Espresso coffee
Flat whites, lattes and the rest, poured with proper latte art. Almond milk is on hand if that's how you take it.
Sebastopol, Ballarat · Est. 2025
Ballarat's good coffee is hiding in the Tropical Mart.
Gourmet Grounds is a takeaway coffee counter tucked inside a Sri Lankan grocery on Albert St. Great espresso, matcha chai, and rolls and spicy crackers you won't find at the servo.
5.0
154 Google reviews
Open 9am-5pm
every day except Tuesday
Ok, but first coffee
Before you walk past it
Look for the Tropical Mart sign. The coffee's inside.
There's no Gourmet Grounds shopfront to spot from the street. The counter lives inside the Tropical Mart at 206 Albert St, so first timers sometimes wonder if they've got the right place. You have.
“I did second-guess where I was as the coffee aspect of the business is "Gourmet Grounds" but it is inside the shop signposted as "Tropical Mart".”
- 01Head to 206 Albert St, Sebastopol.
- 02Find the chalkboard out front asking if everything is OK.
- 03Walk into the Tropical Mart. The espresso machine is against the green wall.
The counter
A barista who knows what he's doing, and snacks to match.
Every cup made properly, with great flavour and a smooth, even strength. That's not our line, it's what people keep writing in their reviews. Grab a coffee to go, add something from the Sri Lankan snack shelf, and you're sorted.
Matcha chai
Not a coffee drinker? The matcha chai has its own fans. One reviewer called it delicious.
Iced coffee
Built in a tall cup with a lid and straw, for the warmer days.
Sri Lankan rolls
Fresh, tasty and full of flavour, according to the regulars. The kind of snack that's hard to find this good next to a great coffee.
Spicy crackers
The crunchy thing people grab from the shelves while their coffee is being made. Reviewers say don't skip them.
Quick on the draw
Walk in looking like you need a coffee and there's a good chance one is already on its way.
On the counter right now
Branded cups, and bags of Roasting Warehouse specialty coffee.
Look for the gold leaf on black cups, and the Evolve blend (“Rich & Winey”) sitting by the window. As one regular put it, whatever bean is used is perfect.
“If you're looking for one of the best coffees in Ballarat, Gourmet Grounds is the place to go.”
“If you're looking for one of the best coffees in Ballarat, Gourmet Grounds is the place to go. The coffee is consistently excellent, and you can really tell the barista knows what he's doing — every cup is made perfectly with great flavour and quality. What also makes this place stand out is their amazing Sri Lankan snacks. The rolls are absolutely top notch, fresh, tasty, and full of flavour. It's hard to find authentic snacks this good alongside great coffee. The customer service is always friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. Honestly, good coffee can be hard to find around Ballarat, but Gourmet Grounds definitely delivers every time. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates quality coffee, great food, and excellent service.”
R
Rajindu Kularathne
Google review, 3 months ago
While you wait
Shop the Sri Lankan pantry while your coffee's made.
The Tropical Mart wraps around the counter, so a coffee run turns into a browse. It's a proper spot for ingredients if you cook Sri Lankan food, and for the snacks you grew up with if you did.
- Fish and frozen convenience foodsFor the nights you want a shortcut.
- Soya protein chunksIn many different flavours.
- Sri Lankan biscuits and spicy crackersMunchee chocolate creams and friends.
- Kitchen toolsIncluding puttu makers.
- Everyday Sri Lankan goodsRight down to Amritha incense.
Range noted by our reviewers. Stock changes, so give us a call if you're after something specific.
What Ballarat says
154 Google reviews, and a 5.0 average.
5.0
Google rating
“One of the best coffees in Ballarat it truly is delicious whatever bean is used is perfect and price was good as-well! added bonus of being able to shop while waiting for your coffee the spicy crackers are delicious and the range of products is great! plus the staff member was so lovely”
J
Jade Amendola
Google review, 7 months ago
“Coffee excellent (flat white with almond milk). Staff member recognised the need for coffee and quickly made one!
Excellent range of Sri Lankan foods (particularly the fish, frozen convenience foods and soya protein chunks in many different flavours) plus some kitchen tools/appliances like puttu makers.
I did second-guess where I was as the coffee aspect of the business is "Gourmet Grounds" but it is inside the shop signposted as "Tropical Mart".”
M
Miriam Neate
Google review, 2 months ago
“Very helpful staff, wonderful to access ingredients for Sri Lankan cooking & they make a delicious matcha chai (coffee also available).”
J
J A
Google review, 7 months ago
“Great coffee, smooth flavour and perfect strength. Exactly what you need to start the day.”
M
Mehtaab Babbar
Google review, 6 months ago
Come and have a coffee
Open six days a week.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9am-5pm
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 9am-5pm
- Thursday
- 9am-5pm
- Friday
- 9am-5pm
- Saturday
- 9am-5pm
- Sunday
- 9am-5pm
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