Kafka Coffee Shop

Light. Bright. Pink paint. Handmade coffee cups. Barista Helen Objartel’s quick smile and nimble intuition.

These aren’t the things that usually come to mind when pondering the metaphysical ins and outs of Franz Kafka’s work. But while this cafe is named for the dystopian Czech author, there’s a jubilant spin on things.

Kafka was opened in “West Northbridge” by Nude Design partners John Durey and Sonja Danilovic. The devil’s in the details, from the strings of hand-printed business cards, to the wall of dip-dyed takeaway cups and the 100-year-old leadlight window. Because Kafka shares space with the couple’s design studio, guests can interact with designers and browse through some of the studio’s work.

The coffee, meanwhile, is good. The beans are sourced from local roaster Twin Peaks, the new project from former Bossman owner, Tom Greene. For something a little more soothing, caffeine-free cacao husk tea from The Husk Mill is also offered. The bagels are from Perth’s Holy Bagel Company, while Bare Baker sweet buns feature among the locally baked pastries.