Best food and coffee in Townsville: PB&Js, Annees and more
If you haven’t heard of this matcha and donut joint, you’ve been living under a rock. Check out our list of the top food and drink places in Townsville worth lining up for.
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Townsville is packed with incredible spots for seafood and fresh produce, making it tough to pick where to eat.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up 18 of our absolute favourite restaurants and cafés. Check out our list, and don’t forget to have your say in the comments below.
Think we’ve missed a gem? Drop a comment and let us know why it should make the cut.
Happy eating!
1. PB&Js
With a line around the corner on Saturday mornings, PB&J’s is the place for lovers of a sweet treat.
The doughnut shop features a rotation of much-loved flavours as well as monthly and seasonal specials including Halloween and Valentine's Day themed doughnuts.
Donuts, as well as cookies, scrolls, brownies, coffees and matcha and more are all on the menu.
PB&Js started as a market stall and pop-up before opening the now hugely popular bricks and mortar shop.
Everything is homemade, using real ingredients, with the shop female-owned and operated.
PB&Js is located at Shop 4/1 McIlwraith St, South Townsville and is open Tuesday to Saturday.
2. Juliette’s
Cementing itself as Townsville’s premier artisan gelato business across three locations, there isn’t many times that you won’t see ice cream lovers stopping to check out the flavours on offer.
With many locals and tourists alike indulging in an icy treat to cool down in the North Queensland heat, Juliette’s has become an iconic Townsville place to meet.
With specialty gelato their signature, the business also has coffee, sweets, pastries, smoothies and cakes on offer.
Recently crowned Champion in two ice cream and gelato categories at the 2024 Royal Queensland Awards, the longstanding staple proved it’s one of the best in the state.
Since opening in 2007, Juliette’s is now at two separate locations on The Strand, with a coffee shop at the Eddie Mabo Library at JCU.
3. Millie J and Co
Serving the Northshore community, Millie J and Co is a family-run cafe with a big focus on brunch and coffee. Celebrating ten years of business, the cafe has become a popular favourite for residents in the area.
With dozens of tea flavours, breakfast favourites such as smashed avo and Canadian pancakes and a lunch menu featuring sandwiches, burgers and salmon bowls, Millie J and Co is a common meeting place for Burdell locals.
Millie J and Co are also available for catering and run high teas, which they say are perfect for birthdays, baby showers and hens parties.
The cafe is open seven days and is located at 4 20/38 Main St, Burdell.
4. Annees
With many lined up each morning to get their hit off caffeine for the day, Annees has become a popular choice for those wanting a strong, sweet start to the morning.
The Vietnamese iced coffee bar first began as a market stall in Cairns in 2014 and now has shops across the state including two in Townsville at Otto’s Warrina and Fairfield Central.
Mixing strong coffee with sweet, smooth condensed milk, founder Annee Nguyen started her business after thinking Vietnamese coffee would be perfect for tropical Queensland, with the climate similar to her home country.
Growing over the years, Annees now has merchandise including mugs, coffee beans and even collaborating with Wolf Lane Distillery to create a Vietnamese coffee liqueur.
5. Em Caphe
An authentic Vietnamese cafe serving Banh Mi and Vietnamese iced coffee, Em Caphe is the latest venture from Lotus Saigon in North Ward.
A relatively new cafe it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 2pm, serving as a cafe venture before the Lotus Saigon restaurant opens.
Serving up tasty menu items such as a Crispy Pork Bell Bahn Mi, Vietnamese pandan and coconut waffles and traditional iced coffees, the new cafe is already proving to be a hit with locals as a great lunch or brunch option along the Gregory St, North Ward strip.
6. Terasu
Making it’s mark as Townsville’s premium modern Japanese experience, Terasu has captured what diners love about Japanese cuisine with a mix of modern flavours. With a big focus on using fresh produce and vibrant flavours, Terasu has become a must-try for local foodies.
Earlier this year Terasu introduced their Bento Boxes, combining a bit of everything that makes for a perfect Japanese meal.
The fresh food is paired with magnificent views of the ocean, with executive chef Nicholas Redsell said Terasu is home to a ‘premium dining experience’.
Terasu is open seven days a week at Ardo Hotel on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive.
7. The Spirited Goat
Opening up a second location at The Strand to partner with their original Idalia location has proved a popular choice for The Spirited Goat.
Serving a tropical, seafood-focused menu at their new ocean location, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After having their much-loved Idalia location for over a decade, Townsville foodies have made the Goat a part of their weekend experience by either stopping by for a coffee or grabbing favourites such as the chilli scramble, The Full Goat and the lemon cheesecake waffles.
