Queensland’s top 50 cafes of 2018
GRAB a coffee and place your order from our ultimate list of the 50 most exciting cafes to start your day, from North Queensland down to the Gold Coast.
U on Sunday
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- Best cafes on Brisbane’s northside
- Top brunches southside
- Best Gold Coast cafes
- Top cafes on Sunshine Coast
GRAB a coffee and place your order from our ultimate list of the 50 most exciting cafes to start your day, from North Queensland down to the Gold Coast. For all the super foodies out there, remember to lock in July 21-22 to experience the 10th annual Regional Flavours Festival.
Be sure to check out this weekend’s edition of U on Sunday in your Sunday Mail.
The Brunswick Project
726 Brunswick St, New Farm
3254 0670
Instagram @brunswickproject
Tables on the converted Queenslander’s spacious veranda are made for people-watching while the interior encourages camaraderie with a long communal table.
Butcher Baker Coffeemaker
40 Oxley Ave, Woody Point
0405 117 718
Instagram @butcherbakercoffeemaker
If it’s on the menu, chances are you can also buy it from the counter of this converted general store. Footpath dining affords water views of Bramble Bay.
Corner Store Cafe
113 Sylvan Rd, Toowong
3870 2223
Instagram @cornerstorecafe
At this relaxed cottage cafe, creative evening-style offerings fill the menu. With its bright, enthusiastic and speedy service, Corner Store Cafe is a must visit.
Farm House
9 Somerset Rd, Kedron
3861 1956
Instagram @farmhousekedron
Like an impressive, rustic barn, Farm House serves up a slice of country life in Brisbane’s suburban inner-north.
Freja’s
3/1 MacGregor St, Wilston
3856 0092
Instagram @frejascafe
Freja’s is a Scandi-style eatery with sophistication. It is clearly a passion project and diners can feel the love in excellent food, fit-out and service.
Kettle & Tin
215 Given Tce, Paddington
3369 3778
Instagram @kettleandtin
With a tempting burger selection and a decent selection of craft beers, there’s a strong chance of brunch seguing into a long lunch.
Little Loco
121 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
33585706
Instagram @littlelococafe
This tiny New Farm favourite is so popular, owners Daniel and Hannah Bowles have also opened Miss Jones just up the road.
My Mistress
515 Sandgate Rd, Clayfield
3256 0590
Instagram @mymistresscafe
This hugely popular cafe’s relaxed leafy courtyard and timber-clad interior create a mini suburban escape.
Naim
4 Collingwood St, Paddington
3172 1655
Instagram @naimpaddington
In Arabic, Naim means happiness and that sums up the mood at this cute corner cafe that serves up authentic, thoughtful food in a gorgeous setting.
Parallel Roasters
3/50 Hudson Rd, Albion
0434 025 700
Instagram @parallel_roasters
This modern, Scandi-meets-industrial Australiana venue is all about the coffee. With attentive, efficient service, this is a suburban cafe with city polish.
Putia Pure Food Kitchen
4/17 Royal Pde, Banyo
3267 6654
Instagram @putiapurefoodkitchen
Opened in 2014, it remains a hugely popular local favourite and is a cafe designed to impress foodies. Those who want to learn more can try out the cooking school
Samson and Sophie
Shop 1/2 Macquarie St, Teneriffe
3172 1194
Instagram @samsonandsophie
It strikes the right balance between dishes healthy enough for yoga types and tasty enough for foodies. The wooden interior has a cosy, casual vibe.
Scout
190 Petrie Tce, Brisbane
3367 2171
Instagram @scoutcafebrisbane
Its rustic brick walls and pressed-tin counter give a nod to days gone by, as Scout combines cool confidence with a warm, buzzy vibe.
Smoked Paprika
65 Macgregor Tce, Bardon
3161 5469
Instagram @smokedpaprikacafe
Crowds flock to this family-friendly venue to feast on Hungarian chef-owner Gabor Traub’s flavour-filled creations. It is a hungry bruncher’s dream.
