St Ali

A converted warehouse tucked down a South Melbourne laneway, this café helped define Melbourne’s third-wave coffee culture. It remains a reliable draw for serious brews and a relaxed, slightly hectic energy.

Coffee is roasted on-site and served across formats from espresso to batch brew, with seasonal blends and single origins in rotation. We’d start with an oat flat white before moving to miso scrambled eggs or the pork belly bánh mì, depending on the mood.

There’s a steady flow of locals, industry folk and international fans, especially on weekends. High ceilings, exposed beams and energetic staff keep it all moving, and frequent collaborations offer reason to return.