{"id":2198,"date":"2023-03-03T03:36:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T03:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/?p=2198"},"modified":"2023-11-21T05:56:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T05:56:58","slug":"best-coffee-fitzroy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/best-coffee-fitzroy\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Get the Best Coffee in Fitzroy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a city renowned for its brunches and coffee, Fitzroy, in Melbourne’s inner north, has long been a standout destination for both. The steady turnover of cafes and coffee shops on Brunswick Street is testament to that: with high rents and stiff competition, places that are just ok simply don’t survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m lucky enough to spend a lot of time in this compact neighbourhood, slowly working my way through buzzy new spots and dependable old stalwarts alike. Many of them make good coffee, but the number that consistently make a truly excellent brew is much smaller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having tried so many of them, I figured it was time to put together some recommendations for the best places for a coffee in Fitzroy, whether you’re after a silky flat white, a strong espresso with just the right amount of crema, or a smooth, interesting pourover made from a bean you’ve never heard of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of these places are dedicated coffee shops, with perhaps just some simple food options if you’re peckish. I’ve mostly steered clear of full-blown cafes, but have included one (run by a coffee roasting company, to be fair) that makes such good coffee that I couldn’t leave it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many sell beans by the bag and can grind them for you if needed, and one or two have a range of coffee equipment on offer as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn’t a long list, since it’s meant to highlight the best of what’s on offer, not just every place that sells coffee in the area. I’ll add anywhere exceptional to the list as I discover it, but given how good these places are, it’s a pretty high bar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the sake of comparison I’ve listed prices and included photos of oat flat whites below, but in most cases I’ve tried the black coffee options as well. Trust me, they were just as good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>AWA Cafe<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Several<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away beside a Malaysian restaurant on the less-trendy part of Brunswick Street, with virtually nothing in the way of street signage, it’s easy to walk straight past AWA Cafe. I did, several times in fact, before the rows of coffee bags and takeaway cups along one wall caught my eye and I finally ventured inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m very glad that I did, as this innocuous little coffee shop perfectly sums up the Fitzroy scene. There’s not much space inside, with room for perhaps a dozen customers if they don’t mind cuddling up, and a couple of staff members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can buy delicious crepes, sandwiches, and bagels (they’re very good, so you should), and they’ll make you vegemite toast if that’s what you’re after, but other than that, it’s all about the coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have a few different types on offer, both espresso-based drinks and filter options like batch and cold brew. Hot and iced chocolate, chai, matcha, and a small range of tea, soda, and juice rounds out the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Overhead<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lauren drinks decaf while I go for the full-strength stuff, and we’ve both commented that the flat whites at AWA are some of the best we’ve ever had. We visited with her parents once as well: the prana chai also met with a strong round of approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somewhat unusually for a small cafe like this, they roast their own beans. As a result, exactly what you’ll get depends a bit on when you visit, but so far so good in my experience: the flavour profile of my coffee changes, but it’s never been anything short of excellent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They’re open every day, so pop in any time before 4pm for a coffee, a bite to eat, and a chat. Grab a takeaway if it’s busy or you’re in a hurry, but otherwise grab a window seat in the afternoon sun and simply linger over a delicious brew.<\/p>\n\n\n

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