Coffee & Tea
Local Favorite

The Journal Cafe

About The Journal Cafe

Welcome to The Journal Cafe, a friendly Cafe in 253 Flinders Ln, VIC, known for great food, welcoming service, and a comfortable place to gather. Rated 4.10 out of 5 from 746 reviews, we are proud to offer great service and quality and accessible facilities for a better experience.

★★★★☆ 4.10 rating (746 reviews)
The Journal Cafe
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Independent Reviews
The Journal Cafe interior

More Than Just Coffee

Every cup we serve is a small moment of joy, carefully crafted by passionate baristas who care about your experience.

  • Free WiFi
  • Cozy Seating
  • Pet Friendly
  • Local Roasters

Reviews

From our beloved regulars

Patrizia Bordignon

Patrizia Bordignon

a year ago

I love the atmosphere of this cafe…it feels like finding a hidden treasure in Flinders Lane. It is an institution in the cbd of Melbourne and always has a nice vibe of MELBOURNians enjoying the space. I love the big communal table and the morning newspapers for everyone to enjoy. The tuna nicoise salad is a very healthy and nourishing meal which is a huge bonus amongst cafes in the area that tend to only do pastries and eggs based dishes. I also love the different seating options available from the couch option to the communal table to a table of two or four. The service is friendly and impeccable which is also not so easy to come by in my experience. Savour the experience at the Journal cafe.

Crabby Dancer

Crabby Dancer

a year ago

The location of the cafe is rather obscure since it is along the sidewalk, and seemed to be part of the library. Read many good reviews so I decided to have brunch here. Enjoyed the coffee most, followed by the cozy ambience. Food is decent but rather pricey, in line iwith everywhere else in Melbourne. The owner rounded off my bill. What a nice gesture. 😀

Rubes

Rubes

a year ago

Usually, cafes tend to have a lot of young people, but here, most of the customers are working adults (office workers). Most people (seem like they are) locals, there aren’t many tourists (as I see). It gives the impression of being a place truly for Melbournian. The food is quite ordinary, as well as, the prices. The staff try their best to provide service to everyone!

Patrick Blake

Patrick Blake

2 months ago

Delicious miso chicken salad, delicious decaf magic, nice cool air-con, and a waiter who was incredibly patient with my elderly mother!

Clare D

Clare D

9 months ago

Such a cute hidden gem tucked away on Flinders Lane. The Journal Cafe is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s city streets. It has a calm, laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for catching up with a friend or sitting solo with a book or laptop. The coffee here is consistently great—smooth, well-balanced, and always made with care. I only tried their toastie this time, but it was done so well: golden, crispy, and filled with flavour. I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Tasha Semik

Tasha Semik

6 months ago

A few years ago, I heard The Journal Cafe sources an amazing coffee blend and is famous for it—and it’s totally legit! Whenever I’m nearby, I can’t resist dropping in for a coffee (or a few!). The lunch is fantastic too—daily soup, egg salads, mushroom pie, avocado toast… so many options, all deliciously done. It’s tucked inside the City Library, with bookshelves and people with laptops giving it a unique vibe. The staff are incredibly nice and pro, making every visit a treat!

Lily Li

Lily Li

Edited 5 months ago

Beautiful cafe next to the City Liberty on Flinders Lane... very nice service and clear cafe... 👌 The food was soooo yummy and the price is very affordable under around $15 per head. Highly recommend for the CBD qickly breakfast , lunch or afternoon tea....👍👍👍

Jessica Marline

Jessica Marline

6 months ago

The staff was very helpful because there were 4 of us and we wanted to split the bill. Coffee is great and the food were also bomb! My fave is their avocado toast. A good place and have a vintage vibe to it, definitely check this spot out!

Jyju Jossey

Jyju Jossey

5 months ago

Visited this cafe in Melbourne on many occasions in the past few years. Had my breakfast this morning and I really enjoyed it. I would say they serve the best coffee in town. Ordered Eggs Benedict and swapped a couple of ingredients and I really loved it. Staff were very friendly and professional. Will definitely recommend this place, “Journal Cafe” to anyone, who would like to explore the Coffee Culture in Melbourne. You will never regret it. Keep up your great job team 👍

Carly Thiele

Carly Thiele

2 months ago

I was solo traveling, and kinda nervous about eating on my own, but as I walked past this place I felt compelled to go in. I was welcomed almost immediately by one of the lovely staff in that day, who instantly made me feel like I’d made the right choice coming here. I got the chilli eggs and an espresso martini (because, holiday!) for brunch, and couldn’t fault either of those. Aircon was crisp on what was a heatwave day in Melbourne, atmosphere was a mix of happy chatter, and workers on laptops tapping away, a spot for all kinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about The Journal Cafe

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
  • Live music
  • Live performances

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Spirits
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • University students

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids

Pets

  • Dogs allowed

Come Say Hi

We'd love to see you! Stop by for your favorite drink or to try something new.

Location

253 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Hours

Open Now · Saturday 8 AM-4 PM
Wednesday 7 AM-4 PM
Thursday 7 AM-4 PM
Friday 7 AM-4 PM
Saturday 8 AM-4 PM
Sunday 8 AM-3 PM
Monday 7 AM-4 PM
Tuesday 7 AM-4 PM
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Get in Touch

Questions about catering, private events, or just want to say hello?