I had always ignored this place as I thought it was just to catch traffic walking into David Jones and how could it possibly produce a good coffee compared to the millions of Coffee houses that litter the streets of Melbourne. I have to admit.. I was wrong! A mate needed a coffee.. he's a coffee junkie...and he needed it now!! So we sat in this place and ordered our drinks. Staff were friendly and attentive. Didn't even let the empty water bottle sit for any length of time, so I was looking around for cameras! lol A strong coffee was ordered for him, which had him hooked for the rest of the time in Melbourne, while I ordered a hot chocolate. I was thinking it would just a standard hot chocolate in a mug, but I was greatly surprised to be handed a small cup of a quality hot chocolate. Nothing sugary or overly sweet but something that tasted like it had been squeezed out of a dark chocolate bar itself. This became my standard order every time I went in. I didn't get a chance to try the foods but really appreciated not having white sugar on the table but rapadura. Something more raw and unprocessed. So guys.. don't dismiss this place as a cookie cutter DJ's cafe. It really does have the best in mind for you. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great experience here with delicious coffee, delightful chai tea and oat milk as an option! The pasteis de nata are not to be missed and the rocket/parmesan/spicy almond sandwich was even better than expected. Seating is limited but the turnover is fairly frequent. Everyone was very helpful and it was a great visit. read more

One thing speaks loud about this place, location. Located right on the heart of the CBD, on the heart of the shopping district and adjoined to David Jones. This place is a no brainer to a lot of people. However, the coffees took a long time to get to us and the staff were disinterested as if they were creeped out by our presence. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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So if you're seeking a coffee experience that won't disturb your cucumber cool in the coming summer months, I'm pleased to note that Sensory Lab in David Jones does one lip-smackingly tasty iced coffee. This review isn't for one of those elaborate frothy affairs swirling with icecream, syrup and a halo of whipped cream, although life sometimes calls for one of those. The type done here is a tall latte served over ice - simple, everyday and so very enjoyable. Mine came out as an aromatic roast presented perfectly in a tall glass, sitting over fresh cold milk at the base. You can let this drink linger and enjoy the mingling flavours as ice melts into espresso shot. Update: if you're also on the market for a breakfast pastry there's a decent selection in the glass cabinet that are freshly baked each morning. Tried the fruit danish and it did not disappoint, crisply flaky with blueberries & apricot slices hiding a dollop of custard. Winning ! read more

Sensory Lab - Colombian single origin today is rich and earthy - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Fantastic coffee, and one of the few places that make pour overs in Melbourne or Sydney. This is something Australian coffee culture has yet to appreciate fully, even though it's the best way to extract maximum flavor from the bean. Really cute place, too. Very friendly staff. read more

Sensory Lab - View from communal table in back - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great any time of the day. The early opening is a life saver before meetings. The best thing is the team know how to make the perfect "magic". Even better they don't give you weird looks when you ask for one! The window table is great for people watching on a Sunday afternoon ;) read more

Sensory Lab - People watching on a Sunday afternoon ... - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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They're obviously going for the science angle with coffee making, and though I don't really understand how a delicious coffee ends up in a cup and in my hands, it's because I'm not really bothered by the process. I'm just happy it happens. And so, the lab coats worn by the staff, the laboratory equipment gracing the counter, none of that adds much to my experience of a tasty coffee, but it does make for an interesting space to spend the ten minutes or so that it takes to drink one's flat white. And the Sensory Lab delivers in the profound way it can - they serve up delicious, well-made coffee. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I couldn't agree with Matt A more - the coffee at Sensory Lab is awesome, but the wait sometimes borders on ridiculous!! I once waited for 18 minutes - yes, I got out my phone and timed it because on previous visits I was convinced I fell into an alternate universe where things just feel like they're taking longer than they really are. But no - it's damn slow here. On the 18 minute occasion it was peak coffee hour, but still... So why do I put up with this? Because the coffee is delicious and it's a really good spot for people watching, so I don't mind if I have time to spare. The look of Sensory Lab is another bonus - it's sleek yet functional, but better suited to lone coffee drinks or pairs rather than groups. As I'm a fan of both shopping and coffee-ing alone this suits me fine. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I came here 2 years ago and it was brilliant. The coffee, the staff, it was the best . However this time ... horrible!!! I ordered a flat white .. usually a flat white don't come with foam. Half of my cup was what?? FOAM!!! so spooned it out to the plate that cup came in, and staff didn't like that. Lol! Anyway .. we were a group of four and then they had us setting two in each table lmao because they couldn't add a chair to our table. Hummmm.. I didn't enjoy my visit this time, so based on that I won't come back or recommend it to anyone. Honestly I won't come here with my mother because I wouldn't like things like this happen to her, have her coffee wrong or be seated away from me. Horrendous! Seriously nothing special about the coffee here or the options of food (dessert/sandwiches). It's a meh level place. read more

