As the name suggests, coffee is an essential part of the Bookoccino story. It’s rumoured to be the first bookshop in Australia to serve it, but that’s not even the best part of its 30-year-plus history on the Northern Beaches. 

Co-owner Sally Tabner was working for the shop’s original owners when Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ray Bonner walked in one day, hunting down a book for his son. When Bookocinno went up for sale after 25 years, Tabner and Bonner – who had since become friends – ponied up and bought the business and transforming it into what is today: a cultural space with live music, book clubs, and a carefully-curated selection of rare and beautiful books you won't find elsewhere. 

The shop also hosts wildly popular in-conversation events with acclaimed writers. Lionel Shriver, Samantha Power and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull have all appeared, such is the calibre.   

But you can’t visit without tasting the coffee (there’s also wine, if you fancy). The Bookocinno house-blend is a robust and full-flavoured collaboration with local roaster, Little Italy.

Contact Details

Phone: No phone

Website: bookoccino.com.au

Updated: February 8th, 2021

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