Coffee Crawl: Uncovering Melbourne’s Hidden Gems

by Emily Fujii Kyriakidou, The University of Melbourne, Australia.

Hey fellow caffeine lovers! If you’re on a quest for the perfect pastry to go with your latte or just a cozy corner to chill between classes, you’re in for a treat. Here’s my roundup of Melbourne’s comfy cafes that won’t break your bank.

1. Calle Bakery 🥐: First stop, Calle Bakery. It’s French, it’s cozy, and it’s not gonna make your wallet cry. Grab a seat outdoors and indulge in the thickest Paris-style hot chocolate. Dip their iconic croissants in, and voila, you’re basically in Paris. They’ve got these trendy croissant rolls filled with black sesame or pistachio, but I’m a sucker for the classic ham and cheese croissant.

2. Toris 🍰: Hidden in the heart of CBD, Toris is a sweet escape that stays open until 6 PM, a lifesaver for late afternoon cravings. Their cakes are a knockout; matcha Basque cheesecake, lychee shortcake, and banoffee. And oh, the signature garlic bread with a cup of tea? Game changer.

3. Overlay Coffee 🍪: The first thing that will catch your eye is their adorable latte art, however, it’s the taste that will have you coming back. Their hojicha lattes have a robust, earthy flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. Not to mention, the creamy texture of their signature peanut cream latte is akin to a warm, comforting hug in a mug. The sweetness is just right, making it a perfect accompaniment for a chilly Melbourne morning.

4. Market Lane Coffee☕: With a few spots around Melbourne, you’re never too far from a good flat white at Market Lane Coffee. Their coffee is smooth, no sour beans here. The almond croissant is a must-try, and their tote bag is a cute carry-all for your uni stuff.

5. Inis Coffee🌱: Lastly, but by no means least, is Inis Coffee. Situated conveniently near UniMelb, this Korean-style cafe exudes a minimalist charm that is both serene and aesthetically pleasing. The predominantly white decor makes the vibrant colors of their beverages and foods pop, ensuring your Instagram feed remains lit. Pair a matcha latte with a tiramisu cruffle, it’s a dream duo.

UniMelb Tip: If you’re at UniMelb, make your coffee breaks better by joining the Café Society. Free social events, coffee, snacks, and discounts at cafes around campus. Why not, right?

Let’s make those study breaks count with a good brew and a comfy seat. Here’s to discovering more spots that become our small escapes from the lecture halls. Happy café hopping!