St Ali

Love the ambience and the service… Hip service crew and great coffee. Tried luck and it rocks… Full package right here

Everyone knows that the best coffee in the world is in Melbourne. It is one of those rare cities in the world where it is hard to have a bad coffee. Even the McCafe there serves a better than decent Latte.
And so how do the cafes there distinguish themselves apart? By making exceptional coffee!
And St Ali’s is a prime example of that.
5 years ago when we were living in Melbourne, it was one of those cult coffee joints tucked in a nameless alley with no signboard. A person in the know would have to whisper in your ear about this place. You’d go, and that wonderful sweet nectar they brewed would silkily glide down your throat and blow you away. My my, they had taken coffee to a whole new level. You wouldn’t tell anyone about this precious place, except perhaps only a few of your closest friends. Well, it seems the whispers have gotten too loud, because when we went this time, the place was packed! Still hardly a signboard, but it seems they have had to buy over the abandoned garages and ware houses beside them just to fit the crowd in.
Coffee just as we remembered it, oh so good. Floral hint, no sour aftertaste, just perfect from first sip to the lingering flavor.
So if you want good coffee, go to Melbourne. If you want exceptional coffee, head for a little alley and look for the crowd. Because no sign is going to tell you where to find it.

This place had been on my list for ages to try, and unfortunately the 45 min drive from home was not worth it.
With most popular cafes a waiting list is available to pop your name at the door and wait around for a table to free up. We put our names down and waited for about 15 minutes which wss pretty good considering how busy the place was.
We sat down and ordered our food and some drinks and was a bit disappointed that it took half an hour for our coffees to come out and a further 20 mins got food to come through. We shared a table with 2 other couple on a communal bench outside and both received their drinks before us even though we ordered first.
Foodwise it was ok. We ordered some of St. Ali’s staples which were the koo koo ca choo — a not so crispy potato hash with mushroom ragu and the Mexican cousin — corn fritters with a slither of haloumi and salsa.
To top it all off we were overcharged for the main breakfast meals compared to what the menu stated and slapped with a public holiday surcharge which wasn’t disclosed anywhere on the menu or mentioned when we ordered.
Possibly a bad experience on a very busy day so I wouldn’t completely disregard trying this place as there have been so many positive reviews, but keep in mind what you could be in for.

Such a nice place to have brunch on the weekdays or weekend but weekdays is less busy if you’re not willing to wait for a table. If you’re a coffee drinker then this place is for you. They make extremely good coffee and for a non coffee drinker i’ve tasted it and quiet like it. That means something right? I really like the corn fritters here as corn is one of my favourite things to eat. Friendly staff is always a good thing

A little hard to find (or my Google map skills are lacking) but worth the effort. Crowded on a Saturday morning but was quickly accommodated at the communal table in the middle.
Poached eggs on toasted sourdough were what you’d expect from, well, poached eggs, but the accompanying avocado and feta smash helped it a lot. Worth the $ 5 up charge.
Several other veg items, and at least one vegan offering.
Latte was very good, as good as any I’ve had in Melbourne.
Service was efficient if fairly impersonal — more a factor of being busy, I think.
Overall, well worth the visit.

Local friends took us here, as it is in a back street and not obvious to find. Great place for breakfast or lunch, the winter special Porridge with quince was amazing and very reasonably priced $ 16. Breakfast for 4 ended up at $ 90, not bad at all!
Staff is very friendly, service is prompt and efficient.

Headed specially to South Melbourne on my last Melbourne trip to try out this place after it was recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. I had the Mexican Cousin and it was the best! So much tastiness, would love to know the name of the sauce.
The only downside was that the meals took quite awhile to arrive (Monday lunchtime), and because we were sitting facing the kitchen, it was tough to see waiters picking up plates, then walking straight past us. I also had the chai tea, which wasn’t quite spicy enough for my liking.

If you’re happy to pay $ 25 – 30 for a breakfast dish (albeit a very good breakfast dish) then this is the place for you!
Coffee is great — not at all surprising — but like everything else it’s on the pricey side
Service is speedy and good. Food comes out pretty quickly, even on the weekend.
You can expect quality food here. The avocado cheesecake will impress the health conscious among us. I, on the other hand, prefer something with hash browns, eggs and other delicious fattening items. Yum.
The downsides: price (did I mention that?) and the lines. And the hipsters. Sorry.

