6 Fab-brew-lous Cafes to Java Nice Day!

It's the favourite time of the week...a leisurely catch-up with family and friends over a cup of Joe and cafe fare with flair.

Whether you choose your local corner cafe or want to branch out and try somewhere new, there is no doubt that starting the weekend the right way guarantees a great day. Here are six cafes you need to put on your radar:

If seeking a Townsville café for a caffeine kick and sumptuous meal, be sure to try Tide Café - Catering on Gregory Street. Loved by locals for a warm ambience and touch of country charm, Tide Café is filled with a lively hum of conversation as friends mingle, catching up between crisp white walls adorned in ocean-themed artwork, or dining alfresco on the verandah in balmy weather.

 

Wolf down all-day breakfast plates of savoury mince with poached eggs, potato rosti, grilled tomato and baby spinach on sourdough toast; or weekly lunch specials such as quinoa salad with roasted beetroot, halloumi, mint, pomegranate, cos, avocado and lemon and olive oil dressing.

Coffee, creativity and community are the ethos behind Islington café, Slingtown Espresso on Beaumont Street. Nestling among vintage and pre-loved stores, this longstanding coffee haunt is the hub of the suburb – a place where locals gather over a brew and bite in rustic surrounds of recycled timber, whitewashed brick walls and a plethora of posters.

 

Set the tone for a lazy weekend with a loaded smoked salmon bagel with Italian herbs and cheese, or raisin and walnut loaf; perhaps wrap your hands around a toastie oozing ham and cheese, or chow down on a mushroom and halloumi burger on a seeded bun with tomato and red onion.

Find a little European slice of culinary heaven at Café Rafaele on Havelock Avenue in Coogee. On warm Sydney days, take to the alfresco area and people watch with a brew of choice, or head indoors to discover a rustic vibe of recycled timber, an eclectic mix of artwork and cosy table settings.

 

Join the weekend brunch crowd for maple syrup and bacon crepes, or house-cured salmon on rye with cucumber, poached egg, rocket and red onions; or dine in the evenings on crimson snapper, caponata, frites with confit garlic aioli, rocket and fennel salad.

Discover new tastes of Australian cuisine in warm and welcoming surroundings at Czeg’s Café on Bridge Street in Richmond. This well-loved Hobart dining destination greets guests with a rustic vibe of recycled timber, softly glowing art deco-style pendents and shelves stacked with interesting trinkets and knick knacks; while the menu delivers tempting breakfast and lunch options.

 

Make sure to start your day the right way with eggs Royale with smoked salmon, wilted spinach, soft poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce on pumpkin sourdough bread, or pan-fried polenta, mushrooms, creamy white wine sauce and Parmesan cheese.

A Melbourne café institution and family favourite, Elephant Cafés have been serving coffee and fare with flair to neighbourhoods throughout the city, from venues like Mt Alexander Road in Flemington. There’s no doubt this is an Elephant Café, from the wall murals to coffee cups, elephants abound in this light and airy eatery, housed in an historic corner building where alfresco tables are ideal for soaking up rays.

 

Pull up a chair and peruse an all-day menu serving tempters like Pyrrhus pig – slow-cooked pulled pork, housemade chipotle Hollandaise sauce, sweet potato crisps, asparagus, greens and poached eggs, served on a buttery croissant.

Find a feast of flavours on the menu to tempt all tastes at Urban Kitchen Café on Balcatta Road in Balcatta. This locally loved Perth café is bright and breezy with a mosaic-tiled counter, cabinets overflowing with sweet treats and the tantalising aroma of fresh coffee brewing.

 

Burger lovers salivate over choices such as a chicken, kimchi, sour cream and mayo burger with a side of chips, or chow down on an Angus beef burger with slow-braised brisket, cheese, greens, fresh tomato and chilli lime BBQ sauce, in a pretzel bun.