The Best New Cafes in Melbourne to Brunch at in 2024
Whether it's a quick brekkie, brunch or long lunch, do it in style at some of the best new cafes Melbourne is dishing out.
Melbourne is the food capital of Australia - that's news to no one. It feels as though every corner you turn, there's a cafe or restaurant calling your name, tempting you inside, not to mention all of the new places to eat popping up across the city. It's a hard game to try and save money when the best new cafes in Melbourne are oh so tempting! Don't worry, we don't blame you for 'forgetting' your work lunch.
Wanting to try somewhere new, and perhaps find a new go-to spot? Here are our favourite new cafes in Melbourne.
Best New Cafes in Melbourne in 2024: October
Ophelia Westgarth
Opening on the 16th of October, Ophelia Westgarth is a highly anticipated cafe in Westgarth that is set to impress locals. Using fresh, local ingredients and focussing on simple yet elevated cafe fare, this new cafe in Melbourne is taking things up a notch. One thing we're looking forward to trying is the miso butterscotch iced latte, one of the unique drinks from their extensive menu.
85 High Street, Northcote
Bloomwood
Bloomwood is a gorgeous cafe and bakehouse in the Melbourne CBD that's taken the city by storm. Serving up unique pastries including taro croissants, earl grey and grapefruit danishes, lemon lychee flowers and so much more. Each sweet treat is a delightful start to your morning, and why not grab a matcha to go alongside it? They're too good to resist.
121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Aberfeldie Salumeria
With a cafe, deli and grocer all within the one (adorable) location, why would you ever want to go elsewhere? Aberfeldie Salumeria is exactly that, bring the taste of southern Italy to Aberfeldie. From stuffed sandwiches to meatballs in authentic sugo, as well as baked ricotta served with roasted peppers, this is a new cafe in Melbourne you'll want to add to your hit list, for sure.
27 Tilba Street, Aberfeldie
Hector's Deli Melbourne CBD
Melbourne's favourite sandwich shop has opened another location, and this time, it's in the heart of the city! Hector's Deli has launched in the Melbourne CBD, bringing the same juicy sandwiches and deliciously sweet square donuts that the inner suburbs have been feasting on to those who frequent the city.
Fresh, simple and oh so beautiful, this humble milk bar turned neighbourhood sandwich shop is breathing new life into classic flavours. A must try is the rare roast beef combo, but the true Aussie classic dialled up to 11 (the tarragon butter is too good), is Hector’s chicken schnitzel. Served with house-made pickle mayo and lots of lettuce, it's an absolute knockout.
61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Best New Cafes in Melbourne 2024: September
Caffe Amatrice
Step into a Milanese dream at Caffe Amatrice and immerse yourself in Italian elegance. Delight in rich, local coffee within a chic café adorned in warm terracotta and mustard, while savoring elevated Italian fare such as stracciatella, smoked salmon, and soft-boiled egg with green herb oil on rye, complemented by house-made focaccia loaded with deli cuts.
Later this spring, a rooftop restaurant will unveil stunning views and a taste of authentic Italian luxury.
16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
Deli Boy
If 2024 has taught us anything, it's that paninis are having a moment—and South Melbourne's newest gem is here to deliver. This new cafe in Melbourne is quickly becoming a local favourite, thanks to an array of mouth-watering paninis, freshly brewed coffee, delightful cakes, and an enticing selection of cured meats and cheeses. If you swing by in the afternoon, you can even pair your meal with a glass of vino for the perfect pick-me-up. With ingredients sourced fresh from the South Melbourne Market, you can be sure every bite is bursting with the freshest flavours at Deli Boy.
182 York Street, South Melbourne
Verbano
Verbano is a gorgeous new cafe in South Melbourne that is inspired by the town of the same name in Lake Maggiore, Italy. It brings a slice of authentic Italy to Melbourne through its deli cafe style, serving up hearty sandwiches alongside other tasty brunch menu items and steaming cups of coffee.
Whether you're feeling like a focaccia, pasta, or Calabrian chilli scramble eggs, you'll be digging into a dish that Nonna would approve of.
