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If you’re looking for the best cafes in Brisbane you’ll have to check out places like Pawpaw Cafe, Nodo and Chapter IV to name a few. No matter which part of the city you find yourself in or whether you’re after an espresso, cappuccino or some avo toast, there’s something for everyone lining Brisbane’s vibrant streets. If you’re discovering the best of Brisbane, ask yourself, where are the best cafes near me? You’ll find the answer down below.
Best Of Brisbane Cafes at a Glance:
Our list of best cafes in Brisbane goes like this.
- Best for Breakfast: Pawpaw Cafe
- Best for Donuts: Nodo
- Best for Drinks: Anouk
- Best for Families: Chapter IV
- Best for Vegan Options: Florence Cafe
- Best for Smoothie / Acai Bowls: Mylk & Ko
1. Pawpaw Cafe
- Address: 898 Stanley St E, Woolloongabba
- Contact: (07) 3891 5100
- Best for: Breakfast
- What we like: The Signature Hash and the customer service.
Offering an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, Pawpaw Cafe in Woolloongabba is a crowd favourite. The stylish Brisbane cafe knows how to make a good coffee and a delicious brekky- we can’t go past their croissant eggs benedict, a must-have with your morning coffee.
2. Morning After
- Address: Cambridge St, West End
- Contact: (07) 3844 0500
- What we like: Variety of breakfast foods.
Aptly named, Morning After is the perfect spot to help get through those nasty hangovers. Their hearty meals, paired with a cup of joe, is the closest thing to a hangover cure you’ll get. Located in the heart of Brisbane’s West End, Morning After is the vision of mother and son Soula and Yianni Passaris, who love cooking everything from healthy, fun and indulgent foods for you to enjoy.
3. Nodo
- Address: 300 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City
- Contact: (07) 3184 4200
- What we like: Donuts!!!
Fancy donuts for breakfast? You will feel no shame at Nodo, who provide just that. With two locations across Brisbane, it seems that the rest of the city is also joining in on the shameless-free donut brekky. The team at Nodo are all about putting the fun back into wholesome food and also serve a tasty cup of coffee to help the donuts go down.
4. Felix For Goodness
- Address: 50 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City
- Contact: (07) 3161 7966
- What we like: The Omelettes.
Tucked away in the laneways of Brisbane’s CBD, Felix for Goodness is one of the best spots if you want a cup of coffee and a fresh, homemade meal. The team at Felix for Goodness love making food from scratch sourcing local ingredients. They also serve a selection of Australian natural wines, craft beers and spirits, if that’s how you like to brunch!
5. The New Black
- Address: 694 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
- Contact: 0404 348 954
- What we like: The Fried Chicken
A hub for the creatives in Brisbane, The New Black is a delicious excuse for a coffee at an espresso bar and a feed when you find yourself in the CBD. The menu features all the brunch classics you love, and the small intimate space is the ideal setting to sit back, read a book and watch the world go by.
6. The Green
- Address: 27 James St, Fortitude Valley
- Contact: (07) 3177 2044
- What we like: The breakfast selection.
The Green is one of the Best Brisbane cafes if your two favourite things are Lebanese food and conscious consumption. The inner-city cafe is a greenhouse combined with a kitchen and plenty of Lebanese-inspired breakfast to fuel your day. New kid on the block on the Brisbane cafe scene, it’s only up from here for this green cafe.
7. Anouk
- Address: 212 Given Terrace, Paddington
- Contact: (07) 3367 866
- Best for: Drinks
- What we like: The drink execution.
An old apothecary turned trendy, exposed-brick wall Paddington cafe, Anouk is a buzzing spot with one of the best coffees in town. They pride themselves on their experimental, seasonal menu and staking claim to Brisbane’s finest baristas. Next time you’re in Paddington, a visit here will not leave you feeling disappointed.
8. Andonis Cafe
- Address: 4/281 Station Rd, Yeerongpilly
- Contact: (07) 3848 8180
- What we like: The portion sizes.
Andonis Cafe has become a South Brisbane institution, an indulgent, vibrant cafe with a positive atmosphere to match. The menu may overwhelm you at first, with over 20 tantalising dishes to tempt your tastebuds. They’re most well known for their dessert food, so we recommend the crepes, waffle cone pancakes or loaded donut, if you can handle it!
