Best of Canberra
Best cafes in Canberra
Canberra's cafe culture has blossomed into something genuinely special. Once a city that outsiders dismissed as sterile, our capital has developed a thriving community of independent cafes that reflect the creativity and warmth of the people who live here. Whether you're after a perfect flat white, a generous all-day breakfast, or a quiet corner to work with decent coffee, Canberra's cafe scene delivers in spades.
What makes our cafes stand out isn't just good coffee, though there's plenty of that. It's the personal touch, the local roasters, the homemade pastries, and the genuine hospitality you'll find at every stop. Many of our best spots have become neighbourhood gathering places, where regulars are known by name and newcomers feel welcome from the moment they walk in. The variety is impressive too, from intimate laneways to sunny courtyards, from minimalist spaces to cosy bohemian corners.
This guide takes you through eight of Canberra's finest cafes, places that capture what's great about our local food and drink community. Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, these cafes are worth discovering. Grab your reusable cup, settle in, and let's explore the places that make our city a better spot to call home.
Written with AI assistance and reviewed by our team.
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- 1
Lonsdale Street Roasters
Specialty roaster on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, roasting its own beans and pouring espresso alongside an all-day cafe menu.
- 2
The Cupping Room
ONA Coffee brunch cafe on University Avenue in Civic, known for award-winning coffee and a regularly changing seasonal menu.
- 3
Two Before Ten
Long-running Aranda cafe, roastery and urban farm serving hand-crafted coffee and seasonal all-day food at the old shops.
- 4
Barrio Collective Coffee
Compact Braddon coffee bar and roaster on Lonsdale Street, pouring small-batch beans with a simple, communal feel.
- 5
Redbrick Coffee
Canberra roaster founded in 2011 with a neighbourhood cafe at Curtin Place pouring its own house-roasted beans.
- 6
Penny University
Cosy Kingston cafe at the old Kingston shops on Kennedy Street, known for an inventive all-day brunch menu and specialty coffee.
- 7
Local Press Cafe
Wholefoods-focused cafe on the Kingston Foreshore by Lake Burley Griffin, serving fresh casual meals, cold-pressed juices and coffee.
- 8
Highroad
All-day cafe and restaurant on Woolley Street in Dickson, focused on specialty coffee and locally sourced food and wine.
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