.webp)
.webp)
.webp){kind=icon}
.webp)
.svg)
Market Lane Coffee - Carlton
Market Lane’s Carlton outpost offers a reliably polished coffee experience, just as you’d expect from one of Melbourne’s best-loved roasters. Their lattes, especially with oat milk, hit the mark every time, and while seating can be limited, the vibe is always pleasant. It’s the kind of place where everything is intentional, from the carefully sourced beans to the simple but sharp interior.
Coffee Geek Brewers
Coffee Geek Brewers is one of those rare places that hits all the right notes. The interiors are sleek, and the baristas know their stuff. Whether you're after a quick espresso or want to linger with a long black and banana bread, there’s a quiet comfort to this space. The locals come for the consistency, and the staff’s genuine charm doesn’t hurt either. Great for a solo coffee break or casual meet-up.
.svg)
Clement Coffee
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.
Head In The Cloud Coffee
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.
Calēre Coffee
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.
%20s.webp)
MAKER Lt Bourke
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.
Small Batch Roasting Co.
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.
Grind - Soho
Grind strikes the perfect mix of laid-back and lively. Drinks range from silky lattes to cocktails come evening, and pastries are fresh and tasty. Try the honey-lavender iced latte — surprisingly lush without being too sweet. The space is split-level, with cosy booths and more open areas downstairs. Staff are welcoming, and they actually care about your coffee.
Hideaway Coffee House - Soho
Hidden in an arcade, Hideaway offers quiet seating inside and outside if you want some sun. It feels like finding a secret studio. Coffee is strong and friendly, with matcha, iced mocha, or espresso on tap. There’s even a community board and wall with photos of regulars. Staff know the regulars, which says a lot for Soho’s usually fast pace.
Kiss the Hippo Coffee Soho
A cosy gem in a hectic area, Kiss the Hippo serves single-origin lattes that hit every note — smooth, rich, and clean. The baristas are welcoming, and the atmosphere is compact yet comfortable. It’s exactly the kind of place that makes you linger before heading back into Soho’s buzz. Great for coffee lovers who appreciate craft and care.
Simmos Coffee
A little corner tucked just outside the southern gates, Simmos is where East London meets cozy professionalism. Plenty of seating makes it a great place to land with a laptop or meet a friend. Their coffee game is strong—especially iced lattes—but it’s the homemade food that seals it. The service quietly stands out too: warm, helpful, and always ready with a suggestion.
WatchHouse Covent Garden
WatchHouse is in the heart of the action yet manages to feel relaxed. Their coffee is smooth, rich, and expertly brewed. They offer both pastries and savoury breakfast items. The modern interior is bright and comfortable, and there's room outside to take in the piazza atmosphere. Whether you're inside to think or outside to watch the crowds, WatchHouse gives a moment of clarity in a hectic place.
Kiss the Hippo Coffee Covent Garden
This café has a warm reputation for quality lattes and cappuccinos. The baristas remember your preferences, and the space is small but friendly. You can sit with a book or chat with a friend in a setting that feels personal, not rushed. This little stop is ideal for those moments when you need a reliable pick-me-up without losing your flow in the day.
% ARABICA London Covent Garden
Minimalism and quality merge in % ARABICA’s Covent Garden location. Their Kyoto latte is a standout, beautifully balanced and delicate. The café design offers a calm break from the crowds of market-goers and tourists. This is where quality matters more than production—it’s a quiet pause before heading back into the buzz.
Coffee Island
Greek influence meets English shopping in this local favorite. Their freddo cappuccino is refreshing, and the menu includes bagels, sandwiches, and yogurt with fruit and honey. It’s spacious enough to sit and take a break without feeling crowded. Ideal for pairing coffee with a light meal after walking through Drury Lane or visiting the Transport Museum.
Neal Street Espresso
A boutique spot on Neal Street with quality espresso and friendly service. They offer bagels, cakes, and porridge, making it a solid stop for a snack or a casual meeting. The art-adorned walls feel stylish rather than staged. It’s just off the main drag, making it easy to step inside for coffee before returning to browsing or heading to a performance.
Nkora Coffee – Marylebone
Nkora is sleek, modern, and straightforward: high ceilings, clean-lined seating, and fast, friendly service. Their flat white delivers a neat flavour punch, more refined than big chains and balanced enough not to overwhelm your palate. Light bites and pastries round out the offering, perfect if you want a little something to nibble while sitting back with your partner.
Back On Track Coffee
Back On Track is easygoing is exactly the kind of café you might stumble into during an afternoon wander. They make proper coffee (including smooth flat whites) and pair it with vegan almond croissants or hearty sandwiches. It’s the sort of place where staff remember your names by visit three, and you feel comfortable opening your laptop or sinking into a cushioned seat.
