Diggies, Two Doors Up, Quotes Cafe and The Happy Fox win best Illawarra cafe competition

The results are in and there is a four-way tie for the best cafe in the Illawarra. Find out who readers voted in for the top spot.

The results are in and there is a four-way tie for the best cafe in the Illawarra.

Diggies North Beach, The Happy Fox at Warilla, Two Doors Up at Fairy Meadow and quotes Cafe in Wollongong edged out other local favourites in a week long Illawarra Star reader poll supported by Delicious magazine and celebrity chef Matt Preston.

Mr Preston said: “Our search for best cafe is just the start of the Delicious local push to help drive a food-led rebound from the effects of COVID.”

“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months. That is exactly what we set out to achieve.”

“Make sure you keep following this fantastic search and supporting your local winners – next up we’ll be on the lookout for best pizza, so get thinking …”

Two Doors Up Cafe & Bar in Fairy Meadow has a new menu which has brought in a younger and busier demographic.

Darren Porter has been running Two Doors Up for the past two years. In that time, he has seen the demographic go from mid forties to young thirty-year-olds.

Two Doors Up Cafe is known for its coffee. Picture: Instagram/ Two Doors Up

“Our biggest seller is an avocado stack, followed by a handmade Pide which has many different combinations of flavours,” said Mr Porter.

However the changes to the menu are not all Two Doors Up has to offer.

“We’re actually quite a large place with a little cafe,” he said. “We have quite a big space, we do live music on Sunday afternoon, crossword coffee meetings, job interviews are held here, just about everything happens here”.

With such a dynamic space and new menu, it is no wonder Two Doors Up is full of new faces.

Quotes Cafe in Wollongong is passionate about bringing fine cuisine and delightful drinks to you every time.

Quotes Cafe has you covered with their Fairtrade Coffee and Lebanese inspired food. Picture: supplied

Whether you are looking for a quick on the go snack or a sit down meal, Quotes Cafe has you covered with their Fairtrade Coffee and Lebanese inspired food.

Since 2015, Mohammed Jammal has been passionate about his little business and providing a range of delectable delights.

“Everybody likes the idea of starting a cafe but they have no idea what the actual business entails,” Mr Jammal said. “I think that’s the case with everybody in Australia. They wake up one day and then they want to start a coffee shop.

“I think I just liked the idea and I found myself here six years later.

“Now in the last couple of years we’ve been moving toward more of a stable menu that is very specific.

With their Levantine cuisine inspired meals, sharing a platter or having a dish of your own is all a part of Quotes Cafe’s magic.

Hotcakes at Diggies Cafe in North Wollongong. Picture: Instagram/ Diggies

Diggies at North Wollongong has been an iconic breakfast spot since 2003, after the 1930s art deco kiosk was restored by the local Crinis family.

Serving fresh food and great coffee right on the water, Diggies quickly became a favourite for local families and the active North Beach community.

The Happy Fox at Warilla was also crowned a winner, with readers voicing high praise for their coffee.

The Happy Fox at Warilla. Picture: Instagram/ The Happy Fox

One reader also pointed out how “absolutely delicious” the cafe’s ricotta doughnuts are too!