I use to be a regular here, but one too many bad experiences made me stop. After 2 years, I was finally convinced to try it again.
Coincidentally I ended up working around the area the day before I planned on breakfast. Only had time for a quick coffee and it was horrible. Ashy and bitter. Staff were arrogant and unfriendly.
Next day I went for breakfast. Order my flat white and breakfast. Coffee was good today, really good. Great balance of sweet nutty flavours. For breakfast I had the big daddy. Lots of bacon-​ie goodness with the right amount of spice. Epic and delicious.
Next ordered a filter coffee. I watched as the barista brewed it slowly, then once he was finished, walked off and had his breakfast. Leaving my coffee sitting there as the over extracted elements continued to drip through.
St Ali is a place that foodies and coffee people should check out. It’s an institution now. But don’t have high standards. They need to be more consistent with the coffee, and lose the arrogant barista attitude.

I use to go to St Ali quite frequently — it does have very good coffee. And if you like good coffee I would definitely suggest to try it if you have not been there before. But over time the poor service and inconsistency in the food (only in my opinion) wore me down. I did go back recently this weekend (as it is a friend favourite spot) and it was pleasant surprise — much fun.

I love St Ali. It’s big enough for large groups (there were six of us for coffee this arvo) but with cozy nooks and crannies so it doesn’t feel impersonal. Today was warm so they had all the doors open and it was cool and breezy inside. I had a fliter coffee which was lovely, and among our group most of us were happy with what we got. The only complaint was that the chai latte my mum ordered was warm enough to scull straight down, which she’s not a fan of. Pretty quick service and friendly staff, too. Will definitely be back again!

Once the good coffee box has been ticked you don’t need to do much more to win me over but they totally did! Had a scrumptious lunch of Tasmanian salmon and greens. It was light, had good dressing, this beautiful cottage cheese and beetroot. And the salmon was just perfect. Cooked well and not over-​seasoned. Yum!
We had a fantastic waitress that was more than happy to help us. The waitress that brought me my coffee spilt it just the tiniest amount on the walk over and about took it back to have it redone, I appreciate how detail oriented they are, but that would just be a waste of coffee and we can’t have that.
Overall I’d definitely go back to this little café tucked into the side streets of South Melbourne.

As far as brunch goes this is one of my absolute favorites. I love the food here (thank you Andrew Gale) it’s inventive, thoughtful and most importantly wildly delicious. I am addicted to their black pudding and it’s this side order that I always must have, it keeps me coming back.
The specials have been consistently good, today was softly rendered pork knuckles, asparagus & capsicum reduction hit the spot, last week gnocchi, parsnip purée, truffle oil left me near moaning. yep food is on point. black pudding here is house made and a treat — soft, lovingly spiced with a hint of sweetness and dotted with unctuous pork fat — it is a must order side on every visit.
If you don’t have toast in your order just order one slice for the pleasure of being served a little parcel of cultured butter, it’s delicious & a must for butter fiends.
There is only one thing I would change and it’s the coffee (I have mine black) not sure what’s going on it just seems to be a very dark roast that I don’t find particularly delicious. probably would be better in milk styles.

A café in Melbourne.
I have heard, by many a folk, that this little hidden joint makes the best coffee in Melbourne. When I arrived however, I immediately shouted «beer» before I could process my thoughts and unfortunately missed out on discovering the validity of their reputation. Nevertheless, I arrived during lunch rush hour and was promptly greeted with a smile and shown to a table that would accommodate my obnoxiously large red pram — noting that the space is a comfortable size although you wouldn’t assume so from outward appearances.
The menu was printed in mimic local newspaper style (super hip) and the floor manager wore a blue bow-​tie and gold chain around his neck. Prices were pretty good (average $ 18) and the menu selection was varied and appetizing; if you weren’t sure what you wanted to eat before you arrived I’m sure you could choose something from the menu and leave satisfied. I ordered smoked salmon on potatoes with capers and the flavors were perfect albeit the potatoes being cold; not cold enough to complain, just cold enough to notice.
Since I skipped the coffee experience, which was the main reason I decided to eat there, I can’t really say if this is one of the best cafés around. I’ve been to many cafés, all hidden, hip, and specializing… and St. Ali is one of them. Thus being said, I would still like to try the coffee and I would definitely recommend that you experience one of their meals at least once, if only to Instagram a photo of it.