31 Chessell Street, South Melbourne
Best New Cafes in Melbourne 2024: July & August
Lulu & Me
This light-filled warehouse bakery, brought to life by Michael Diamandis and twin pastry chefs Dilu and Jini Kulathungam, has taken TikTok by storm with its innovative and enticing pay-by-weight cheesecake offerings.
Step inside Lulu & Me, and you’re instantly enveloped by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cheesecake. Sample the traditional and pandan Basque cheesecakes, classic New York-style, or the no-bake variety before committing. If you’re lucky, the tiramisu cheesecake or the decadently rich chocolate cheesecake will be on the specials menu.
With its minimalist interior and unique tasting experience, this spot is a must-visit for Melbourne’s cheesecake lovers. We can’t get enough!
1-5 Hotham Street, Collingwood
Sanhe Congee
Just a stone's throw from Queen Victoria Market, Sanhe Congee is a haven for comfort food lovers. Dive into their delightful array of 30 savoury congee varieties, featuring toppings like pork, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Treat yourself to unique offerings such as preserved egg and minced pork congee, tiger prawn rolls, and silky steamed egg custard buns. With its relaxed vibe and fantastic selection of congee and baos, this spot serves up casual Chinese cuisine that's sure to please everyone. It's one of our favourite new cafes in Melbourne so far in 2024.
185 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Elka Sushi
Elka Sushi, a name that fuses owner Elisha Tran’s nickname “El” with the Vietnamese word for fish, “cá,” brings a splash of seafood brilliance to Footscray. Nestled across from D&K Live Seafood, Elka offers sushi classics like spicy salmon and vibrant red tuna maki, along with fresh oysters, Aburi scallops, and exquisitely presented sashimi.
Delight in their standout chirashi, a vibrant medley of fish, oysters, and braised abalone, paired with seaweed. The restaurant features expertly dry-aged fish and house-made soy sauce, brewed weekly to complement seasonal flavours. Enjoy the striking wave wall and sip Japanese drinks from a vending machine. With limited seating, it’s ideal for takeaway.
7-9 Leeds Street, Footscray
Glory Us
Glory Us is all about getting back to cafe basics with a warm, cosy vibe and a menu brimming with homestyle goodness. Co-owner Tori Bicknell’s Kiwi heritage shines through with seasonal salads, eggs any style paired with buttery toast, and hearty dishes like Spanish-style omelettes.
Don’t miss the creamy apple and feijoa breakfast porridge or the sandwiches, ranging from fresh salads to a decadent chicken, cranberry, and brie delight. Savoury pies from Pie Thief, and sweet treats from Cake House Collective only add to the charm.
We’re smitten with their Glory Us plate, featuring shaved Grandmother ham, soft-boiled egg, Chevrano cheese, pickled goodies, onion jam, and whipped butter on toasted focaccia, and are eager to get back for their other deli plate, of simple sardines and sourdough, served with whipped butter and green oil. Yum!
Enjoy Rumble coffee or house-made smoothies at the large communal table or grab a tasty takeaway to go.
73 Reid Street, Fitzroy North
Operator San
Operator San, a delightful new addition to Melbourne’s brunch scene, brings a touch of Japan to Therry Street, right by the vibrant Queen Victoria Market. As the third venue from Randy Dhamanhuri and Valerie Fong, Operator San melds nostalgic Japanese flavours with Melbourne brunch classics.
Enjoy breakfast ramen or a katsu curry Benedict with house-made spam. Sweet treat fans will find morning bliss with their strawberry mochi waffles.
The cosy, family-restaurant-inspired space features wooden textures, indigo “noren” flags, and vintage Japanese telephones.
Sip on Code Black coffee, specialty teas and more unique drinks like a sparkling strawberry Yakult or coffee spritzer. Operator San is a must-visit new cafe in Melbourne for a taste of Japan with a thoroughly local twist.
