The coffee scene in Canberra is absolutely flying, with the nation's capital home to a plethora of wonderful cafes right across the city. Whether you need a place to grab a morning coffee or hot chocolate, or are looking to enjoy a nice breakfast with friends or family, check out our list of the best cafes in Canberra below.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best cafes
- Eighty/Twenty
- Gluten Free Cafe 4 U
- Red Baron
- As Nature Intended
- Intra
- Idelic Cafe and Catering
- Foundry Coffee Co.
- ONA Coffee House
- Common Grounds Gowrie
- Mayfair Espresso Cafe
- Sweet Bones
- Harvest
- The Cupping Room
- Espresso Room
- Trevs at Dickson
- Gather
- RYE Cafe
- 54 Benjamin
- Little Billy's
- Atlas
- EQ Bakehouse & Cafe
What makes a great cafe?
A great cafe is a combination of several key factors that come together to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for customers. Here are some elements that contribute to making a cafe great:
Quality coffee and beverages: The foundation of any great cafe is excellent drinks. The quality of the coffee beans, the brewing techniques, and the overall expertise of the baristas play a significant role in creating a memorable cup of coffee. Offering a variety of high-quality beverages, including teas, hot chocolates, and specialty drinks, can also enhance the cafe's appeal.
Warm atmosphere: Factors like comfortable seating arrangements, pleasant decor and appropriate lighting contribute to creating a cosy ambiance.
Friendly staff: Friendly and well-trained baristas who can provide recommendations, engage in friendly conversations, and share their expertise about coffee and other offerings create a positive impact and foster customer loyalty.
Delicious food: While coffee is often the star of the show, a great cafe also offers delicious food options to complement the beverages. A well-curated menu featuring a variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and other light meals can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring customers have satisfying options to choose from.
The best cafes in Canberra 2024
To be listed as one of our best, the cafe needs to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google or Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars.
When looking for a great cafe in the Canberra region, check out our list of the best local businesses below.
Eighty/Twenty
Eighty/Twenty is a local award-winning café serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, pastries and more.
They believe that food should be treated as your fuel and that everyone benefits from eating clean, unprocessed and natural foods. All of their products are raw, real and natural and feature no added refined sugars or flavours.
Their motto is to provide healthy daily café options without compromising on taste. The menu has a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, as well as amazingly fresh smoothies, acai bowls and more.
With seven locations across Canberra, there is bound to be one near you.
Lee B left this glowing review on Google; “Excellent place for getting healthy food with good serving sizes. Extensive menu and great protein and salad options. Whenever I’m in town I will be visiting.”
Gluten Free Cafe 4 U
Gluten Free Cafe 4 U is Canberra’s only 100% dedicated gluten-free café and shoppe, serving a full range of pastries, breakfast, and lunch foods, including amazing pizza.
They have partnered with GlutenFree4U to supply daily needs for customers, offering items like sourdough, dim sims, rolls, puff pastry, pies, sausage rolls, and more. It’s part of the well-known local Eighty/Twenty Group, but exclusively gluten-free.
It’s a safe haven for people with gluten intolerance and being 100% gluten free ensures there is no cross contamination.
On Google, happy customer David Coombe left this five-star review: “Great selection of gluten-free meals and cakes. Coffee was excellent, and the service was great. If you’re gluten intolerant, this is the place for you. I can’t recommend this place highly enough.”
Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe
Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe are famous in Canberra for having a delicious organic and vegan menu.
Ideally located in Braddon, the cafe has become increasingly popular due to its outstanding menu, quality service and warm atmosphere. They also opened up a second shop in Scullin in 2022. For breakfast, they have a host of tasty options from smashed avo to healthy bowls, a range of sweets and of course great coffee.
Braddon cafe open everyday from 8am – 3pm. Closed public holidays.
Scullin cafe open weekdays from 7am – 2pm and weekends 8am – 2pm. Closed public holidays.
