Best cafes in Goulburn: Cafe kings and queens of the foodie scene revealed
Goulburn is fast becoming the place to enjoy a coffee and salmon and leek tart. But who are our real culinary leaders? See who makes the cut in our list of the cafe kings and queens of Goulburn.
The Bowral News
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Goulburn’s cafe culture has ramped up, thriving with coffee connoisseurs and a variety of quality options to choose from.
We’ve rounded up some great cafes – both historic and up and coming – brought to you by Goulburn’s cafe kings and queens, launching new initiatives in the new year, and also continuing to do what they do best - making delicious food and a classic brew.
Whether you are swinging by town, wanting to try somewhere new, or just want a nice coffee out with friends, we’ve got you covered.
Valerie’s Sunroom, Sally and Shane Nelson
Named in honour of her mum, Sally and her husband Shane Nelson opened Valerie’s Sunroom in their Gehl Garden Centre more than a year ago, to compliment their plant nursery of 30 years, and yoga studio.
“It’s been very well received, as it’s a nice space out of the main part of town and near the walking track, so people like to go for a walk and then pop in for a coffee with their friends,” Mrs Nelson said.
The amount of activities inside the Gehl Garden Centre means you can spend half a day there, exploring, either by yourself or with a group of people.
It proves to be a great hideout, where you can find your calm by spending hours looking at cute plants, do some yoga and treat yourself to a delicious variety of food.
The idea of the cafe, which used to be a glass house, came to the owners when they were travelling in the UK.
“They had nice tea rooms and cafes there, and I was inspired by an old glass house converted to a tea house in London,” Mrs Nelson said.
There are both an outside and inside seating areas, meaning you can either admire the garden centre while you eat or the modern and artsy atmosphere inside.
Some of the cafe favourites are the prawn and chorizo salad, pork belly, shakshuka and poached pears and custard for dessert.
Mrs Nelson also said the cafe was known for its coffee.
The menu changes seasonally, brought to you by a passionate local chef.
“We let the chef have free reign,” Mrs Nelson said.
Mrs Nelson said they were always coming up with new initiatives to create a nice atmosphere, meaning you can occasionally expect live music and organised events.
70 Fitzroy St, Goulburn
Grit Cafe, Kelsey Seers and Charlie White
Grit Cafe has been around since 2013, and for four years has been owned by Kelsey Seers and Charlie White.
The couple, who recently got married, actually met in the cafe, with Charlie volunteering for his sister Lucy (who used to own it) and Kelsey, who grew up in Gunning, coming in as a customer.
“At the time there were only one or two cafes in Goulburn, so it really took off, particularly because it’s on the highway, where there are a lot of people coming back inland from Sydney,” Ms Seers said.
“We really appreciate every single customer that comes through our doors and chooses to support us.”
Everything at the cafe is locally sourced and the owners like to promote environmentally-friendly products like ceramic cups.
They also have their own merch available.
When asked what her favourite meals were, Ms Seers said the green bowl with sauteed spinach, quinoa, poached eggs and halloumi.
As well as what she describes as the “most understated item on the menu” - the Vegemite toast with avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs.
They also take pride in their speciality coffee, which is described as “consistent,” as well as their great customer service.
“We know 90 per cent of customers because they always come back and we like to have that back and forth with them,” Ms Seers said.
5/1-3 Sowerby St, Goulburn
K and G’z, Kylie and George Fatouros
Kylie and George Fatouros - aka K and G’z - opened up their business two years ago, right before Covid struck, and have had success after success since, winning the Best Restaurant/Cafe Award in the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce 2021 Awards.
“We always wanted to do hospitality and customer service and this opportunity came up and we just went with it,” Mrs Fatouros said.
The locals have a deep passion for food, and it goes to show by their far-reach, recalling one experience where two customers travelled from Sydney just to have their southern fried waffles.
Mrs Fatouros’s favourites are the southern fried burger and brekkie bruschetta, while Mr Fatouros is a fan of the club sandwich with barbecue and homemade chilli sauce, which is said to be “hot but sweet” and a “pretty big hit.”
“We come here happy, we go home happy, I think that’s the main thing for any business – if you like what you do it’ll show in your work,” Mr Fatouros.
The cafe is quite big, perfect for large functions and group gatherings, providing lots of parking space at the front.
Another major feature of the cafe is the drive-through option for busy workers.
K and G’z also try to support local businesses, so you will see things like flowers and jars of local honey and jam being sold at their cafe.
“People drop off their things to sell – we help local businesses where we can,” Mr Fatouros said.
9 Franklin St, Goulburn
Green Grocer, Con Toparis
Con Toparis opened the Green Grocer 20 years ago to provide “simply fresh, un-compromised food.”
The local came up with the inventive business idea to combine a cafe with a bike shop, creating a hip environment for customers the minute they walk through the door.
“We had plenty of space and I was looking for a commodity that complimented fresh food and healthy living,” Mr Toparis said.
Mr Toparis is a passionate cyclist himself.
The cafe has lots of options to choose from, and Mr Toparis’s favourites are the yoghurt, pizza and coffee.
They also do great freshly squeezed juices.
37 Clifford St, Goulburn
Park Cafe, Lazaros Foinikopoulos
Park cafe is owned by Lazaros Foinikopoulos, who started the cafe with his wife, and whose family is one of the key cafe players in town, with his dad owning the Paragon Cafe on the same street.
The things that stand out at Park Cafe is its location on the main street in town, the lovely customer service and the coffee.
There will not be a time where you are not greeted by smiles from the chipper staff.
Some of the popular items on the menu include the eggs benedict, sandwiches and wraps.
Mr Foinikopoulos said he loved the socialising aspect of owning a cafe, and was always looking to keep the menu interesting.
202 Auburn St, Goulburn
The Roses Cafe, Michael and Carol Rose
Roses Cafe is a historic and much-loved cafe that has been around since 2006, when the Roses family moved from Sydney to Goulburn.
The cafe gives off old time charm vibes and is a great family setting you want to bring people to when showing them around town.
After years in the hospitality industry, owners Michael and Carol Rose saw an opportunity to “bring something from the past that’s seemingly forgotten” to stand out from all the “generic” cafes that source their products from huge manufacturers and wholesalers.
Some of the favourites are the brie and leek quiche, smoke salmon benedict, tarts and coffee, which you have the option of getting in a mug.
There is an outside and inside area to dine, and some of the best customer service around.
The portion sizes are large, the flavours tantalising and the cafe itself is always buzzing with energy. What’s not to love?
59 Verner St, Goulburn
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