Best Cafes in Carlton
Looking for the best cafes in Carlton? We've gathered 24 standout spots in this corner of Melbourne, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Carlton has its own character, and the cafes here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
Australia takes its coffee seriously, and Melbourne is no exception — think flat whites pulled to order, single-origin beans and a brunch culture that runs all morning. The spots below range from tucked-away specialty roasters to all-day cafes worth a slow weekend visit.
24 spots in Carlton
The Heart of Carlton
$A highly rated café on Elgin Street in Carlton, Melbourne.
Hareruya Pantry
Dessert Spots in Carlton, Melbourne.
Good Measure
$Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
HEEBI
Bakeries in Carlton, Melbourne.
Rathdowne & Reeves Cafe
$$Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters
$$Airy, industrial-chic cafe and micro-roaster serving brunch, sandwiches and specialty teas.
Assembly - Carlton
$Elegant setting with a monochrome colour scheme, serving high-end coffee and tea, plus pastries.
Humble Rays Carlton
$$Unique eats & coffee are turned out this vibrant cafe with subway tiles, plants & a colorful mural.
FLOVIE CAFE
$$Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Arrow Cafe Carlton
Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Soul Soul Cafe
Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Cyrus Artlounge
Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Woodside Green
Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
Stovetop Cafe
$$Sleek daytime cafe crafting single-origin coffee & innovative breakfast & lunch dishes.
sunhands
Bars in Carlton, Melbourne.
Luna Bakery
Bakeries in Carlton, Melbourne.
Cardigan 55
Cafes in Carlton, Melbourne.
NIJUUSAN
Dessert Spots in Carlton, Melbourne.
More in Carlton
Cafes in other Melbourne suburbs
Cafes in Carlton — FAQs
What are the best cafes in Carlton?+
The cafes in Carlton listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many cafes are there in Carlton?+
We currently feature 24 cafes in Carlton, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Carlton in Melbourne?+
Carlton is one of Melbourne's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
What's the coffee culture like in Melbourne?+
Specialty coffee is the norm rather than the exception — most cafes roast or source quality beans and turn out espresso-based drinks like the flat white, long black and piccolo. Brunch is a weekend institution, so expect queues at the most popular spots mid-morning.