The Best Cafes In Perth
Here it is. We’ve been poring through the recommendations, assessing, critiquing, delving deep into our hearts, in order to bring you our list of Perth’s best, tip-top, cream of the crop cafes. Behold, helpfully arranged into regions for you…
PERTH CBD / CENTRAL
Community Coffee Co.
It’s been less than five years since opening their Subiaco flagship, but Community Coffee Co. has been going from strength to strength ever since. In the ensuing years, they’ve expanding into another three locations, two of which are in the Perth CBD – one a takeaway window, one a full cafe. Their latest has seen them venture south of the river into South Perth, with a brand spankin’ new Angelo Street location pumping out even more of their signature excellent coffees. 2022 also saw the addition of a food truck at the front of their Subi espresso bar, helmed by Daniel Lim (formerly of the excellent Dine By Arrival Hall) and Frankie Dawson (formerly of Besk).
177 St Georges Terrace, down Mercantile Lane, Perth
55 St George Terrace, Perth
292a Barker Road, Subiaco
53A Angelo Street, South Perth
Dine By Arrival Hall
While the Dine by Arrival Hall menu isn’t extensive, it sure packs a punch. Always changing, you’ll see dishes like prawn rolls, smoked salmon smørrebrød, or a Black Angus tenderloin sandwich on offer, as well as toasties, baked treats and bowls. Normally, the fact that it’s inside a furniture store would be a detriment, except that Arrival Hall’s space is so stylish, so serene… we’re happy for an excuse to loiter.
162 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge
Flora & Fauna
It’s hard to believe that everything from Flora & Fauna comes from its itty bitty, teeny-tiny kitchen. Vegan offerings run the gamut from banana bread (a huge wedge, served with a gigantic plate of fruit), to tropical waffles topped with mango and raw salted caramel, to savoury treats like Mexican mac n cheese, or a towering corn fritter stack. And not that gram-worthiness is the ultimate barometer of food, but we absolutely dare you to resist photographing these technicolour, blooming plates.
4/70 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge
Giant Coffee
Tucked away down a Northbridge laneway, pint-sized Giant Coffee is well worth a bit of urban exploration. Helmed by an expert barista, the tiny spot is serving up some of Perth’s best coffee, with beans courtesy of local roasters Daylight (batch brews feature Twin Peaks single origin). If you’re feelin’ fancy, grab an einspanner – topped with whipped cream, it’s a pretty darn excellent way to get through a chilly morning.
109 James Street, Northbridge (entry via Nicks Lane)
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 CBD 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. City slicker central!
Central Park, 2/152-158 St Georges Terrace
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. 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
Mount Street Breakfast Bar
You arrive, panting, at the top of Jacob’s Ladder… you probably deserve a pretty good breakfast now, right? Luckily, Mount Street Breakfast Bar is just around the corner. A limited yet considered menu awaits – think crispy falafel with barley tabbouleh and poached eggs, or crushed avocado and roasted tomatoes with labneh and za’atar. You could almost forget that this is, technically, a hotel breakfast. We don’t know about you guys, but we’re ready for a staycation…
42 Mount Street, 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. The super-stylish, pint-sized interior is a gem amongst the slightly dusty west end of the CBD, with a high-quality coffee game that draws a bustling crowd to Milligan Street every morning.
Shop 4/938 Hay Street (Enter on Milligan Street)
Telegram
We’ve said it before, but we’re a sucker for the opulent surrounds of the CBD’s 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
NORTH
Abacus Espresso
Leederville’s new Electric Lane precinct is pretty darn exciting, and right at the centre of it is the rather excellent Abacus Espresso. It’s got a dreamy, Scandi-inspired, terracotta-y fit out and even better coffee, courtesy of a selection of local roasters like Double Double and Fiori.
10 Electric Lane, Leederville
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. Stop in any time for their aforementioned A-grade coffee – those who know will make sure to be there on the weekend for their signature Reuben toastie, and leaving room for one of their donuts, of course.
