Whether it’s been a long week at work or you’re holding that weekend hangover at bay, Perth’s filled with plenty of cafes to keep you fuelled up. Here are our picks for Perth’s best coffee, in alphabetical order:
Artem
After spending a few years as a pop-up coffee spot, Artem’s moved into a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Mount Pleasant, with a takeaway window in Highgate’s new Woolworths. When a cafe is smoking their own meats, fermenting their own chilli sauce, and having their coffee beans roasted to their own recipe… you know they’re not kidding about quality. Stop in any time for their aforementioned A-grade coffee, or their small-yet-inspired brunch menu (think duck omelette, crab roll, chicken rendang salad), but those who are in the know will make sure to be there on the weekend for their signature Reuben toastie, leaving room for one of their donuts, of course.
2/39 Reynolds Road, Mount Pleasant
Best Wishes
Killer coffee? Holy Bagel Co bagels? Best Wishes keeps things simple, but boy does it pay off. Since opening their doors in 2017, this crew has built up a reputation as the best place in Freo to pick up your daily coffee – and in spite of their super-cool branding and merch, you’ll find no pretension here. Genuine smiles, and genuinely good coffee. What’s not to love?
Shop 9, 2 Cantonment Street, Fremantle
Blacklist Coffee Roasters
It would be inaccurate to call Blacklist Coffee Roasters’ Subiaco location a café – although it’s certainly where you’ll get a bang-up brew. Their Subiaco concept store complements their existing Welshpool roastery (they also have a Canggu café and restaurant under their belt), offering a unique dine-in coffee tasting menu in addition to their regular takeaway coffee options. For $12 per person, you’re treated to a variety of Blacklist coffee blends and single origins, or become a member for unlimited coffees all day, every day. It’s like a cellar door for coffee nerds!
439D Hay Street, Subiaco
Bossman
Nestled away down Arcade 669, it would be easy to forget about Bossman – if it wasn’t so damn good. Pocket sized, their focus is on delivering quality coffee; made using Leftfield beans, it’s worth going out of your way for. While the interior is dimly lit, the service is bright – sweetened by a locally-baked Greek treat to accompany your coffee, of course.
3/669 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Bread In Common
We’re all about a romantic dinner at Bread In Common, but you don’t need to wait for date night to head to Bread in Common. Drop by the bakery counter for a quick coffee pit stop and just try to resist the cabinet filled with fresh rolls, sandwiches and pastries. Don’t forget to pick up a Common loaf to take home with you!
43 Pakenham Street, Fremantle
Cafe Leadman
Bigger isn’t always better – and it’s as true at Cafe Leadman as anywhere else. This itty-bitty, timber-clad cafe is anything but cute. Rather, it’s dark interior and curated menu speak to a more refined palate. That’s not to say you won’t find any crowd pleasers on the menu: gourmet mi goreng, Cuban toasties and the ubiquitous smashed avo all make an appearance, as well as a rotating roster of tempting Saturday specials. The attention to detail doesn’t end there, though – with coffee that matches the quality of their menu.
159 Claisebrook Road, Perth
The Cove
We wouldn’t blame you for missing this little hole in the wall coffee shop in Trigg, but don’t worry – the locals know what’s up. They only opened last year but have already gathered a fervent following thanks to killer coffees (from Perth-based legends Kaltiva), beaut bagels, fresh juice and a warm smile when you arrive.
131 Lynn St, Trigg
Grind Zero
Another place where you’ll be blasted with a smile upon entry (let’s just assume everyone running a Scarborough cafe is super friendly), Grind Zero specialise in vegan and gluten free snacks on the run. They also keep things as eco-friendly as possible and of course, most importantly, make great coffee.
3/80 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough
Grouch & Co.
As coffee roasters, Grouch & Co. are committed to a high standard of quality, inclusivity and ethical supply chains, roasting in small batches and curating seasonal blends that are sure to delight. It’s no wonder that the cafe side of things reflects the same approach. Tip top customer service takes the experience from great, all the way to stellar.
Unit 1/45 McCoy Street, Myaree
Hemingway
All of the expertise, experience, and passion for coffee-making accrued through years of running six other cafe ventures is distilled into Hemingway. A love letter to coffee, from the father and son duo behind Mo Espresso Group, the cafe is defined both by its excess, and its refinement. Extravagantly whizz-bang gear – like the hypnotic Poursteady, swirling and darting between pourovers, or the super-sleek Modbar espresso machine, keep the coffee centre-stage, while both the menu and fit-out are pared-back perfection.
Central Park, 2/152-158 St Georges Terrace
Howard’s Groove
How can a space be both bright and airy, while being sultry and moody? Somehow, Howard’s Groove manages this seemingly impossible feat. A partnership between Smooth Operator (see below!) and local favourites Twin Peaks Coffee Roasters, you can rest assured the cafe has pretty top-notch coffee credentials. While Smooth Operator is pocket sized and best suited for takeaway, Howard’s Groove has more seating available for when you need to hit pause for a moment.
