Coffee o'clock in Australia
Why Australian coffee is the best in the world – and where to drink it.
Coffee in Australia, as you may have heard, is a thing. Every major city has a unique style and cafe culture that will have you bouncing from caffeine hit to caffeine hit as you discover the flat whites, cold drip, pour-over and filter brews that keep each city fuelled. With this love of coffee so ingrained in Australia's culture, it's fair to say that wherever you find yourself, delicious coffee won't be far from hand.
Here are just a few of Australia's best coffee shops to get you started.
In Melbourne
Market Lane
There are several locations in Melbourne where you can get your Market Lane fix. With beans sourced from some of the best growers in the world, you'll get great coffee from down-to-earth baristas happy to share their passion with you.
Patricia
Head into this little hole in the wall for no-fuss coffee that has regulars lining up for their fix. Patricia is well-respected for their pared back approach to good brews. No food. No chairs. No worries.
The Kettle Black
The most Instagrammed breakfast spot in town, next-level avocado toast, and java you can set your watch by, The Kettle Black is awesome coffee and then some.
In Sydney
Gumption
Between their industrial headquarters at Coffee Alchemy in the suburb of Marrickville and the almost-waterfront Micro outpost in Barangaroo lies the very central, very focused Gumption in the Strand Arcade in Sydney’s city centre. You won’t find any food, and you’ll get lucky to find a seat, but the quality of the coffee more than makes up for it.
The Grounds of Alexandria
One of Sydney’s most famous foodie playgrounds, The Grounds of Alexandria is a café, bakery and… veggie patch? It all comes together to create a beautiful urban oasis that feels like you’ve escaped to the country. Despite its relaxed vibe, coffee is at the heart of this place, proven by its on-site roaster and coffee research facility.
Reuben Hills
This micro roastery in Surry Hills pays tribute to all the hard work required to get your coffee in the cup. The menu at Reuben Hills is even inspired by their trips around the world to source incredible coffee beans. Pop in for your favourite brew or join them in the coffee lab for a cupping (tasting) session on Saturday morning.
In Perth
The Lowdown
Even Melbournians will be impressed by the coffee this institution peddles. Located on Cloisters in the heart of the city, the Lowdown was once a tiny hole in the wall that was forced to move to a bigger space thanks to the crowd clogging up the pavement outside. That crowd still remains today, but don't let it put you off - the baristas move fast.
Telegram Coffee
The guy pouring your brew at Telegram Coffee has worked in cafés for about 20 years. Luke is such a highly respected barista that his fans follow him from workplace to workplace. He designed the cute wooden box in which his café is housed – you’ll know it by the clusters of people surrounding it. It sits within the 19th century State Buildings, a boutique-filled spot where you’ll want to linger.
