Melbourne's Best Coffee

UNM · October 2011

Just seeing beangreen's 'New arrivals' post in the sponsor section reminded me. Last week I had a really nice pourover of La Candelilla Geisha at Liar Liar in Hawthorn East (the beans were from Market Lane). Not sure about the ambience, but couldn't fault the coffee or the staff. A really nice change from run of the mill espresso and not that much more expensive. The kids were happy with their flat white and latte.

borat123 · November 2011

Just got back from a quick trip to Melbourne. Tried a couple of places off the top end of the list. Some better than others. I don't know if it's just my tastebuds, but anyone else noticing a trend toward 'sour' coffee..... ??? Not particularly noticeable with milk based coffee, but try some of the SO's as a short black and sometimes it can be a bit like sucking on a lemon...

Tango · November 2011

on 1320110645:

Just got back from a quick trip to Melbourne. Tried a couple of places off the top end of the list. Some better than others. I don't know if it's just my tastebuds, but anyone else noticing a trend toward 'sour' coffee..... ??? Not particularly noticeable with milk based coffee, but try some of the SO's as a short black and sometimes it can be a bit like sucking on a lemon...

I've noticed it too....some of the speciality roasters in Melbourne are roasting really light, and to my tastebuds, too light. It's especially noticeable with a citrusy type bean like a Yirg - I had a coffee from a place the other month that was sour as but perhaps they think this is the citrus characteristics??

mycuppa · November 2011

Sometimes, it's not always the final roast depth (or level) that creates sourness. It can be either bean selection and/or the roast profile applied. I can put my hand up and say I've made mistakes - both in blending and in profile engineering. Some places don't do enough testing (I'm amazed some even admit they do no testing, letting their customers be the judge is taking it just a few steps too far) or evaluation in their rush to get a new bean (or blend) into the grinder's hopper and others have very little idea of how to adapt a roast profile to suit specific beans and blends - using a pray and hope approach. What I am seeing in my regular travels around town under the radar is perhaps the small, shiny roaster sitting in the corner doing very modest volumes and often touted as the only way to guarantee specialty quality does not always translate into consistent cup outcomes. A craft requires plenty of practice to master.

WotB · November 2011

I actually think it has something to do with trying to find something that's usable for both espresso and filter. I also reckon that they wanted a slightly different flavour profile in milk-based drinks (90% of orders).

admin · August 2012

Hi guys - in Melbourne for a few days... any suggestions on new 'must-visit' cafes, much appreciated! cheers A

Jonty · August 2012

A, Yet to venture there but am hearing Fine Grind Cafe in Brunswick is hitting its straps..... 34 Union Street, Brunswick Melbourne, Australia http://finegrindcafe.com/ Jonty

mycuppa · August 2012

on 1345867325:

A, Yet to venture there but am hearing Fine Grind Cafe in Brunswick is hitting its straps..... 34 Union Street, Brunswick Melbourne, Australia http://finegrindcafe.com/ Jonty

Those boys are absolutely hitting the mark. I thoroughly enjoy my weekly espresso there. Erkan, Youie and Ibby - excellent barista and great guys. Crema members should make it a destination - right next to a train station. I have to declare a conflict of interest - they have been using my SO's since opening in May :thumb:

beanflying · August 2012

If you haven't been there before highly recommend 3 bags full in Collingwood for a great meal and some great coffees. Then a couple of blocks walk to catch up with the Veneziano crew might be worthwhile.

UNM · August 2012

try 'not telling' in Hawthorn. just opened.

