The best new cafes and bakeries in Melbourne

Need some cope-ahydrates or a caffeine fix? These cute Thai cafes, laneway bakeries, Korean-inspired spots and brunch wonderlands are a must-try.

Roslyn Thai Cafe

A new sun-soaked Thai cafe has sprouted in West Melbourne. Visit this sweet spot for traditional brunches on the large deck. The congee comes served hot with egg and pork balls. For dessert, there's mango sorbet with sweet sticky rice. But the real show stopper is the stunning range of cakes. Think strawberry shortcake, and chiffon cakes in every flavour from black sesame to mandarin.

Rosso Coffee Experience

if you've ever wondered how coffee is made, this huge warehouse roastery in North Melbourne will sate your curiosity. Visit the make-your-own-coffee bar where the baristas will teach you how to brew the perfect cup. Watch (and smell!) the roasters in action. Or settle in for brunch. There's brioche French toast, hot buttered lobster rolls and plenty of gluten free and vegan options.

Ondo

Transport yourself to the cool side of Seoul and pay a visit to the ultra-trendy Ondo for lunch sets, signature drinks, pastries and more. Order traditional dishes like gogigusku which includes a thinly sliced pork in a clear broth with somen noodles. Or try mandu guk zucchini and prawn dumplings. Don’t go past the black sesame or mugwort latte. It’s similar to matcha and topped with lightly whipped cream.

Karomi

Tucked away in a hidden Carlton laneway is Karomi – a tiny spot serving quality coffee and matcha lattes. The lunchtime bites are also a must. Think meatball, pastrami and pulled pork gourmet sandwiches. Or swing by for a budget-friendly brekkie and grab freshly-baked pastries from $3.

Antara

Antara is not your regular cafe and bakery. It's the spot for perfect pastries, fancy breakfasts and lunches. Start the day with a twice-baked croissant. Or go all out with loaded toasts. Think toppings like white peaches and honey butter, maple bacon or whipped caviar. Lean in for a long lunch and try lemony pasta, prawns with ginger or calamari with green chilli dressing.

Publique Bakery

This bakery in a hidden laneway near Queen Vitoria Market could be the best in Melbourne. Publique's techniques are on point. The proof is in the pastry. Try perfect croissants, raspberry Danishes, mini cheesecakes and more. Or choose a freshly-baked loaf for your pantry. And of course there's barista-made coffee.

LeMuse

Have you ever tried a croffle? Swing by LeMuse in Carlton to taste this dreamy croissant and waffle hybrid. Get it piled high with your favourite sweet or savoury toppings. Think smoked salmon, corn cheese or house made maple butter. Order New York-style banana pudding for dessert, then wash it all down with a classic milkshake.

The Butter Room

A new Korean and French-inspired bakery has just opened in a hidden Melbourne laneway. Look for the cute bunny mural out then enjoy injeolmi (roasted soybean mochi-style Korean treat) croissants, black sesame scones, matcha pandoro and more sweet treats. There are plenty of savoury options as well as signature drinks like dirty matcha lattes and cream strawberry milk.

Operator Diner

From the team behind Operator 25 comes a cool new American-style diner. Operator Diner features plush booths, oak details, cosy lighting and free pour maple syrup. Order a classic stack of pancakes with straight black coffee, or opt for egg breakfast muffins. Iced tea, milkshakes and specialty sandwiches round out the all-day menu.

Ilza

Seek out Equitable Place’s new hidden gem, Ilza. The Japanese cafe founded in Docklands is so popular it just opened its second location. Find unique menu items such as homemade curry and thick-cut katsu sandwiches. Drinks are a must-try here too, opt for the refreshing orange latte or the delicious strawberry matcha latte.

Miyama

Tucked away in Melbourne Central you'll find this tranquil Japanese gem. Miyama is a cosy cafe serving traditional Japanese brunch sets and sweet treats. The absolute heroes of the menu are the banoffee pie, garlic brioche and the strawberry shortcake. The latter is served layered in a glass, perfect for sharing. Iced strawberry matcha lattes and Melbourne coffee round out the menu.

Oko

Replete with white minimalist design, Oko is a dedicated coffee bar located in unexpected surrounds. Wander up A'Beckett Street and look for the glowing rectangular sign. Sip your oat milk iced latte beneath the striking light display. Peruse the curated selection of Kono brew gear, or shop the range of bespoke coffee beans. Pair the punchy iced matcha with a croissant for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Wreckyn Street Coffee

Tucked away on a side street near Baguette Studios is North Melbourne's coolest new local cafe. Open on weekdays only, Wreckyn Street Coffee is best known for its iced tiramisu drink. A coffee that doubles as a dessert? Consider us sold. The long black coffee is topped with a big dollop of cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. It tastes just like the real thing.

The Flour

Make your way to The Flour at 199 Victoria St in West Melbourne for French-style treats with a twist. Think buttercream-filled desserts made from layers of meringue or spiced rum and vanilla canelé to have with your coffee. Love cake? Try flavours like pistachio green tea, stout chocolate with malted milk or the classic Basque cheesecake.

Regretless

Calling all dessert-lovers with a food intolerance. Regretless is here to save the day with a menu of gluten-free, sugar-free and flourless options. Tucked away in an unassuming arcade, you'll have the choice of delicious sweets like a multi-layered purple yam crepe cake, loaded gluten-free waffles, house-made tiramisu and loads more tasty treats.

Marie Antoinette

Live like royalty and enjoy a baked treat from this North Melbourne patisserie on 688 Queensbury Street. Famous for its indulgent cakes, Marie Antoinette is where the locals go for a sweet treat. Think lemon meringue, strawberry flan, chocolate cakes and more. Or try focaccia sandwiches for something savoury.

Kumo Desserts

Spotted the massive line snaking around Melbourne Central? It's all for Kumo Desserts. Join the queue to try Melbourne's fluffiest souffle pancakes. As light as a cloud, the Japanese pancakes come with toppings like mango, Biscoff and coffee or boba brûlée. Be sure to try the ultra-colourful house-made drinks too. Think lychee and watermelon mocktails, matcha and purple yam lattes.