Brisbane has one of Australia's most underrated café scenes. From relaxed riverside coffee spots to buzzing inner-city brunch venues, the city's cafés reflect its outdoor lifestyle and neighbourhood culture.
This guide highlights the best cafés in Brisbane, focusing on areas visitors love to explore on foot. It's designed to help you find great coffee while discovering some of Brisbane's most interesting suburbs. For coffee enthusiasts wanting a deeper dive into Brisbane's coffee culture, consider joining a Brisbane coffee tour to learn about the roasting process and local coffee heritage.
Many of these cafés are located along routes featured in Brisbane walking tours and neighbourhood-focused experiences with Cooee Tours. You can also explore the broader Brisbane food scene which complements the city's thriving coffee culture.
Best Cafés in Brisbane CBD
Felix for Goodness
A Brisbane CBD favourite known for excellent coffee, healthy breakfasts, and a warm local atmosphere. Perfect for a quick coffee break while exploring Brisbane's CBD.
John Mills Himself
Hidden down a laneway, this heritage café is popular with locals looking for a quiet, character-filled coffee spot. The café's location in Brisbane's historic laneways makes it a great stop during laneway explorations.
Best Cafés in New Farm
Industry Beans
A well-known specialty coffee venue offering consistently high-quality coffee and a creative menu. Their specialty roasting approach has made them a favorite among Brisbane coffee connoisseurs.
Death Before Decaf
A New Farm institution famous for its strong coffee and classic brunch dishes. Located near the New Farm Park and the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse.
Best Cafés in West End
The Gunshop Café
One of Brisbane's most iconic cafés, known for generous portions, excellent coffee, and a loyal local following. The café is a cornerstone of West End's vibrant community and weekend brunch culture.
Morning After
A modern brunch venue popular for its creative menu and lively atmosphere. Located near the West End Markets, making it perfect for a post-market coffee.
Best Cafés in Paddington
Anouk Café
A Paddington favourite offering a relaxed vibe, excellent coffee, and outdoor seating. Perfect for exploring Given Terrace shopping and the area's heritage architecture.
Chapter IV Espresso
Known for specialty coffee and a strong local following, perfect for a morning stop while exploring the suburb. Their commitment to specialty coffee standards sets them apart.
Best Cafés in Bulimba
Darlo Bar
A popular Bulimba café and wine bar known for quality coffee and a relaxed riverside village atmosphere. The location along Oxford Street makes it ideal for combining coffee with boutique shopping.
Good Life Espresso
A local favourite for consistently good coffee and friendly service. Located near the Bulimba Memorial Park and river foreshore.
Best Cafés in Newstead & Teneriffe
Pourboy Espresso
A Newstead staple known for specialty coffee and minimalist design. Located in the Gasworks Plaza precinct, combining excellent coffee with contemporary Brisbane architecture.
Bellissimo Coffee
A Brisbane institution with a long-standing reputation for excellent coffee and roasting expertise. Their dedication to the craft of coffee roasting has influenced Brisbane's coffee scene for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Brisbane's Café Scene with Local Guides
Cafés are a big part of Brisbane's lifestyle. Exploring them with a local guide helps you understand the neighbourhoods and culture behind the coffee. Join a Brisbane coffee tour to dive deep into the city's coffee heritage, or explore the broader cultural context through our Brisbane neighbourhood tours.
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