[Melbourne] Some consider ST. ALi to be the pioneer of Melbourne’s coffee scene – it is quite likely also one of the concepts that started the third wave coffee movement in the city.
ST. ALi Coffee Roasters was once awarded “Best Food Cafe” in Melbourne.
Housed in a converted warehouse, its industrial-chic decor features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a large central bar where baristas work their magic on the La Marzocco espresso machines.
The white plain, nondescript white warehouse located on Yarra Place has little other indication that this is where the celebrated café sits.
It is only after entering that one will find a full house of caffeine addicts, who are served by people in pink overalls to wherever has seats available, be it communal tables or places for two.
ST. ALi was founded back in 2004 by Mark Dundon, who sold the concept just two years later (to Salvatore Malatesta) to build the also-famous Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters.
The focus of ST. ALi is to go local, building up the local coffee roasting scene in Melbourne.
Likewise, St. ALi sources food ingredients locally and pick their coffee suppliers from sustainable spots.
Today, not only is the ST. ALi café a top spot, its custom blends and roasted beans are supplied to cafes all over the city and overseas. It also has an outpost in Jakarta and pop-ups in countries like Singapore.
It even has its own merchandise store.
For a coffee pioneer, a cuppa is mandatory.
Enjoy a cup of Orthodox (AUD 5.90), the signature blend of the café that invokes notes like apple jam, fudge, and milk chocolate.
As it is designed for milk-based drinks, Orthodox will be served as a milk coffee.
The yin to the yang of Orthodox is the Feels Good (AUD 5.90), a house blend black coffee with notes of stonefruit and caramel.
As it has a balanced acidity, it is perfect for a strong cup of black coffee that is easily palatable.
Single origin coffees change on a regular basis. Always look out for what is in store if you want something more unique.
Food served are geared towards the breakfast or brunch side. In particular, the Apple Pie Porridge (AUD 20) is popular. Beyond its rolled oats and stewed apples, the inclusion of baked custard and pastry crumb gives it resemblance to an apple pie. It is just like having dessert for breakfast.
Other notable features are the Banoffee Madelines (AUD 16), ST. ALi Granola (AUD 21), and Eggs Benedict (AUD 31).
My Mexican Cousin (AUD 31) is a popular dish at ST. ALi, and for good reason.
It is a representation of the fusion of flavours and cultures that ST. ALi is known for – bringing the bold and bright flavours of Mexican cuisine to the Melbourne coffee scene.
The dish is composed of three corn fritters, poached eggs, halloumi crumb with sweetcorn salsa which added that extra kick of spice.
The fritters were actually quite a filling base, while the poached egg gave that richness and creaminess.
On the more savoury side and heavier side, there are the One Pan Breakfast (AUD 28), K.F.C. Burger (AUD 30), or the Squid Ink Risotto (AUD 32).
I noted a ST. ALi Black Forest Gateau Hotcake (AUD 26) which was the only dish on the menu with “ST. ALi” on it. Gotta be good, right?
Requiring a 15 minutes preparation time, this came served in a hot pan and was expectedly rich, chocolatey, and indulgent.
The pancakes at the base were light and fluffy texture that was not too heavy or dense.
The chocolate crumb included some textures, while cherry gave slight bursts of sweet and tart notes.
Now that you know where to find ST. ALi (it is at 12-18 Yarra Place), you know the place to be for a coffee pilgrimage.
Tip 1 for tourists: it is a short walking distance off the bustling South Melbourne Market, so you can always make your way there after.
Tip 2: There is a ST. ALi Coffee found within Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Terminal 2 within departures, so perhaps you can grab a cuppa before flying too.
ST. ALi Coffee Roasters
12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – ST. Ali Coffee Roasters
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* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