Sourced Grocer
11 Florence St, Newstead
3852 6734
Instagram @sourcedgrocer
A Brisbane institution, its house-made rye crumpets served with fresh honeycomb and whipped butter are the stuff of legend.
The Hamptons
49 Gerler Rd, Hendra
3268 4331
Instagram @thehamptonshendra
There’s an attention to detail and commitment to thinking outside the box that makes this cafe something special. It is all about simple fare with flair.
The Low Road
25 Eildon Rd, Windsor
3161 4127
Instagram @thelowroadwindsor
Tucked into a tiny courtyard tenancy, what this place lacks in space, it makes up for in personality. Friendly and fast service make this a winning choice.
The New Black
694 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
0410 195 459
Instagram @thenewblackbne
Tucked beside the entrance to Bakery Lane, this tiny, funky, Morocco-meets-Queensland eatery is all about creativity and friendly service.
Vue Lounge
1/83 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
3358 6511
Instagram @vuelounge
The 14-year-old Vue Lounge is an institution. Swift service and consistent quality combine to keep Vue ticking along.
Wild Canary
2371 Moggill Rd, Brookfield
3378 2805
Instagram @wildcanaryeat
Towering layer cakes and slim tarts alike are crowned in a rainbow of edible flowers, and similar aesthetics flow through the brunch menu.
Willow and Spoon
190 Newmarket Rd, Wilston
3352 7927
Instagram @willowandspoon
To brunch here is to put a smile on your face. The all-day brunch menu features amped-up savoury choices that are prone to provoke indecision.
Billykart Kitchen
1 Eric Cres, Annerley
3392 9275
Instagram @billykart
The service is sharp, knowledgeable and friendly and the 80-seater restaurant retains much of its old-fashioned, corner-store charm.
Bruno’s
212 Cracknell Rd, Tarragindi
0408 911 028
Instagram @brunosbne
Bruno’s does a roaring trade in morning coffees with locals fuelling up and grabbing a still-warm muffin from the counter or a light grab-and-go breakfast.
Cafe O-Mai
15 Cracknell Rd, Annerley
3255 9778
Instagram @cafeomai
Cafe O-Mai’s intriguing menu reflects the owners’ Vietnamese heritage, draws a little on the country’s French influences and adds some Western twists.
Extraction Artisan Coffee
7/3375 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek
3133 4667
Instagram @extraction_artisan_coffee
Inside a former fabric factory, this warehouse cafe has an adventurous menu that champions local producers.
Gauge
77 Grey St, South Brisbane
3638 0431
Instagram @gauge.brisbane
Care is taken with its all-day brunch menu, from the quality of ingredients to the juxtaposition of flavours and textures, and its presentation.
Pearl Cafe
28 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
3392 3300
Instagram @pearl.est.2007
The cosy venue with its exposed brick walls and bentwood chairs is the kind of cafe that respects lazy, late risers — those who prefer a sleep-in and comfort food.
Picnic
12 Martha St, Camp Hill
3398 6600
Instagram @picniccafe
Why mess with the classics? That’s the philosophy at this longtime southside favourite, where the all-day breakfast menu features plenty of crowd-pleasers.
Plenty
284 Montague Rd, West End
3255 3330
Instagram @plentywestend
Busy and barn-like, Plenty somehow manages to maintain a sense of neighbourliness and its “know your farmer” ethos adds feel-good factor from the get go.
Southside Bistro
Shop 49/342 McCullough St, Sunnybank
3172 5848
Instagram @ssbistrobne
Among the mix of Asian restaurants and takeaways at Sunny Park shopping centre lies this casual eatery that gives the adventurous eater a culinary escapade.
The Gunshop Cafe
53 Mollison St, West End
3844 2241
Instagram @thegunshopcafe
Since opening 15 years ago, The Gunshop has become a West End stalwart, and with its great service and innovative food, it remains at the top of its game.
The Jam Pantry
2/575 Logan Rd, Greenslopes
3158 9570
Instagram @thejampantry
Seasonality steps up a notch at The Jam Pantry with the cafe overhauling its menu each month to capitalise on local farmers’ bounties.
