oneway coffee lab

35 York St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
$$$ Cafe
(40 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Located in the heart of South Melbourne at 35 York St, Oneway Coffee Lab is a delightful café that seamlessly marries exceptional coffee with a unique and vibrant atmosphere. As soon as you step in, you are greeted by the rich aromas of freshly brewed coffee, inviting you to indulge in a sensory experience that transcends the everyday café visit.

This local gem prides itself on serving some of the finest coffee in the area, using high-quality Grinders beans that promise a bold yet smooth flavor—so much so that a satisfied customer, Mark Eaves, declared it "THE BEST COFFEE in South Melbourne by far!" From the moment you take your first sip of their expertly brewed black coffee, you'll understand why patrons keep returning. The warmth of the baristas adds a personal touch to your visit, making every encounter feel like a reunion with old friends.

Beyond the coffee, the menu at Oneway Coffee Lab creatively merges comfort food with a touch of Korean influence, offering delectable choices like the K Lunch Bowl. This hearty dish features options like marinated tuna or bulgogi, paired with roasted vegetables and quinoa, delivering a balanced meal at just A$15.80. Another customer favorite is the K Marinated Beef Roll, which packs a flavorful punch with its juicy marinated beef nestled between a soft long roll, complemented by fresh lettuce and jalapeños—for just A$16.50, it’s a delicious experience that evokes a sense of joy with every bite.

The café's charm is further emboldened by its inviting décor, adorned with artistic line drawings that reflect the café's creative spirit. Customers like Youngeun Aimee Kim have appreciated the café's ambiance, stating, "excellent coffee & delicious food! Friendly staff and beautiful sunshine!" This sentiment underscores the café’s commitment to not just providing food and drink, but creating a cheerful environment where friends can gather and enjoy life’s little moments together.

Oneway Coffee Lab is not just about great food and drink—it's about the experience that comes with it. With a cool mix of toastie favorites and rice/noodle bowls, there’s something for everyone, making it a perfect spot for casual meet-ups or quick lunch breaks. Whether you're enjoying a refreshing berry smoothie on a hot Melbourne day or indulging in a decadent kimchi triple cheese toastie, each visit is sure to leave you with a smile.

As noted by local coffee aficionados, Oneway is undoubtedly a place you wouldn’t want to miss. Even if the café is closed on weekends, it makes for an ideal mid-week retreat. So, if you’re in or around the South Melbourne area, take a moment to step into Oneway Coffee Lab—a place where exceptional coffee, delectable food, and a nurturing atmosphere converge to create memorable experiences.

Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

40 Reviews
Jang Shin

27 Sep 2025

The oneway cafe coffee is really good and it's located just a short walk from the market so it's a great place to catch up with friends about important things or work. The lunch I had there was amazing for the price.

Terry Reidy

30 Aug 2025

Cute lunch spot in the South Melbourne/Southbank area with a cool menu which is a mix of toastie favourites and rice/noodle bowls. I had the tuna melt roll which was delicious and generous with the filling. I also had the berry smoothie which was a highlight - very refreshing on a hot Melbourne day. Whilst they are not open on the weekend (which is a shame!) if you were nearby or have a day off work this is a great spot to pop into for lunch.

Mark Eaves

25 Aug 2025

THE BEST COFFEE in South Melbourne by far‼ its such a nice place, friendly barista, great coffee using GRINDERS beans my wife had Oatmilk Latte mine was same but chilled. Thumbs up for ONEWAY and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Youngeun Aimee Kim

28 Jul 2025

Excellent coffee & delicious food! Friendly staff and beautiful sunshine! I loved the line-drawing pictures on the wall that match the atmosphere. We tried chicken ciabatta, ham&cheese toastie, batch brew, 3/4 decaf latte, babyccino, cookie, and the pistachio croissant. I can tell they use good quality and fresh ingredients. Loved the tangy lemony taste in the ciabatta, and the toastie was as it should be. Coffee was excellent and the pistachio croissant is now my favourite. Last time, we had mushroom / Kimchi / Reuben sandwiches, and they were WONDERFUL! I can't wait to have them again for my next visit and hope the Korean herb latte will be back soon that was so tasty and unique!

Daniel Donguk Lee

27 Jul 2025

Of course, @latteart_james is the best latte-art artist, but don't miss out on his black coffee either. Bold but also smooth. Plus, there's also the well-made sandwiches! Oneway Coffee Lab is the reason I visit South Melbourne.

heayoung Wang

03 Jul 2025

Finally, we’re found one of the best coffee shop! I heard that a new cafe opened in the South Mel, I visited there in search of perfect coffee. He is a highly skilled barista in Melbourne and that’s why you can drink soft and clean coffee here! We had quickly drink three cups of coffee and Before I go back home, l got one more take away latte as well! If you wanna great tea time, Don’t forget this place! It will be make a great time!

Jenny J.Y. Kim

14 Jun 2025

I can't recommend One Way Coffee Lab in South Melbourne enough! This hidden gem offers an incredibly cozy atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The coffee is fantastic, with everything from latte art to drip coffee expertly crafted. What truly sets this place apart are their handmade K-style sandwiches and delicious K-food bowl that add a unique touch to the menu. Each bite is a delightful experience. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by One Way Coffee Lab. It's a perfect spot to relax, enjoy great food, and savor exceptional coffee. You won't be disappointed by the coffee James brews. He is the best barista in town. 1 to 1 customized coffee lessons also available tailored to your needs What we ordered (Refer to photos attached) Flat white (full cream) Latte (soy) Nutty Boy Coffee Bean Bulgogi K-Rice Bowl (couldn’t believe the good price for this dish in this cost living crisis) Must try Salted Caramel Cookie Mini Morning Egg Bun Pink Lady Mocktail Acai Pure Blend Easy to find free street parking in front of the cafe

Nana Mi

12 Jun 2025

I took a coffee lesson today with my friend. I had a really good time there. We shared our experiences first and decided what to focus on. We practiced and practiced without break! Thank you so much!

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