For years, the café scene was defined by caffeine. These days, your favourite local spot might be plating up more excitement than your average restaurant. All across the country, cafés are stepping up their game - think prawn-studded pasta, seafood chowder and gochujang pork belly - not your typical toast-and-coffee affair.
In this curated collection, we spotlight four cafés that are elevating the daytime dining experience. They’re drawing in crowds not just for their beans but for their boundary-pushing menus, inventive plating and surprising sophistication. Whether you're craving a luxurious brunch or a creative lunch in chic surroundings, here’s where to start:
Seasalt Café & Restaurant – Port Macquarie, NSW
Sitting pretty by the marina on Park Street in Port Macquarie, Seasalt Café & Restaurant blends location with laid-back sophistication. This breezy waterfront venue takes full advantage of its prime spot with a wide timber deck perfect for sun-drenched brunches or long lunches. Inside, the décor echoes coastal calm, setting the tone for leisurely meals after a walk along the foreshore or a sail into shore. Whether you’re catching up over coffee or settling in with a glass of wine, Seasalt is the kind of place that makes you want to linger.
Beyond the stunning views, the kitchen at Seasalt turns heads with its commitment to local produce and seafood-centric dishes. One standout is the seafood chowder - a rich medley of squid, salmon, mussels, prawns and spinach, served in a creamy sauce with garlic-toasted sourdough. It’s hearty, comforting and surprisingly refined. For those leaning towards lunch, the lobster mornay with chips and salad brings a retro classic into modern territory, while the seafood basket hits the nostalgic sweet spot without compromising on quality.
Frank’s Cakes Italian Pasticceria – Ferntree Gully, Vic
Step inside Frank’s Cakes and you’re greeted by the rich scent of coffee mingling with sweet pastries fresh from the oven. Nestled on Scoresby Road in Ferntree Gully, this isn’t just a traditional pasticceria - it’s a local institution where relaxed café vibes meet generations of Italian baking tradition. The casual ambience and covered alfresco space make it ideal for a laid-back catch-up, but don’t mistake casual for ordinary. From breakfast through to lunch, Frank’s delivers far more than cannoli and cappuccinos.
The savoury menu holds its own against the pastries, with dishes like Frank’s chicken burger stealing the spotlight. This isn’t your average burger - expect layers of flavour from creamy avocado and sharp cheese to the crunch of coleslaw, all lifted with a herbaceous pesto aioli. Paired with crisp chips, it’s a dish that proves even patisseries can deliver standout café cuisine. For those seeking a lighter option, the salt and pepper calamari with fennel, orange, rocket and pesto aioli is a masterclass in balance - zesty, fresh and elegant.
The Twelve Café – Camperdown, NSW
A stone’s throw from the university buzz of inner-city Camperdown, The Twelve Café is a haven of calm and creativity. On Barr Street, it offers a modern blend of fusion flavours, patisserie charm and expertly brewed coffee. The space leans into an urban aesthetic with recycled timber and potted greenery, creating an ideal backdrop for people-watching or a mid-morning recharge. Whether you’re there for the aesthetics or the all-day brunch, you’ll find a menu that surprises in all the right ways.
The kitchen takes a globe-trotting approach, delivering dishes like spaghetti with marinated grilled prawns, sautéed mushrooms, basil and chilli jam, tied together with coconut cream and finished with rocket and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that reflects the café’s ethos - bold, unexpected and fresh. Elsewhere on the menu, sous vide gochujang pork belly with kimchi, apple and poached egg channels Korean influence with brunch sensibility. This is a café where the food speaks just as loudly as the coffee.
Banksy Bar & Kitchen – Broadbeach, Qld
Named after the owners’ much-loved Vizsla pup, Banksy Bar & Kitchen in Broadbeach is equal parts cool and coastal. Positioned along the iconic Gold Coast Highway, it’s a modern take on the all-day café - industrial-inspired interiors meet sun-soaked alfresco seating, perfect for sipping organic house-roasted brews while watching the world go by. There’s a sustainable ethos behind every choice, from sourcing to plating, and the whole vibe says 'brunch, but elevated'.
On the plate, you’ll find inventive combinations that go far beyond the breakfast basics. The prosciutto and asparagus toast is a prime example - lush basil cream, roasted honey macadamias, citrus zest and herb oil come together in an unforgettable flavour profile, served on crusty sourdough. Meanwhile, lunch gets a vibrant lift with the karaage chicken and rainbow slaw salad. With red cabbage, wombok, mint, carrot, fennel, lotus croutons and wasabi mayo, it’s a riot of colour and crunch with a Japanese twist that keeps it light yet satisfying.
These cafés are reimagining what it means to do breakfast and lunch well - balancing impeccable coffee with inventive fare that keeps diners coming back for more. So next time you’re planning a catch-up, skip the standard smashed avo and try a café that’s truly doing more than just coffee.