admin · August 2012

Ok thanks guys, will try these out. cheers A

Beanz · August 2012

The following cafes are well worth visiting if in Melbourne for a few days. Here are a few in different directions from the city Oak Room, Ashburton, currently the "Highest Rated" cafe on Beanhunter. First Pour, Abbotsford. Not much food available but excellent coffee, especially their Magic's. Proud Mary, Collingwood Wide Open Road, Brunswick Auction Rooms, North Melbourne Brother Baba Budan, Melbourne CBD Axil Coffee Roasters, Hawthorn

beanflying · August 2012

For a slightly different reason but a nice loop around Melbourne either by bike or public transport then this is one I like. :thumb: Melbourne Coffee Crawl Takes in Deadman Espresso - Sth Melbourne or maybe St Ali but go Deadman Monk Bodhi Dharma - Balaclava, more choices there too but MBD. Dukes Coffee Roasters - Windsor, great coffee! Market Lane - back of the Prahran market. Some nice food in the market too. Three Bags Full - Abbortsford, great food, coffee and atmosphere. Round the corner to Veneziano's too. Proud Mary - Colingwood, arguably one of the best coffee shops in Melbourne, really nice food too. Seven Seeds - Carlton or back to one of the many places in the CBD if your still capable of another

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admin · June 2013

recent update on Melb cafes courtesy of recent online article in the Age: first 4 have been around for a while & we've covered numerous times; the last 3 are fairly new - would welcome comments/feedback.... ? St Ali; 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne; stali.com.au; 9686 2990 ? Seven Seeds; 106-114 Berkeley Street, Carlton; sevenseeds.com.au; 9347 8664 ? Auction Rooms; 103-107 Errol Street, North Melbourne; auctionroomscafe.com.au; 9326 7749 ? Duchess of Spotswood; 87 Hudsons Road, Spotswood; duchessofspotswood.com.au; 9391 6016 ? Little Chloe; 1810 Malvern Road, Malvern East; littlechloe.com.au; 9699 4054 ? Common Galaxia; Shop 3, 130 Victoria Street, Seddon; commongalaxia.com.au; 9689 0309 ? A Little Bird Told Me; 29 Little LaTrobe Street, Melbourne alittlebirdtoldmecoffee.tumblr.com.

admin · October 2013

Oak Room - recent review posted on behalf of Tess [known as 'TessPresso' on Twitter]: Oak room, in my opinion, is the best cafe Melbourne has to offer. This claim is backed up by several observations. Firstly, the quality of the service is evident from the moment one walks in through the door. Not only are you greeted with a smile, but the team at Oak Room will no doubt address you by your name if you are a returning customer. This small gesture sets the standards, regardless of how quiet or busy staff are. Customers are number one at Oak Room, and you automatically sense it. From then on, the entire experience is one of pleasure, from placing orders, learning about the coffees available, to the delivery of the end product. Secondly, Oak room instinctively maintain their La Marzocco coffee machine in an immaculate condition. It displays as adoration and respect for the stand out element of this great establishment- the brown bean. Ken ensures he takes every step possible to deliver the best cup of coffee every time. A quick glance into the open kitchen further displays the upmost care taken to maintain clean and hygienic work stations and equipment. Thirdly, Cartel Coffee is the bean of choice at Oak Room. From my experience, I have yet to have a bad coffee made by Nathan at Cartel. Flavor, Aroma, and Body of both Single Origins and Blends are exceptional. There is an art to roasting coffee, and Cartel has mastered it. Whether you are a fan of espresso, or filter coffee, Oak Room caters for each person

mycuppa · October 2013

Oak Room - that review reads like a blatant plug to me IMHO. Amazing how customers know the names of roasters, etc. and how that particular customer is aware of a roaster who is based a very long distance away and that brand is rarely ever seen in that part of town. The mind boggles. Oak Room in literally behind my house (well, about 150m away) as yes it's pretty good - they are truly gifted and dedicated baristas. However, it does have a comparable competitor in the street located across the road and down about 40m. I don't supply either of them, so I can comment objectively. I thought Oak were using Gridlock, hey must have changed, but it's been a while since I was there. I wish them well.

Beanz · October 2013

Melbourne has numerous cafes where outstanding coffee can be enjoyed. I consider myself lucky because my job requires me to move around Melbourne on a regular basis and as a result I get to sample the great coffee on offer in most areas. I make a point of stopping somewhere everyday so that I can try a good cross section of Melbourne

UNM · October 2013

Yep. Gridlock last time I was there. Been a while I don't recall the barista introducing himself, but that doesn't mean much, I could easily have forgotten. Haven't eaten there, but the coffee was nice every time I have been there. I see they have finally put a sign up outside. I reckon Little Chloe on Malvern road could give them a bit of competition though as another top cafe in the area.

