Cafe
The brunch bunch: Melbourne’s top 30 cafes right now
In the countdown to The Age Good Food Guide 2025, we celebrate the cafes that provide perfect cremas and brunch every which way, always with a side of joy.
- by Dani Valent
Latest
Sydney’s cafe scene is the best and sunniest in the world. Here are our top 20
We eat at restaurants, but we live in cafes. They get us going in the morning, act as settings for catch-ups and consistently soothe and surprise us.
- by Bianca Hrovat and Jill Dupleix
Where’s good for lunch? 10 new-ish and nice (but not too pricey) CBD gems
From your mum to your boss to your long-lost bestie from out of town, we’ve got just the relaxed-yet-effortlessly-cool Melbourne lunch spot to take them to.
- by Quincy Malesovas
One of Melbourne’s favourite cafe groups shakes things up with daytime diner Ophelia
Unlike siblings Terror Twilight and Convoy, the menu at this cinema-adjacent cafe-wine bar in Westgarth will likely be different every time you visit.
- by Tomas Telegramma
Review
Melbourne
This Flinders Lane newcomer with flex is the all-day diner the CBD has been missing
For a food city, Melbourne could do better at all-day dining. Elio’s Place ticks many boxes.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Surry Hills
This fun Surry Hills cafe slings old-school sangers (and killer pythons) for all ages
Bite-sized Surry Hills cafe It’s Recess is bringing back tried-and-true sandwich fillings alongside Samboy chips, lolly snakes and excellent coffee.
- by Lenny Ann Low
Review
Marrickville
No avo toast? No bacon and egg rolls? This nostalgic inner west cafe proves it can be done
Don’t expect textbook brunch dishes at Superfreak in Marrickville. The menu is filled with nutrition-driven dishes that “are healthy, but not Bondi healthy”.
- by Lee Tran Lam
The reviewers’ guide to the best fine, fun and fuss-free dining spots along the metro
Explore new dining destinations within a10-minute walk of five metro line stations.
- by Bianca Hrovat, Erina Starkey, David Matthews and Callan Boys
Review
Burwood East
Is breakfast the new dinner? This rooftop cafe adds fine dining touches to brunches
Perched atop a suburban shopping centre, Rombe serves a daytime menu with dinner aesthetics and patisserie-style desserts.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Alexandria
A cafe so tranquil (and a fish burger so good), how can it be so close to chaotic WestConnex?
Menu stars at serene and clean-lined Alexandria cafe Ellen include a cracking fish burger and a brilliant emerald halloumi and pea salad.
- by Lenny Ann Low
Review
Port Melbourne
Stop by this sunny cafe for its Scandi-style coffee happy hour
Lilijana embraces the Swedish “fika” tradition of slowing down for coffee and a pastry, and for less than $10.
- by Dani Valent
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/cafe-lca