ST. ALi Coffee Roasters - South Melbourne

ST. ALi: Melbourne’s Trailblazer of Specialty Coffee

Tucked deep in a South Melbourne laneway, ST. ALi is more than a café—it’s the spiritual epicenter of Melbourne’s specialty coffee revolution. Since opening in 2005, ST. ALi has been at the forefront, championing direct trade with farmers, pioneering in-house roasting, and setting the bar for expert brewing. Founded by Mark Dundon and later helmed by visionary Salvatore Malatesta, ST. ALi played a pivotal role in defining Melbourne’s third wave coffee scene. The venue’s energy is palpable; think warehouse-chic meets global coffee laboratory, busy with regulars, foodies, and caffeine pilgrims alike. Their passionate team includes world-class baristas such as Matt Perger, winner of the World Brewer’s Cup and decorated in multiple international championships, and Jae Kim, the 2022 ASCA Southern Region Latte Art Champion.

ST. ALi’s coffee portfolio runs deep, featuring lauded blends like Orthodox and Wide Awake alongside single origins sourced ethically from across the globe. Their methods range from meticulous espresso to filter and cold brew, always spotlighting flavor clarity and innovation. The café’s food menu is a local legend, earning “Best Food Cafe” in Melbourne; expect inventive brunches, gourmet pastries, and house specialties that pair perfectly with your cup. Sustainability is woven into their DNA, with Climate Active certification reflecting their eco-conscious ethos. For a true taste of Melbourne’s coffee soul, ST. ALi remains unrivaled—a place where every visit is both a ritual and an adventure.