AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Elevating Your Café Experience: Must-Try Australian Gems


In the picturesque tapestry of Australian culinary culture, cafés play a pivotal role, serving as local hubs for community and connection. These intimate spaces not only offer comfort and warmth but also showcase innovative flavours and dedication to quality. Join us as we venture through five remarkable cafés that encapsulate both charm and exceptional dining in varied locales.

Barnes Store Emporium and Cafe - Murrumburrah, NSW

Situated in the vibrant heart of Murrumburrah on Albury Street, Barnes Store Emporium and Café radiates a delightful mix of rustic charm and nostalgic beauty. Nestled within a meticulously restored heritage structure, the venue embodies a sense of history while welcoming modern patrons. Rays of sunlight bathe the polished timber floors and artisan displays, creating an inviting ambiance perfect for leisurely conversations over a cup of expertly brewed coffee. Here, each corner tells a story, whether it’s through locally made crafts or vintage treasures that adorn the walls.

Elevating Your Café Experience: Must-Try Australian Gems

The menu at Barnes Store is a celebration of homemade goodness and seasonal ingredients. Start your day with their signature ricotta hotcakes drizzled with house-made berry compote and topped with toasted coconut flakes for a sweet indulgence. For lunch, don’t miss the warm and hearty beef and vegetable pie, harking back to traditional comforts. With each bite, the café not only feeds your body but also nourishes the spirit, making every visit a cherished experience. Book your table today.

Bilgola Social - Newport, NSW

Perched along Bilambee Avenue, Bilgola Social seamlessly blends the laid-back essence of coastal living with an air of understated sophistication. This vibrant café invites both locals and travellers to bask in its sunny, airy interiors adorned with an abundance of greenery and rustic timber details. The atmosphere here encourages leisurely gatherings, whether for a morning coffee or an afternoon get-together, as the gentle hum of chatter fills the space. The open layout lends itself to a relaxed vibe, making it an ideal setting for enjoying the beachside lifestyle.

Elevating Your Café Experience: Must-Try Australian Gems

Bilgola Social excels in its creative cuisine, with menu selections designed to delight every palate. The renowned smashed avocado on sourdough bread serves as a staple breakfast choice, enhanced with heirloom tomatoes and a zesty sprinkle of house-made dukkah. For a more substantial lunch, treat yourself to the pulled brisket sandwich, complete with tangy gherkins and creamy pecorino – a dish that captures the spirit of indulgence without pretence. With every bite, you feel the connection to the coastal culture that inspires this lovely venue. Reserve your table today.

Native Harvest - Hope Island, QLD

Nestled in the vibrant Sanctuary Cove area on Masthead Way, Native Harvest presents a distinctive dining experience that beautifully fuses familiar dishes with flavours indigenous to Australia. The café’s breezy, bright setting offers both indoor comfort and alfresco dining options, ideal for soaking in the picturesque marina views. The décor reflects a casual coastal lifestyle, inviting guests to indulge in a laid-back brunch or an informal lunch while enjoying the sights and sounds of the area.

Elevating Your Café Experience: Must-Try Australian Gems

The menu here is a celebration of native ingredients, with dishes that highlight the best of Australia's culinary diversity. Start your day with a native chilli scramble featuring bush tomato oil artfully nestled on toasted sourdough, or opt for the refreshing lemon myrtle chicken flatbread, perfectly complemented by finger lime and bush tomato mayo for a punch of flavour. Pair your meal with a Davidson plum gin spritz for a refreshing finish. Each bite encapsulates the spirit of Australia and invites you to explore beyond the ordinary. Secure your dining experience now.

From historic charm to modern flair, these cafés highlight the vibrant spectrum of Australian food culture that extends beyond the plate. They invite connection not only through delightful dishes but also through the warm communal spaces they create. Each venue offers a unique glimpse into our culinary landscape, where every meal tells a story and champions connection.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Barnes Store Emporium and Cafe

Set in the heart of Murrumburrah on Albury Street, Barnes Store Emporium and Café blends country charm with nostalgic allure. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, it captures the ess...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Bilgola Social

Tucked away on Bilambee Avenue in Newport, Bilgola Social exudes the easy charm of coastal living. It’s a space where locals and visitors gather amid sea breezes and a relaxed, sunlit atmosphere - ...

Cafe    $$$$$

Native Harvest

Discover a unique, memorable dining experience combining familiar dishes with Australian native flavours at Native Harvest on Masthead Way in Hope Island. This fusion café and bar nestles within Sa...

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