Best Cafes in Mentone Melbourne 2026
Finding a good cafe in Mentone used to mean driving to the next suburb. Not anymore. The past few years have brought in a wave of openings, and the competition has raised the standard across the board.
The Scene
Salt air and flat whites go together better than you would think. Cafes here lean towards the light and airy aesthetic — lots of outdoor seating, seasonal menus, and acai bowls alongside proper eggs benedict. The vibe is relaxed even on busy mornings.
Your Morning Budget
A daily coffee habit in Mentone costs $5 on average per cup. Brunch for two on a Saturday runs $45 to $70 including coffees. The value is better at places slightly off the main strip — same beans, often the same roaster, but lower rent means lower prices.
Working From a Cafe
If your office is wherever your laptop is, Mentone has options. The best cafes for working have strong wifi, accessible power points, and enough ambient noise to help you focus without being distracting. Weekday mornings are ideal — the brunch crowd clears by 10:30am and you will have space until the lunch rush.
Tips
- Peak hours: 8am to 10am on weekdays, 9am to noon on weekends. Go early or go late.
- Parking: Most cafe strips in Mentone have 1-hour street parking. Arrive before 9am on Saturdays.
- Dog-friendly: Several cafes allow dogs in outdoor areas. Check our dog-friendly guide.
Read more: Weekend Guide | Cost of Living | Neighbourhood Guide
