Melbourne’s daily newspaper, the Herald Sun, reported recently that Melbourne was voted to have the best coffee in the world. This is a pretty tall feat, considering my hometown’s esteemed baristas were up against the likes of Rome and Vienna in the competition stakes.
The survey was conducted by travel website booking.com; a survey of 1,000 of the site’s users across the globe voted Melbourne as the best place for scoring a cup of the popular brew.
I knew we had a great coffee scene, so it was humbling to read about these results and feel proud that I don’t have to travel far for a great coffee. So, in celebration of these results, here’s a round-up of my favourite spots around town where I like to buy one.
Padre Coffee – South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry Street South Melbourne
After a morning of buying fresh fruit and vegetables, head into the beating heart of one of Melbourne’s popular markets to arrive at Padre Coffee. Padre Coffee are purveyors of all things coffee and they source their prized beans from local coffee roaster The Brunswick East Project. Request a caffè latte that’s made with one of Padre Coffee’s daily signature blends and sit back as you watch daily market life wander by.
Earthly Pleasures – 1627 Burwood Highway Belgrave
I love a lazy drive up into The Dandenongs in Melbourne’s outer east and one of my favourite places for a spot of brunch is Earthly Pleasures. Built in 1931, this cosy heritage listed building was one of the area’s first doctor’s surgeries and later a school. Now, the local brunch set enjoy their morning meals by an open fire in the winter or out in the sunny courtyard during the warmer months. Any coffee order must be accompanied by a serve of toasted banana and cranberry bread on the side, complete with its own pot of maple syrup.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – 66 Bourke Street Melbourne
While it’s been a while since I’ve visited (pre-vegan days – I must warn you!), I can still rely on this old faithful to be there when I need them. Pellegrini’s has been here since the early 1950’s and hasn’t changed much aesthetically since its arrival on Melbourne’s traditionally tea-drinking circuit. Pellegrini’s was one of Melbourne’s first establishments to serve coffee and the city hasn’t looked back since. My tip is to order an espresso, sit at the bar and soak in this historic, Italian-style espresso bar in action.
The Bear Café – 439 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
The Bear Café is a non-descript hole in the wall for all-day vegan breakfasts and resides on one of Melbourne’s trendiest inner city streets – Brunswick Street. Their façade boasts that they serve “the best coffee in the universe”. While this is quite a substantial claim to make, the coffee here is amazing and worthy of a try. If you’re in for a short visit, partner your cappuccino with a cupcake or other sweat treat on offer, or stay a little longer and order a breakfast meal to power you through your day.
Have you enjoyed a great coffee in Melbourne while on your travels? Tell me about where you like to sip your brew. Or, do you have a favourite way to enjoy your coffee? I’d love to hear about your coffee tips!
