Breakfast date coming up? Here’s 10 Illawarra cafes to try

From the mountains to the sea, we’ve taken to the streets to find where the Illawarra’s best coffees, cakes and breakfasts are hidden.

Tried every breakfast place in town? Think again! Take a look at NewsLocal’s brunch, lunch and even evening drinks hot spots below. Picture: Instagram @franksnbeans_corrimal

The Illawarra has really upped its cafe game in the past couple of years.

We have gone from boring bacon and egg rolls and overcooked hashbrowns to experimental and perfectly executed breakfasts and snacks created by leading chefs.

It is also not just about the food, some of our cafes are roasting their own coffee beans, while others are hosting gallery-like exhibitions.

These spots also have top quality service and relaxed atmosphere to match.

EARTH WALKER & CO, COLEDALE

This Coledale cafe opened in late 2017, and has a heavy focus on using local and sustainable products not just in their food, but also as part of their service.

They’re open seven days a week and provide a vast selection of farm-to-table breakfast and lunch options.

Earth Walker & Co also doubles as general store and was the first business to be crowned Ocean Friendly by the Surfrider Foundation.

OPUS COFFEE BREWERS, WOLLONGONG

We don’t even need to give you a location for this one, you’ll be able to smell their amazing coffee from miles away. If you can’t smell their coffee, you should be able to sniff out their freshly baked bagels. If you still can’t find it, it’s located right in the heart of town on Keira Street.

Now you know where it is there should be nothing stopping you from visiting the cafe. While it isn’t a huge space, it feels warm and cosy, the overall look pulled together with green leafy plants and huge windows.

AT ALL AND SUNDRY, WONOONA

This northern suburbs cafe opened in 2013, and has a passion for ethical and sustainable business practices and of course delicious food and coffee.

Located on the Princes Highway, there’s something for everyone with plenty of options for the vegans and vegetarians, as well as the meat eaters.

Everything from the drinks to the cakes are prepared from scratch and where possible, most produce is sourced from local small businesses.

FRANKS N BEANS, EAST CORRIMAL

Open seven days a week, this family run cafe is a hit with the locals.

The menus are seasonal, with a big focus on local and ethically produces ingredients.

Their housemade relish is to die for and is used in a lot of their dishes. They’ve also got a whole lot of sauces, pickles and oils for sale at their Murray Road space.

THE BROKEN DRUM, FAIRY MEADOW

The Broken Drum is an espresso bar located on the Princes Hiighway.

The cafe serves up Campos Coffee and everything that goes with it — think cakes, sandwiches and snacks.

The little store has a homey vibe with exposed brick on the walls and leafy greens hanging from the ceiling.

BREAD, ESPRESSO &, THIRROUL

If you’re on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, you’d best stop at this cafe and try their avocado on toast or their gourmet pies and sausage rolls.

Once you’re done have a cup of their Allpress coffee.

Bread, Espresso & is a cute coastal cafe that celebrates good food, great service and even better coffee.

STEAM HEADS, UNANDERRA

If you like instagramming your food then this is the place for you! Steam Heads’ smoothie bowls are almost too beautiful to eat, as are the raw vegan treats.

The fit out is bright and colourful, complete with eclectic murals and funky furniture.

Interestingly enough the communal wooden table was once a Balinese boat, restored by the cafe owners.

Aside from the fresh and vibrant eats, the cafe also serves up some pretty spectacular coffee.

BROWN SUGAR ESPRESSO, MANGERTON

At Brown Sugar Espresso, they have a huge focus on service with a smile.

Staff are committed to offering you a quality, memorable experience every time you visit, as well as a great cup of coffee and freshly baked treats.

The cafe is located on St Johns Avenue.

FLAT WHITE WITH ONE, RUSSELL VALE

The focus is here is on the coffee.

There’s healthy ‘healing’ food like a breakfast box or lunch salad to grab and go, as well as the staple bacon and egg roll.

Located on the Princes Highway, Flat White With One is the perfect neighbourhood coffee shop.

DIGGIES, WOLLONGONG

Now it wouldn’t be a comprehensive list without this North Beach cult classic, would it?

Diggies was opened in 2004 by the local Crinis family, who lovingly restored the heritage listed building into the iconic eatery it is today.

When it comes to the food, Diggies has established a simple menu with a focus on seasonal, good quality, local produce.

Our top pick? The oven baked salmon croquettes — delish!

IN OTHER NEWS