Best Cafes in Canberra
Canberra officially has some of the most drinkable water in Australia, thanks to a local catchment informed by crystal-clear streams trickling down from the nearby Snowy Mountains. This happens to be a boon for the city's cafe scene – clean, odourless water allows for a coffee’s nuanced flavours to really shine, making for a truly exceptional cup.
Not only that, Canberra is also home to Ona, one of the country’s most celebrated specialty coffee roasters. And while Ona’s presence is undeniable in the capital, there’s also plenty of variety to be had – if you know where to look. This guide will help you find your favourite coffee (and brunch) spot when you’re in town.
Cafe
Ona Coffee House
The HQ for one of Australia’s top coffee roasters, serving filling brunches and an astonishing 25 or more coffees across filter, espresso and other options.
Restaurant
Rebel Rebel
Just like David Bowie, the inimitable cool of Sean McConnell’s restaurant will draw you in – and then keep you there with raw talent. Expect elegant European-leaning dishes, a Canberra-heavy wine list, and a takeaway bottle shop on-site for when you do (eventually) have to leave.
Cafe
Barrio Collective Coffee
House-roasted coffee, plus house-made nut milk, chai, pickles and more, underscore the care this 15-seat cafe puts into doing simple things as well as possible.
Cafe
Intra
Prawn toast for breakfast? This pared-back cafe will convince you in no time. Visit for superlative coffee, enticing teas and a kimchi jaffle with a cult following of its own.
Cafe
Highroad
Nearly every Canberran has eaten at this spacious flagship cafe for local roaster Ona Coffee. The all-day menu is stacked with surprising twists on the classics.
Cafe
The Cupping Room
Get your fix of Ona Coffee and novel breakfasts, right in the centre of town.
Cafe
Mocan & Green Grout
An eclectic, community-minded cafe with a laser focus on seasonality. Enter to find a fit-out by a team of local artisans, plus a menu of fresh all-day fare (the mushroom roll is a standout) and a tight list of lo-fi wines and Canberra-made spirits.
Cafe
Sandoochie
A creative sandwich bar that’s become a Canberra lunch-hour staple. Try the poached chicken with celery, almonds and rocket; or the potato rosti with French onion dip and pesto.
Cafe
Arc
Canberra coffee roaster Redbrick has gone to town on its stylish CBD outpost. Adorned with works by local artisans, it’s a beautiful space for coffee and a twist on eggs Benedict, or a glass of wine before a show at nearby Canberra Theatre Centre. Try the house-made lamington (it’s outstanding).
Cafe
Fox & Bow
Make a beeline for the local Farrer shops – you'll be rewarded with a community cafe serving big Spanish flavours, locally grown produce and coffee by Ona. Don't miss the regular woodfired dinners – they spill out into the laneway festooned with lights.
Cafe
Gather
This laid-back cafe takes a wholesome, seasonal approach to cafe dining – with a few international twists along the way. House-made kombucha, good coffee and gluten-free treats from Sydney's Munja Bakehouse round out the offering.
Cafe
Redbrick Coffee
One of Canberra’s best-looking cafes also packs in Redbrick’s roastery and event space. As well as excellent coffee, you’ll find a menu spanning toasties, granola and more.
Cafe
Three Mills Bakery
Hit the superstar bakery’s Newcastle Street branch for golden pastries, savoury pies and a creamy chicken sanga we can't stop thinking about. It also sells baked-at-home croissant packs to take home.
Bar
& Sando
Matt Moran’s first foray into sandwich territory involves a stack of takeaway-ready options and 18 seats for dine-in. To go with your two-hander, there are croissants, burnt Basque cheesecakes, and the vanilla and cardamom buns from Mawson’s Under Bakery.
Cafe
Recess Coffee
Terra’s Anthony Iannelli turns his attention to old-school classics like giant pancakes served with butter and maple syrup at this retro-inspired cafe. You’re also in for porchetta sangas, sausage and fennel ragu, and coffee roasted just 10 minutes away.
MORE FROM BROADSHEET