Nostos Coffee
Nostos is a few minutes from the Abbey, but once you’re inside it feels like a calm island. They take pour-over coffee seriously, guiding you through tasting notes and serving each cup at the right temperature. Pastries are flaky and fresh, and the atmosphere is just relaxed enough to let you sit with your laptop or take a rare quiet moment.
.webp)
Black Sheep Coffee (Victoria Station)
Black Sheep is close by and perfect for a pit stop as you transition from Westminster to Victoria. Their baristas are outgoing and upbeat, always ready with a friendly chat. They bring hot chocolate, iced chai, and good quality sandwiches into the mix. There’s a lively energy, but everything still works for a quick stop or a relaxed sit-down.
Formative Coffee
Formative is a hidden gem on a nearby side street. You can sample beans, choose from unique roasts, and grab a friendly chat with staff. They do a fun strawberry jam decaf espresso alongside baked goods like monkey bread. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere never feels rushed. Good coffee, good people, good chat, that’s what Formative brings to early mornings and calm breaks.
Iris & June
Iris & June comes from Kiwi owners with a knack for good ingredients and good humour. Sandwiches, flat whites, and iced drinks are their game, and they’ve got fast service and friendly small chat. There’s a quiet, work-friendly corner too, if you need to catch a meeting or catch up on emails. It’s easy to drop by and settle in—simple, good, honest, and warm.
Kiss the Hippo Coffee - Fitzrovia
A polished but welcoming space near Mortimer Street, Kiss the Hippo takes filter coffee seriously; they even serve a Japanese-style brew that highlights peach, melon, jasmine, and white rose notes. The staff offer knowledgeable recommendations and the bean selection is something to bring home.
Archetype Coffee
Tucked in a quiet corner, Archetype runs on cozy charm. There aren't many seats, but the mood is great, think of the proprietor greeting you warmly and the flat whites being clean and good. It’s easy to sink into a slow morning with a single espresso or hot chocolate (complete with extra marshmallows). Perfect for creative catch‑ups or a solo brain‑storm in a low‑pressure setting.
Kaffeine
A staple of Fitzrovia’s coffee scene, Kaffeine brings Australian polish to every drink. Using Square Mile beans, their espresso-driven menu pairs beautifully with brunch-level fare. Inside feels Scandinavian-influenced yet lived-in; benches outside suit people‑watchers and switchboard‑chats alike.
Black Sheep Coffee - Fitzrovia
Just off Charlotte Street, Black Sheep is something of a local powerhouse. It offers consistent barista-level espresso and a relaxed interior that blends cosy seating with work‑friendly tables. The matcha line is worth exploring, and the staff is sharp but unpretentious. For moments that require you to look productive without sacrificing warmth, this café ticks that box.
Omotesando Koffee
This Japanese‑styled minimalist café only seats twelve, but every detail matters, from the warm wood counters to the sleek service. They’re quietly known for cold brew and hot chocolate, and their focused approach makes every sip feel intentional. This is a space for micro‑breaks, thoughtful pauses, or simply a short escape from the street bustle.
The Penny Drop
Around the corner from Goodge Street, Penny Drop is compact and unassuming, with crafted drinks and a friendly barista crew. A flat white or custom juice feels like a treat, and latte art is crisp without show‑off style. It’s designed for quick chats or short stays—a local’s version of a tucked‑away studio café. If your goal is a clean drink and a mindful moment, this is it.
Camden Coffee Roastery
A warm and spacious stop, Camden Coffee Roastery is ideal for coffee with a side of conversation. With lots of seating and fresh croissants, eggs Benedict, smoothies, and turmeric lattes, it hits the spot after market browsing. Families and small groups pop in here to decompress over breakfast.
Guillam Coffee House – South Kensington
Guillam is a solid favourite among students and locals alike. Their iced Spanish latte is especially good, with a smooth blend and just the right amount of sweetness. The setting is calm and welcoming, making it ideal for laptops and light study. They’ve recently added pistachio cookies, which pair nicely with an espresso.
Urban Baristas
Urban Baristas offers outdoor seating and a varied menu, making it more than just a coffee stop. Think Turkish eggs, eggs Benedict, sandwiches and reliably good flat whites. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back without being too casual. It’s great for meeting classmates over brunch or getting through some study with a proper espresso in hand.
Hagen Espresso Bar (South Kensington)
Hagen is a cosy little place with a sunlit bar and an impressive coffee and tea selection. Vegan milk is on offer, and the teas are just as carefully curated as the coffee. The window seats are inviting, ideal for watching the world go by. Whether you’re after a quiet corner to study or just a quick pick-me-up, it’s a polished and comfortable option.
