There’s a reason Melbourne’s known as the world’s number one coffee city. We’re not only coffee obsessed (maybe to an unhealthy amount), but we can also get a GOOD coffee at most places, at any time, even after 3pm. So if your neighbourhood cafe is closed, and you need a caffeine fix for your next night shift or late-night study session, we’re here to help. We’ve found some excellent late-night cafés throughout Melbourne to keep you awake for your next nocturnal adventure. From vinyl bars to dessert eateries, these are some of Melbourne’s best places to sip coffee after dark, while the rest of the city winds down.
Good Measure, Carlton
Cafe by day, bar by night, Good Measure has a coffee machine that hums until late in the night. Famous for inventing the Mont Blanc, it’s the perfect spot to transition from your afternoon brew to a sophisticated coffee cocktail until 1am, Fridays to Saturdays. It’s also open until 11pm on every other night.
Palette at night, North Melbourne
Open nightly from 7pm to 11pm, Palette at night is a Korean-inspired cafe that’s perfect for your caffeine cravings. While you’re there, it wouldn’t hurt to have a serve of basque matcha cheesecake! Plus, with free Wi-Fi on hand, it’s an ideal haven for students looking to get some serious studying done.
Only closed Sundays, this iconic Italian coffee bar is well-worth the mention for its classic retro interior. Opened by the Pellegrini brothers in 1954, this institution was one of the first places in Melbourne to have an espresso machine. Step back into the 50s, pull up a stool and watch the late-night shenanigans as you sip on some fantastic coffee. Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar is open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9pm during the week.
Omi 380, CBD
Omi 380 is an all-in-one Japanese eatery that serves coffee (and matcha) up until 12am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9pm during the week. This stylish restaurant is perfect for an evening hang with friends as you gossip over some delicious cold brew, fluffy matcha cake and panna cotta.
Sabi Sounds, Hawthorn
Sabi Sounds is the perfect place to sit back and listen to your favourite album on vinyl while you sip your late-night coffee. Head on over to Hawthorn and book a private booth or browse their vinyl library with some of their speciality caffeinated drinks until 10.30pm, from Wednesday to Saturday. They are also open until 6pm from Sunday to Tuesday.
Nimbo, CBD
Follow the blue neon sign on Hardware Lane, and head into Nimbo for their unique late-night bingsu and a range of unique desserts. Not only can you grab some wonderful coffee but there is a huge variety of matcha drinks to choose from. We at Secret recommend their ube matcha that’s making the rounds on social media.
Amiri Cafe & Dessert, CBD
Bringing a fusion of Asian and Melbourne flavours straight to QV, Amiri keeps the coffee and matcha flowing until 10 PM during the week, and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Their menu has an endless lineup of specialty drinks, including the Banoffee-inspired “Tiranoffy” and a refreshing Yuzu coffee soda. Pair it with some sweet cake slices and desserts while you’re there.
Brunetti Oro (CBD) or Brunetti Classico (Carlton)
We can’t do a roundup of late-night cafés in Melbourne without mentioning the OG! Brunetti Classico in Carlton, and Brunetti Oro in Flinders Lane or on Swanston Street. They’ve been doing late-night coffee since before it was cool. Famous for their iconic Italian desserts, it’s the perfect place to settle into a familiar booth and pair a proper espresso with an endless selection of sweet treats. You can get your fix until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays at Classico, and until 11 PM at Oro.
If you’re not in the city, you can also visit their stores in Moonee Ponds, Brunswick, Chadstone and Coburg North. There’s also a Brunetti pop-up at Melbourne Museum right now.
Vanilla Lounge, Oakleigh
If you’re in the south-east, you can’t miss the local institution, Vanilla Lounge. Indulge in delicious cakes and Greek specialties, and pair it with a coffee or fun drink until late in the evening. They’re open daily until 11pm.
While you’re in the area, pay a visit to the nearby Vanilla Dessert Bar, a sweet haven that lets you customise your own dessert until 11pm each night.
QueenSt.BB, CBD
There’s more than one way to get your caffeine fix! Eat your way through every flavour of tiramisu possible, at this adorable self-serve tiramisu and gelato joint. Scoop the tiramisu of your choice, and pay by weight! If you’re looking for a caffeine fix to match, they offer a wonderful selection of iced coffees — all of which can be topped off with a layer of their signature, frothy tiramisu cream. QueenSt.BB is open until 11pm each night.
Chapelli’s, South Yarra
A go-to coffee spot along the busy Chapel St, Chapelli’s is open 24 hours a day. Whether it’s “3pm or 3am”, you’ll find incredible dishes, cocktails and coffee at this sophisticated icon.
O3, Southbank and Brunswick
The cafe at O3 is open until 9pm everyday. Fuel up with some coffee, then step into the whimsical study and coworking space, which is open for members 24/7. While you’re there, earn rewards, which can be used on food and drink. Bring your study pals or just yourself, hang out in the picturesque space and reward your efforts with a specialty drink or two. The cafe itself is free to enter.
Waxflower Bar, Brunswick
Closed on Mondays, this intimate Japanese-inspired wine and listening bar is a great place to stop by for your next coffee fixation. Whether you’re in the mood for a killer espresso martini or a classic flat white, you can sip your favourite brew right here while diving deep into your favourite music. Waxflower Bar is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm on other nights.
Embassy Cafe, West Melbourne
As one of Melbourne’s few remaining 24-hour cafés, Embassy Cafe is a go-to spot to grab a classic chips and burger combo with a side of caffeine — no matter the hour!
Heartattack and Vine, Carlton
A stylish cafe-bar with an Italian-leaning wine list, Heartattack and Vine serves coffee in style with a great selection of nibbles until 10 PM Monday through Thursday, and until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Homm Dessert, CBD, Sunshine and Chadstone
Find delicious desserts and great coffee at Homm, a Melbourne-born Thai dessert cafe. Feast on shokupan, bingsu and more and pair it with a specialty coffee served hot or cold. You’ll also find other fun drinks like milo and milk tea. Homm is open Friday to Saturday until 10pm at Chadstone and QV, and until 11.30pm Friday to Saturday at Melbourne Central. It’s also open until 11pm each night at Sunshine.
Desserts By Night, Maribyrnong or Springvale
Craving a late-night sweet treat with your caffeine fix? Then head to the west or south-east for crepes, waffles and a Filipino crème caramel at Desserts By Night. While you enjoy your sugar rush, pair it with a caffeine high with espresso drinks served until late into the night.
Blackcat, Fitzroy
A bohemian bar, cafe and art space, Blackcat has been around since 1982. Not only can you get a mean espresso martini but a fantastic coffee –both hot or cold. This is the spot to catch your caffeine high while grooving to local DJs and local art.