Café Trubi – Crn Lt Londsdale & Hardware St’s, Melbourne.

This unassuming little place, a little bit away from the hustle of Hardware Lane, is definitely engaged in what I would consider excellent service. While they are a Grinder’s house (not for long I believe), and have a limited amount of space, they take pride in all elements of their business, from the presentation to the coffee. Speaking of which, my experience there was second to none, and not because of the coffee. It happened that a few minutes after I ordered my long macchiato (about 3 sips into it), I got a couple of calls that I had to attend to. I had to go outside, and after about 15 min of talking I returned to a just freshly made Long Mac. The owner had noticed how long I was away, and decided to take it upon herself to replace my coffee. So I sat down to a new, HOT, Long Mac. Need I say more, these guys should open up a school for café shop owner’s. 1 bean!

I have been asked, what do I look for? Fair question!

I guess what I look for as close to the total experience relating to coffee. Let me explain.

I want to be attended to courteously and quickly.

• I don’t want a vibe just because I didn’t buy food (that bugs me, especially during lunch-another blog perhaps).
• That the barista took some level of pride in making what my be my ONLY coffee for the day (and in some cases is,.. I may have 2 or 3 at the most, and on many days a mere 1).
• That I could have my meeting or contemplate my project in relative peace. More and more it has less to do with the choice of coffee, rather the quality of the coffee shop and the people who manage it. If they love doing their thing, then it reflects in their establishment, how diligently they clean their machine, the quality of the grind, and the way they serve up the coffee.
• Personally, I’m not a big fan of the glass. It lets the coffee go cold far quicker than other alternatives.
• That the coffee selection has been made with some thought, not just $$.
• ratings as follows:
• 1 Bean: Bloody Good Coffee and place to hang.
• 2 Bean: make it your business to visit, they know their coffee
• 3 Bean: Haven't seen one yet, but this place would have to have blown me away with their knowledge, service, and attention to detail. Coffee for them would have to be like the movie Chocolate!
  

For now!

Harvey's (The Old Diry Martini)

Harvey's(formerly the Dirty Martini) at 412 Collins Street.

This place has just changed hands. They care about how they deliver their coffee and even offer the larger bowl (The classic, Campbell’s cappuccino). They are fast and cosy in winter being underneath in the basement. They use Grinders, but seem to be able to deliver a descent brew regardless.

Cafe Minx

Café Minx – Liberty Place near Spencer & Collins Streets

I don’t think you can beat these guys for passion. They take pride in what they are doing and their coffee is very good. The place is great for business, except for the order taking process, which has to cut through the order fulfilling line. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile coffee and a nice place to hang or do business. 1 Bean!

Bohemians Strozz

Strozzi Ristorante and Caffeteria, 333 Collins Street

While Strozzi may offend the bohemian amongst us, they do a decent brew. Its good for a business coffee meet, and caters for the smokers well to. They generally get the temperature and bitterness right, but they are big and fast, so don’t expect any love.

An Old Treasure

Old Treasury – Crn Queen & Collins Streets

My second best pick in Melbourne. A nice atmosphere and real attention to detail, their coffee, when it arrives in normally presented well, and has a smooth taste, mind you on occasion, that bitter flavour kick in. Not sure what coffee they use, but you pay a premium for it.

My own view of Cafe Gust!

Café Gust 174 – 176 Queen Street

Café Gust, for my money, this is the best coffee in Melbourne. They use Espresso di Manfredi and use ceramic designer cups, which make the experience unique. The crema is amazing on the lattés, and not a hint of bitterness. Even if you generally take sugar, take this journey without. They will accommodate a coffee order without a problem even at the hight of lunch. Business friendly; professionally run, and very efficient service. 2 Big Beans!!