Melbourne has long been known as the coffee capital of the world, where a flat white isn’t just a drink but a daily habit. Inspired by Melbourne’s Italian espresso roots, the city has turned the flat white into something special. Baristas across the city will tell you the secret is in the smooth milk and strong espresso. Flat whites started in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s and are known for being strong yet smooth. In Australia, people often call them a "flatty." The drink is popular thanks to the country’s love for good coffee and its strong local café culture, especially in places like Sydney and Melbourne. It’s no surprise Australia is often said to make the best flat whites in the world. On any morning, you’ll see locals lining up outside small cafés or market stalls for their favourite cup. Now, as coffee lovers everywhere look to Melbourne, we’re sharing the spots where the flat white really stands out. These are the cafés people actually talk about, both in person and online. Time to find your favourite.
Tucked inside South Melbourne Market, Clement is a small café with a big reputation. Their flat whites are rich and smooth, with creamy milk and fine microfoam that make each sip feel just right. The baristas put real care into every cup. It’s the kind of spot where you stop for a quick market coffee and end up staying for the smell of freshly baked pastries.
Just off Chapel Street, this welcoming café focuses on single-origin beans and carefully roasted blends. Their signature flat white is smooth with warm aromatics and a velvety mouthfeel. The barista team brings both energy and expertise, making every visit feel special, even on an ordinary weekday. It's a spot that lives up to its name: the coffee will genuinely lift your mood.
This small Japanese-inspired café in Collingwood combines aesthetic calm with serious coffee chops. Their flat white comes under a perfectly balanced crema and microfoam layer, thanks to carefully sourced beans. Fans come back for its soft, subtly sweet bean-forward flavors and minimal interior.
Tucked into a lane off Little Collins Street, Bench nails the flat white with a Bauhaus-inspired feel. It's thoughtfully designed, with a custom espresso machine and clean interiors. The coffee hits that perfect sweet espresso tone without overpowering the palate. The place looks sharp, but it’s the warm, knowledgeable staff and sharp roast that will have you returning.
Maker is a treasure for anyone who likes to watch the espresso magic happening live. Flat whites here are immaculate with rich, velvety steamed milk and a refined crema. Sit at the bar and soak it in while the baristas work their craft. It's approachable but refined, suited for anyone who appreciates detail in both taste and presentation.
Hidden in a laneway, Small Batch offers flat whites that are fundamentally honest and reliably good. Their pastries and apple pie get mentioned for a reason—the coffee complements them perfectly with bright notes and a smooth finish. Outdoor seating fries up a sweet laneway scene. It’s indulgent yet not over the top, a crisp but comforting coffee vibe.