Bam Bam Bakehouse
2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
5526 5218
Instagram @bambam_bakehouse
Be quick. Renowned for their classic and creative French pastries, many of the sweet delights often sell out early to customers who come from far and wide.
BSKT Cafe
4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
5526 6565
Instagram @bsktcafe
At chilled-out beachside cafe BSKT, traditional breakfasts sit alongside tapas-style plates giving diners an all-day menu unlike any other in the state.
Cardamom Pod
3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport
0424 251 008
Instagram @cardamompodbrickworks
Vegan maybe the food trend of the moment, but this Gold Coast favourite has been slinging plant-based eating since long before it was cool.
Commune
1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
5520 3377
Instagram @communeespresso
For a brunch more relaxed than a lizard lazing in the sun, it has to be this laidback, grungy, hipster cafe. What is taken seriously, however, is the food.
Elk Espresso
Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach, 5592 2888
Instagram @elkespresso
Elk has become a Gold Coast institution loved for its constant innovation. True foodies will appreciate the originality of this special haunt.
Forreal Kitchen
28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach
5572 5572
Instagram @forrealkitchen
For the sweet tooth, Forreal is the ultimate brunch destination. It is the breezy, cheeky cafe we all wish we could have in our neighbourhood.
Hot Shott
3/17 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
5532 3275
Instagram @hotshottcafe
When money is tight but you want to treat yourself, this little cafe, with its covered footpath dining and a dark, moody interior, certainly delivers.
No Name Lane
16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
5538 5221
Instagram @nonamelane
A contemporary, playful menu, backed up by warm, engaging and speedy service, this indoor-outdoor cafe is a local favourite for a reason.
Bistro C on the Beach
49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
5447 2855
Instagram @bistroc
The surf crashes just metres from the front table at this long-time beachside favourite on prime real estate in Noosa Heads.
Harvest Breads
1/13 The Esplanade, Cotton Tree
5479 4912
Instagram @harvestbreadscafe
The cafe and bakery has a cult following for its generously filled sourdough sandwiches. This is a gourmet take on home-style, healthy cooking.
Little May Espresso
1/174 Main St, Montville
5478 5015
Instagram @littlemayespresso
With its white brick walls and Scandi-style decor, Little May is a rare find among the tourist-trap faux British cafes in the scenic hinterland town.
The Shak
11/43 Burnett St, Buderim
5445 3692
Instagram @theshakorganics
Focusing on quality, ethically derived produce from nearby farmers and growers, the dishes are all about respecting the ingredients.
Winnie
13a Blackall St, Woombye
0435 445 185
Instagram @winnie_woombye
Winnie has just a handful of tables and a tiny kitchen that punches well above its size. The Bali-style decor matches an Asian influenced menu.
Emeraude
8616 New England Hwy, Hampton
4697 9008
Instagram @emeraude_hampton
You know a cafe is good when you’ll happily drive 1½ hours to dine there. That’s the pull of Emeraude in Hampton, about 30 minutes north of Toowoomba.
JAM Corner
1 Palmer St, South Townsville
4721 4900
Instagram @jamcorner
The menu at this NQ cafe swings towards the Mediterranean. The modern venue with its comfy seats and white wooden benches, has friendly table service.
Mama Coco
Shop 4/196 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt, Cairns
4052 1226
Instagram @Mama_coco
A city favourite for almost a decade, the suburban café started out as a cake stall at Rusty’s Market downtown. The vibe is stylish comfort and service is friendly and efficient.
Nu Nu
1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove
4059 1880
Instagram @nunurestaurant
If ever there was a restaurant devoted to getting a sense of its region on to the plate, this is it. Tables at the absolute beachfront eatery are only metres from the sand.
Rafter & Rose
1/17 Ellensborough St, Ipswich
0401 073 644
Instagram @rafterandrose
This homely Ipswich cafe is an oasis sandwiched between bustling Brisbane St and the train lines. The decor is distressed wood and retro furniture — kitsch and cosy.
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