9. Balabite
Much to the delight of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food lovers, Townsville’s Balabite reopened this year after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At their new location at North Ward Shopping Village Centre, customers can enjoy a variety of flavours including hummus bowls, pitas, rice bowls, grilled lamb and a selection of bakery goods, sides and sweets.
The shop features a large indoor and outdoor dining areas allowing for a convenient lunch option.
Balabite originally opened in 2019, and became a much-loved favourite of locals.
With many vegetarian and vegan options, there is something for every taste bud.
10. Balian
Becoming a regular fixture at Geoffrey Bay on Magnetic Island, the Balian food truck serves up Indonesian inspired tacos.
Started in 2022 by Barry Hooker and Sue Harber, the taco choices include pork, chicken, fish and vegetarian options and are inspired by the bright, vibrant flavours of Indonesia.
Featuring bold flavours with ingredients including chilli, lemongrass, coriander, peanut sauce and Kaffir lime, the tacos have become a regular stop to stop for locals and tourists alike.
Balian is open from 5pm to 8pm unless sold out on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday’s opposite the Magnetic Island Bowls Club in Arcadia.
11. Polola
Serving modern Mexican, Polola is the latest offering in the CBD’s City Lane.
With vibrant, zesty flavours including ceviche, scallops, tacos and barbacoa lamb ribs, Polola describes their food as fresh, fine dining.
The Mexican flavours also cross over into the drinks menu with cocktails including mojitos, margaritas and palomas featuring high-quality tequila and also an extensive list of wines, beers and spirits.
Boasting a large outdoor area with umbrellas and cacti and more intimate indoor settings, the restaurant captures a fun, bright atmosphere that ties into the North Queensland climate.
Owner and manager Matt Cause and executive chef and owner Alex Lavery said the menu is designed to be enjoyed individually or shared among a group.
Polola is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday’s from 12pm to midnight.
12. Blended Townsville
Four young girls, Maddie, Georgia, Sophia and Izzy are the minds behind one of Townsville’s favourite sweet treat stores.
Starting their business when they were aged between just 8 and 10, the girls cater to dietary needs with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available.
With goodies including buttercream cupcakes, cookie cakes, Nutella macarons, sugar cookies and stuffed cookies made to order, Blended Townsville is a sweet-tooth's dream.
The girls run stalls at markets and events, as well as selling their goods online and available to purchase at businesses across Townsville including Magnetic Island Ferries, and Queensland Museum.
Running Blended Townsville, the girls bake and sell a range of gourmet cupcakes, macarons, cookies and lollies.
Tapping into the corporate market there is also the option for branded cupcakes and cookies, as well as personalised cakes and cupcakes for birthdays and all other occasions.
13. Padoka Cafe
Bringing a taste of Brazil to the city, Padoka Cafe in South Townsville is named after what Brazilians call their local coffee shop.
Opened by Bianca Cantarero and Natalia Borghi, who have known each other since they attended school together in Sau Paulo, the cafe houses coffee and treats such as their much-loved cheesy bread.
When they both ended up living in Townsville years later, they decided to open a cafe as both had experience in the hospitality industry.
Padoka Cafe opened in June 2023 and has become a favourite of locals in the area, with their gooey cheese bread a must-try.
The cafe also has a selection of breads, cakes, cookies and sweet treats, combining Brazilian flavours and Aussie favourites.
Padoka is located at 68 McIlwraith Street, South Townsville on the ground floor of the Allure Hotel and is open from everyday apart from Tuesday from 7am to 1pm.
14. Baker D North
Voted the city’s best bakery by the Townsville Bulletin back in 2021, Baker D North is the place to stop for quality French pastries.
Opened by Dimitri Pittion-Rossillon at the beginning of 2020, the bakery sells classic French treats such as croissants, sourdough and baguettes as well as classic Aussie favourites including chocolate brownies, beef brisket pies and Kalamata olive bread.
Coffee is also available with cold brew and other drinks on offer.
The bakery prides itself on working with local businesses for their meat, vegetables, milk, honey and eggs, as well as using high quality butter and natural yeast to create delicious sweet and savoury delights.
Catering is also available, with assortments of mini pastries, mini sausage rolls and mini ham and cheese croissants among the options.
Baker D North is located at Garbutt Central and is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6:30am to 1:30pm.
15. Mamma Roma
Serving up authentic Italian cuisine since 2016, Mamma Roma has become a much loved food stop on Magnetic Island. The couple put the restaurant up for sale in 2023, after their decision to move back to Italy.
