Bulimba and Hawthorne—the land of the golden-goose-wearing influencer, very easy on the eye waterfront real estate and a string of cafes your cool friend is somehow always at. Perhaps the older parents of sleek Newstead, Bulimba and Hawthorne have an air about them that is just somehow more…certain.
The same can be said for the downright robust cafe scene—they know what they’re doing, they do it well, and they’ve been doing it for more than a hot minute. Here’s your list of must-visit cafes in Bulimba and Hawthorne.
Willow Cafe
Balmoral
Walking into Willow Cafe, you’d think you had been transported to hastings street in Noosa. It’s no surprise to learn then, that this very vibe is what the owners are going for. They want the cafe to feel like your own little slowed-down mini holiday, and by god have they achieved it. Stars of their menu include the almond croissant french toast, and the willow panna cotta, not to mention the nottomless mimosas on offer on weekends.
Fiddle Leaf Cafe
Bulimba
Certainly a hidden gem, Fiddle Leaf Cafe is a firm favourite among Bulimba residents, and for good reason. Away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, it feels like a different world entering the greenery-covered cafe. Frequent visitors will describe the coffee as ‘perfect’ and you really can't go wrong ordering ANYTHING on their menu.
Belissimo
Bulimba
You may have seen Bellissimo beans in cafes all over Brisbane, but the flagstead Bulimba cafe just lets us live our Melbournian hipster fantasies that little bit easier. Australia’s highest-awarded coffee roaster, Bellissimo is where you head for a seriously good brew (also, they’re open till 6pm—finally a spot to score that 3pm fix from) to pair with banging brekky and lunch eats. Potato scallops topped with smoked salmon and poached eggs? We're in.
Ambrosia & Co
Bulimba
Ambrosia & Co is bringing something fresh, and dare we say, zesty to Oxford st. Be transported to the Mediterranean by the fresh and airy interiors and park up for a coffee, smoothie or even a cocktail later in the day. Their shakshouka truly cannot be beaten, and the same can be said for their baklava.
Nodo
Hawthorne
You know her and love her, and we are here to sing her praise once again. Taking gluten-free out of the hard-to-find specialty aisle and straight onto your insta feed, Nodo is perhaps the only place you can head for a breakfast doughnut or seven. Though if you’re not feeling the sweet vibe, the gang have expanded to brekky snacks like avo toast and our fave, the springtime harvest bowl.
Toastbuds
Bulimba
The aim of Toastbuds’ game, is the culinary master creation of the toastie. The lineup is tight but right, made with Brasserie bread and filled with deliciousness like smoked ham, crunchy pickles, dijon mustard and a house cheese blend, or bacon jam with scrambled eggs and a house cheese blend. The coffee is downright delectable, not to mention the sweets from Mable Pantry and the regularly changing specials. Get us there.
Sister
Bulimba
Sister is sleek. No two ways about it. From their more-than-ample seating to their prime positioning, to their somehow perfect menu. Crowd favourites like the breakfast gnocchi are a home run, and the Ferrero Rocher waffles are seriously what your cheat-day dreams are made of. Pairing said waffles with a simply flawless coffee? Need we say more?
Darvella Patisserie
Bulimba
This author is passionate about many places in Brisbane. If Cartel Del Taco said jump, I would truly say ‘How high?’. The only other establishment of this calibre is none other than Darvella Patisserie. The whole place is stunning, the coffee is somehow literally like sunshine and you can easily eat 14 of their pastries in one sitting. Stalk their insta here for drool fuel.
If it's a dinner spot you're after, here are the best restaurants in Bulimba and Hawthorne.
Image credit: Belissimo, Nira Creative, Nelson Zambrano, Newstead Studios