On a sunny Chapel Street corner, Abacus has managed to nail that all-day eatery vibe that often proves so elusive. It’s a lofty, leafy space that’s bright and charming by the light of day, and the seasonal food menu is genuinely superb. 

Named after the symbol (and atomic number) for gold on the periodic table, the team behind this ambitious eatery have certainly gone for gold in every aspect of its production. 

One of our city’s great gifts, this Italian classic remains stubbornly untouched as the years slide by. Steaming with soul food, raw character and some of the best coffee in Melbourne since 1954, Pellegrini’s really doesn’t have any reason to change. 

This cafe has been a Chapel Street stalwart since its opening back in 2008, under the name of Dukes Coffee Roasters — changing its name to Journeyman in 2014 to clearly define the difference between the roastery and the cafe.

Code Black has set up shop in North Melbourne, the CBD, Southbank and South Melbourne, but its flagship cafe in Brunswick is still our fave. 

From the team behind the ever popular Collingwood coffee haunt, Proud Mary, comes Stagger Lee’s, which sits on a section of Brunswick Street where local foodies are spoilt for choice. But Stagger Lee’s is where you come for a hot cup of joe. 

Yes, the team uses simple building blocks to create their offerings — from fresh produce grown on-site to shipping containers and recycled materials — but the end product is anything but basic and rudimentary. 

With its consistently top-notch coffee and a menu that sits well-executed classics alongside crafty modern creations, this charming Melbourne cafe is the kind you dream about having as your local. 

This Lebanese bakery and grocer has been a Sydney Road favourite for almost two decades — but too many people stop by for a quick takeaway treat, missing out on the stellar dine-in options. 

Melbourne is no stranger to a bakery come cafe that serves up daily brunch dishes, but Faraday’s Cage in Fitzroy has got to be one of the greatest. 

From the creators of Wide Open Road, comes this breakthrough Melbourne cafe that champions healthy breakfast and lunch dishes that are full of flavour and creativity. 

From the outside, this Japanese cafe in West Melbourne may seem like one of city’s many minimalist breakfast and brunch spots, but there is so much special goodness happening within. 

This casual eatery may be an interstate import (hailing from Canberra), but Ona has all the required credentials to be one of Melbourne’s best cafes. First and foremost, the coffee game is strong with this one.