2/39 Reynolds Road, Mount Pleasant
80 Bulwer Street, Highgate
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
Chu Bakery
The almost-constant line out the door will attest to the fact that Chu has been killing it since opening their William Street bakery in 2015. You need to be an early bird to be sure to get one of their amazing loaves of bread, but luckily, their picture-perfect pastries, loaded toasts and donuts are equally delish – not to mention their coffee. Our favourite is the chilli passionfruit donut – filled with tangy passionfruit custard and then rolled in a chilli-sugar mix, this donut caused me to exclaim to my friend, unironically and without shame, “This is a flavour sensation!” The things you do for love.
498 William Street, Highgate
Engine Room Espresso
North Perth’s amazing coffee per capita quota is almost getting out of hand – and Engine Room Espresso plays a big part. First opened in 2014 by a group of coffee-loving firefighters, Engine Room has maintained its commitment to quality coffee and friendly service through a change in ownership in 2018. Drop by for a brew and a Holy Bagel Co. bagel and schmear and soak up the NoPo vibes in their back laneway.
450c Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Folk & Merchant
Taking over the former Mr Herbert’s site, Folk & Merchant have been keeping the community vibes going strong. Pop by the coffee window for a quick coffee (powered by local roasters Kaltiva), or head inside for some simple but delicious plates – or peruse the dreamy local wares on offer, including owner Laura Fletcher’s own kids clothing label, Lucie June.
4/243 Herbert Street, Doubleview
In Good Hands
In Good Hands may be one of the newer kids on the block, but we reckon it holds its own against some of Perth’s heaviest hitters. House milky brews are made with Community Coffee Co beans, plus a rotating roster of Double Double, Twin Peaks and Daylight Coffee Roasters for batch brews and espresso. Owner Oli’s mum is behind much of the food on offer, as well as utilising cult baker Everyday Bread for cabinet goodies. While their offerings are straightforward, you really do feel like you’re In Good Hands.
1/186 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
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 basicaly 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
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
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. As if that wasn’t enough, in 2021 they expanded to a third location in Wembley.
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
35/602–610 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
1/184 Harborne Street, Wembley
Nogi Lane
So Nogi Lane may have only just opened in Dianella, but it’s already a smash (avo) hit with the locals thanks to an all-day brunch menu that’s bristling with all the classics, along with some very naughty extra offerings. The banana & toffee pancake with macadamia crumble and honey butterscotch sauce will just about ruin any sweet tooth out there!
308 The Strand, Dianella
Plant Playground
Plant Playground‘s colourful, plant-filled warehouse is a funky delight amongst the industrial surrounds of Osborne Park. The crew are experts at all things plants – from hydroponic gardening to ready-to-gift books and accessories – but they’ll also sort you out with a damn good coffee or kombucha while you’re there. (Plus, they’re dog-friendly!)
1/11 Guthrie Street, Osborne Park
Satchmo Cafe
If you could see just how many Satchmo bagels we’ve tallied on our UberEats, 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 just gotta do what you 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.
2/410 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
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 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
The Little Bay
The Little Bay really is pretty-as-a-picture. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or simply want a good view with your brunch, The Little Bay’s layout and location is almost impossible to beat. While you can still get your classics like big breakfast and eggs benny, the menu ups the ante with breakfast gnocchi and Turkish eggs… which would go really well with a Bloody Mary, just saying.
33 West Coast Drive, Watermans Bay
Viaje
With another outpost in South Perth, Viaje expanded their offerings in 2021 to include another cafe in Mount Lawley. Great coffee, inventive eats, cute pink exterior? What’s not to love?
Shop 8/609 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
SOUTH
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. 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 know will make sure to be there on the weekend for their signature Reuben toastie, and leaving room for one of their donuts, of course. 2021 also saw the café’s expansion into Highgate, with a handy coffee window in the new Woolworths development.
2/39 Reynolds Road, Mount Pleasant
80 Bulwer Street, Highgate
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
Community Coffee Co.
It’s been less than five years since opening their Subiaco flagship, but Community Coffee Co. has been going from strength to strength ever since. Their latest has seen them venture into South Perth, with a brand spankin’ new Angelo Street location pumping out even more of their signature excellent coffees.
177 St Georges Terrace, down Mercantile Lane, Perth
55 St George Terrace, Perth
292a Barker Road, Subiaco
53A Angelo Street, South Perth
Duck Duck Bruce
You might have to wait to get a table at beloved Freo cafe Duck Duck Bruce, but trust us, it’ll be worth it. Started by a trio of mates, the warm spirit of friendship is imbued throughout Duck Duck Bruce. This is a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously… even if the food is seriously good.