I am so glad we made it to St. Ali during a weekend getaway!
OK, so after two juices, two coffees, two breakfasts, and a take away bag of ground beans for home, we were out $ 70, but it was one of those times I was ok paying that for breakfast. You could get out for about 21 – 25 a person, but we splurged.
I had the «My Mexican Cousin», a juice, and the 1 and 1 coffee (a cappuccino, and an espresso). The espresso is passed through a paper filter eliminating any grounds or sediment in your cup, leaving you with a pure, beautiful espresso shot. What a start to breakfast!
My partner had the «Koo coo ca chu», a juice, and a flat white.
We had a 20 minute wait for a table, which was just fine. I lose my patience at 30 minutes.
Funky décor, music for 20 somethings, but the food is what to go for! And the coffee.
Dont miss this place.

This place is such a hidden gem! It’s on a side street in South Melbourne in what looks like a garage. There’s no sign saying St. Ali either but the people walking in make it more obvious that you’re at the right place.
The super high ceilings, friendly waitress and antique share tables make the place quite inviting. Their coffee is St. Ali’s brew — amazing! Try their fluffy bits (pancakes) or the truffle gruyère toaster.
Great place to enjoy a brunch while catching up with your friends and fam!

Great atmosphere, amazing coffee, delicious fresh OJ, great tunes, even a life drawing class on Wednesday nights! This place is more than a café. It’s an experience. And a good place to sit and do some work. Try the Mexican Cousin Breakfast, available all day. It’s so different to the usual plain old eggs and toast. Just try it!
You’ll love St Ali, and you never know what you’re going to find there. Last time I was there, a wedding party was having their photos taken out the front and in the eclectic little alley!
A gem in South Melbourne!

I’ve long had a love-​hate relationship with St. Ali. Sometimes they have driven me crazy with terrible service, rushed coffee and «love it or go f*** yourself’ attitude. Other times they are over the top wonderful with brilliant service and I’ll go back multiple times in a week.
It’s long been one of Melbourne’s busiest cafes because the both the food and coffee is consistently awesome. Really, really freaking good. Ever since they poached the ‘Dutchess of Spotswood’s’ Andrew Gale as head chef, the food has gotten better than ever.
For creative, delicious meals with tons of variety on the menu (including veg, gluten free, paleo — the works) it’s pretty touch to beat St. Ali. Even when I have professed to be ‘over it’, I must admit I’d still eat there at least once a month.
I prefer their coffee for milk personally. Since switching to black coffee (no, I can never go back) I haven’t enjoyed it as much, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad by any stretch. The filter options irk me because they charge for a slow process filter but batch brew. I wouldn’t care so much if it cost $ 1-​$ 2 like in the states, but I want it made with a little love if I’m paying $ 6 for it.
I must say their coffee spider is pretty amazing. An awesome treat coffee or dessert — it’s like my adult and childhood colliding in a glass.
Overall I will stick with 4 stars because I am going to continue going back there as a regular and devour their food with a smile. Regardless of whether I get one in return.

«Serious coffee»
Taken to be seated and handed a coffee menu, the folk at the other end of the table look like friends of Mick Gatto.
The food looks utterly amazing, but the coffee is the star — having the cold drip and it’s defuckinglicious.
The venue is ramshackle and disjointed, and adds to the charm. Music is good, loud enough you can hear the tunes, but not to deafen.

Wow, just wow… The coffee is sensational, in fact, I’m a little angry because now coffee at other suburban cafes isn’t the same and quite frankly I’d rather go without.
I chose something a little different for breakfast which were the crumpets with goats cheese, maple syrup and hazelnuts. Delicious although I felt a little more goats cheese would have been a bit better.
Staff are lovely and I like the overall vibe for a Monday mid morning. Glad I went. But oh… the coffee. Love