9. Bear Boy Espresso
- Address: Shop 8/180 Albion Rd, Windsor
- What we like: The brunch service.
Bear Boy Espresso is one of the best cafes in Brisbane for your next coffee hit. Partnering with Surry Hill-based coffee roasters’ Single O’, they serve their ‘Killer Bee’ Blend. In terms of food, the brunch menu is seasonal and sourced with locally produced ingredients.
10. Seven Miles Coffee Roasters
- Address: 31 Collingwood St, Albion
- What we like: The coffee selection.
For one of the best cafes for your next coffee hit, Seven Miles Coffee Roasters is what your caffeinated dreams are made of. Food is not the main focus here, with a team of award-winning coffee roasters brewing your daily petrol. From industry-leading coffee science, cafe support & sustainability programs, the cafe believes coffee is where art meets science, and it shows in the exceptional quality.
11. St Coco Cafe
- Address: 3 Cupania St, Daisy Hill
- Contact: (07) 3299 3264
- What we like: The atmosphere.
Birthed by two local girls with a passion for coffee, St Coco Cafe is a vibrant, community-focused hub with delicious food and specialty coffee to match. The menu features hearty, creative meals with plenty of vegan options, raw treats and gluten-free options. We can’t go past the pina colada waffles!
12. Agnes Bakery
- Address: 85 James St, Fortitude Valley
- Contact: (07) 3062 2346
- What we like: Speedy service.
What pairs better with your morning coffee than a flakey, buttery pastry? Well, at Agnes Bakery, they’ve got plenty of delicious options for you to enjoy with your cup of joe. They serve locally roasted coffee and use sustainably sourced ingredients within a welcoming, casual setting that sits in a heritage-listed cottage on the sunshine-filled corner of James Street, which we think makes the ideal mid-morning pit stop.
13. Chapter IV
Best for: Families
- Address: 180 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
- Contact: (07) 3367 0834
- What we like: The balcony.
Located in an iconic Queenslander with a breathtaking view of Brisbane, Chapter IV is all about delicious food and bringing people together. Snag a verandah spot and order any of your brekky faves from the menu. There’s even a kids’ playroom, so if you’ve got the little ones with you- this may be the perfect spot.
14. Florence Cafe
Best for: Vegan Options
- Address: 54 Martha St, Camp Hill
- Contact: 0493 117 933
Another converted cottage, this time on the corner of Martha Street in Camp Hill, Florence Cafe is the perfect slice of goodness. The quaint all-day cafe serves up wholesome, nourishing food and everything is made in house by the Florence team.
15. Scout
- Address: 190 Petrie Terrace
- Contact: (07) 3367 2171
- What we like: The Bagels.
Scout is the trendy cafe taking Brisbane by storm. Serving up coffee from coffee supreme, you’re guaranteed a tasty cup of joe. Their food menu is just as good, with lots of bagels on offer and plenty of veggie and vegan options. We recommend the eggplant bagel for something a bit different.
16. Industry Beans Newstead
- Address: 18 Proe St, Newstead
- Contact: (07) 3180 1190
- What we like: The atmosphere.
Just like the name suggests, Industry Beans is all about coffee, in every step of the process. Housed in a warehouse conversion in the backstreets of Newstead, Industry Beans is both a coffee roastery, cafe and private dining area all under one roof. Gain a unique dining experience, enjoying your coffee as you watch how the very coffee you are drinking is made!
17. Reverend
- Address: 4006/372 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
- What we like: The Bagels and the Burgers.
It’s coffee before food at Reverand, a cosy little cafe with some of the best specialty coffee Brisbane has to offer. The staff here are passionate about coffee, which shines in the rich tastes you will experience. Once you’re feeling coffee’d out, they also serve alcoholic beverages, juices and toasties.
18. Mylk & Ko
Best for: Smoothie / Acai Bowls
- Address: 1/148 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
- Contact: 0412 214 647
Mick & Ko is one of the best Brisbane cafes for everything vegan and delicious. With most items on the menu being dairy-free, gluten-free or vegan, pretty much anyone can dine here fuss-free! The food here looks just as good as it tastes, so be sure to take a snap for the gram before you dig in.