22 Howard Street, Perth
Laika
Helmed by owners previously from Hylin and Mano e Mano, Laika pairs their next level brunch game with equally next level coffee from in-house, recently expanded roasters Timely Coffees. Coffee buffs can dissect the ins and outs of micro lots and post harvest processes, while the more food motivated among us (guilty) can enjoy a perfect thick cut eggs benny and our standard flat white. Winners all round, I say.’
11 Lathlain Place, Lathlain
Livid Skate Cafe
If you’re getting coffee close to the beach you want beach-going vibes, Livid Skate Cafe has all the chill you could ask for. Very friendly staff will serve you up quick smart after a quick chat about what the swell’s doing, plus they make a mean wrap. If you’ve got a bit of time make sure you explore their rad little art gallery next door, and keep your ears to the ground for regular laneway parties that are jam-packed with good crew and great music.
4a/6 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough
Local & Aesthetic
Local & Aesthetic is one of Mount Lawley’s newer additions; a combo cafe and retail space that puts a big emphasis on local suppliers, local ingredients and basically being local legends. It’s always a great vibe for coffee and some eats – they’ll make you a polony and sauce sanga that’ll even make ya mum blush, along with heaps of other awesome “bush-food” style offerings.
769 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Low Down Espresso
If you’re anything like us, you struggle to remember a name the moment after you’ve been introduced to someone. Somehow, though, the team at Low Down have got not only names down pat, but will somehow figure out where you’re sitting, too. Is it a mnemonic? We reckon their coffees must just be that magical. A super popular spot for nearby coffee fiends that often sees a line out the door, never fear: they also make them at a seemingly supersonic speed, so you never have to wait long.
Cloisters Arcade, Shop 10/865 Hay Street
Modus Coffee
Since opening the doors to their Mount Lawley store at the tail end of 2016, Modus have really set the standard to what exciting things a teeny tiny coffee shop can do. From their steadfast commitment to quality coffee, their ethical roasting operation, their sustainable practices, to their refined food offerings, to their collaborations with other top local producers… it was only a matter of time before they had to take it to another level. Enter, their Vic Park outpost. All the things you love about Modus, in a bigger space, with even more delicious stuff on offer.
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
35/602–610 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
1/184 Harborne Street, Wembley
Mount Street Breakfast Bar
You arrive, panting, at the top of Jacob’s Ladder… you probably deserve a pretty good coffee now, right? Luckily, Mount Street Breakfast Bar is just around the corner. A limited yet considered breakfast menu awaits – think crispy falafel with barley tabbouleh and poached eggs, or crushed avocado and roasted tomatoes with labneh and za’atar – as well as coffee that will fuel you through the treck back up the hill.
42 Mount Street, Perth
Micro Lote
Freo’s got a thing for a great-coffee-vintage-furniture-combo – but we’re not complaining. Working in partnership with ASPROUNION, a Colombian coffee farming cooperative that grows, processes and exports its coffee directly to Australia, Micro Lote is on a mission to support and showcase sustainable and ethical coffee farming practices. When great flavour meets great practices, we’re all for it.
17 Blinco Street, Fremantle (inside Blinco & Co)
Micrology Coffee Roasters
Supplying some of Perth’s best cafe’s for yonks, Micrology has built a reputation for being one of the best of the best. Luckily, the local roaster has made it even easier to get your hands on their delicious brews, with a schmick roastery, cafe and retail space opening in Osborne Park.
58 Collingwood Street, Osborne Park
Miller + Baker
We were pretty jazzed about Miller + Baker’s opening that snuck in at the end of 2019, and our excitement hasn’t really abated since then – it’s even become one of our daily go-tos. An understated yet refined fit out complements their artisanal approach. If you’re milling your own flour, you’ve got to be pretty committed to quality, right? Grab a sourdough loaf for later, plus a coffee and pastry for right now.
6B/236 Lake Street, Northbridge
North Street Store
We can’t shut up about North Street Store – not that anyone really needs telling at this point. We won’t keep going on and on about it, but their coffee is as good as their other offerings – very good, indeed.
16 North Street, Cottesloe
Offshoot Coffee
It’s easy to feel cynical about the ever expanding Mary Street Bakery empire, but as we’ve already made clear in countless articles – they’re just too good at what they do. Whether they’re slinging some of our favourite sausage rolls, donuts or sandwiches, they consistently deliver on quality, and Offshoot is no different. Roasting the Mary Street’s signature beans, the cafe is a coffee-focused outpost of the brand, although there are plenty of recognisable treats available grab-and-go. Besides the high standard of coffee, these guys are also doing it with an impressive level of cheerful service.
Shop 2, 480 Hay Street
Ooh Coffee
There’s something about North Freo… the sun always seems to be shining, everyone’s just a bit more beautiful and carefree… and there, in the middle of it all, is Ooh Coffee. This petite espresso bar, adjoining boutique Ooh La La, is pairing great coffee with easy breezy service that is perfectly suited to its chilled out surrounds.
255 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
Open Plan Coffee Roasters
To open a coffee shop on Fitzgerald Street in 2016 seemed like folly, but Open Plan has proven that if your offerings are high enough quality, there’s room for everyone. A small-batch roaster, the focus on coffee is obviously key – but that doesn’t mean their food doesn’t rise to the occasion, too. The name is reflected in the layout of the cafe as well, which allows the warmth and friendliness of the staff to shine.
