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.

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”.

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.

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.

A melting pot of the culturally diverse inhabitants of Brunswick.

Pasta for breakfast?

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

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

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

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

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

The best doughnuts in Brunswick.

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

Order some breakfast and play table tennis while you wait.

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

Brunswick’s sweet spot for specialised cakes and macarons.

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

A sustainable eatery that embraces Melbourne’s artistic community.

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

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

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

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

An affordable Middle-Eastern bakery, cafe and grocer.

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

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.