Simone Vieira left this five star review on Google; “Very nice vegan cafe and bakery, menu has lots of delicious options, plus their baked goods look really good. We had soy cappuccinos, breakfast burger with scrambled tofu and I also bought a vegan cinamon scroll to take away. Everything was very nice and tasty, I will definitely come back to try other dishes. Staff is very friendly and helpful, service is very fast.”
Little Billy's
Little Billy’s is a great little cafe in Weston where you can drop in for a delicious meal or grab a breaky roll and coffee to go.
The food menu features a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, including eggs benedict, spanish burrito, pancakes, French toast, burgers, chicken schnitzel and a whole lot more. They also do great coffees and a variety of cold drinks.
Geoff Ross left this five star review on Google; “Friendly staff. Food was quick, and exactly as ordered. Everything was fresh and tasty. Great little spot to sit and enjoy some delicious food.”
Red Baron
Red Baron combines a friendly atmosphere with tasty food and drinks to be one of Canberra’s nicest cafes to enjoy breakfast, lunch or grab a coffee.
Their menu features a variety of delicious options, with customers able to enjoy a classic bacon and egg roll, eggs benedict, big breakfast, super bowl, French toast and more, while vegan and gluten-free options are available. The drinks menu also provides plenty of choice, with great tea and coffee available as well as milkshakes, smoothies and fresh juices.
The environment in the cafe is also a delight, with a stunning interior design coupled with an outdoor area to enjoy when the weather is nice. There is also plenty of room both inside and out to sit and relax by yourself or with company.
Open 6.30AM to 4.00PM Monday – Friday
Satisfied customer Luke Bowman left this five star review on Google; “I would like to congratulate Peter and his team on a wonderful experience. Not only is the air quality 5/5, but the coffee, service and food is as amazing! This is definitely a favorite venue for myself and my team!”
Gather
Gather is a cafe located in Braddon with a focus on creating a healthy experience for their customers.
They have a real focus on community, using local ingredients for their seasonal menu that changes depending on what produce is available.
Rebecca Nelson wrote this positive review on Google; “This place was exceptional. Seriously good food, great coffee and the atmosphere was light and comfortable. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The menu is seasonal and well thought out with a variety of high quality options for all tastes.”
Mayfair Espresso Cafe
Mayfair is a locally owned and operated cafe, specialising in making great tasting food and exceptional coffee.
The food ranges from your classic breakfast options, to the more adventurous chilli prawn croissant, while they also serve burgers, wraps and more. They use Canberra’s own ONA Coffee for to make their coffee, adding to their value that fresh is best.
Sean Lim left this five star review on Google; Hands down one of the best breakfast spot in City. Amazing service, lovely staff, great coffee. Definitely must give their “Loaded Roti” a try.”
ONA Coffee House
Every coffee drinker in Canberra is familiar with ONA Coffee, and their cafe in Fyshwick offers the entire signature range of house blends.
Along with the top shelf coffee, ONA also has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, making it an ideal location for a meeting or a get together with friends.
Milos Masar left this review on Google; “Ona is well known great quality coffee, their cafe/roastery has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, staff is lovely and vibe is pretty chilled here. Food was absolutely delicious with great service!”
Espresso Room
Located in Westfield Woden, Espresso Room is dedicated to bringing a first rate coffee experience to Canberrans.
They do this by combining ONA Coffee with experienced baristas who understand how to make a great cup of coffee. They also have a number of pastries to enjoy with your beverage.
Lachlan Canning left this five star review on Google; “Great little cafe, baristas seem to really care about the coffee they make. Server seemed like she was trying to rush me a little bit but it was busy so it was fine. Great coffee, nice little environment. Definitely recommend coming to try!”
Atlas
Atlas on Hibberson is a go to cafe for many living and working in the Gungahlin region.
The cafe has a focus on creating great coffee and food by using both local produce and quality ingredients, while also providing friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Tony Marziano left this five star review on Google; “Really easy atmosphere with nice food and good coffee. It has a street side counter for takeaways, and also a few cosy seats inside. Can highly recommend it.”
