Best Cafés in Melbourne

Well worth the easy train or tram journey to Moonee Ponds, this place always seems to have a surprise up its sleeve. The weekly specials are some of the tastiest and most inventive around, as are the changing drinks offers. A personal favorite was the Triple Chocolate Lamington hot chocolate - as amazing as it sounds - but if that's not what you fancy, there's a new hot chocolate special every week in winter! Their Instagram page, darlingstespresso, will keep you well informed of the weekly offerings.

Au79's mission is to be 'the Gold Standard' in everything they do, with an onsite roastery, patisserie, bakery, chocolatier and huge function space making this no easy feat. Able to accommodate over 200 guests, you can bring the whole crew here to get a feed. They really have thought of everything and it is all beautifully housed in a venue that looks like it came straight out of a modern day fairytale and popped up in the trendy streets of Abbotsford.

The name says it all at Industry Beans, a Fitzroy favorite that takes its coffee seriously, providing a separate menu just for the sacred beans. They concoct coffee blends for each season, keeping you awake all year round, and even have a new selection of single origin coffees on offer every fortnight. Started back in 2010 by two brothers who began roasting their own beans in their garage, this place has come a very long way and is now an industry leader in Melbourne's internationally renowned coffee scene.   

If you’re looking for something a little further out of the hustle and bustle of the city center, The Premises is your best bet.  Located in Kensington, a friendly, family suburb, this café has recently become a popular hide for midweek brunch.  They offer a limited but quirky brunch menu and a selection of homemade cakes, including plenty of gluten free and vegan options. The smoothie bowl comes highly recommended, perfect to restore all those nutrients after a busy weekend.

If you’re not one for fancy brunches and just fancy a good feed to wane off that hangover, The Hardware Societe should be your go-to.  The food is big, greasy and filling. Think breakfast burgers, eggs benedict and the good old Full English Breakfast. Couple that with one of their soul-restoring coffees and you’ll be set for the day. We’d highly recommend taking advantage of their phone up and take away service - an absolute winner after a night out.

Got a potential employer to impress or a hot brunch date? Cumulus Inc is your place to go. A bit more upmarket than the other brunch haunts you’ll find in Melbourne, Cumulus offers an air of sophistication to a brunch, and at pretty good value. Their beechwood smoked bacon is drool-worthy, make sure it’s somewhere on your plate.

Fancy a bottomless brunch coupled with bottomless booze? Well, that’s exactly what the guys at Gingerboy offer you every Sunday. With a slight twist on the average Melbourne brunch, they serve up Asian style dishes alongside bottomless mimosas. Expect to be heading home for a tactical midday nap after this absolute feast. How much can you eat in two hours?

Additional reporting by Lily Jones.