It’s that time of year again: assignments are piling up, exams are fast approaching and your new best friends are your textbooks. If you’ve been studying in the same space for a long time, you might have felt your focus and motivation slipping away. In times like these, a change of scenery can be just what you need. The perfect place to go? Cafés!
Thanks to Melbourne’s amazing coffee culture, the city is home to some of the best cafés to study in. The best things about these cafés? They all serve mouth-watering food and coffee, and some of them even provide free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
So, grab your laptop, order a coffee like a true local, and prepare to smash your to-do list at one of the best cafés to study in Melbourne.
Axil Coffee Roasters – Hawthorn (and other locations across Melbourne)
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@insiderguides Is there any better way to get through your coursework than with a delicious coffee? ☕️ We think not. #internationalstudents #studytok #studywithme #studycafes #australiancoffee #australiancoffeeshop #australiancafes #australiancafe ♬ original sound – Insider Guides
Home to Victoria’s best barista of 2022, Anthony Douglas, Axil Coffee Roasters is one of the most renowned café chains in Melbourne. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a cup of coffee here is sure to satisfy, whether it’s a traditional cappuccino or their signature Cold Brew Spritz. You can also treat yourself to a tasty meal, with Axil’s menu featuring a great selection of staple dishes with a twist.
Address: Several locations throughout Melbourne, including two locations in Hawthorn (322 Burwood Rd and 677 Glenferrie Rd)
Wi-Fi: No
Don’t miss: Rocky road waffles
Vegan options: No
Outdoor seating: Yes
Serotonin Eatery – Burnley
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If you love healthy eating, Serotonin Eatery might just be your new favourite spot. Here, you can sample a range of gourmet, health-conscious dishes that are sure to fuel you through your most gruelling study sessions. The environment is light and bright, with outdoor and indoor seating (some of which are swings that hang from the ceiling!). For those seeking a co-working or study space, Serotonin Eatery recommends coming in on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 8-11am as these are particularly quiet times. Plus, students receive half-priced mains during these hours on these days!
Address: 52 Madden Grove, Burnley
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The Positive Pancakes – banana flour pancakes topped with coulis and fresh fruit
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Mr Tulk – CBD
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Mr Tulk has been a student favourite for as long as anyone can remember. Located on busy Swanston Street and inside the iconic State Library of Victoria, the quiet ambience and decor definitely create a studious vibe. The best part? The library offers free Wi-Fi, which you can access from the café!
Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The gin-cured salmon
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Who’s Harry Café – Hawthorn
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Located in the heart of Hawthorn – a stone’s throw away from the Swinburne University of Technology campus – Who’s Harry Café is a student favourite. Complete with multiple cosy rooms and a tranquil courtyard, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick cup of coffee between classes or to settle in for a multi-hour study session. Who’s Harry Café also serves up some of the tastiest study fuel in the city, including acai smoothie bowls, eggs benedict and poke bowls.
Plus, as a Swinburne student, you may be eligible for an International Student Travel Pass. This gives you 50 per cent off the cost of an annual myki pass, so you can easily explore Melbourne’s incredible cafés!
Address: 81-83 Church St, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: Thyme & potato rosti
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Four Kilo Fish Coffee & Tea – Hawthorn
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Take one step into this charming café and you’ll quickly realise why it’s one of the best cafés to study in Melbourne. Warm and inviting, full of fresh greenery, and complete with indoor and outdoor seating, Four Kilo Fish Coffee & Tea is an ideal place to buckle down and get to work. The café is known for its unique coffee blends, which are imported from Yunnan, China, but also features other interesting beverages such as matcha lattes, rose lattes and a range of tasty teas. They also offer some delicious desserts and pastries (including plenty of vegan options!).
Address: 834 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: Rose latte & vegan lamington
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Pillar of Salt – Richmond
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Pillar of Salt is a longtime favourite among Richmond locals for its cosy interior, lush exterior, and delectable food and drink. Inside, you’ll enjoy mood lighting and exposed brick walls, the perfect backdrop for a sip-and-study session. Or, sit outside on the covered terrace to get some fresh air while you work. While Pillar of Salt serves up tasty classics (like eggs and avocado toast), they also have some unique offerings like Indonesian iced coffee.
Address: 541 Church St, Richmond
Wi-Fi: No
Don’t miss: Buttermilk banoffee pancake
Vegan options: No
Outdoor seating: Yes
Short Straw – Hawthorn
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With hanging plants abound and a relaxing atmosphere, Short Straw is an ideal café to study in Melbourne. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome the second you walk through the door, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with Short Straw’s menu, which caters to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free. While the coffee is top-notch, they also offer a wide selection of other drinks, including smoothies and teas. Need a break from your study sessions on the weekend ? Hot tip: Short Straw also has a Hair of the Dog Happy Hour from 2-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, during which you can offer $10 cocktails.
Address: 743B Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The “Hallou, Is It Me You’re Looking For?” – a delicious fried halloumi NY bagel
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Whiplash Café – Hawthorn
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If you’re in need of a hearty breakfast or lunch, head to Whiplash Café. Known as one of the best cafés in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Whiplash serves up mouth-watering bagels, gourmet sandwiches and delicious coffee. Because this venue is on the smaller side, seating is slightly limited, so you’ll want to ensure you get there early to secure a spot!
Address: 226 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: No
Don’t miss: Pastrami sandwich
Vegan options: No
Outdoor seating: No
ST. ALi – South Melbourne
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Located in South Melbourne’s backstreets, ST. ALi is one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s coffee scene. In fact, it’s still one of the best coffee places in Melbourne. Aside from its award-winning coffee, ST. ALi offers an inventive and delicious brunch menu. The famous South Melbourne Market is also within walking distance, so you can enjoy a quick visit to the market before settling down with your work at ST. ALi.
Address: 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: ST. ALi Tiramisu hotcake
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
If you’re looking for more study tips, make sure to check out our guides to beating procrastination and getting motivated!
Image (ST. ALi Café) courtesy of Visit Victoria.