The CBD is brimming with brilliant coffee, but with a catch. Hardly any are open on the weekends or past 4pm. Being adjoined to David Jones means Sensory Lab has longer trading hours and can be relied upon for a good brew when you're shopping up a storm in Bourke St. Drawbacks - very expensive and the staff are often rude or just disinterested. I've walked off without being served on more than one occasion. read more

This place isn't going to give you the best coffee in the CBD, but a great central location and extended opening hours (because it's attached to David Jones) means it's a practical option when you want a latte that's better than average or Cold Drip single origin on a hot day. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Oh sensory Lab - you promise so much but deliver so little. As some of the other reviewers have pointed out, one of the biggest things going for this place is the extended trading hours thanks to its association with DJs. Working a few night shifts lately I popped in pre-shift to grab a coffee and not once was I overly impressed by the coffee or the service. The staff seem a bit moody and in no rush to help anyone and the coffee was usually quite bitter. It's a shame really...with a great location and an adorable fit-out this place could be so much better than what its currently offering. read more

Sensory overload at this hole in the wall style cafe. Typical Sensory lab the coffee here is preettttyyyy fine. The staff, well hey they are fairly typical of the Sensory lab family. Grabbing a quick take away the window staff are fabulous and efficent. Love it. However take that sneaky step into their space and ask for a table and hello awkward moments to be avoided. I've tried to sit here comfortably twice and both times felt odd. Like unmatched socks at the dinner table odd. The staff seem to struggle a little bit with people actually sitting down. It's ok, coffee drinkers do sit. We are allowed to. The perks of this place is the extended opening hours, which is when I typically go these days. It's a blessing in disguise in Melbourne cbd. read more

Melbourne has a lot of good coffee and we are very lucky. But what's in short supply is a place where you can get a fast, quality coffee with minimum fuss and in a primo location. That's where Sensory Lab rocks it. Want to get a coffee without queuing and then take a walk through our most awesome lane ways? Step right up peeps. The Lab also has some great cakes and pastries, so if you're hungry don't fear, food is near. Coffee equipment is also available and includes valuable training on how to get the most from your brew. Enjoy. read more

Great coffee & location. Hard to find a cafe that does syphons in Melbourne. The biggest downside of this cafe is its environment: constantly busy, throughway into David Jones and limited seating area makes it a place I would avoid going to catch up with a friend. Pretty pricey, tables are often near-impossible to get a hold of, and if it's busy you have to wait a while, but if you're in need of a seriously decent coffee from people who seem to know a lot about their field, Sensory Lab is the place to go. read more

Sensory Lab - Syphon with some of their house Columbian blend - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Coffee here is awesome, up there with the very best in the CBD for my money. The environment is OK, and it can be a touch slow on occasion, but if you're a coffee fanatic, you'll want to try this place for yourself. read more

Coffee here is great. All the wierd stuff for you Hipster types. Service is friendly but can be haphazard at times. A brilliant location. Free wifi but this has been a little flaky recently. Enjoy something from the slayer or one of the pinwheel pastrys. read more

Coffee here is very nice, and it's my choice for taking beans home as well. I highly recommend the Chompy blend for a french press. As I have disovered, it's one of the few coffee houses open later in the afternoon/evening- which is a win. Nothing outstanding about the pastries that I've found so far, but really, come here for the coffee and you won't be disappointed. read more

I'm a fan of coffee, my black coffee from Costa Rica was just awesome, long time since I had a coffee that good. But I had a sandwich for a quick lunch, and it was just "ok" Would definitely come back for some more coffee, and maybe try out some pastries read more

I'm fortunate to live within a few minutes walk of this bustling cafe and shop. Located at the edge of David jones it looks great and has a whole heap of cafe scientific equipment on display that you absolutely must have but don't need. They also regularly put their beans on sale in the cafe shop so if you want some good coffee for home check it out. They will even grind the beans to whatever you need: aero press, pour over, stovetop, french press etc. just a coffee place but lots of food pales nearby too read more

