Looking for a new study spot in Melbourne? Try one of these Japanese-inspired cafés
IMAGE VIA @duabakehouse/instagram
words by Siobhan Paterson
Where to lock in.
Picture this: it’s mid-week and you’ve just finished your 2pm lecture. You’re craving a caffeine hit and a calm environment to help get you through an afternoon study session. The university library is full, your sharehouse is too noisy, and every café you try to enter is packing up tables and hanging up a closed sign.
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After spending a month writing and studying at various spaces stretched out over Tokyo, I returned home feeling as though I was missing an integral part of my daily routine. It’s far more common for cafés in Melbourne to close their doors come early afternoon – a passing of the torch to the neighbourhood’s pubs and bars.
However, it left me feeling determined to find out whether any local spots captured the feeling of some of my favourite Japanese cafés. After some hunting, I’ve managed to track down six spaces in and around Melbourne open to those looking for a place to station themselves and finally finish that essay.
From late trading hours to communal tables, these are the places bringing a slice of Japan’s cafés culture to Melbourne.
Sabi Sounds
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Open until 10.30pm
Inspired by the unique vinyl-listening bar culture of Japan, Sabi Sounds is the perfect space if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe. Book in for a 30-minute session and listen to a record of your choice from their vinyl library, and then head out the back, where you’ll find some quiet seating in the sunroom area if you need to lock in. This café also doubles as a great community hub, with music, trivia and a run club.
717 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Luka
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Open until 6.30pm
Luka is a calming and tranquil space tucked away in the heart of Carnegie and happens to be a personal favourite of mine. Indulge in a banana bread matcha and people-watching by the windows, or head down the back, where you’ll find a large dining table for working and a couch. However, make sure you let your textbooks rest on the weekends, as the café turns into a live vinyl DJ space.
144 Koornang Road, Carnegie
03
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Open 24/7
The most unique pick for this list, 03 is a café and co-working space created for the sole purpose of locking in. Fitted with plenty of powerpoints, beanbags, books and WiFi, 03 completely levels up the idea of co-working space. Access to the café is completely free until 9pm, but you’ll need to download the 03 app to gain access to the space after-hours.
268 Barkly Street, Brunswick
87 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank
Dua Bakehouse
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Open until 3pm
Located in the picturesque Collingwood Yards, Dua Bakehouse combines Scandinavian and Asian flavours to create unmatched baked goods. Though it closes a little earlier than the others, there are plenty of powerpoints and spots to sit if you want to immerse yourself in an aesthetic, light-filled space. Or, if it’s a sunny day, you can station yourself at a bench outside and get to work.
Collingwood Yards, Shop 1/35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Nana’s Green Tea
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Open until 10pm
Nana’s Green Tea feels as though it’s come straight from the streets of Tokyo. A self-described “modern tea house”, its menu is fully stocked, from a classic parfait to a katsu chicken sando. With multiple locations across the CBD, it’s a popular spot with a relaxing atmosphere.
487 Swanston Street, Melbourne
165A Bourke Street, Melbourne
Le Bajo
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Open until 3pm
Strong WiFi, cyclist-friendly and toast art…what more could you want? With no shortage of communal tables, this former garage is now a leafy, light-filled café with freshly baked bread and coffee roasted in-house.
8-14 Howard Street, North Melbourne
For more laptop-friendly spots in Melbourne, head here.
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