Best Cafes in Brunswick

Brunswick has a rough-around-the-edges charm. On and around the mixed-business strips of Sydney Road and Lygon Street you'll find the perfect long black in a converted warehouse, a satisfying breakfast in a more cosy eatery or a snack from a family-run bakery. Here are our favourites.

Small Axe Deli

From the team behind Small Axe Kitchen, this spot has a seven-metre terrazzo bar and floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, pickles and take-home meals such as gluten-free lasagne.

1/625 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Ona Coffee

This Canberra-based coffee roaster has made a real name for itself on the east coast. Visit this outpost and you’ll understand why. At any time, there are at least 20 outstanding coffees listed on its “freezer menu”.

22 Ovens Street, Brunswick

Theodore's

Hidden away in this relaxed Brunswick warehouse space you’ll find pretzel sandwiches, hotel-buffet-inspired brunches and great coffee.

4 Saxon Street, Brunswick

Wide Open Road

Even though it opened back in 2009, this cafe and roastery is still one of the most popular cafes in Brunswick. The interiors are spacious, with comfortable chairs and cosy booths. And the food is adventurous, but it won't veer too far away from anyone's comfort zones. The coffee is, predictably, excellent.

274 Barkly Street, Brunswick

Code Black Coffee Brunswick

This cafe and roasting house is one of Melbourne's most established brunch spots. But even after all these years, it's still at the very front of the pack. Dishes are still delicious and creative, the coffee's still great and the space is still slick.

15-17 Weston Street, Brunswick

Ray's Cafe

A melting pot of the culturally diverse inhabitants of Brunswick.

332 Victoria Street, Brunswick

Small Axe

Pasta for breakfast?

281 Victoria St, Brunswick

Project281

Japanese- and Korean-inspired food, coffee roasted in-house and 97 seats.

281 Albert Street, Brunswick

Lobbs

It’s attractive enough, but this cafe is less about flashy Instagram-ready food and more about simple things done well.

589-591 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Home.one

A dedicated porridge, bagel and coffee bar supporting Melbourne’s homeless, and distributing free school lunches.

6 Florence Street, Brunswick

Union St Brewers

A friendly stop for bagels and coffee next to Jewell Station.

34 Union Street, Brunswick

Steam Junkies

A family-run cafe that’s serious about coffee.

7-9 Florence Street, Brunswick

Lucy Lockett

Lucy Lockett may have lost her pocket, but Brunswick’s found an all-day gem.

140 Barkly Street, Brunswick

All Day Donuts

The best doughnuts in Brunswick.

12 Edward Street, Brunswick

A Minor Place

There’s nothing minor about this little weatherboard cafe-conversion.

103 Albion Street, Brunswick

Kines

Order some breakfast and play table tennis while you wait.

11 Hope Street, Brunswick

Ovens Street

This bread and pastry outfit supplies some of the best cafes in Melbourne. Head here if you want to go straight to the source.

19 Ovens Street, Brunswick

Sweet Evelyn

Brunswick’s sweet spot for specialised cakes and macarons.

128 Union Street, Brunswick

Lux Foundry

A heritage-listed landmark with a satisfying brunch menu, Proud Mary coffee and free wi-fi.

21 Hope Street, Brunswick

Rogue District

All about family, from the owners to the customers.

179 Albion Street, Brunswick

Foxtrot Charlie

An organic roastery, cafe and event space that keeps things simple.

359 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Acustico

A sustainable eatery that embraces Melbourne’s artistic community.

32 Union Street, Brunswick

Maddox

A neatly designed cafe that easily caters for vegans and vegetarians.

295 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Miss Marmalade

Proof that family friendly cafes can be civilised and serve cocktails.

126 Union Street , Brunswick

Green Refectory

With only the word Green on the window – Green Refectory is a slim, spirited space where food is the hero.

115 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Brunswick Foodstore

Don’t let the name fool you – this is much more than a little corner store.

29 Weston St, Brunswick

A1 Bakery

An affordable Middle-Eastern bakery, cafe and grocer.

643-645 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Tom Phat

All-day dining at this Thai-infused cafe on Sydney Road.

182-184 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Waxflower

Blending elements of Melbourne cafe, European wine bar and Tokyo-style “listening bar”, this buzzing spot hosts vinyl-only DJs five nights a week, with no cover charges. It’s one of the best places in town to hear recorded music.

153 Weston Street, Brunswick