I walk past this place almost everyday and never bothered stopping for a coffee. Today I gave them a try and it turned out to be a good decision. My skinny cappucino was smooth and not too sweet which is how I like it. This place is located at the little collins street entrance to David Jones. read more

Admittedly, I haven't been here for some time, but I remember trying all manner of things and being somewhat overwhelmed with a caffeine overdose. I can't specify what exactly is the goodness, since it's been so long. Nevertheless, the list of extended options that exceeds the regular and standard usual suspects at most caffeine dealerships, ahem, cafes is worth the pursuit and investigation. Sensory lab, is essentially for exploration purposes into the world of coffee offerings, and it fits this mould nicely. I must go back again soon. read more

Now with a batch brew! Sensory Lab has been one of my (dozen) go-to coffee places around Melbourne for years. Their bold, flavourful coffee has always been a particular favourite of mine. Decor-wise, it's in the back-side of David Jones, so you know it's already chic! White tiles adorn the walls, and although their area is small, they still have a good range of coffee paraphernalia on the far side to enable us at home. Well worth a try if you're in the area :) read more

I want to like this place, but it's too inconsistent for me, and at times the staff can be... rude, basically. I've been here maybe a dozen times. Sometimes for a quick perk up during office hours, and once or twice while in the city during the weekend. Sometimes the coffee is good. Other times it's over-extracted, bitter and generally unpleasant. Too inconsistent to be relied upon. It's not very clear how the place works. One time I walked in and patiently waited for the barista who was busying himself with what is apparently the back-up machine. Eventually he asked what I would like. When I told him, he instructed me to sit down and wait for table service. I did this, and watched 3 floor staff pre-occupy themselves with anything except for taking my order for about 5-10 minutes... It's okay if that's the way it works, but it should be clearer, and what's so hard about staff communicating with each other, so that people aren't left sitting like grinning idiots waiting to be served? read more

Sensory Lab is a coffee shop with a difference - they have a super strong emphasis on coffee and the science involved, so much so that the staff wear labcoats - kitschy! Shopping at DJ's? Spending your cash? Need a caffeine fix to keep your shopping prowess speedy? Sensory Lab is for you. Try one of their famous Ethiopian cold drips for something a little different, or perhaps a Brazillian blend is more your flavour? If coffee is your thang then this place is heaven. The staff are fantastic and obviously very passionate about making good coffee. Barista Lachlan is a favourite of mine and knows how to treat the bean! Besides coffee there is also every type of coffee paraphernalia you could imagine and everything you will need to make the perfect coffee at home. The best bit? The staff are babes. Schawing! read more

I dropped by early in the morning a while back to grab a coffee on my way to an exam. The coffee itself (and this review is really just about that) was pretty good. The staff who served me was alright and made me my brew fairly quickly and I was on my way but then again, they weren't that busy anyway. It wasn't the cheapest cup of coffee but it was quite alright. I haven't sat down and hung out there yet so I can't write about that bit but one thing's for sure, (judging by the reviews I've read) I shall tread carefully when I do....! read more

Grab a table around the corner with your laptop and you'll find yourself being able to sit there and work for a good couple of hours. Time flies whenever I'm here! Their coffee is amazing here - I would always order at least two cups before I leave. It does tend to get a bit noisy during peak hours so remember to bring your earpieces or headphones if you're here to work on your laptop. The staff are all so nice and attentive. This is one of my favourite cafes to go and get some work done. read more

I can't justify lining up for more than two minutes for coffee. Its just such an "on the go" concept for me so I've never bothered to take a seat here as the crowds scare me & judging by the reviews the wait can be painful, especially if your on a lunch break and time is precious. My experience of Sensory Lab has been either to purchase coffee beans once a month or to stick my hand in the hole in the wall pull out a takeaway coffee and then pretty much make a run for it. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place is really good, and is in a great and convenient location. It's also one of the few late-night specialty coffee places in the city. The staff are always friendly and knowledgable. The space is odd, and I was confused the first time that it is table service and you seat yourself, then get up to pay at the end. It is pretty weird, but the servers are friendly and don't treat you like an idiot when you aimlessly wander the space. The inside space is really weird, built for hipsters but taken up by lone businessmen and groups of middle aged ladies gabbing away over oversized lattes. The coffee is priced well, the filter coffee is consistently great, and the espresso drinks are really good too. I ordered a latte and the milk was extra sweet and frothy... I watched the barista and saw that he was saving the leftover steamed milk in a pitcher, and adding to it with leftovers until eventually pouring it all into a drink. Ew? That's cheap and lazy. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the baristas are skilled enough to pull this off, and it still tasted really good. It's still much cleaner than most CBD coffee shops around (there are some nasty and unsanitary milk habits in Melbourne) and they do steam the milk to proper texture and temperature, so it's still one of the best around. Great selection of beans, tea and home brew equipment, too. read more