18 Collie Street, Fremantle
Ethos Deli + Dining Room
The team from Young George has ventured down the road to open up Ethos – a zero-waste, Eastern European-leaning neighbourhood deli and dining room. House made charcuterie and small goods and killer sarnies are just the tip of the iceberg, with the bar’s offerings just as exciting a prospect if you’re there later in the day (or earlier, who are we to judge?).
88 George Street, East Fremantle
Good Things
Mosman Park cafe Good Things really manages to live up to its name. The menu truly is full of, well, good things. This light-filled, minimalist cafe is home to some of our favourite smashed avo, as well as plenty of other tantalising options – like their good vibes bowl, chilli scrambled eggs or fried chicken and waffles, to name just a few. Rest assured, local Double Double beans make for an excellent coffee, too – as does a new, second café in Freo.
128 Wellington Street, Mosman Park
16 Bannister Street, Fremantle
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
Hinata Café
Absolutely adorable. That’s the first thing that comes to mind stepping into Fremantle’s Hinata Café. The plant-filled, rustic space serves up cosy Japanese home-style plates – with the main star their monthly rotating brunch sets: a plate of nourishing goodness straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
19 Blinco Street, Fremantle
Hush Specialty Coffee
Hush has been a stalwart for Freo caffeine fiends for years, and it’s no wonder why. An unending flow of Five Senses coffee keep the morning coffee crowd happy, while those who are after a more leisurely experience can enjoy the crowd-pleasing yet considered menu. Jaffa French toast, WA mushrooms with truffle oil and sourdough, 48 hour beef brisket benny… we’re feeling pretty peckish, how about you?
68 High Street, Fremantle
Kokomo’s by Livid
The excellent Livid Skate Cafe has practically become a part of the Scabs furniture, and the crew have now expanded their easy-breezy empire with another cafe in Freo’s new FOMO precinct, Kokomo’s. The new location continues the celebration of skate culture and great coffee, with the added inspiration of Japanese architecture and the friendly vibes of the Port City.
FOMO Freo, 46 William Street, Fremantle
Little French Nest
Get a petit taste of Paris at Little French Nest. The charming café opened at the start of the year, and has earned legions of fans already with its decadent crêpes, croque monsieurs, home baked pastries and other French treats that will have you saying “ooh la la!” in no time.
15 Point Street, Fremantle
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
Peggy’s
We were breathlessly waiting for Peggy’s to open – and boy, we weren’t disappointed. The Market Street sandwich bar has been a fast favourite, drawing fans from north and south for their next-level sandwiches and coffee just as good. (We’ll continue to breathlessly wait for the return of the Cubano, though).
35 Market Street, Fremantle
Preston Street Coffee
This Preston Street space has seen a number of (beloved) iterations over the years, including Little Matcha Girl and more recently, Kopi Seru. Opening in December as Preston Street Coffee, they’re taking things back to basics: great coffee, great eats. The former is thanks to Blacklist Coffee Roasters, and the latter focuses on well-executed toasties, coated in a delicious snowfall of cheese.
4/10 Preston Street, Como
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 Tribute
Fine dining meets brunch? We reckon that’s the best of both worlds. Add in a dash of Middle Eastern influences and a partnership with burger hotshots Juicy Buns, and you’re onto a winner. Even better than all these great elements though, is the community-building and philanthropic approach they’ve fostered since day one.
19 Tribute Street West, Shelley
Wild Bakery
One of our favourite bakeries, Wild is hitting home runs on more than just their funky, fermenty sourdough. Head into their South Freo bakery and feast your eyes on their cabinet of treats – from tarts and pastries, babka, macarons and biscuits, to freshly baked pretzels, sausage rolls, pies and slices of pizza bigger than your head… we know where we’re heading this Sunday for lunch.
346 South Terrace, South Fremantle
WEST
Community Coffee Co.
It’s been less than five years since opening their Subiaco flagship, but Community Coffee Co. has been going from strength to strength ever since. 2022 also saw the addition of a food truck at the front of their Subi espresso bar, helmed by Daniel Lim (formerly of the excellent Dine By Arrival Hall) and Frankie Dawson (formerly of Besk).
