Ask any Melburnian what they love most about their city and you can guarantee the answer will involve coffee. Here, drinking instant is akin to blasphemy and not liking coffee at all? Well, it’s probably best not to mention it.

From unassuming holes in the wall to converted warehouses and market stalls with lines that are worth the wait – great coffee can be found in the most unexpected places.

Pack your reusable cup and work your way from Melbourne’s vibrant city centre to the north, south, east and west, stopping for some of the city’s best coffee along the way.

City: Padre @ Queen Victoria Market

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Happy International Coffee Day! ⁣ —⁣ To mark the occasion, we’re offering 10% off all coffee for the next 24 hours ONLY. ⁣ Use the code ICD19 at checkout 💥⁣ ⁣ Valid until midday October 2.

A post shared by Padre Coffee (@padrecoffee) on Sep 30, 2019 at 7:04pm PDT

No trip to Melbourne is complete without visiting the bustling Queen Victoria Market – so by heading to Padre’s tiny outlet, you’re killing two birds with one stone. Cleverly fashioned out of two shipping containers, Padre @ Queen Vic serves seriously good coffee, all roasted in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick. Choose between house blends and a rotation of single origins.

South: St Ali

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Melbourne’s favourite couple reunite stronger than ever, with @starwardwhisky relocating to the former ST. ALi Smalls Bar in South Melbourne. #feelsgood #STALi #starwardwhisky

A post shared by ST. ALi COFFEE ROASTERS (@st_ali) on Feb 23, 2020 at 12:31am PST

St Ali is a true Melbourne institution: a hipster coffee shop tucked into an unassuming laneway, where achingly cool baristas serve pitch-perfect flat whites like it’s no big deal. Although it is a big deal of course – and everyone in Melbourne knows it. Welcoming everyone from tourists that trek across the city to South Melbourne office workers talking business and locals catching up over an organic house blend, St Ali is a constant hive of activity. Start your day with a ‘Barista Breakfast’ – a selection of St Ali-approved coffee, served three ways.

North: Industry Beans

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A petite taste of Spring. ​Come join us for a Spring Blend coffee (petite or otherwise) this weekend as we count down the last weeks for this delicious brew.

A post shared by INDUSTRY BEANS (@industrybeans) on Nov 14, 2019 at 12:32pm PST

Eclectic, artsy and edgy, Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs – and Industry Beans’ roastery embodies its very soul. Housed in an open-plan, award-winning warehouse conversion, Industry Beans prides itself on its flagship Fitzroy Street blend and rotating single origins, served in a range of brewing methods including espresso, pour-over, gold mesh and cold brew on tap. Find something new on the menu every fortnight or return for trusted old favourites: the signature Cold Brew Bubble Cup or Fitzroy Iced.

East: Axil Coffee Roasters

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Always and forever ❤️

A post shared by Roastery, Cafe, Melbourne, Aus (@axilcoffeeroasters) on Feb 12, 2020 at 1:19pm PST

Set up by husband and wife team Dave Makin and Zoe Delany in 2010, Axil has gradually expanded, shunning franchising for investment from key staff. Hawthorn houses the coffee company’s flagship café and is the ideal place to stop for coffee after a day spent shopping on Glenferrie Road. The Long Black Spritz with coconut sugar and tonic water is not to be missed.

West: The Premises (Seven Seeds)

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Do we need say more ☕️

A post shared by The Premises (@thepremises) on Aug 25, 2019 at 6:10pm PDT

While the city has an abundance of quality roasters, there are also plenty of unique cafés proudly serving the best of Melbourne coffee alongside their breakfast dishes. Head to The Premises in Kensington for a taste of Seven Seeds roasters. The Seven Seeds philosophy is simple: source directly and explore the best brewing practices for outstanding cups of coffee. Make sure you come hungry: The Premises’ brunch menu is as unique as it is delicious, showcasing dishes like Hot Salt Beef Roll and Red Velvet Waffle.