7 Fantastic Melbourne Cafes to check out with Mum this Mother's Day

Not sure how to spoil Mum this Mother’s Day? Sure, you could always make her breakfast in bed, but if you feel like getting out and about, or are just looking for a new place to treat Mum at, keep the following Melbourne spots in mind this year…

Angelo Pasticceria (757 Nicholson St. Carlton North)

This unassuming, old-school Italian Pasticceria offers an impressive range of homemade Italian cakes, biscuits and desserts alongside classic Aussie bakery staples (their sausage rolls are to die for!). Of course, all their sweet and savoury treats are best paired with a cup of coffee, and they certainly don’t disappoint there either with a consistently great brew prepared each and every time from Monte beans. Be sure to drop by and treat yourself if you’re in the area, and consider one of their made to order continental cakes for Mum this Mother’s Day, she won’t be disappointed!

Degraves Espresso (23-25 Degraves St. Melbourne)

Located right in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, down a laneway just off Flinders Street, Degraves Espresso is a true Melbourne institution; a bustling hotspot catering to both locals and tourists alike. Known for its locally crafted espresso, all day brunch and European inspired menu (share plates abound) Degraves Espresso is the perfect spot to stop and take a breath during a busy day of shopping, or perhaps to unwind with an after dinner cocktail. Tuesday evenings feature a Spanish guitar player, but the atmosphere is always lively, and the hosts will make a point to treat you like family. Their signature house blend of coffee is also available in 250g and 1kg packs to take away- a great Mother’s Day gift idea.

The Grey Smith (126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne)

Often said to have the best coffee in the inner-east of Melbourne, The Grey Smith on Wellington Parade offers a fresh and diverse menu (breakfast and lunch), a cosy and inviting atmosphere, and staff that are always friendly and welcoming. The pancakes are fluffy like a cloud so be sure to give them a go if you’re in for breakfast, but then again their ‘Big Breakfast’ gets rave reviews and is rather generous in terms of portion size (to say the least!). They brew with Monte coffee beans and also offer a coffee ‘shandy’ which is somewhat unique- a blend of regular and decaf coffee… perhaps the perfect balance of caffeine and smooth coffee flavour.

Laurent (Multiple Locations)

Laurent Boillon, a French pastry chef and baker brought with him his love and passion for high-quality, traditional French baking when he opened his first store at the Como Centre in South Yarra back in 1993. It was also at that time he met Ange Augello, the Melbourne-born, Italian heritage coffee roaster, and together they created the timeless and distinctive flavour of the coffee served across all his boulangeries today. Now with multiple locations around the city, Laurent is a genuine Melbourne (and French inspired) success story. Authenticity and genuine care is at the heart of everything they do, as they lovingly prepare their time honoured recipes for fine French breads (more than 30 hours is invested into each and every loaf). Coffee is taken just as seriously (as you’d expect in Melbourne!), and their Baristas undergo a bespoke training program to bring out the absolute best in each and every cup. Their pure original blends are made from the finest Robusta and Arabica beans from Monte Coffee, and pair wonderfully with their menu of the finest French breads, cakes, pastries, savoury items and more.

Tick Tok Cafe (181 Nelson Place, Williamstown)

In a picturesque spot right on the Williamstown-Newport foreshore, Tick Tok Cafe is a local fan favourite, with a unique and eclectic menu of modern Australian and Asian inspired dishes. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, with a pretty courtyard out the back perfect to soak up some sun while enjoying an expertly prepared espresso. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, also on offer beyond the main menu is a wide array of mouthwatering cakes, pastries, scones and sandwiches. Ideal as a place to relax or to catch up with friends, a decent cup of coffee is something you can always be assured of at Tick Tok, as their team of baristas use expert brewing techniques and top quality beans from Ox3.

Cafe Odo (1a/1 Bluff Road, Black Rock)

In sunny Black Rock by the beach sits Cafe Odo, a warm and welcoming cafe known locally for their friendly, down to earth service, awesome all day breakfast menu and consistently well-made coffees brewed fresh from Gravity Espresso beans. They also offer home made biscuits and complimentary sparkling water. A great spot to pop into after a morning stroll along the foreshore with Mum. 

The Old Paper Shop Deli (266-268 Clarendon St. South Melbourne)

Located only a short walk from the famous South Melbourne Markets, The Old Paper Shop Deli (established back in the 70’s) has an impressive variety of home made cakes on offer, tempting passers by from the front window display. If Mum’s a sweet tooth she’ll probably need help deciding! Beyond cakes they have a solid breakfast and lunch menu of both savoury and sweet dishes, of which their Black Forest Pancakes are worth checking out, especially when paired with a fresh cup of coffee from Coffex.