Veneziano Coffee Roasters Surry Hills
Veneziano roasts on site and pours both classic and experimental brews. The polished bench seating under soft lighting is ideal for reading or sketching. Pick up a fresh doughnut or pastry while you linger over a single-origin bean. Staff know their coffee inside out and are happy to chat, but never overstep. It’s one of those rare spaces that feels calm, supportive, and stylish at once.
%20(1).png)
Knock Specialty Coffee
Cosy without being cramped, Knock balances focused coffee with peaceful seating. Sip espresso or citrusy filter brew as afternoon sun filters through the windows. Clean wooden tables and minimal décor make it ideal for brainstorming or catching a few pages in a novel. They pair well with simple snacks or a bagel to sustain both mind and body.
%20(1).png)
Artificer Coffee
Artificer delivers a pared-back experience: no fuss, just coffee. A wide floor plan and minimal design give you room to breathe and think. Light filters through in midday, casting calm shadows across clean surfaces. If you want somewhere to recharge, write, or sit in silence for a little while, Artificer offers that still pause.
Padre Coffee Paddington
f you’re serious about your brew, head to Padre. This Melbourne-born roastery has brought its specialty coffee to a clean, minimalist corner of Glenmore Road, and it’s a haven for bean lovers. Inside, you’ll find a long bar setup, taps for filter and cold brew, and a retail wall of beans and gear. The fit-out is light and modern, and it draws a mix of casual brunchers and the coffee-obsessed.
Wolf Café - Paddington
Wolf Café sits slightly off the main drag, and that’s part of its charm. With its cosy courtyard-style seating and quieter location, it feels like a European backstreet café, just with better coffee. The empanadas and sandwiches are a highlight here, but it’s the relaxed atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Little Bishop Espresso Bar
This compact café packs character: strong lattes, toasted ham-and-cheese rolls, and warm welcomes from the barista at the counter. It’s the kind of place you walk into on your way to a weekend meeting or art browse—grab a coffee, tuck in somewhere snug, and slip into your morning routine.
Barefoot Coffee Traders
Barefoot keeps it simple: really good coffee and some of the best waffles around. This small café leans into the casual Manly vibe with its surfboard decor and tiny outdoor setup. It’s the kind of place you stop by in your boardies for a post-swim espresso, or sit out front to catch the morning sun with a flat white and a sweet bite.
Calibrate Coffee - Manly
Hidden away on Whistler Street, Calibrate offers expertly made coffee in a cozy, welcoming space. The food is simple and satisfying, including dishes like crispy chili eggs, fresh sourdough, and standout cookies. It’s small but full of heart, with locals stopping in for their daily brew and staying for the easygoing atmosphere.
Showbox Coffee
Showbox has become a go-to for its rotating single-origin brews, hearty breakfast plates, and buzzing, slightly edgy feel. The space is compact but always full of energy, with locals grabbing their daily caffeine fix or digging into dishes like lamb hash or baked eggs. If you like your coffee strong and your breakfast interesting, this one’s for you.
.png)
Public Coffee - North Sydney
Public Coffee blends accessible design and strong flavours in the heart of the business district. Its spacious interior with step-free entry welcomes office workers and commuters alike. Stand-outs include their rich flat white with caramel and chocolate notes and a simple yet well-priced pasta dish for when you need something more than just caffeine.
Leible Coffee - North Sydney
Located just off York Street near office blocks, Leible Coffee blends speed and quality for the business crowd. The baristas maintain consistency in espresso and filter blends and back it up with tasty food options such as ham‑and‑cheese bagels or sweet scones. The environment is open and welcoming, with communal standing space and relaxed seating.
Single O Surry Hills
Single O is a laid‑back café known for its top‑notch coffee and creative brunch plates like corn fritters and chicken toasties. The warehouse‑style space is light and friendly, with outdoor seating that draws in weekend crowds. It’s the birthplace of the Café Milk Tap System and a favourite among locals who appreciate a single‑origin pour‑over or cold brew.
Corduroy Cafe
Tucked into an office block foyer on Foster Street, Corduroy is small and endearing. They serve great espresso, refreshing sandwiches, and homemade sweet and savoury treats in a minimalist yet friendly setting. The urban herb garden out front adds a suburban green touch. Ideal after a workout or morning walk, this communal space is where mates can unwind with caffeine, light bites, and chat.
Campos Coffee Newtown
Campo Coffee is respected for ethically sourced beans roasted with meticulous care. This coffee shop captures that same spirit with a cosy, minimalist interior, friendly baristas, and consistently excellent filter and espresso drinks. Pair your brew with a fresh pastry or affogato, then grab some beans to take home and recreate the vibe at your place.
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription