ST. ALi Coffee Roasters - South Melbourne — Restaurant in Melbourne

From the moment we walked into ST. ALi Coffee Roasters, the vibe was warm and inviting. The space boasts a modern, industrial design with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a minimalist layout. The friendly baristas greeted us immediately, making us feel at ease despite the bustling crowd. The seating is spacious, and there’s a clear focus on creating an environment where people can linger, chat, or even work in comfort. Service was quick and attentive, which is always a plus, especially on a busy day.

Iced Tea I ordered the iced tea, which was a refreshing break from the usual coffee options that dominate coffeehouses. The iced tea was beautifully prepared, served in a short glass filled with ice and garnished with a slice of lemon. The flavor was crisp, slightly sweet, and not overly tangy, making it the perfect choice for a warm afternoon. There was a slight floral undertone, which hinted at a quality tea base. It wasn’t just a simple iced tea; there was an artistry in how it was brewed and served, which made it stand out from typical offerings at other cafes. It was smooth, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with the energetic atmosphere of the roastery.

Espresso Shake My mum opted for the espresso shake, a more decadent choice for coffee lovers. The espresso shake came thick and rich, a blend of robust coffee flavors and creamy texture. The shake had a perfect balance between the deep, roasted flavor of espresso and the smooth sweetness of ice cream. My mum was particularly pleased with how the coffee flavor wasn’t overwhelmed by sweetness, making the drink an indulgent yet balanced treat. The coffee itself was well-crafted, with just the right level of intensity to keep things interesting. It wasn't overly bitter but offered a pleasant, well-rounded finish. The drink had a velvety texture, making each sip incredibly smooth.

Latte My mum’s friend opted for the latte, a classic choice that promises a more signature ST. ALi experience. The latte was made with high-quality espresso and steamed milk, with a rich, smooth texture. The coffee itself had a slightly smoky flavor, providing depth and warmth without being overly intense. The milk was perfectly steamed, creating a silky-smooth foam that added to the drink’s creamy consistency. The balance between the milk and espresso was spot-on, ensuring the coffee’s flavor wasn’t overshadowed by the milk. My mum’s friend enjoyed it thoroughly, appreciating the well-balanced flavor and smooth texture.

Final Thoughts ST. ALi Coffee Roasters in South Melbourne is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys expertly crafted coffee and beverages, with a few unique twists thrown in. From the iced tea to the espresso shake and the classic latte, each drink felt thoughtful and well-prepared. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere made for a relaxing yet energizing coffee break. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing or rich and indulgent, there’s a drink for everyone here. The focus on quality ingredients and precise preparation makes ST. ALi a standout in Melbourne's competitive café scene. I look forward to returning to explore more...

Near South Melbourne Market and looking for an iconic brunch place? St. Ali’s your place! Prepare to fork out some $$ tho 😅

FOOD & COFFEE: We ordered the Jam Donut Hotcakes & USA Today Pancakes. I was torn between the both of them so we ended up ordering both 🤣 They are both different in their own ways! I’m a pancake person so I like them thicc and thin 🌞 For me, I personally LOVED the Jam Donut Hotcakes! Its a hotcake so it’s thicker than a usual pancake! If you want a regular pancake however, the USA Today is for you! The cinnamon sugar made the hotcake sooo good and something really special compared to other hotcakes I’ve had so that’s a definite WIN for me! The USA Today Pancakes were good too but not on their own 😐 I don’t know if it’s on purpose that they made it kinda tasteless on their own so its good with the bacon, maple syrup and butter but ... 🤭☕️ The bacon was fabulous tho! The coffee was phenomenal, however and definitely worth the hype! If I were ever passing by, I’d pick a cup up but the food... I’ll pass next time

SERVICE: This is where... St. Ali kinda HMMMM. Maybe it’s a weekend that it makes them extra stressed and more chaotic but from start to finish, only 1 server was worth the extra 10% surcharge. From the beginning, servers were scattered everywhere, bumping into me and each other which I mean maybe its a small space but they didn’t even bother apologising lmao and then this is the KICKER and the embodiment of ‘AmAzInG’ service. I stood at the counter to make my payment and at least 5 servers saw me and I KID YOU NOT, this server saw me, made eye contact with me, smirked and then looked away and DIDNT WANT TO COME TO THE CASH REGISTER. LMAOOOOO. My friend had to personally go up to her and ask her to come over to get our payment done. The service here is kind of a joke, ngl.

Bottom line, great coffee, worth to try food but service that could be improved especially if the cafe intends to charge 10% extra and there are tons of other...

UPDATE 04/2025

The new savoury addition in the cabinet was THE BEST pastry hands down (and I LOVE pastries especially savoury ones)...

Don't let the quiche-like appearance fool you - it has a whole PERFECTLY cooked egg inside a beautifully browned croissant shell, seasoned with chopped herb, chorizo, and Gouda cheese. Oh. So. Good. I wolfed mine down and bought another to take away it's THAT good!

(Seriously - I think it's better than the other savouries from Lune, Cobb Lane, Agathe, Q Le Baker, Bread Club, and Baker Bleu)

They say it's a chef special - so please ask for it when you visit St Ali next. Hopefully they will keep it on the menu permanently :-)

... and that will be a beautiful thing. I can eat at least one everyday ❤️

If you're looking for a cafe that's always reliable - that opens 365 day a year no matter what - you've found it.

St. Ali is THE quintessential cafe that defines the laneway Melbourne brunch game - and it's my home away from home.

Been coming here for more than a decade for good reasons, and I've always brought my family, friends, and business meetings here.

Yes, things are a lot different now that we live in the post-COVID world. Still, nothing beats the X-factor that the whole team works so hard to achieve (from food, drinks, vibe, music, service & atmosphere).

The best way to enjoy your weekend brunches here is to be early, be organised (i.e. book ahead) and be in no hurry. If there's a wait, it's never long and you get to enjoy some people (and dog) watching in the charming outdoor space :-)

Things may sometimes be chaotic, or surprisingly zen. Anything goes, and that's part of the authentic experience. I wouldn't have it any...