The Coolest Cafes Open in Melbourne on New Year's Day 2025

Its New Year’s Day and mistakenly your alarm has just gone off. You wake up with a throbbing head. In a panic you know that a coffee and a bite to eat will ease the sensation. But what’s open? Is this a code red? No, it’s a Code Black. With seven locations dripping around Melbourne’s CBD, that sweet, bitter taste of coffee will appease your cravings in no time. Better yet, their Brunswick, Flinders Lane, North and South Melbourne spots all serve up classic cafe food offerings.

Residing in the Crown Melbourne, Conservatory is one of the most luxurious buffets in town. And, thankfully, they’re open this New Year’s Day 2025. Unlike others, Conservatory is all about indulgence – so you’ll find opulent interiors, quality ingredients and a theatre-style open kitchen. Open for breakfast from 7am – 10:30am, for just $75 per person you’ll be able to munch on an unlimited supply of fruits, artisanal pastries and baked goods, cereals, hot dishes, Asian cuisine and, plenty of juice, tea and coffee to wash everything down.

If your hunger is high but your mood is a bit low, be sure to make your way over to Higher Ground this New Year’s Day. Sitting on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD, the previous powerhouse now inner-city cafe is buzzing with an unmatched energy. The interiors reflect its former past with a heavy industrial look and feel. As for the food, it’s far from bland and boring. Instead, you’ll find a gastronomic selection of dishes to get you through those unwanted hangovers. The Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Spanner Crab Benedict are simply irresistible.

Although we try not to gloat too much, we’ve found the best brunch spot in Melbourne that’s open on New Year’s Day, Humble Rays. Since their opening in 2016, Humble Rays has built up quite the pleasant reputation for themselves. Everyday their convenient location builds up quite the line – just a short hop and skip away from the Queen Victoria Market. Using locally roasted coffee, the true standout is their expansive selection of brunch classics made with a twist. Be sure to book ahead!