In April 2025, Melbourne saw the emergence of six new cafes, each offering a unique experience from Seddon to Richmond. These cafes are not just about serving coffee but are transforming the coffee-drinking experience into a special occasion.
The cafe scene is evolving with a wave of colorful Asian-influenced drinks, introducing innovative and playful concoctions like salted Vietnamese coffee, banana-milk matcha, and peanut butter cream lattes. Beyond the traditional iced matcha, a variety of two-tone drink trends are taking center stage, with Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese influences leading the way.
Amidst the rising cost of living, going out for a coffee has become a luxury for many. Cafes are responding by offering a sense of occasion with creative and vibrant drinks. These new spots are not only about coffee but also about pairing fun and casual luxuries like Filipino milk bread with unique drinks, creating a relaxed alternative to traditional brunch experiences.
One of the new cafes, Drip Coffee in Brunswick, stands out for its innovative approach. Operating without an espresso machine, the cafe collaborates with Code Black to offer a variety of black filter coffees served through playful taps. The cafe’s owners are known for their creativity, with previous ventures including a Japanese brunch cafe and a pocket-sized matcha spot.
Midside Bakery in Richmond is redefining the banh mi experience by offering a range of “Viet pop drinks” alongside classic and vegetarian rolls. The inclusion of drinks like salted coffee from Hue adds a unique twist to the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Shio, a Japanese salt bread cafe, has gained popularity for its unique offerings, including garlic butter and gochujang Wagyu stuffed bread. The cafe’s expanded menu now includes sweet and savory combinations, complemented by a selection of drinks like hojicha latte to balance out the flavors.
Sana Coffee in Cheltenham offers a fusion of Australian breakfast favorites with Japanese minimalism. The menu features colorful creations like banana-milk matcha, adding a playful twist to the dining experience. The cafe’s zen space provides a relaxing ambiance for patrons to enjoy their meals.
Bottari, inspired by Korean flavors, serves a range of non-espresso-based drinks in a sleek Scandi-style setting. With unique offerings like two-toned strawberry matchas and nutty lattes, the cafe is a perfect spot to savor sweet drinks on a leisurely morning.
Lastly, Amara in Seddon combines Aussie cafe classics with fresh Vietnamese flavors, offering a diverse menu that caters to varied tastes. With in-house roasted coffee and inventive drink options like peanut butter cream iced latte, the cafe adds a refreshing touch to Victoria Street’s cafe scene.
These new cafes in Melbourne are not just about serving coffee but are redefining the cafe experience by introducing innovative and playful drinks, unique food pairings, and vibrant atmospheres, making each visit a memorable occasion for patrons.