If there’s one thing Australians take seriously, it’s coffee. More than just a morning ritual, it’s a full-blown culture—one that celebrates the perfect espresso shot, silky flat whites and creative brunch fare designed to be enjoyed alongside expertly brewed cups. Whether you’re after a cosy suburban café, a buzzing city espresso bar, or a quirky fusion joint, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best coffee destinations across the country, where the beans are roasted with precision and the food is every bit as impressive as the brew.
Chosen Bean Café & Coffee Roaster – Ferntree Gully, VIC
For those who appreciate their coffee on a more artisanal level, Chosen Bean Café & Coffee Roaster in Ferntree Gully is the place to be. Located along Burwood Highway, this café is known for its house-roasted beans and a menu that caters to every dietary preference, from paleo and vegan to gluten-free delights. Inside, exposed brick walls and rich wooden tones set the scene for a laid-back but refined brunch experience.
Coffee lovers can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup alongside indulgent yet well-balanced dishes like the housemade potato rosti, served with poached eggs, smoked bacon and silky Hollandaise. For something with a bit more punch, the Time for Porkin’ dish delivers a satisfying combo of pulled pork, BBQ sauce, slaw, jalapeños and crispy shallots atop sourdough toast. But the real showstopper here is their shakshuka—a rich, slow-cooked Mediterranean red sauce packed with beans, almond feta, sumac and beetroot hummus, all mopped up with thick-cut sourdough.
Delicious Fingers – Melville, WA
If you find yourself in Perth’s Melville, Delicious Fingers is the café to visit for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and some of the best coffee in the area. This family-run gem is known for its signature blend, which pairs beautifully with an array of brunch favourites. Inside, the eclectic mix of shabby-chic mismatched chairs, polished wooden tables and vibrant artwork creates an inviting space where locals gather to catch up over a well-brewed latte.
Breakfast here is a winner, with spicy scrambled eggs tossed with smoked salmon, red onion, spinach, garlic, avocado, feta and coriander, all served with buttery paratha bread. The lunch menu is equally enticing, featuring a Cajun chicken salad with halloumi, rocket and a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing. But if you want to truly experience the best of what Delicious Fingers has to offer, order the marinated pan-fried sumac lamba dish that marries Middle Eastern spices with a fresh and vibrant rocket, quinoa, feta, cherry tomato and red onion salad.
Dutch Smuggler – Sydney CBD, NSW
A café with a rebellious streak, Dutch Smuggler in Sydney’s CBD is not your average coffee joint. This spot is famous for pushing boundaries with its wildly creative toasties and a dedication to top-notch Indonesian coffee. The space itself is relaxed and modern, making it a perfect pit stop for city dwellers in need of a caffeine hit and something deliciously out-of-the-box.
While their coffee is exceptional, it’s the toasties that steal the show. The Magic Mie Goreng is a crowd favourite, loaded with mie goreng noodles, free-range egg, cheddar, mozzarella and magic sauce, all pressed between crisp slices of bread. Another standout is the Nacho Libre, packed with chilli con carne, red kidney beans, cheddar and sour cream. Vegetarians won’t miss out either, with the Eat Yo Veggies toastie featuring grilled eggplant, zucchini, red pepper, crispy halloumi and gin beetroot relish. But if you’re looking for something truly decadent, go for the beef rendang toastie—slow-cooked, fragrant rendang beef paired with crunchy coleslaw and melted cheese, making for a flavour explosion with every bite.
Mr. Lawrence – Wagga Wagga, NSW
Bringing a touch of Melbourne café culture to Wagga Wagga, Mr. Lawrence is a coffee haven with a refined edge. Located along Fitzmaurice Street, this stylish café-bar hybrid is as much about the sensory experience as it is about great coffee. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning espresso or winding down with an afternoon cocktail, this Riverina hotspot delivers on all fronts.
Their brunch offerings are nothing short of impressive, with standout dishes like smoked salmon eggs Benedict on char-grilled artisan sourdough, topped with a rich Hollandaise sauce. If you prefer something a little more adventurous, the ricotta and zucchini fritters are a must-try, served with Peruvian green sauce, roasted capsicum salsa, poached eggs and a drizzle of lime coriander oil. For a more indulgent lunch, go for the sticky pork tacos—served with pan-fried roti, kimchi, coriander, shallots, sesame and a sweet fish sauce that ties all the bold flavours together beautifully.
From Sydney to Perth, Australia’s coffee culture is thriving, with cafés that go beyond the humble cup of joe. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly roasted espresso, a hearty brunch, or something a little experimental, these five venues have got you covered. Each spot brings something unique to the table—whether it’s quirky toasties, Middle Eastern-inspired salads, or house-roasted specialty coffee—making them must-visit destinations for any coffee lover.
