Melbourne's best cafes that open late

Looming deadlines, long day or just need a little pre-commute boost? Try these Melbourne cafes that stay open after 5pm.

Cathedral Coffee

Wednesday to Saturday, teeny Cathedral Coffee morphs into a convivial late-opener after hours (we're talking hot choc until 11pm).  Grab the last of the daily baked goods (caneles, lemon curd pastries, flaky chocolate buns) to go with a no-fuss long black or bougie brulee cappuccino.

Pellegrini's

Does it get more Melbourne than late-night coffee and cake under the neon lights of Pellegrini's? Take a seat at the bar and order an espresso to go with your tiramisu (or iconic apple strudel). The cafe stays open for night owls until 9pm most nights and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tori's

If it's a little late in the afternoon for coffee, try one of Tori's alternative drinks. Think premium matcha, hojicha, and tea to complement delectable home-baked goods. Find this cosy spot in Niagara Lane until 6pm.

Puzzle Coffee

Puzzle is perched on a busy city corner, ready whenever you need them. Open until 6pm Monday to Thursday, and 7pm Friday to Sunday, it's the perfect spot to refuel post-work (or pre-party). Craving an after dinner treat? Try the dirty iced matcha, a caffeine-loaded refresher topped with foamy cream. Find it on the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins.

Butchers Diner

If no-fuss is your middle name, then the Butchers Diner filter coffee needs to be your after-work java game. Open from midday to midnight Tuesday to Thursday, and until 1am on Friday and Saturday, a pit stop for a $2.50 cup is a no-brainer. Get a little extra caffeine in your veins with the classic tiramisu, or see which alt-milk varietals are stocked in the vegan vending machine out the front.

Miilk

Like your coffee with sugar and cream? Carb-loaded newcomer Miilk Cake Studio isn't just a sweet spot for baked goods. The inventive iced coffee and milk tea menu is just as delicious. You can get the good stuff until 8pm Sunday to Tuesday and 10pm Wednesday to Saturday. Think pandan iced latte, honey milk lattes and sweet ube drinks.

Brunetti

An oldie but a goodie, Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane slings espresso until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and midnight Friday to Saturday. Roasted right here in Melbourne, a cappuccino and flaky pastry will make any last-minute deadline achievable. Get it to-go or stay a while in the Campari Bar.

Ichigo

Brunch spot Ichigo puts a modern twist on traditional Japanese eats. Come for the chic minimal aesthetic, and don’t leave without trying the multi-layer creamy matcha cake. It can be hard to snag a table during the day, but the team has just launched a cute new night cafe for nocturnal diners. Now open until 8.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 9pm Friday and Saturday, it would be rude not to pop past for a black sesame latte.

Heartattack and Vine

Friendly neighbourhood spot Heartattack and Vine is one of Carlton’s quiet achievers. The vibe is relaxed European, reflected in the very late night hours. If the going is good, sometimes they stay open until 11pm. Swing by for a Spanish hot chocolate, or perk up before kick-ons at one of Melbourne's best after-dark events with a strong latte.

Udom House

Sip sweet Thai milk tea and a huge range of speciality coffee at West Melbourne's cosy local, Udom House. This cafe is known for its delicious homestyle cooking. Think crispy homemade curry pies, fluffy pandan kaya toast and hearty traditional mains. Udom House is open until 9.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Sunhands

From the team behind Heartattack and Vine comes a cute new cafe and wine bar. Find Sunhands on an iconic sun-soaked Carlton corner and make it your new local. Pop in after work for a coffee, complimented by a range of bar snacks, deli platters and fresh oysters. The cafe is open until 10pm Thursday to Saturday.

Good Measure

Serving iced coffee by day and cocktails by night, Good Measure rolls Sunday brunch and record bar vibes into a very Melbourne package. Local produce is key, with suppliers including Hagen’s Organics, Spitz's Bakehouse and Allevare Wines. If you're not in the mood for booze, from 5 February you'll be able to grab a coffee until 11pm from Thursday until Monday

Information correct at time of publishing - check with venues before visiting.