121 Therry Street, Melbourne
Akimbo Bread
This new bakery in Northcote has quickly become our go-to for elevating at-home breakfasts. Akimbo’s bread and butter are their slow-fermented loaves with creative twists, all baked in a giant Italian Mondial Forni oven. Chef Lindsay Oates has very quickly transformed what was once his Instagram hustle into a thriving local gem.
205a Victoria Road, Northcote
Best New Cafes in Melbourne 2024: June
Nauu Cafe
'Matcha moments blossom' at this new cafe in Melbourne, and we couldn't be happier that they're here. Naau Cafe is the place to find all sorts of unique matcha, including peanut cream matcha lattes, sparkling yuzu, and their most popular one, raspberry matcha. The tang of the raspberry combined with the creaminess of the earthy matcha is a unique spin on the trendy strawberry matcha, and we can't get enough!
276 Russell Street, Melbourne
Karomi
Karomi Cafe is on a mission to help Melburnian's use coffee to promote a healthy lifestyle through pursuing a wholesome and active routine. Here you'll find an array of drinks, from the classic cappucino and flat white to more interesting options including an iced taro latte or matcha. They have a regular panini menu, daily selection of pastries, and seasonal specials that come and go along with the weather. This cute little spot is a must for any matcha lover, and the perfect way to start off your day.
19 Mackenzie Street, Melbourne
Stovetop Sessions
This new cafe in Melbourne is certainly unique. Stovetop Sessions is the only cafe in Melbourne not to own a coffee machine, instead opting for the traditional Turkish and Arabic way: brewing coffee in a moka pot or copper briki on the stove. There's no latte art here, just good, strong coffee.
Their cosy spot in Surrey Hills is warm and inviting, tempting you to come in and pull up a chair so you can sip on their rich coffee. There's white and black coffee on offer, as well as Greek or Turkish coffee, served with a Turkish delight. If you're looking for a bite to eat with your cuppa, they have an impressive list of toasties for you to choose from.
1125 Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills
Best New Cafes in Melbourne 2024: May
Cafe Larome
Come to Cafe Larome in Footscray for great coffee and even better sweet treats. This Japanese-inspired new cafe in Melbourne doubles as an Izakaya and is open for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays, running as a cafe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and weekends. If you're craving something sweet, you need to try their strawberry whipped cream sandwiches - they're as though you're biting into heaven. The tamagoyaki mentaiko sando is another top pick if you still want a sando, but would prefer something a little more savoury. There's no better place to start your morning if you're located in Footscray than at Cafe Larome
8 Warde Street, Footscray
Matta Melbourne
Originally situated in Balwyn, Matta has opened a second cafe in Blackburn North, and eastern suburb locals are loving it. Except you won’t find your classic breakfast and lunch cafe fare here; instead, there’s an array of deliciously comforting Japanese dishes, from udon Bolognese and cold spicy soba salad to a collection of fluffy sandos. Trust us when we say you’ll be back!
55 Katrina street, Blackburn North
Longrain Canteen
Restaurant Longrain has just extended its hours to offer a new lunch pop up exclusively on weekdays. Longrain Canteen is serving up nutritious and flavoursome Thai salads, rice dishes, and fried snacks that go down a treat alongside their Thai coffee. The perfect pick-me-up for a mid-week slump, this CBD spot is sure to be a hit.
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Overture Cafe & Restaurant
Overture Cafe & Restaurant has joined the Camberwell cafe scene, bringing Asian fusion dishes to the forefront of its lively and vibrant space. This joint is always packed, especially on weekends, so it's great to know that they now offer dinner on Thursday to Saturday, too! Order classic brunch fare like their creamy smashed avocado on toast, or try something unique like their slow cooked lamb shank, which melts in your mouth! This is bound to become your new regular spot.
2 Burke Avenue, Camberwell
Best New Cafes in Melbourne 2024: April
Rombe
Morning risers, this leafy hidden gem is the one for you! Nestled within Burwood Brickworks, Rombe stands out as a delightful brunch destination surrounded by sky and greenery, just 14km from the CBD.
