St Kilda East has 15 verified spots worth your time for cafes. Every venue below is a real, operating business with a Google listing — no placeholder names, no made-up addresses.
| Venue | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hey There Cookie! By Cake In The Afternoon | 5/5 | 83 | — |
| Cofezo Coffee Station | 5/5 | 36 | $ |
| Levanter Cafe | 4.9/5 | 672 | $$ |
| The Cake Club. | 4.9/5 | 131 | — |
| Indus Specialty Coffee | 4.9/5 | 90 | — |
| Rippers | 4.9/5 | 53 | — |
| Bridge Store Balaclava | 4.9/5 | 45 | — |
| Shakez | 4.9/5 | 17 | — |
1. Hey There Cookie! By Cake In The Afternoon
Address: 97 Brighton Road, Elwood
Rating: 5/5 (83 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 83 Google reviews. Rated 5/5 by locals.
2. Cofezo Coffee Station
Address: 207 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Rating: 5/5 (36 reviews)
Price: Affordable
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 36 Google reviews. Rated 5/5 by locals.
3. Levanter Cafe
Address: 296 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.9/5 (672 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 672 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
4. The Cake Club.
Address: 722 High Street, Armadale
Rating: 4.9/5 (131 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 131 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
5. Indus Specialty Coffee
Address: 157 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating: 4.9/5 (90 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 90 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
6. Rippers
Address: 3 Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea
Rating: 4.9/5 (53 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 53 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
7. Bridge Store Balaclava
Address: 305 Inkerman Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.9/5 (45 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 45 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
8. Shakez
Address: 21 William Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.9/5 (17 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 17 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
9. All Things Equal Cafe
Address: 263-265 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.8/5 (301 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 301 Google reviews. Rated 4.8/5 by locals.
10. Capri Cafe
Address: 16/18 Wellington Street, St Kilda
Rating: 4.8/5 (123 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 123 Google reviews. Rated 4.8/5 by locals.
11. Journey Daily Provisions - Bagels, Coffee & Salads
Address: 205 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.8/5 (68 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 68 Google reviews. Rated 4.8/5 by locals.
12. Miss Alex & Co
Address: 85 Brighton Road, Elwood
Rating: 4.7/5 (737 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 737 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
13. OPPEN
Address: 20/2 Maddock St, Windsor
Rating: 4.7/5 (675 reviews)
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 675 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
14. Blencowes Kitchen
Address: 305 Inkerman Street, Balaclava
Rating: 4.7/5 (391 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in St Kilda East with 391 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
15. Delilah
Address: 38A Chapel Street, Windsor
Rating: 4.7/5 (247 reviews)
Delilah is a verified local spot in St Kilda East. Check their latest hours and menu before visiting.
About This Guide
Every venue in this guide is a verified, currently operating business sourced from Google Places API. Data last refreshed: 2026-03-31. If a venue has closed or moved, let us know.
More St Kilda East: St Kilda East Suburb Guide · Cost of Living · All St Kilda East Guides
Wall Two 80
Occupying a space that was once a traditional kosher butchery, Wall Two 80 is an pillar of the St Kilda East cafe scene that perfectly captures the suburb’s transition from old-world heritage to modern urban cool. The interior retains a rugged, industrial charm with high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and communal wooden tables that encourage a social atmosphere. It is the kind of place where local artists, young professionals, and long-time residents converge over high-quality caffeine. The coffee here is consistently excellent, often cited as some of the most reliable in the area, with a rotating selection of blends that cater to both espresso purists and milk-based drinkers. Their menu leans into creative Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, featuring standout dishes like spiced shakshuka and hearty grain salads that reflect the cultural fabric of the neighborhood.
The Joinery
Located on a leafy stretch of Alma Road, The Joinery acts as the quintessential neighborhood hub for those living away from the main Carlisle Street thoroughfare. This cafe is celebrated for its bright, airy aesthetic and a more refined approach to the Melbourne brunch standard. The kitchen takes pride in seasonal sourcing, resulting in a menu that feels fresh and thoughtfully curated. You might find sophisticated options such as chili-folded eggs with goat’s curd or a decadent mushroom medley on sourdough. The outdoor seating area is a particular drawcard during the warmer months, offering a peaceful vantage point to watch the world go by in this quieter pocket of St Kilda East. It’s a sophisticated yet unpretentious spot that prioritizes flavor and local community.
Batch Espresso
A long-standing favorite on Carlisle Street, Batch Espresso brings a distinct New Zealand-inspired energy to the St Kilda East coffee circuit. Known for its cozy, slightly retro vibe and its unwavering commitment to the “flat white” culture, Batch has built a loyal following over decades. The cafe is often buzzing with energy, characterized by its narrow, intimate layout and the constant hiss of the espresso machine. While the coffee is the primary draw—rich, smooth, and expertly extracted—the food menu holds its own with classic Kiwi and Australian staples. The corn fritters are a perennial favorite, served with a perfect balance of spice and zest. It’s the ideal spot for a quick, high-quality morning pick-me-up or a leisurely weekend debrief with friends.
Common Ground
Tucked away at the intersection of Alma Road and Lansdowne Road, Common Ground is a charming, community-focused cafe that feels like an extension of a local’s living room. It manages to balance a rustic, “pantry-style” vibe with a very modern understanding of brunch. The space is filled with natural light and often features shelves stocked with artisanal produce and local jams. Their menu is grounded in simplicity but executed with high-level culinary skill, focusing on nourishing bowls, thick-cut sourdough toasts, and exceptional pastries. The relaxed pace here makes it a favorite for those looking to escape the high-energy rush of the main shopping strips, providing a tranquil environment for a slow Sunday breakfast or a focused mid-week coffee session.
Glick’s Cakes and Bagels
No discussion of St Kilda East is complete without mentioning Glick’s, a legendary Melbourne institution that serves as the cultural heart of the area. While it leans more toward a bakery-cafe hybrid, its influence on the local “cafe culture” is undeniable. Famous for their traditional boiled bagels and challah, Glick’s offers a window into the suburb’s deep-rooted Jewish heritage. The experience here is less about the avocado-toast-aesthetic and more about the authenticity of the product. Ordering a freshly toasted bagel with cream cheese and lox is a rite of passage for any visitor. The atmosphere is always lively, especially on Friday afternoons when locals flock to the store to pick up supplies for the weekend.
Local Tips
- Avoid the Friday Rush: If you are visiting Glick’s or other local bakeries, try to arrive before midday on Fridays, as the pre-Sabbath rush can lead to long queues and sold-out specialty breads.
- Parking Secrets: While Carlisle Street parking is notoriously difficult, you can usually find ample space in the residential side streets north of Alma Road, just a short three-minute walk from the main cafe hubs.
- Hidden Courtyards: Several venues along the eastern end of Carlisle Street have “hidden” rear courtyards that aren’t immediately visible from the street—always ask the staff if there is outdoor seating available.
FAQ
Are most cafes in St Kilda East pet-friendly? Yes, the majority of cafes in this area, particularly those on Alma Road like The Joinery and Common Ground, offer outdoor seating areas that are very welcoming to dogs.
Where is the best place for specialty coffee beans? Wall Two 80 and Batch Espresso are widely considered the top choices for enthusiasts looking for high-quality specialty beans, often featuring rotating single-origin options for home brewing.
Is Carlisle Street the main area for cafes in St Kilda East? While the western end of Carlisle Street is in Balaclava, the eastern section (past the railway line) is firmly in St Kilda East and serves as the primary commercial and cafe hub for the suburb.
Source: Broadsheet Melbourne