With a menu including pasta, pizza, a selection of antipasto and tasty Italian desserts, Mamma Roma has grown to become a popular spot at Picnic Bay, next to the Magnetic Island Brewery.
Started by Italian husband and wife duo Ennio Frisina and Meri Pilloni, the restaurant serves more than just food with live music on Sundays.
Mamma Roma also participates in the Sea Salt Arcade Farmers Markets.
16. The Hoi Polloi Cafe
With new owners under the helm, the Hoi Polloi cafe is an iconic spot for a coffee in Townsville.
First opened in 2014 the quirky cafe features two separate entrances, one a graffiti filled laneway and the other capturing the vibe of the heritage building.
Featuring coffees and drinks, the cafe also has sweets including cronuts and favourites such as Reuben sandwiches.
Its famous tea rooms are also available to book High Teas. New owners Nadine and John Harker are hoping to expand the cafe into the future to hold street events and long table dinners in the laneway.
17. Sirens Bayside
Opened in 2023 by owner Natalie Giofre, Sirens Bayside in Belgian Gardens as a strong focus on coffee, healthy food and a welcoming atmosphere.
After opening Gyspeas in Mundingburra, Ms Giofre wanted to create a bigger space that focused on ‘strong feminine power vibes’,
Pet and kid friendly, the space features a large fenced outdoor area with picnic tables and umbrellas allowing locals to make the most of Townsville’s sunshine.
With a large eco-friendly focus, items are made daily in small batches and environmentally friendly mugs, utensils are used.
Ms Giofre said the cafe uses local, organic and fair trade ingredients where possible, making the most of local, fresh produce.
Popular menu items include smoothie bowls, maple roasted beetroot and feta dip on sourdough and sweet treats such as almond croissants.
Sirens Bayside is at 1/36 Primrose St, Belgian Gardens and is open every day.
18. Huns Delight
A popular market stall, Huns Delight is the place for authentic Hungarian cuisine.
Created by Hungarian born Marta Bujna the small, family owned business serves traditional food including chimney cones (a cinnamon dough in the shape of a cone filled with Nutella, ice cream, custard and more) and langos (a Hungarian fried bread that comes with toppings including garlic, sour cream, cheese, bacon or beef).
A favourite of many locals at markets across the city, Ms Bujna puts the heart and soul of her heritage into her food.
19. High Vibes Nutrition
With a large range of beverage to suit everyone’s tastebuds, High Vibes Nutrition focuses on healthy smoothies and energy teas.
Celebrating two years in business the shop is popular among health and fitness focused individuals.
When it comes to the crowd’s favourites, owner Hayley Roberts said the most popular smoothie flavour is the Choc Oreo and Biscoff while the Nerds and Fruit Tingle Iced Teas top the list for the tea drinkers and despite the fun in the titles, the smoothies contain a lot of vitamins and minerals.
High Vibes Nutrition is open 8:30am to 2:30pm on Monday to Friday and open from 8:30am to 12pm on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 280 Flinders Street.
20. Hands Down Espresso
More than just a regular coffee Hands Down Espresso offers tasty drinks on their new menu such as French mint mochas, lavender iced lattes and black cherry iced matchas from their van.
Located near the Western Lions RL clubhouse in Heatley, the van has become a popular stop for those wanting their morning coffee kick.
Also regularly doing seasonal specials such as pumpkin spice iced lattes for the month of October in the lead up to Halloween, Hands Down Espresso is run by Sheree and began at the start of 2023.
Hands Down Espresso is open Tuesday to Friday from 6am to 11:30am and Saturdays from 7am to 12pm.
21. Three Loaves Bakehouse
Specialising in artisan breads since 2010, Three Loaves Bakehouse provide Townsville locals with treats such as glazed cronuts, blueberry scrolls and Biscoff cheesecakes.
The bakery has a stall each Sunday at Cotters Market for market regulars to grab their weekly dose of baked goodness, as well as a retail store at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre in Idalia.
The bakery first began in it’s Mundingburra location at the Rising Sun Complex, with owner Andrew Frazer saying in 2021, that the loyalty of customers lead to the growth and expansion of the business.
Three Loaves Bakehouse also provides baked goods and bread to cafes, shops and restaurants across Townsville and beyond.
With an extensive catering menu, Three Loaves also provides treats for parties, the office and functions.
Three Loaves Bakehouse at Idalia is open 7 days, Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm and weekends from 7:30am to 4pm.
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