
Melbourne is bursting with incredible cafes and charming bookshops. Combine the two and experience the best of both worlds by relaxing inside one of the lovely book cafes around Melbourne. Find a reading nook in one of these dreamy spots, sip on a warm beverage and slip away into another world. The next time you’d like to curl up with a book, check out one of these vibey cafes around Melbourne.
1. The Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Café
Browse for books then stay a little longer at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Café in West Footscray. At this independent bookshop, every fiction or non-fiction book that you buy will help plant native trees in the bushfire-affected areas of the country. After searching for books, relax with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or a pastry from the café. There’s also a child-friendly lounge for the little ones. Learn more about this sustainable store here.
📍542 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012
2. Willows & Wine
Willows & Wine is a dreamy venue that combines books, wine and cheese. Browse through their library cellar and borrow something from their collection of books from diverse storytellers. They also have a selection of new and second-hand books available for purchase. While you read, sip on a warm cup of coffee or try their selection of wine, beer and cocktails. There’s also charcuterie boards and other nibbles if you’re peckish. Find out more.
315 Victoria St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
3. ENO Cafe
Lose yourself in one of the nooks and crannies at ENO Cafe. This small and cosy corner in Box Hill has plenty of books for you to discover, while indulging in a cup of coffee, an iced matcha latte and a slice of cake. There’s also a couple of beanbags for you to lounge in and soothing music for good vibes all around. Learn more here.
📍895A Canterbury Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128
4. Dymocks Cafe
After browsing for books in the massive Dymocks on Collins Street, linger in the cafe and start reading your new book over a pastry, light lunch or sweet treat in the cafe. While you’re there, unwind with a coffee, tea or smoothie. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available. Check them out here.
📍Lower Ground Floor, 234 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Cyrus Artlounge
The lovely Cyrus Artlounge is both a cafe and a gallery space. Sink into one of the comfy couches in the lounge space, and read a book while enjoying a local pastry, a cup of coffee or a signature house tea blend. There’s also a gallery space upstairs, where you can admire work from local artists. This spot also hosts events, like exhibitions and book launches. See more here.
📍277 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
6. Buck Mulligan’s
If you’d prefer to sip on Irish coffee, then you’ll want to go to Buck Mulligan’s. This lovely spot is a bookshop and bar that specialises in Irish whiskey. Browse through their books and find a selection of Irish literature, as well as books from local writers. Sip on whiskey while you’re there, or go for a glass of wine or a cocktail. Graze on pork pies, cheese, toasties and other nibbles, while reading a book indoors or in their leafy courtyard. Find out more.
📍 217 High St, Northcote VIC 3070