The Best Cafes in Canberra for a Coffee Catch-Up

Heading out to a cafe for a coffee and bite to eat is one of life's greatest simple pleasures. But if you're to spend your hard-earned cash, you want to rest assured that said coffee and bites will be nothing short of delicious. We've gone ahead and rounded up the best cafes in Canberra, so you don't have to. From riverside haunts to inner-city bakeries, these are our top picks. 

Recess Coffee 

Recess has it all and that's no lie. Serving food and coffee all day, these guys go above and beyond by roasting their own beans. And those sweet tunes you're being serenaded by on your morning coffee run? Vinyl! Swing by early for a stack of pancakes or head in later in the day for a glass of red and big bowl of pasta. Like we said, they've got it all. 

6B Barker Street, Griffith 

RYE Café

Fresh, simple, seasonal food is what you will find on RYE Cafe’s menu. This delicious establishment situated on the famous Lonsdale Street in Braddon is perfect for everything from a quick coffee fuel-up to long boozy lunches with the girls. With a minimalist, Scandi-chic vibe this café is the embodiment of hygee. 

9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Cafe Sosta 

Located right on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Cafe Sosta is the newest kid on the Canberra culinary scene. Housed within Red Shed, Canberra's brand-new rowing facility, this Italian-inspired cafe can sort you out for brunch through to your afternoon Sosta spritz. Dishes like breakfast frico with Montasio cheese, eggs, potato and tomato are the kind of delights to expect. 

Black Mountain Peninsula, Acton 

Barrio Collective 

Serious coffee connoisseurs will do well to swing by this coffee roastery and neighbourhood bar of a morning. The curated menu allows these guys to focus on a few speciality dishes and roasts and they do them well. Paired with their light-filled, minimalist space, Barrio is the definition of simple is best. Don't leave without sampling one of their incredible toasted sandwiches. 

30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon 

Walter Café

Perfect for brunch, Walter Café brings forward great coffee and delicious bites. Brekkie options can be split into a holy trinity of breads, eggs and healthy options. Come lunch, go all in with small and large plates as well as classic burgers and sandwiches. 

Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes

Intra 

If chic, minimalist eateries set your heart aflutter, consider Intra your new go-to. Both locations boast sleek, monotone interiors and highly curated all-day dining menus. Rotating regularly, you'll find a selection of brunch favourites including Bircher, breakfast rolls, fresh pastries and scrambled eggs. As for the coffee, you've got options with espresso, pour over and batch brew up for grabs. 

Braddon & Campbell 

The Cupping Room

With a combination of green vines and plants creeping out from the ceiling, warm honey-coloured woods and the smell of delicious ONA coffee, The Cupping Room is simply lovely. These guys offer brunch classics and sweet treats which go down an absolute treat any time of the day!

1/1-13 University Avenue, Canberra City

ONA Coffee House 

Attached to the ONA Coffee roastery, you're guaranteed a top-notch brew at ONA Coffee House. Their range of single-origin coffee is second to none and they offer filter or espresso, depending on your preference. Their menu is equally delish and packed with fresh salads and brunch staples that can all be enjoyed on the covered outdoor deck. 

1/68 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick 

Highroad 

Highroad is the project of beloved Australia coffee brand ONA so top-notch coffee is part and parcel of the experience here. Specialty coffee is of the highest priority but they've got a pretty delish brunch menu, too. Inspired by local produce, it shifts with the seasons in the most delightful way. 

Corner Cape and Woolley Street, Dickson 

Muse

If you haven't had a chance to pop on over to this bookish cafe, now is the time. Slinging coffee, brunch and pastries by day, and wine and cheese by night, Muse is always a good time. They also regularly play host to a swathe of literary events including two of their monthly book clubs and multiple author talks. Keep up to date with all of their current events here. 

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith 

Margot

We adore a bar we can pop by for espresso in the AM and wine and cheese in the PM and when it’s placed right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, even better. At Margot, the beverages are the star of the show with a highly curated selection of accompaniments on offer for the peckish. We adore their minimalist approach. You can look forward to Wildflower Pastries with your morning coffee and a selection of cheeses, olives and locally sourced nuts with your evening tipple.

West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes  

Mocan & Green Grout

Situated in the New Acton precinct, this delightful Canberra café serves a daily breakfast and lunch. Think organic eggs, local sourdough bread, fresh smoked trout and slow-cooked lamb which will keep you warm and satisfied all winter and fuelled and fiery through summer. 

1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, New Acton

Eighty/Twenty Food

Another Lonsdale St favourite, the food at Eighty/Twenty is packed with nutritious, homemade love! Their motto, 80/20, is how they believe people should eat: a lot of mindfulness and a little cheeky indulgence! Soak up the Canberra sun by enjoying lunch outside and soak up the hustle and bustle of Braddon.

1/18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Two Before Ten

The legendary Two Before Ten has come a long way! Starting as a humble café in the city, Two Before Ten now has locations all around the capital. Aside from producing amazing food and coffee, this group also has an ‘urban farm’ on an acre of land. All sustainable produce grown is used in their cafes and helps keep them eco-friendly and green.

Various locations

Penny University Café

Offering hearty meals, brunch cocktails and coffee... there's so much to love at Penny University Café. Located in the heart of historical Kingston, Penny University has a delicious all-day menu as well as some of the best coffee in Kingston.

15 Kennedy Street, Kingston

Loving this edit of the best cafes in Canberra and keen to discover more foodie gems? Be sure to check out our edit of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra and the best bars for a drink with friends.