As Nature Intended
As Nature Intended, the popular café and grocery store, is stocked full to the brim with quality produce and delicious breakfast options.
Locally owned and run, they source their organic produce directly from producers via Eco Farms, and it comes with a certified organic guarantee.
They are committed to serving their customers healthy dishes made with quality ingredients. That’s why you’ll find everything on their menu is created with love and the produce from their in-house grocery store. They have high quality meat options, but also have a variety of vegan and dairy free menu items.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Sunday – 8.30am to 4pm
Local guide on Google, Jasp, left this five star review; “An absolute oasis, surrounded by a beautiful garden setting with a great organic cafe, and high quality produce and products. The staff are super friendly and the cafe has a creative menu with lots of vegan options. A must try!”
Harvest
Harvest is known around Canberra for their incredible coffee. Whether it be espresso, pour over or cold brew, their main focus is de to deliver full flavoured, great quality coffee to customers.
Along with the coffee, you can also get a bite to eat and enjoy the outdoor seating on a nice day.
Cyril Regi wrote this review on Google; “The coffee is great and the toasted sandwiches are the best in Canberra. Very friendly staff. The freshly baked cookies are really good too.”
Intra
Nestled in Campbell, Intra is a specialty coffee and food venue providing a quality service that is both relaxed and casual.
The house blend is roasted by the local Barrio Collective Coffee, while they also feature single origins roasted by Edition Coffee Roasters in Sydney. The food is based on being simple and sustainable, with the menu having a focus on seasonality.
Jessica D left this five star review on Google; “A beautiful modern coffee store with great vibes. Reminds me of Melbourne cafes. Moody dark decor and great coffee. The food is creative and delicious – I recommend the beetroot jaffle.”
The Cupping Room
Located in the city, The Cupping Room is a great place to grab breakfast and an exceptional cup of coffee.
They have a range of items on their food menu including smashed avo, bacon and egg roll, mango coco bowl, French toast and more.
While the food is delicious, The Cupping Room is most passionate about their coffee. The cafe was designed by Ona Coffee to share their knowledge about coffee with customers. So, if coffee is an important part of your breakfast, The Cupping Room may be the place for you.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7.30am to 3pm. Kitchen closes at 2pm.
- Weekends – 8.00am to 3.00pm. Kitchen closes at 2.30pm
Shona Parker wrote this on Google; “I can see why there’s a queue outside for The Cupping Room because it was superb. Avo on toast with poached eggs was a feast and accompanied by the smoothest, best flat white – so good I had a second! Service was warm and charming even when rushed off their feet. Will be back on our next trip to Canberra.”
RYE Cafe
Located in the heart of bustling Braddon, RYE has a focus on fresh, simple and delicious food, and also uses Five Senses coffee to help kick start your day.
They also have a wine list from some of our countries top producers, making it the perfect place to have a relaxed lunch with friends.
Sean left this review on Google; “Finally got around to trying out this place after walking by it a bunch. Don’t let the crowd scare you they got us seated quite quickly. Food, coffees, and service were excellent. Definitely a place you’ll want to try out. Very pleasantly surprised by the freshness of the fruits and pastries.”
54 Benjamin
54 Benjamin is an inviting modern cafe and bar right in the heart of the Belconnen region.
They offer great quality coffee along with smoothies and other drinks, while the food menu features classic breakfast and lunch options such as French toast, chilli scramble, beef burger, tacos and more.
Vaughan Carter left this review on Google; “Amazing food and wonderful service!! Service staff were friendly and obliging to my meal modification requests AND the seats are so comfortable! Making this a regular!”
Common Grounds Gowrie
Located at the Gowrie shops, Common Grounds is often busy with customers enjoying the quality coffee and great food.
A few other positives are that there is plenty of parking around the cafe, they have outdoor seating for when the weather is nice and the staff are always super friendly.
