cream and fresh berries, this is one stunning dish to love.

And we have to say the Special K (A$18) – corn fritters with poached eggs, kale, avocado and tahiti yogurt – is one of the best we’ve tried.

121 Johnston St
Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9415 7077
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Johnston St / Brunswick St

SMALL VICTORIES

One of our favourite breakfast places is Small Victories, though they have menus for lunch as well. This is such a popular spot in North Carlton, and it is perpetually packed in the mornings. You will learn why after you’ve sipped their aromatic coffee. They are smooth with a nutty aftertaste.

On the menu, breakfast is a lot about eggs. Poached Eggs on Toast variations are aplenty, and you can add on sides such as our favourite avocado with miso and sesame dressing.

617 Rathdowne St
North Carlton VIC 3054, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9347 4064
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm

ST ALI COFFEE ROASTERS

St Ali Coffee Roasters’ Head Barista Matt Perger was ranked first in the 2014 World Coffee & Good Spirits Championship. That fact alone has attracted countless of press visits and coffee snobs who want to sample one of the world’s best coffees.

And we dare say that St Ali Coffee Roasters has indeed lived up to its hype!

Coffee aside, the bustling cafe does an equally fantastic job in the kitchen too. This is surely one of the best cafes in Melbourne!

12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9686 2990
Daily: 7am – 6pm
Nearest Tram Station: York St/Clarendon St

SOUTH OF JOHNSTON

South of Johnston aka SoJo was previously an old factory that was resurrected to life after undergoing a renovation made possible by owner Stuart McKenzie and Carver Design. The transformation is almost magical and dog-friendly SoJo is now a frequent haunt amongst Fitzroy residents for both dine-in and takeout coffees.

We highly recommend the Zucchini and Corn Fritters (A$18.90) that is served with homemade kassoundi, guacamole, sour cream, poached eggs and either smoked salmon or grilled bacon

46 Oxford Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
Tel: +61 3 9417 2741
Daily: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Peel Street/Smith Street

THE FARM CAFE

As its name suggests, The Farm Café is located within a farm’s vicinity. While admission to The Farm Café is completely free, entrance fees to the farm (A$5 per child, A$10 per adult and A$20 per family) will be collected, where you can get up close and personal with domestic farm animals.

Everything served at The Farm Café is amazingly fresh and those with dietary restrictions will be pleased with the menu’s gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Their fluffy scones served with jam and cream were one of the best we ever had!

18 St Heliers Street
Abbotsford VIC 3067
Tel: +61 3 9415 6581
Daily: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Train Station: Victoria Park

THE KETTLE BLACK

Quite possibly the hottest and most crowded cafe in Melbourne, The Kettle Black has garnered an insane following. Get there early, or be prepared to wait in the perpetual long line.

Assuming you managed to secure a seat, we suggest you fill your tummies up with either the Benedict Style Eggs with Braised Pork Shoulder (A$17) or Tataki Ocean Trout with Raw Kale Salad (A$20).

50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9088 0721
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Domain Interchange/St Kilda Rd

THE WOOD FROG BAKERY

The Wood Frog Bakery might be an unassuming St Kilda café, but boy, they are famous for their baked loaves. From healthy honey oat, 23-hour aged baguette to pumpkin sourdough, the seemingly endless variety of bread is truly impressive.

Customers from all walks of life make up the steady stream of customers and they are all queuing up patiently to get their hands on artisanal goodness. We know the selection is tough, but if you have only space for one item then it has to be their freshly baked Almond Croissant (A$5); it was love at first bite for us.

108 Barkly Street
St Kilda VIC 3182
Tel: +61 3 9077 5440
Daily: 7am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Inkerman St/St Kilda Road

THREE BAGS FULL

Opened daily, Three Bags Full is a 130-seater cafe that has won the hearts of its nearby residents and even those that live far out. Word of the family-friendly cafe’s hearty brunch food got out almost immediately since it first opened and the rest is history.

The food menu consists of mainly sandwiches and salads. A 200g Wagyu Cheese Burger (A$19) with cheddar cheese, tomato relish and roasted wedges is a great choice to kickstart your day. For something lighter, go for the Zucchini and Ricotta Fritters (A$18).

Nicholson Street & Mollison Street
Abbotsford
Tel: +61 3 9421 2732
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Lennox St

TOP PADDOCK CAFE

Brought to you by the same people behind The Kettle Black, Top Paddock is the cafe to be at and to be seen. The A-Team is now roasting their own green coffees (A$4 each) via Square One Coffee Roasters and serving the finest teas from Larsen & Thompson.

Every dish is not only executed with masterly finesse but also presented in the most aesthetically pleasing manner. Order their free range pork belly (A$19.50) with poached eggs and torn-fried bread or the Blueberry & Ricotta hotcakes (A$19.50) with berries, organic maple, seeds and double cream.

658 Church St
Richmond VIC 3121
Tel: +61 3 9429 4332
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Alexandra Av/Church St

TWO BIRDS ONE STONE

The 80-seater South Yarra cafe Two Birds One Stone is a lovely pit stop before you proceed with your retail therapy marathon at the nearby Chapel Street.

The cafe serves an impressive selection of breakfast and lunch dishes throughout the day. Highlights include Oven Baked Queensland Spanner Crab Omelette (A$19.50) and Black Angus Steak Sandwich (A$19.50). For something lighter, get the nourishing House Made Bircher (A$12.50) with apple, coconut crunch and dried cranberries.

12 Claremont St
South Yarra
Tel: +61 3 9827 1228
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: South Yarra Station

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.