Jonathon · October 2013

on 1381752205:

Oak Room - that review reads like a blatant plug to me IMHO. Amazing how customers know the names of roasters, etc. and how that particular customer is aware of a roaster who is based a very long distance away and that brand is rarely ever seen in that part of town. The mind boggles.

I don't think there's anything dodgy going on here, from the reviews on Beanhunter it's obvious that the guy who runs this cafe really makes an effort to be friendly to his customers, so they feel loyal and pay him back by telling others how good he is. I find I do the same thing about cafes, rating one cafe higher than another one just because the barista is friendly, even though the coffee might be equal. Perhaps this might be a business idea for other cafes to think about. I work in a large CBD building and the cafe in the foyer struggles, not because they serve rubbish coffee or food, but because their staff are simply not nice people. So most of the 2,500 people in my building go elsewhere, where they're treated better.

Jonathon · October 2013

I'm told by Ashburton locals that 2 Seeds is better than Oak Room, can anybody comment?

mycuppa · October 2013

As an Ashburton local - I think that is precisely what I have suggested in my previous post. My comments about the *review* were based upon my opinion that it reads like the majority of the blatant over-hyped ramps that are unfortunately far too common in the cafe and food industries - that's it, just a simple opinion about how it read - bear in mind I read more of these each week than the majority of people - it's my business to do so. I like Oak Room and as stated, wish them well.

Jonathon · October 2013

Unusually I was in Middle Camberwell today so I thought I'd venture south to try both Oak Room and Two Seeds. Oak Room - exactly as reviewed by others, a really friendly barista (middle aged Asian guy), who clearly cares about coffee and presented a flat white with excellent latte art. (I mention that because I'm sure some people's taste is swayed by great art) It was also a little unusual to see a Pharos in a cafe, not sure if it was for sale or a prop. Food wise, I had a beef burger which was fine but not worth $14.50. (Living and working next to Huxtaburger's two restaurants has ruined my ability to enjoy a burger anywhere else) Two Seeds - another flat white, this time take away. I approached this place with great expectations having heard good things from locals. My expectations sank a little when I saw the Dimattina signs and sank a little more when I saw the Expobar machine - wot no boutique local roaster and no LM/Synesso/Slayer!! However the coffee was absolutely fine, in fact better than fine if comparing it to a typical suburban cafe. I didn't try food there. In contrasting both places, I'd say Oak Room has better latte art and slightly nicer coffee, but that's about it. And if you prefer your coffee a little more Italian, then I'd say Two Seeds is the place for you. (Can't believe how much space we've given to Ashburton here!)

mycuppa · October 2013

Apologies Jonathon - I did not take notice of the name. The place I think the Ashburton locals are referring to is called "The Resident" which is on High Street across the road (South Side) right next to the railway line. Used to be a Pie place but totally fitout. Coffee is excellent (Synesso + 5S, Clever Drip) and the food is simply superb. Try them next time you are going past.

Brett H · December 2013

I watched exactly this happen in a cafe in Townsville. It was the guys from Grinders had a nice long lunch, more than one coffee each clearly joking the Campos blend, then asked to have a chat to the owner. After their little meeting upon paying my bill I said to the owner that if her sight out the front had of read Grinders I'd have kept driving. I hope some customers do you the same courtesy Jeff.

admin · March 2014

Review of new cafe in Abbotsford - Admiral Cheng Ho; take a look - http://www.cremamagazine.com.au/admiral-cheng-ho

Brett H · March 2014

Wow, looks amazing! 6... Roburs???

Koffee_Kosmo · March 2014

Six large Roburs sitting in a row - ( that's how the song goes ) [attachimg=1]

UNM · March 2014

FARQ! Just looked at their menu. $25 for a coffee is on the high side don't you think?

C-man · March 2014

where is the menu with the $25 coffee?

UNM · March 2014

For some reason I can't seem to upload images right now Am I just being a tightarse?

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