J wrote this review on Google; “Love common grounds! Good coffee and great vibe to this cafe. One of the better breakfast places to go in canberra. The french toast is great, as is the eggs benefict and smashed avo. Everything they do has a twist to the stock standard version of these classic dishes which you can get elsewhere.”
Foundry Coffee Co.
Foundry is a hole in the wall specialty coffee bar in Tuggeranong with great passion for what they do.
The coffee is made by baristas who care about what they produce and have an understanding of the art of coffee, while they also serve iced drinks, smoothies and shakes. The food menu is simple and tasty, featuring classic breakfast dishes like crushed avo, scrambled eggs, breakfast wrap, the big brekkie and plenty more.
Lyn Beinat left this five star review on Google; “The service is lovely, very personable. The food is excellent and the coffee served with care. Love this place.”
Idelic Cafe & Catering
Located in Kingston, Idelic Cafe & Catering specialises in breakfast, lunch and of course, delicious coffee.
The drinks menu features all of your favourite coffee variations, while they also have cold drinks, smoothies, milkshakes and fresh juices.
They offer a range of great breakfast dishes, including french toast, pesto eggs, breakfast burger and pancakes, while the lunch menu features favourites such as chicken parmigiana, burgers, salads and wedges.
Mon- Fri 6:30am – 3pm
Saturday 7:30am – 2pm
Sam H left this five-star review on Google: “Incredible food. Our meals were served beautifully by very lovely staff and we have to go back again as there are other dishes we want to try. Great cafe and lovely vibe inside. Perfect for groups where some people like savoury meals and others like sweet options – or both! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find this gem. Great pricing too for the quality.”
Trevs At Dickson
Trevs at Dickson is a nicely located cafe where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy good times with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere.
Where possible, they use the best local and seasonal produce to create a varied breakfast menu that appeals to a wide range of people.
It offers a warm atmosphere to help you kick-start your day with an appetizing meal alongside an excellent coffee.
Opening hours:
- Monday 8:00am – 2:30pm
- Tuesday to Friday 8:00am – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 9:30pm
- Saturday 8:30am – 2:00pm and 5:30pm – 10:00pm
- Sunday 8:30am-2:00pm
Alex Kindavong wrote this positive review on Google; “Fantastic service and food. Had the breakfast platter, all options were great, couldn’t go wrong.”
EQ Bakehouse & Cafe
With four locations across Canberra, EQ Bakehouse & Cafe is a favourite for locals right across the region.
Along with its quality coffee, EQ also serves a range of other delicious drinks, including hot chocolate, tea, milkshakes, smoothies, protein shakes and juices.
The food menu is also high quality. You can enjoy the full range of breakfast options featuring Italian baked eggs, the EQ breakfast burrito, eggs benedict, rocky road waffles and plenty more. They also offer substantial lunch choices such as burgers, fish and chips, chorizo and haloumi fettucine, calamari, salads and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of beverages can I find at a cafe?
Cafes typically serve a range of beverages, including espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, brewed coffee, teas, hot chocolates, juices, smoothies, and sometimes alcoholic beverages like beer or wine, depending on the cafe.
Can I order food at a cafe?
Yes, many cafes offer a selection of food items, ranging from breakfast options like croissants, muffins, and avocado toast to lunch items like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and occasionally more substantial meals. The variety and availability may vary depending on the cafe.
Do cafes have vegetarian or vegan options?
Many cafes nowadays offer vegetarian and vegan options to cater to different dietary preferences and requirements. You can usually find plant-based milk alternatives, vegan baked goods, and vegetarian or vegan meal choices on their menus.
Do cafes offer takeaway or delivery services?
Yes, many cafes provide takeaway services, allowing customers to order their beverages and food to go. Some cafes may also partner with delivery platforms such as Uber Eats or have their own delivery service to bring orders to customers’ homes or offices.
Are cafes usually open early in the morning?
Yes, cafes often open early in the morning to cater to customers looking for their morning coffee or breakfast options. However, the opening hours may vary depending on the cafe and its location.
