The Best Cafes In Bulimba And Hawthorne

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 

216 Riding Rd, Balmoral QLD 4171

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.

Bellissimo

35 Oxford St, Bulimba QLD 4171

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 5pm—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.

Toastbuds 

133 Oxford St, Bulimba QLD 4171

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 

2/273 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne QLD 4171

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 

Shop 1/37 Oxford St, Bulimba QLD 4171

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