Its rustic charm and alfresco dining options set the stage for all-day dining, from quick coffees to leisurely brunches and special celebrations. Head Chef Jerry Yi, with experience from Shihuishi and Red Spice Road, curates a menu celebrating locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Indulge in ricotta hotcakes or charcoal grilled red snapper, paired with specialty drinks like iced strawberry matcha or Rombe mimosas. Don't miss their daily made cakes, like the coffee and miso caramel, for a sweet ending.
Immersive dining above the daily bustle, Rombe is a new cafe in Melbourne you need to try this month.
Sitchu Tip: Be sure to try the cacio e pepe eggs. It's dunkable comfort in a bowl.
T38-39/70 Middleborough Road, Burwood East
Yawye
The prospect of ordering an acai bowl for under $15 may be unheard of these days, but it's not impossible. Yawye is one of the best new cafes in Melbourne this year, and they're delivering health and wellness to citygoers in the form of delicious and nutritious smoothies and acai bowls. Their smootheis range from cosmic blue to sunset orange as just about every colour under the sun is captured on their menu. Pick from flavours like coffee and strawberry, or if you want a benefit-based smoothie, try their post-workout, immunity or fountain of youth. And as for the acai bowls, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, we recommend opting for the PB&J, otherwise, the health bowl is a nourishing treat.
181 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Livingstone Cafe
Livingstone Cafe brings a burst of Bali to South Yarra, Melbourne, with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. This cafe serves a tantalising mix of Balinese classics and Aussie favourites. Start your day with their perfect avocado toast or dive into bold flavours like Balinese suckling pig or the sensational Balinese Spice and Sour soup, brimming with barramundi, grilled prawns, tofu, and veggies—comfort in a bowl.
From sunrise to sunset, Livingstone offers inventive drinks and delicious meals, blending Balinese charm with local flair. It’s a mini Bali escape right in Melbourne’s heart!
16A Claremont Street, South Yarra
Amiri
From the moment you step inside of Amiri, this cafe radiates beauty, not just from its aesthetic interiors, but from its food. Matcha lovers will feel right at home amongst the strawberry matcha, matcha lattes and matcha cakes. If you prefer savoury dishes, the Kyoto Omurice is a must try, as well as the The Beast Pasta and Tom Yum Ramen. Located inside QV, it's the perfect stop for lunch on your city adventures!
Shop R02, 14 Corner Lonsdale Street, QV
The Continental
This exclusively takeaway venue is taking Collingwood by storm. The Continental, also known as The Conti, is entirely standing room - making it the perfect place to go and grab your lunchtime focaccia, cheeseboard or seafood dish and drink espressos while you play some pool. Mix and mingle with other customers while waiting for your food, then be on your merry way. This innovative cafe is one of the best new spots in Melbourne this year, producing unique dishes from Continental classics like fish, seasonal fruit, locally sourced meats and quality olive oil, all on a budget. It's a Mediterranean feast in the heart of Melbourne's inner northern suburbs.
Their only dine in option is the $3.50 espresso, and why wouldn't you want to grab one to sip away at while you wait for your meal?
171 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Best New Cafes Melbourne 2024: March
Suntop Plaza
Our pick for the weekend will now be the all is golden, nostalgic vibes of this Nicholson Street cutie. Suntop Plaza has a fresh new look and creative mind at the helm - 1800 Lasagne owner, Joey Kellock - and it’s the perfect place to settle in for fresh sandwiches, coffee, pies and dreamy house made cakes and cookies.
If it’s on the menu, the loaded salad sandwich is a must, but the poached chicken panini with mayo, salsa verde, radish, celery and iceberg comes in a close second.
You need to save room for something sweet too, just sayin’. Their baked goods hit different, in a nostalgic way that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your dial. The warm and sunny interiors will do the same.
One of our favourite new cafes in Melbourne to pull up a seat in right now.
241 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East
Nouns Deli
Nouns Deli is where food and cryptocurrency come together in a warm and technological embrace. Sound confusing? That's because it kind of is. We'll spare you the nitty gritty details (if you want them, you'll have to go to Noun's and find out for yourself) but long story short, this sandwich shop was birthed from an NFT community. And we're thankful it was, because they're now making some delicious sandwiches and soft serve in the heart of Malvern. Choose from Cuban-style, Chicago-style or breakfast sandwiches, plus many more. Stick around once you're done and enjoy a soft serve afterwards.