408 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Playa
If you’re chasing a friendly face to help wake you up alongside a killer coffee hit, Playa Coffee serves both up in spades from 6.30am every weekday morning. Roasting glorious beans from the team at Twin Peaks, you’ll also find it difficult to leave without a little snack. They sling some of the bagels and brekky burgers in the city, make sure you get in early because it’s a popular little joint for all the above reasons and more. Even better – just order ahead.
15-17 William Street, Perth
Rocketfuel Coffee Roasters
We know what you’re thinking – how could a drive through coffee joint have the time to serve up some of Perth’s best coffees? Well we don’t really know but Rocketful Coffee Roasters have been making that devilish drive south along Stirling Highway bearable for a long time now. They micro roast their beans in-house, which goes some way to helping explain why they’ve kept drivers satisfied – and alert – through the Golden Triangle, along with uni students around the corner at UWA.
6 Stirling Highway, Nedlands
Satchmo Cafe
If you could see just how many Satchmo bagels we’ve tallied via delivery, you might feel a degree of concern. You know, when you’re laying in bed on Sunday morning, not quite ready to face the day… a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do. But a freshly made bagel, a mug of batch brew Twin Peaks coffee, a slice of babka and a side of live jazz? That’s enough to get anyone out of bed.
1/400 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Smooth Operator
How could you resist those seductive eyes? Staring at you from Smooth Operator’s signature cups, you’ll be ordering another round before you know it. Although 2019 saw their relocation to a new shop a few doors down the road, they’ve still got the same high-quality coffee game, with a super stylish fit-out to match. Can you tell we’re suckers for terrazzo?
Shop 4/938 Hay Street (Enter on Milligan Street)
Stomp Coffee
Neighbourhood oasis Stomp Coffee is the perfect balm to a rocky morning. Pull up a chair in the picturesque courtyard, order a coffee made with beans from an impressive rotating roster of featured roasters, and check out their menu, which has grown from hangover-curing breakfast bagels to include more elaborate offerings – think pan fried mushrooms and feta, sumac scrambled eggs or quinoa porridge topped with fresh fruit.
39 Angove Street, North Perth
tbsp.
Long time brunch favourite of ours, tbsp. is worth going out of your way for. While their classics, like eggs on toast, muesli or French toast are all perfectly executed, we think the real stars are the Asian-inspired offerings. Chilli scrambled eggs are topped with crispy shallots, corander and chilli oil. A slow cooked egg is nestled in a bowl of chicken congee. Bonito flakes gently flutter atop zucchini and corn okonomiyaki. For a moment, all is right in the world, and we haven’t even mentioned their A+ coffee game, which ceremoniously rises to the occasion.
10 King William Street, Bayswater
Telegram
We’ve said it before, but we’re a sucker for the opulent surrounds of the State Buildings. We’d take any excuse to head there, but for Telegram? We’d head to the ends of the earth. This chic, timber-clad box is cranked open every morning to serve up some of Perth’s best coffee. Helmed by veteran barista Luke Arnold, the itty-bitty Telegram packs a punch, with a reputation for consistency and attention to detail – which now extends all the way to roasting their own beans out of East Vic Park’s shared roasting operation Modern Coffee.
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
The Neighbourhood
Attadale’s The Neighbourhood has become a firm favourite for locals, with their consistently stellar coffee and delicious brunches – which are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. Beans are courtesy of bi-coastal roasters Dukes, and the addition of a lush, plant-filled bottle shop makes this one you can’t miss.
88 Moreing Road, Attadale
The Tenth State
UWA students will need no introduction to The Tenth State – this buzzing espresso bar’s morning crowds will attest to its popularity. These guys are experts at the pivot: whether its moving a few doors down from their original concept store to focus on their food and coffee offerings, or starting an online farmers market during lockdown, Em and Sam are always striving for perfection.
2/6 Broadway, Crawley
Venn
It’s hard to name a Perth coffee joint that gained a more rabid, cult-like following than Antz Inya Pantz. They sold the cafe side of the business to customers in 2019, who underwent a rebrand to Venn and managed to maintain their status as one of Vic Park’s – and even Perth’s – best coffees. Unpretentious, cheerful, top quality. If you’re in a rush for your bagel and brew, pop over the road to Little Venn – the lightning-fast takeaway cafe!
965 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Willing Coffee
An espresso bar started by a property developer? It hardly fills you with inspiration… unless that developer is Tim Willing. Joining forces with expert baristas, Willing is inspired by 1950s, family-run Italian coffee shops, with coffee firmly the focus – although there’s still room for some cycling paraphernalia, of course. After their success in Guildford, Willing has expanded to their sister store, the Deli on Central. Positioned on the corner of Central Avenue and Clifton Crescent, the Deli brings all of Willing’s winning elements and adds an Australian neighbourhood corner shop nostalgia. Who’s buying this round of icey poles?
110 Terrace Road, Guildford
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Header image: Low Down Espresso
