I really loved this place the first time I went and the coffee is worth the trip across town alone. Service was ok but they were really busy so I took that into account.

Fantastic food during the week for business lunches. On weekends, however, we have been disappointed recently with here-and-there-service and much to be desired from the coffee.

Approximate cost: $16

It's amazing how much can change in a year! To the point where I no longer want to really step foot in this place. The last few coffees I had here have just been average or worse. I am judging this place more harshly because its held so highly in the coffee world and therefore my disappointment is just greater...

During one visit, I actually heard the barista tell another staff person that the grinder was off. The staff member then went into a mad fury setting it correctly. Yeah ok.. its going to be fixed up, but you know its off, why are still dishing out coffee? One of those was my coffees and it was far from great! Rather bad from a place that values the quality of their coffee so greatly.

After every visit, I was just that little bit more disappointed with the place until recently I asked myself, why am I even coming here anymore.. Turns out that my new fave coffee place in South Melbourne was waiting for me just around the corner...

Approximate cost: $12

St Ali has it all - great food and a varied menu, the staff are friendly and enthusiastic and the atmosphere is quirky and fun. It is off the beaten track with no signage (very melbourne) but worth finding.

Approximate cost: $15

St Ali offers a highly eclectic menu and wonderful coffee. Tucked away in a small side street in South Melbourne, the cafe is open-plan, with a mix of seating and table styles. Excellent food and friendly service add to the enjoyment. You can also buy their wonderful coffee which is roasted on the premises.

Approximate cost: $14.00

The coffee here is quite good and meals are appetizing. They roast their own beans and promote organic and free-trade products.

The place is inside an old warehouse and is hidden away in a small alleyway. It has a great atmosphere and the staff are always friendly.

Coffee lovers - this is Mecca. Still 'underground' since I discovered it several years ago, St Ali still has no external signage on the white warehouse, yet is usually full of those in the know. My interstate friends have complained about Melbourne coffee, till I take them here. My Melbourne friends are now all devoted St Ali caffeine addicts too.I have a weekly pilgrimage to St Ali now I don't work in Sth Melbourne. Breakfast from 7.30am always includes porridge with fruit and honey, even tho it isn't on the menu. BTW always wash your hands there with the Aesop soap and moisturiser too :-) *EDIT* 12 Oct 2009 - since I first wrote this review in 2008, it has changed hands, expanded, got new staff, changed the menu, and received a lot of publicity and is as popular as ever. Oh well, off to find a new haunt now

Approximate cost: $8

the coffee here is really good - organic and free-trade. They also have great chai tea. It's hidden in an alley off Coventry st and the building itself is very cool, an old warehouse with the bones visible - atmosphere is very cool. Fhe food is middle-eastern inspired flavours, which can be a bit heavy - choose cafefully at breakfast time - the twists that sound yummy sometimes don't work.

Approximate cost: $14

I've not eaten at St. Ali, but I adore their coffees! We use only their beans at work - anything else is a compromise for us. I'm told that the food is just as good. The next time I'm in the area, I am going to make it a point to drop by so that I can perhaps comment on the food too.

Edited to add: I've now eaten at St. Ali several times, and the food is excellent! Service is always friendly and efficient, and the staff are always happy to share their expertise on what coffee to try.

This is the brother shop to Brother Baba Budan in Little Bourke Street and is a coffee mecca. This place roasts fantastic coffee and sells fabulous coffees. The barristers really know what they are doing. Check out the latte art as well.