Our Favourite Local Cafes & Restaurants

We’re lucky in Melbourne to have some of the best food, wine and coffee on offer, and even more so in Flinders Lane to be right in the heart of it! We’ve decided to share some of our all time favourite cafes and restaurants that have been tried and tested by us over the years. Hopefully you can find a couple of new ones to enjoy too!

Cafés tried and tested by us

Chapter House
Chapter House Ln | Monday – Friday
A staff favourite and for good reason. Delicious coffee, food and cozy atmosphere. We are all too lucky to have Chapter House just around the corner.

Liminal
Ground Level, 161 Collins St | Monday – Friday
Go for a coffee, stay for lunch! A modern corporate atmosphere that’s right across the road in the T&G building.

Dukes Coffee Roasters
247 Flinders Ln | Monday – Saturday
Delicious coffee and excellent service, Dukes is a Melbourne staple with all the credentials to have the best coffee on this list.

The Journal Café
253 Flinders Ln | Monday – Saturday
Situated next to the City Library, if you need some peace and quiet this is for you.

Axil
76 Flinders Ln | Monday – Friday
An iconic spot for a great coffee on the go with a longstanding reputation for its quality coffee beans.

Traveller
2/14 Crossley St | Monday – Friday
Charming and cosy, this little standing room cafe is decorated with luscious indoor plants and houses wonderful cakes as well as warm and friendly service.

Market Lane
8 Collins St | Monday – Friday
A Melbourne institution and a great mix of top notch coffee, beautiful interior design and great customer service. Market Lane is a classic and favourite.

Brother Baba Budan
359 Little Bourke St | Monday – Sunday
Famous for its hustle & bustle, Brother Baba Budan make one of the best coffees in the top end of the CBD. You can find it located just off Elizabeth St.

Patricia Coffee Brewers
Cnr Little Bourke | Monday – Friday
European coffee bar meets Melbourne cafe scene. House roasted coffee beans and a slick interior make Patricia one of the coolest on our list.

Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke St | Monday – Sunday
Higher Ground is known for its elegantly presented food and dynamic design. A hot spot for brunch, so get in quick, we recommend trying the hotcakes!

Restaurants and bars with our tick of approval

Kisumé
175 Flinders Ln | 9671 4888 | Monday – Sunday
This multi-level Japanese restaurant delights and surprises with its vast menu.

Supernormal
180 Flinders Ln | 9650 8688 | Monday – Sunday
Japanese, Korean and regional Chinese. Supernormal’s consistently delicious menu and fantastic service make it a staff regular and favourite.

Movida
1 Hosier Ln | 9663 3038 | Monday – Sunday
Right around the corner lies this Melbourne institution. Hiding in the iconic Hosier Lane, Movida serves fine Spanish tapas and wines to boot.

Chin Chin
125 Flinders Ln | 8663 2000 | Monday – Sunday
One of Melbourne’s best and most renowned city restaurants. Chin Chin doesn’t take bookings, so arrive early, put your name down on the list and grab a drink!

Lucy Liu
23 Oliver Ln | 9639 5777 | Monday – Sunday
An eclectic Asian eating and drinking experience not to be missed. Lucy Liu’s offers a wide range of share plates and a long list of cocktails!

Il Solito Posto
113 Collins St | 9654 4466 | Tuesday – Saturday
Il Solito Posto is celebrated for its hand crafted pasta, particularly its gnocchi with wagyu oxtail ragu. We can all vouch for the tiramisu too!

Tonka
20 Duckboard Pl | 9650 3155 | Tuesday – Sunday
Tonka’s vibrant Indian flavours are complimented by a top-notch wine list.

Pastuso
19 ACDC Ln | 9662 4556 | Monday – Sunday
A modern Peruvian bar and grill with a dark and contemporary setting. We recommend trying the ceviche and pisco-based cocktails!

Embla
122 Russell St | 9654 5923 | Monday – Saturday
Embla’s sophisticated and varied wine list paired with its incomplex approach to food make for a dining experience that hits all the right notes.

Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders Ln | 9650 1445 | Tuesday – Saturday
Enjoy Andrew McConnell’s impeccably curated à la carte menu in what has quickly become a go-to restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Lupino
41 Little Collins St | 9639 0333 | Tuesday – Sunday
Authentic Italian Bistro meets industrial chic. Lupino’s relaxed atmosphere paired with its flavourful handmade pasta make it a must try!

Bar Margaux
111 Lonsdale St | 9650 0088 | Thursday – Saturday
A late night bar and brasserie serving cocktails, wine and French comfort food. The new kid on the block and oh so chic.

**Please note the above information is current as of March 2021

If you’d like a copy for yourself, you can download the PDF here.