248b Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Petite by Matilda
Petite by Matilda is Mont Albert cafe Matilda's little sister, made solely for takeaway. Here, you can order all of the toasties and salads Matilda is known and loved for, plus acai bowls, coffees, hot chocolates, and even cakes and catering for your next celebration! Grab it and go, or if you're feeling like a sit down meal, head across the road to Matilda.
14 Arcade Road, Mont Albert North
Arlo
There's a new kid on the block in Elwood, and Baysiders couldn't be happier. Arlo is Elwood's latest cafe serving up all the classics we know and love, and then some. On their menu you'll find everything from beef short ribs and chicken bang to pancakes and sticky date pudding, as well as granola bowls and chilli scramble. There's something for everyone, no matter how fussy they may be!
133 Ormond Road, Elwood
Silvs on Kennedy
If you're a Richmond local, this may just become your new favourite cafe. Silvs on Kennedy prides itself on serving fresh coffee and healthy meals to Melburnians daily, and only serves up the best of the best using local ingredients. Plus, their menu is absolutely huge and full of yummy breakfast treats, hearty lunches and refreshing smoothies that will satisfy any craving.
10/1 Khartoum Street, Richmond
Best New Cafes Melbourne 2024: February
LaManna & Sons Cafe
In a rush or looking to relax and dine in? Either way it’s no problem at LaManna & Sons Cafe in Cremorne. Not necessarily new but a new favourite find, this off-shoot cafe of the beloved LaManna grocery brand is must-try in our books.
Head on in to discover their massive deli-inspired display full of tasty and diverse breakfast and lunch offerings. They pride themselves on serving healthy dine in or takeaway that's fast and fresh. Expect charming customer service, a large and welcoming space, home style eats (we love their homemade granola and yoghurt with seasonal fruit), and of course, expert coffee.
The best part? It's now open seven days a week!
Sitchu Tip: Go for the salmon breakfast plate, heaving with gorgeous layers of smoked salmon, capers, pickled cucumbers, plenty of toasted sourdough, creme fraiche, a perfectly cooked egg and wedge of lemon. It's a new menu item - and an absolute scene-stealer.
98 Balmain Street, Cremorne
The Library Bakery
The Library Bakery is a fusion of Korean and French baked goods, and we couldn't be more excited. This cosy cafe is sister to Baguette Studios, and is all about creating a 'library of flavours,' hence the combination of the two vastly different styles of French and Korean baked goods. So grab a book and curl up with a French baguette, pistachio cream filled pastry, or Korean honey cookie after visiting TLB, one of the best new cafes in Melbourne.
457 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Piccolo Panini Bar
Can you taste that Melburnians love their carbs? Focaccias, paninis, bagels, you name it. 2024 is the year for bread, and we're not complaining. Piccolo Panini Bar has joined the ranks of the best new cafés Melbourne has seen open recently, and to great success. This joint is quickly becoming a local favourite, and is the perfect place to head to for a bite to eat during your lunch break or for something new to try on the weekend.
636 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Spazio Paradiso
Sandwich shops really are the new hit thing in Melbourne, because guess what? Another new panini shop has opened up in Carlton North! Spazio Paradiso is an Italian-style panini bar that's open from 10.30am until 2.30pm - or until sold out (which happens more often than not). Owners Jamie Georgopoulos and Meika Khong were inspired to create Spazio Paradiso due to their love for creating paninis at home using fresh ingredients from their favourite delis. Now, they craft these delicious sandwiches for the rest of Melbourne to enjoy, too!
709 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Peregrine Social Club
Peregrine Social Club, fondly called Perry's by locals, combines two hospitality venue types Melbourne does best: cafes and wine bars. Have your morning coffee or a cheeky wine with lunch as you soak up the atmosphere of this ultra-cool setting. Situated in a quarry, this new Melbourne cafe is anything but the pits! We recommend dining outside so you can take in the gorgeous views of the water.
