The best new cafes and bakeries in Melbourne

Need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat? These cute Japanese cafes, local bakeries, Korean-inspired spots and brunch wonderlands are a must-try.

Cafe Tomi

We found a North Melbourne cafe spinning vinyl records and serving some of the best specialty brews. Swing by Cafe Tomi and settle in for a coffee and a sweet treat. We love the sound of the dandelion, orange and anise espresso. Or why not try the hojicha salted caramel latte? Kick back and enjoy jazz on the record player or keep an eye out for DJs sets and other music events. And yes, it’s open late! 

Spyglass Coffee

The team at Spyglass sure know how to brew a good coffee and make an excellent Italian sandwich. This new corner cafe has a cabinet packed with freshly-made loaded focaccia. They come with fillings like porchetta, chicken cotoletta and garlic mushrooms with truffle aioli. On the drinks front you can’t go past the specialty coffees. Our fave has to be the miso maple latte. If you're a die hard traditionalist, don't fret, the batch brew is on-tap.

Bottari 

We think we’ve found the only cafe in Melbourne that serves Kkwabagi – Korea’s twisted donut. Pick up this nostalgic treat at Bottari. This charming spot down the far end of Elizabeth Street is inspired by Seoul’s trendy cafe scene. Sip on the Jasmine Cloud – a fragrant green tea topped with a creamy foam. For something that has a little more punch, try the spiked Fererro latte with chocolate and hazelnut.

Kombu

The streets and laneways surrounding Queen Victoria Market have had a facelift. One of the new residents, Kombu, is a buzzing Japanese-style cafe serving the best set lunches and ceremonial-grade matcha. Try a bit of everything and go for the ichiju gosai set. It comes with soup, rice, five seasonal side dishes and your choice of protein. Choose from salt-grilled mackerel, miso-marinated chicken, teriyaki tofu and more. Or order the chazazuke – a comforting dish made by pouring dashi broth over steamed rice. 

Austro Bakery 

Every suburb needs a top-notch bakery and Austro is North Melbourne’s local go-to. A dedicated team of skilled bakers draw inspiration from Central European techniques and flavours. The offering here is ever-changing but think freshly-baked babka, strawberry gum custard donuts, and more. And of course classics like buttery croissants, your morning loaf and salty pretzels are on the menu as well. You’ll need to be quick though as it’s only open Fridays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm. 

Trbl 

Now here’s a hidden cafe only those in-the-know will be across. Follow your nose down Howey Place from Little Collins Street and make a left at Presgrave Place. Admire the street art then take a few more steps until you spot Trbl. Order your morning brew to go or go for a specialty coffee like the vanilla bean latte. Don’t skip on baked goods, especially the Korean salt bread and the chunky cookies. 

Omo

It’s no surprise that we love a secret laneway gem in Melbourne. Wander down Merriman Lane and you’ll find Omo. This cosy cafe is open from morning ’til night and serves up everything from Japanese-inspired brunches and katsu sets to hand-whisked matcha and highballs. Make sure you try house-baked sweet treats. Think Basque cheese cake, earl grey canelé and Swiss rolls. 

Milkbar

Jump in a Docklands-bound tram and make your way to Milkbar. This new cafe near the waterfront has an impressive all-day brunch menu. Start your day with a stack of blueberry buttermilk pancakes or chilli scramble eggs with spanner crab. Pop in for lunch and order a cheese toastie packed with fillings like truffled mushroom cream cheese. Or pick up a classic chicken salad sandwich.