While great coffee is still the beating heart of any good café, these days it’s often the menu that gets people through the door and keeps them coming back. From power-packed poké bowls to street food-inspired curries and coastal brunches that go far beyond smashed avo, these cafés are proving they’re just as serious about food as they are about your flat white.
Here’s where to go when your cravings go beyond caffeine.
O Superfood – Bondi Junction, NSW
A pioneer in Sydney’s health-conscious café scene, O Superfood brings nutrient-dense dishes to the bustling heart of Bondi Junction. This bright, pared-back café was Sydney’s first superfood smoothie bar and it’s still setting the standard for clean eating with serious flavour. With a focus on gluten, dairy-free and vegan options, it’s a haven for mindful eaters who don’t want to compromise on taste.
The salmon teriyaki poké bowl is a poster child for
balance - flaky salmon over brown rice with avocado, wakame, crunchy cabbage,
cucumber and radish, all tied together with a nutty sesame dressing. It’s
clean, filling and incredibly satisfying. For something warm, the smoked trout
frittata with roast pumpkin and spinach delivers richness and nourishment in
equal measure.
Level up your lunch break - drop in and experience superfood done right.
Coast Palm Beach – Palm Beach, NSW
Few cafés capture coastal cool quite like Coast Palm Beach. Located on the golden strip of Barrenjoey Road, this breezy café blends Bondi-beach aesthetics with laid-back, high-flavour brunches. Think light timber, surfboard décor and an alfresco courtyard perfect for long, sun-drenched meals.
The real magic is on the plate. The Coast lamb gyros
is a cult favourite - slow-cooked for 16 hours, piled onto toasted pita with
crisp lettuce, tomato, fries and tzatziki, it’s as indulgent as it is
soul-satisfying. For something lighter, a Mediterranean chicken salad packs in
bold flavours and vibrant textures. Add a glass of white or a Campos espresso
and you’ve got beachside dining at its best.
Treat yourself to a taste of the coast - book a table or walk in this weekend.
Forget everything you know about café food - Parathaas in Richmond flips the script entirely. This buzzing Indian café on Bridge Road trades avocado toast for spice-laden curries and street snacks that are anything but predictable. The décor is warm and vibrant, with bamboo screens, red leather booths and glowing lighting that makes it feel more like a Mumbai lounge than your typical brunch spot.
The butter chicken masala is a rich and refined take on a
comfort food classic - velvety, fragrant and just the right amount of indulgent.
Pair it with roti and steamed rice and you’ve got a meal that’s warming,
hearty and deeply satisfying. Yes, there’s coffee - but the real standout
here is the Indian-style Mojito that’s got locals buzzing.
Spice up your next brunch - book ahead or drop by Parathaas for something
different.
From the sand-swept shores of Palm Beach to the spice-soaked streets of Richmond, these cafés prove that when it comes to great food, the flat white is just the beginning. Whether you’re craving superfoods, street eats or something uniquely local, these venues are leading the café revolution - one dish at a time.
