The Ultimate Guide to Perth's Best Cafes
Australia is known for having a refined coffee culture. With an array of independent cafes scattered across the country, it’s not surprising that the coffee scene continues to grow. With a passion for quality coffee and commitment to using fresh, regional ingredients, Perth is home to a range of must-visit cafes.
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Sayers Sister
Sayers Sister in Northbridge is the type of cafe that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into your own home. Comfortable wing-backed armchairs are there to help you relax, while high ceilings, concrete floors and plenty of exposed brick walls give the venue a country home feel. The centrepiece is the communal table, which acts as seating for customers, service area, and a display for the overflow of homemade cakes on offer. The menu serves up all the breakfast favourites, making this a solid all-round cafe option while in Perth.
La Veen
Coffee lovers rejoice – La Veen routinely pumps out some of the best coffee on the west coast. Located inside a heritage-listed building at the end of King Street in Perth’s Central Business District, the cafe features tall ceilings, warm wooden furnishings, and big windows that let in plenty of that sunny Perth weather. Inside, the focus is on all things coffee; from espresso and cold brews to the perfect filtered coffee. The baristas here are passionate about their craft and will happily tell about your chosen beverage. If you’re hungry, they also have a range of breakfast dishes available like avo smash, acai bowls, and of course plenty of eggs. If you want to master the art of coffee from the comfort of your own home, sign up for one of their classes. You’ll learn how to make your favourite coffee and learn about the history behind it.
Bread in Common
Part rustic bakery and part all-day eatery, Bread in Common is known for its seasonal menus and artisanal bread. Situated in the buzzing port city Fremantle, it’s easily accessible with a short ferry ride from the Central Business District. Natural light streams into this hip cafe/restaurant, which has exposed brick and industrial-styled interior. As you step into this hip venue, you’ll be welcomed by the smell of fresh bread. The artisanal breads are baked daily offering a selection of mouthwatering sandwiches served with a variety of sides like chorizo, house-churned salted butter or local cheeses. For a lunch or dinner, more hearty meals celebrate the best of the regional produce, serving oysters, chargrilled kangaroo and lamb ribs.
Pixel Coffee Brewers
Located in Leederville, an area known for its wealth of great cafes, restaurants and bars, Pixel Coffee Brewers stands out from the crowd. The fact that it’s owned by two former state barista champions is enough to assure you that you will be served an impressive cup of coffee. And if that doesn’t convince you, maybe the large crowd waiting on their morning fix before work will. Food and drinks are served in a relaxed and minimalist designed venue, with sparkling white and emerald tiles, soft wooden furnishings and abundant greenery and flowers. Try a filling yet light snack or lunch and go for one of their colourful acai bowls, topped with colourful fruit and flowers.
Satchmo
Satchmo is an eclectic and charismatic little cafe in northern Perth, owned and operated by a mother and son duo. A fascinating mix of the owners’ Jewish heritage and the jazzy feel of a French Quarter cafe in New Orleans creates an interesting fusion. You’ll spot the son working the coffee machine while the mother is out back whipping up luscious traditional Jewish dishes infused with the flair and soul of the American deep south. Its unique combination has made Satchmo a popular venue in Perth. Stop by and enjoy the sounds of the vintage vinyl spinning in the background or watch the live jazz band as they perform every Sunday, making it a great spot for an upbeat brunch.
Gordon Street Garage
This huge cafe in Perth’s Central Business District sprawls across two storeys and is located inside a former car workshop that was once a chocolate factory. The interior pays homage to its roots; the chocolate company’s logo is still on the wall, and old workshop machinery is scattered around the space. But Gordon Street Garage’s interior is also industrial chic, with upholstered seats and colourful tiles that create a European vibe. Small batches of coffee beans are roasted on-site, resulting in tasty coffee. The menu serves all the classic breakfast options before switching towards Australian/Italian menus for lunch and dinner.
Toastface Grillah
Nestled in a small laneway in the Central Business District, the Toastface Grillah cafe has taken Perth by storm. Serving up tasty grilled sandwiches and coffee, this is the best place to nurse a hangover after a night out in the city. There’s an undeniable alternative vibe here, with street art on the walls, ’90s hip hop blaring through the speakers and a serious commitment to quality toasties. The original location in the Central Business District has been so successful that the owners have recently opened a bigger and better version of the hip cafe in nearby Wolf Lane.
Architects and Heroes
Architects and Heroes is an alternative yet unpretentious coffee house in Subiaco, a suburb known for its thriving dining scene, and attracts a loyal following of breakfast and coffee fanatics. Cups of espresso are made with beans from Melbourne’s Code Black, while an all-day food menu serves up dishes like eggs, English muffins and a range of delicious bagel options. Art is appreciated here, and a large mural depicting Galileo and other famous figures can be found behind the baristas. If you’re a fan of the venue, you can even leave with some merchandise sporting their stylish logo.
Ooh Coffee
This lovely minimalist cafe in Fremantle is a part-coffee spot, and part-fashion boutique. At one end, Ooh Coffee serves up delicious coffee as well as a menu of grilled sandwiches, toast, croissants and homemade cakes. Order your beverage of choice and wander into the adjoining store, Ooh La La, where you’ll find a fashion boutique selling clothes, accessories and jewellery from international brands. The interior of both spots is stylish, with loads of natural light, faded wooden floors and whitewashed walls. These classic Fremantle bohemian-esque vibes can’t be faked.
Standing Room Only
As the name implies, Standing Room Only in Picadilly Arcade embodies the simplicity of Italian cafes: order your coffee, drink it while standing at the bar (if there’s room), and move on as soon as it’s done. Coffee geeks from around Perth will tell you that this is one of the best cafes to visit for a quality cup of coffee, so pop in while you’re exploring the sights of Perth’s Central Business District and grab one to go.