The Science behind Melbourne’s Best Coffee
Portugal, Brazil and Cuba are some of the best known coffee capitals of the world. Some of their cities have even claimed UNESCO World Heritage status for coffee and others simply proud of their coffee culture that they’ve easily made their own. Coffee drinkers are a community unto themselves. You have your milk loving latte drinkers going bonkers for American style to-go coffee cups where pumpkin spice, peppermint and whipped cream fill the menu - everybody knows Starbucks. However, if you consider yourself a tad bit more refined and after an artisanal coffee experience, Melbourne is your jam for a next-level cup of Joe. Melbourne has some of the most creative and accomplished baristas and roasters in the world! But what makes a good cup of coffee? Lucky for you WKNDTRP has reviewed and come up with 4 must-visit coffee places to check out when you’re in the city. We’re rating each venue by the quality/ variety of the menu, and the barista service/ café atmosphere.
Industry Beans - GET RIGHT TO BUSINESS | Coffee 3.5/5 | Ambience 4/5
The most popular coffeeshop in Melbourne is none other than Industry Beans. They do all kinds of specialty coffee - has some of the best single origin coffee - and also do a mean brunch menu so definitely a must on the weekend itinerary. The first opened back in 2013 in Fitzroy but they’ve since moved to Little Collins Street and it’s honestly such a chill location. Step inside the shop and you’ll find a real lab operation going on here. They’ve gone for a clean crisp brilliant white décor which is perfect. You can watch as the most skilled baristas brew and roast delicious coffee drinks for customers; it’s no joke that the coffee here is superb. Smooth, creamy and not too watery, don’t go back to the hotel without tasting their flat white. It really hits the spot
St. Ali Roasters - IF COFFEE WAS A CELEBRITY | Coffee 4.5/5 | Ambience 3/5
OG of Melbourne coffee. The owner Salvatore Malatesta has introduced more coffeeshops all under this same St. Ali brand in Melbourne including Clement, Auction Rooms and Sensory Labs. From the time you walk into St. Ali’s, you get this warm homely feeling that you’re going to experience something amazing. The roasting of the beans actually all happens on-site so that’s an added bonus on the experience factor. We tried their ‘Coffee Adventure’ which is a serving of six varieties of coffee - starting off the coffee tasting right! What really stood out for us was the simplest one yet - the espresso-based black coffee which uses a home-made organic blend. Everyone in our party seemed to appreciate the fruity tones and also the perfect temperature. There was also the option of hot and cold filter.
Sensory Labs - MEET ME SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE | Coffee 4/5 | Ambience 3.5/5
I know what you’re thinking. Does Sensory Labs belong on this list but here me out. Let’s backtrack for a second. We know that it’s the same brands that brought you St. Ali Roasters. This simple coffeeshop reminds you of a juice bar with a couple of espresso machines but you’ll be surprised. Coming to Melbourne, many don’t leave without a trip to Sensory Labs for their first visit. The coffee here is always consistent and the atmosphere here is really relaxing inside David Jones shopping center. They have a lounge inside and an airy setup with coffee tables outside. Their creamy flat white has got the compliment of “ cup of liquid gold” by more than a handful of coffee bloggers around the world.
Dukes - THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE COFFEE | Coffee 4.5/5 | Ambience 3/5
The coffee aficionados love Dukes the best. If you really want the good stuff, here’s where you go. But there’s only one catch - you won’t be the only one dying for a cuppa - Dukes is almost always packed with people. So what do you do? Grab yourself a plastic to-go cup, find a stool or crate and just enjoy outside. We got a great tip from Youtuber Nicolas Jorquera. It’s important to know exactly what you’re going to order when you get in line at Dukes - don’t be wasting the barista’s time. Flat white, one sugar? You’re good to go!
Hope this helps when you arrive in Melbourne this year. We got a little something more for you. There’s a couple shortened phrases the Aussies use when ordering different coffees.
Cap = Cappuccino
Mocha - Mochaccino
Skinny Cap - Cappuccino with skim milk
We got all these coffeeshops in the WKNDTRP app by the way. Why don’t you check out Melbourne and while you’re at it, download the app to see our complete Melbourne city guide?
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