45 Valley Lake Boulevard, Keilor East
Elster
Elster is a cute daytime diner located in Elsternwick. The light-filled cafe is the perfect spot to brunch with friends or family, and the food certainly doesn't disappoint. From classic breakfast options such as avocado toast and granola to trendier meals like anchovy toast, Elster has something for every stomach. The menu is a classic European fare, and we can't get enough!
258 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick
Stan's Grill
Step aside, paninis, bagels and focaccias, because the classic Balkan chevapi roll has arrived. Stan's Grill is a takeaway cafe serving up traditional chevapi (Balkan sausage sizzle) and European sandwiches. This is the perfect place to go to if you're looking to grab something to eat and go, rather than sitting down for a long lunch. Everything is made in-house, including the pickles and relishes - yum!
1/83 Hudsons Road, Spotswood
Best New Cafés Melbourne 2024: January
Skinny's Eatery
There's one new reason why we'll be adding Preston to our regular rotation - and that's the arrival of Skinny's Eatery.
American-style nostalgia is the order of the day here - and we couldn't be more here for it. It's a cafe and diner housed in an old milk bar, brimming with retro style, good vibes, scrumptious eats and friendly service.
This new cafe in Melbourne is all about canteen classics. Think French toast, an array of tasty sandwiches (breakfast style right through to lascivious hoagies) and their already icon-status level chicken salt hash browns. We're heading in for their on-point small plates selection too - the seasonal fruit plate, where you can add on a spoon of clotted cream, is next-level pretty.
In short, it's simple food, refined - and a new way of brunching in Melbourne for 2024.
107 Gilbert Road, Preston
Pickles Milk Bar
For that nostalgic feeling of heading to the milk bar after school to pick up a sweet treat or snack, head to Pickles Milk Bar. This new cafe in Carlton North is serving up a range of small bites and hearty loaded sandwiches. Plus, it's all vegan! Whether you want a potato cake, loaded HSP fries or a delicious melt, Pickles is the place to go. Previously only available until sold out, due to immense popularity and demand, they have just began trading from 9.00am until 3.00pm, meaning you can grab a sandwich whenever you please - yes, please!
1008 Lygon Street, Carlton North
Zita's Focaccia
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort that comes along with an authentic Italian focaccia. And Zita's Focaccia in South Yarra is a new cafe offering not only delicious focaccias, but also the perfect range of Spritzes to go with it. You'll want to get in as early as possible in order to secure yourself a bite to eat, because Zita's Focaccia opens at 12.00pm and closes once they sell out.
16 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Mietta by Rosemary
Founded by the queen of cakes during lockdown, Rosemary Andrews, Mietta by Rosemary is all about baking premium quality pastries and cakes to go alongside your morning (or afternoon) coffee. And trust us when we say these mouth-watering cakes are worth every cent. From Pandan and White Chocolate Basque Cheesecakes to an extravagant Eight Layer Carrot & Pecan Cake, you'll be coming back each week to ensure you get through the entire menu.
23 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Le Yeahllow
Le Yeahllow is another new premium cake shop in Melbourne selling what could easily be deemed as 'edible art.' From cakes shaped like oranges to balloon animals, these look like the real deal - you might even forget they're cakes, to be honest (and we wouldn't blame you). But don't let the fear of sinking into the skin of an orange prevent you from trying these unique creations - they are truly divine!
14 Claremont Street, South Yarra
366 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Kōhī No Deshi
If you like experimenting with your drinks and trying all sorts of concoctions, Kōhī No Deshi will be a delightful experience for you. Located next door to sister venue Discipline Roasters, this new cafe in Melbourne is crafting coffees that you've most certainly never heard of before. Focussing on dairy and plant-based milk drinks, Kōhī No Deshi is playful and adventurous. Peach, toffee apple and sakura blends are just some of the unique options on the menu. But don't worry, you can still get the classics if you're not in the mood to venture into unknown territory that day.
18 Black Street, Brunswick
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