By Tom Padula
Melbourne runs on coffee — and on Monday, 16 February 2026, Brunetti Classico ensured that no one went without a cup. The iconic Italian caffé brand turned a regular Monday into a citywide celebration of espresso, bringing together coffee lovers, commuters, and travelers for a unique, one-day-only experience.
This wasn’t just a routine promotion. The event marked the launch of a new partnership between Brunetti Classico and Segafredo Zanetti Coffee, one of Italy’s most respected espresso brands, renowned for its bold, classic style and deep roots in Italian coffee culture. Segafredo’s expertise was visible not only in the coffee itself but in the use of their espresso machines, available for those inspired to bring the café experience home.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the trademark Brunetti Classico service was on full display. Smiling baristas poured free espressos and piccolos across multiple Melbourne locations, inviting patrons to stop by, sip, and savour a new chapter in Brunetti Classico’s coffee story. Melbourne’s flagship Lygon Street café led the way, joined by Drummond Street Carlton, Moonee Ponds, Coburg, and even Melbourne Airport terminals T1, T2, and T4 — ensuring that commuters, lunch-goers, and travelers alike could partake in the caffeinated celebration.
The star of the day was Segafredo Zanetti’s Extra Strong espresso blend, a full-bodied Italian coffee with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts, balanced with a subtle raspberry brightness and crowned with a smooth, persistent crema. Designed to be enjoyed standing at the bar alongside a pastry, cake, or biscuit, the espresso perfectly complemented Brunetti Classico’s signature pasticceria offerings, reflecting the authentic Italian café experience.
Inquiring further about the blend, I learned that Segafredo’s coffee combines carefully selected high-grown arabica and premium robusta beans sourced from Central America, South America, and Africa. These beans are then roasted locally in Melbourne to guarantee freshness and consistency for Australian coffee drinkers. The result is a harmonious espresso that pays homage to Italian tradition while catering to the city’s discerning palate.
Brunetti Classico didn’t stop at giving away free espresso. Coffee lovers who shared feedback on the new blend were entered into a draw to win a Gaggia coffee machine and Eureka grinder bundle, valued at over $4,000 — a chance for one lucky winner to recreate the café experience at home. This thoughtful addition highlighted Brunetti Classico’s commitment to celebrating and engaging the community in authentic ways.
Melbourne’s café culture thrives on ritual, conversation, and quality coffee, and Brunetti Classico continues to embody these values. Whether visiting for a quick morning espresso, lingering over a mid-day pick-me-up, or grabbing a pre-flight coffee at the airport, the February 16 launch was a reminder of the city’s dedication to exceptional coffee experiences.
Brunetti Classico remains more than a café; it is a meeting place, a pasticceria, a gelateria, and a hub of social connection. This latest collaboration with Segafredo Zanetti reinforces its role as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s vibrant coffee scene. Grazie, Brunetti Classico. Alla prossima.
