If you’re like Tess and I, coffee is a daily ritual and often a highlight. We are both self-confessed coffee addicts, me slightly more. When we first met in 2016, Tess wasn’t a coffee fan (this should have been a red flag), however a 2019 trip to Portugal helped me introduce her to the best drink around.
When not travelling, we live in Melbourne, and have regularly sampled coffee all around the city and surrounding suburbs. Overall, we are spoilt in Melbourne, with it being harder to get a poor coffee than a good one, especially around the city and city fringes. However, if you’re looking for a guaranteed top shelf brew to start the day or pair with your brunch, these are a few of our favourites.
COMMONFOLK – MORNINGTON
Those that follow my personal channel (@kywynne) will know that when I get the chance to head down to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Commonfolk is a must visit. Firstly, the coffee itself is top shelf. The legends at Commonfolk roast their own beans, and it shows, with a sensational cup. Additionally, Commonfolk donate $0.20 from every cup to an initiative in Uganda where they are building a coffee industry to assist the local economy. A good cup and a feel good story? I’m sold! Finally, the Commonfolk aesthetic, with a revamped warehouse and outdoor area, is the perfect space for coffee catch up, a coffee and work/study session, or a family brunch.
Pro Tip: Go early if on the weekend as it can get busy. Also, check the opening hours as they can close on some public holidays.
Address: 16 Progress St, Mornington, VIC 3931
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonfolkcoffee/
SEVEN SEEDS – CARLTON
Seven Seeds gives us university study memories, as both Tess and I are University of Melbourne alumni. Situated inner north of the Melbourne city fringe, Seven Seeds delivers consistently high quality coffee again and again. They roast their own beans and sell to other cafes around Melbourne, which is typically a good sign. The aesthetic of renovated warehouse, hanging plants and bikes on the wall is also good for your coffee drinking experience.
Pro Tip: Parking can be hard to find around this area. It’s situated close to Queen Victoria Market, and nearby tram routes on Elizabeth street, which may be easier options. It will also be located very close to the future Parkville city loop train station (due for completion 2025).
Address: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7seedscoffee
BROTHER BABA BUDAN – MELBOURNE
Looking for an excellent brew in the city centre? Look no further than Brother Baba Budan! They use the roasted beans from Seven Seeds (see above) so you know it’ll be a good drop. While waiting for your drop take a look up, with the roof having an artistic display of chairs that could hold a place on your Instagram story.
Pro Tip: This café is tiny, and is perfect for takeaway, but not for sitting in. Grab a coffee and explore the city.
Address: 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherbababudan/
PARK LANE – SOUTH MELBOURNE
I’m a sucker for a coffee shop down an alleyway, and Park Lane provides this! Order through the hole in the wall for take away, or sit in and relax. The coffee is great, and it is situated very close to Albert Park Lake, one of Melbourne’s more photogenic parks, so take-away and a walk is a great option.
Pro Tip: Going in Autumn? Grab a takeaway, walk 50m down the alleyway, and view the gorgeous wall of autumn leaves. It makes an very aesthetic shot for the gram!
Address: 387 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parklanecoffee/
Please note: these are not sponsored posts. These represent Tess and I’s favourite coffee shops and are by no means an exhaustive list.