177 St Georges Terrace, down Mercantile Lane, Perth
55 St George Terrace, Perth
292a Barker Road, Subiaco
53A Angelo Street, South Perth
Good Things
Mosman Park cafe Good Things really manages to live up to its name. The menu truly is full of, well, good things. This light-filled, minimalist cafe is home to some of our favourite smashed avo, as well as plenty of other tantalising options – like their good vibes bowl, chilli scrambled eggs or fried chicken and waffles, to name just a few. Rest assured, local Double Double beans make for an excellent coffee, too – as does a new, second café in Freo.
128 Wellington Street, Mosman Park
16 Bannister Street, Fremantle
Goods Bakery
It should come as no surprise that Goods would make its way onto this list. Arguably our current obsession, the new spot has been cooked up by the crew at Modus – it serves as the central bakery for the group’s three other cafes, as well as a stellar destination of its own. Pastries are next level, and a sweet, restrained retro fitout completes the vibe. Make sure to grab a homemade chutney for the road.
11 Oxford Close, West Leederville
Hylin
Brunch favourite Hylin has gotta be your next Sunday morning destination. Pull up a chair under the trees out the front and take in their lush menu – whether you’re after a quick bagel or their impressive smashed avo. If you’re there later in the day, the bar out the back (appropriately called…Back Bar) is a leafy oasis with great bar eats, and a nifty $10 burger deal on Thursdays.
178 Railway Parade, West Leederville
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, and in 2021 they expanded to a third location in Wembley.
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
35/602–610 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
1/184 Harborne Street, Wembley
North Street Store
We can’t shut up about North Street Store – not that anyone really needs telling at this point. In spite of a few particularly vocal locals, these legends are still going strong, baking some of the best loaves in town. With the addition of sister store Little Loaf Bakery in South Freo, and Peoples Cafeteria in Northbridge these guys will be pumping out even more of the good stuff. Not just the famous cinnamon buns, but the conti rolls, the vanilla slices, the quiches, the sausage rolls… With summer approaching, we’re dreaming about sharing a fougasse at the beach with our mates and a bottle of something we picked up at Wise Child.
16 North Street, Cottesloe
Obi Coffee
Subi pop-up Obi has been the talk of the town, becoming one of Perth’s most well-loved coffee spots even in its earliest iterations. They’re still keeping things simple while they work on a more permanent iteration, with top notch Micrology brews and Toastface sammies to cure any rumbling tummies.
Shop 2, 500 Hay Street, Subiaco
The Tenth State
UWA students will need no introduction to The Tenth State – this buzzing cafe’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 back during covid lockdowns, Em and Sam are always striving for perfection.
2/6 Broadway, Crawley
EAST
Duncan Street Store
Helmed by legendary food truck Soul Provider’s Vital Syverin, it follows that Vic Park’s Duncan Street Store does things a little differently. While you can get your hands on some classic café staples, the flair for soul food is imbued throughout – from the house made Jamaican beef patties, to the weekly West Indian Wednesday dinners. An absolute must-visit.
41 Duncan Street, Victoria Park
Hop Café
Sweet tooths and coffee fiends are well looked after with this new addition. Hop Café has quickly been making fans with their cellar-door style coffee tastings, featuring a rotating roster of local roasters, as well as their decadent dessert pairings that are all made in-house.
2/366 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Laika
Lathlain’s Laika pairs their next level brunch game with equally next level coffee from sister roastery 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, we say.
11 Lathlain Place, Lathlain
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. Their Vic Park outpost has 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
Sixteen Ounces
When you need a reliable brunch option – Sixteen Ounces has got you more than covered. From the nutritious to the decadent, sweet or savoury, this greenery-filled cafe’s menu has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to soak up the previous night’s excess, or fuel up post workout. Paired with a cup of coffee this good? What a dream!
257 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
The Little Banksia
Tucked away down a suburban street in Kensington, the Little Banksia is a delightful hidden gem. This cosy cafe is plating up some truly impressive fare, whether it’s some of our favourite pancakes in Perth, or a truly breathtaking fried chicken burger. It feels like the sun’s always shining at the Little Banksia – due in no small part to their always smiling, attentive staff.
78 Banksia Terrace, Kensington
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: Good Things