Sensory Lab open another small cafe at David Jones, perfect for a quick break in the middle of your shopping day. The cafe is cozy, decorated in a light blue shades. There are long communal table, several individual table and table for 2-4. read more

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Walk past here all the time, but never buy from here. I have my favourites in the hood and for some reason I've always thought this place is a bit snooty and expensive. My reason for giving it a go is because all the decent coffee places in this part of town are closed on Sundays. So basically I was desperate for a halfway decent coffee and knew this was probably the best available offering. First of all it does seem v expensive. Nearly ten bucks for a coffee and croissant. Coffee was good but didn't blow my socks off, Switchboard and dukes, nearby, are both way better. I ordered take out which was pretty quick. Inside is very sterile. You'll either like it or not. Service wise, ok but I concur with other reviewers in that there is a bit of attitude. There's no friendly banter, and it was dead when I was there, so they weren't rushed off their feet. Also I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure the staff had a sneaky laugh about the way I pronounced "almond". So all in all it's fine, but they ain't as good as they think they are. read more

We were mooching about after giving up on line at smoky, noisy, overcrowded Degraves breakfast bazaar. The coffee monkey was hurting real bad & we'd heard these guys had good gear. We mainlined espressos & lattes real quick & snooted pastries & cake. The coffee settled us right down - good but didn't rock. Espresso sitrep: warm, not hot; body ok, not bangin'; flava gives you what you need, not what you want & buzz so-so. Latte same - takes pain away but don't give much pleasure. Bottom line, had better. Sugar hits were adult. Buttery & sweet in all the right spots. Same with staff & service. All up, get right with your coffee & we will always be happy to pay for what you got. read more

Convenient opening hours and location, but the coffee needs to be amazingly good for $5 (IMHO). The coffee here is good, just. Service can be slow too. I would go again, but it wouldn't become my regular. read more

From running out of beans on multiple occasions to reducing the quality of the packaging to putting the price up 12% a bag, I just don't know. Sure the coffee is good but. read more

This bustling space in David Jones is my go-to coffee joint when I want a bit of caffination in the CBD in the late arvo. I've never had a bad cup here and I dig the layout: The art deco/industrial decor and little corner niches with a high stool and teeny mirror above the tables are cute and sassy. This place would rate better with me if the staff could get over themselves a bit: The service runs the gamut from indifferent to downright cold. read more

Ordered 2 piccolos for takeaway. Three hipster bros at the espresso helm attempting to knock out the tickets one by one. It was a bit busy that day, since A. it was freezing, B. it was freezing. I was curious to time their turnover rate - from the time of ordering to the time of receiving the order - at it took about 14 min. Not knowing what the average turnover rate would be for takeaway, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Our piccolos were of their house blend and did the job, but nothing to write about. read more

Sensory Lab - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Awesome coffee, and superhelpful floor staff to serve and guide your choice. I was blown away by the Costa Rican La Rosa long black recommended by the server. 4.50 AUD worth of heaven it made the 23 hour flight jet lag from Ireland worth it! read more

All the building blocks for a great cafe, but trips well before the finish line. Coffee can be good but more often falls to the average category. It is the service however where it all falls apart. Mentioned previously: SLOW! Really slow, embarrassingly so. A shame. read more

It's not what you'd expect or where you'd expect it. Just off the beaten Swanston / Elizabeth St tracks on Little Collins this gem is tucked away. Great place for a quick CBD meeting. Not being a coffee drinker I don't "get" the coffees here... but I'm told they meet the high standards of most Melburnians. read more

Loved the coffee paraphernalia, the staff was really friendly and the coffee very good but lukewarm. I wouldn't have minded some food options either. read more