In part one of the inaugural Essential Cafes and Bakeries guide, we celebrate the veteran venues and trailblazers that continue to blaze.

Our city’s cafes aren’t what they used to be. They’re better. From internationally known CBD coffee spots to expansive suburban cafes, here’s what you need to tick off.

These are our favourite spots where you can sit down for exceptional breakfast and brunch food, as featured in Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries 2026 guide.

This venue is one of Good Food’s Essential Perth Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.