19. Farmhouse
- Address: 9 Somerset Rd, Kedron
- Contact: (07) 3861 1956
- What we like: The Gnocchi and Potato Cake.
For farm to table dining in Brisbane, Farmhouse is our top recommendation. Farmhouse sources from local & regional producers & every season, add a few more farmers to their list. We suggest ordering the gnocchi for breakfast – don’t diss it until you try it!
20. Kin & Co
- Address: 24 Macquarie St, Teneriffe
- Contact: [email protected]
- What we like: Coffee, especially their cappuccinos.
Kin & Co is the quintessential Brisbane cafe and one of the best spots for a quality coffee. They use a South American blend, roasted exclusively for them, and have all your brunch faves like avo toast, hotcakes and shakshuka eggs. The best part- they also serve bottomless mimosas and sangria jugs from 10 am if that’s how you roll!
21. Lady Marmalade
- Address: 269 Logan Rd, Stones Corner
- Contact: (07) 3324 2480
- What we like: The Pancakes!
Lady Marmalade sits in a rustic, sunny corner spot, which is just one of the things to love about it. The coffee is from local roaster Elixer, and the no-thrills food menu is just as refreshing as it is tasty. However, our favourite bit is the kitsch decor and old-timey feel Lady Marmalade encapsulates.
22. Halo Ground
- Address: 100 Brookes St, Fortitude Valley
- Contact: [email protected]
- What we like: The brunch menu.
Halo Ground is another one of the best Brisbane cafes for your next coffee hit. The cafe is nestled in the backstreets of Fortitude Valley, so much so it’s almost hard to find! But, if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon this gem, you will be met with the finest food, with plenty of plant-based options and delicious specialty coffee.
23. Tank Stream Social
- Address: 240 S Pine Rd, Enoggera
- Contact: (07) 3876 1210
- What we like: The service and atmosphere.
We all know how much Italians love their coffee, and Tank Stream Social is one of the best Brisbane cafes if you’re looking for the closest thing to premium Italian coffee. Enjoy a perfectly-made coffee while you stroll through the piazza-style showroom. This doesn’t mean they make compromises when it comes to the menu- full of delicious food sourced from local ingredients-Buon appetito!
24. Coffee Head Co.
- Address: 62 Manning St, South Brisbane
- Contact: (07) 3705 4692
- What we like: The Hot Chocolate.
Are you an early bird and looking to get your coffee first thing in the morning? Coffee Head Co. has you sorted, open from 6 am every day. The cafe has a relaxed vibe and also serves handcrafted quality teas, baked goods and Brisbane’s best toasties.
Key Things to Consider for Brisbane Cafes
The key factors to keep in mind when deciding where to go:
- Price – how expensive is your food/coffee.
- Variation – menu variety and ability to make changes when needed.
- Ambience – cafe’s are no fun to visit unless they have an interesting or calm ambience.
- Quality of Coffee – probably the most important factor when considering any cafe.
- Service – good service makes the experience at a restaurant or cafe that much more enjoyable.
Alternatives to Cafes in Brisbane
If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Brisbane, we’ve got you covered with some of the options listed below. You can also check out our list of the best coffee shops and brands in Australia with expert commentary from Australian coffee expert and Campos Chief Coffee Officer, Adam Matheson. Or, if you don’t feel like heading out for coffee, you can look to invest in one of the best coffee machines or French press coffee makers.
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How Man of Many Chose the Best Cafes In Brisbane
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man Of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly sample and experience food and coffee from the best spots in Brisbane. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating Man of Many’s selections. Our editors have taken into account location, food and coffee and atmosphere while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few spots outside of the CBD. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
Cafes in Brisbane FAQs
While there are a number of great coffee shops in the Brisbane CBD, the top rated cafe via Google reviews is Botero House.
With an endless amount of terrific coffee shops, Fortitude Valley is renowned as a cafe lovers paradise. Some of the top-rated cafes via Google reviews are Agnes Bakery and The New Black.
