Well known as one of Perth’s original coffee strips, Mount Lawley’s cafe scene has only strengthened over the years. With a few long-standing local favourites still holding court and a handful of new and interesting places to try, the place is a hub for coffee lovers.
Whether you just want a decent coffee and a takeaway snack on the run or you’re looking to settle in for a big brekky, there’s a cafe in Mount Lawley that’ll fit the bill.
Here are all the best cafes in Mount Lawley.
Bagel O's
If you were waiting for the lines and hype to die down before heading to Bagel O's, you'll be fresh outta luck. This dedicated bagel joint and cafe is every bit as busy as when it first opened. But honestly just go, service is smoother and they're cranking out some crazy good specials. When in doubt though, the Cubano or Eggplant Parm will sort you out.
Bossman
For a good coffee hit in Mount Lawley, head to Bossman Coffee which is tucked down an arcade off Beaufort Street. Long communal tables and the world’s friendliest baristas suit the strip’s community vibe, though you might be too busy downing your finely crafted coffee to chat. Grab one of their tasty Greek or Middle Eastern inspired treats to go with your brew.
SoHo Lane
Tucked at the rear end of the Alexander Buildings, we'd forgive you for walking right past SoHo Lane. Once you do know where it is though, you'll be completely wowed by its pretty pink interiors, killer coffee and yummy brunch plates. Any day that starts with their cult Turkish eggs, chicken and waffles or diner pancakes is alright in our books.
Modus Coffee
If you’re after specialty coffee on the go, roll on up to the beautiful hole in the wall that is Modus Coffee. You can shop their full range of freshly roasted small-batch specialty coffee plus brewing gear for you to use at home, and of course you can order their top-notch coffee to take away. If you’re in need of a bite to eat, these guys also have delicious grab and go wraps and snacks in their cabinets—or you could always grab your coffee and wander up to Lawley’s Bakery Cafe to load up on hand made cakes, bread and pastries.
Viaje Coffee
Honestly, we’re a sucker for a cute pink cafe, but this Mount Lawley gem tucked at the rear of Beaux Lane is more than just a pretty face. The kitchen is serving up insanely delish dishes from a nostalgic dippy eggs with soldiers to a gourmet grilled prawn roll that’ll blow your mind. Our pick, though, has to be the chilli crab scrambled egg number.
Standby Espresso
When the guys behind cult coffee joint The Engine Room in North Perth opened up hole-in-the-wall Standby Espresso, everyone knew it would be there to stay. The place is teeny tiny and tucked into the corner of a block of buildings on Raglan Street: the perfect quick coffee pit-stop addition to the bustling Beaufort Street.
Secondeli Cafe
So far north up Beaufort that you almost forget it’s still Mount Lawley, Secondeli Cafe can’t be forgotten. Secondeli Cafe is another taste of Morocco in Mount Lawley and their shakshuka is in a league of its own. They service the takeaway crowd from a coffee window between two planter boxes so sitting inside for brekky feels refreshingly unhurried.
Mary Street Bakery
Let’s just ignore the fact that Mary Street Bakery is technically located in Highgate, because in our opinion they’re a major player on the Beaufort St cafe scene and deserve a mention. Either way, if it’s not the famous fried chicken buttermilk pancakes or the insanely good soft eggs that bring you here, it’s probably something from their cabinet full of sweet baked goods. Seriously, from doughnuts to cronuts and even cruffins, you won’t be walking out of here without something indulgent to go.
Chu Bakery
If we're including Mary Street, you better believe we're slipping in Chu as well. This popular little corner bakery across from Hyde Park attracts constant crowds of hungry folks chasing a fluffy doughnut, flakey croissant or banging toast. Good luck getting out of here with just a coffee.
Local And Aesthetic
Down the complete other end up near Inglewood, Local & Aesthetic is a cafe meets retail space co-founded by two local hospo pros that’s packed to the brim with character and Australiana charm. Go for big brunches the chorizo and poached egg on toasted brioche or something fresh like the house cured salmon with whipped lemon myrtle feta. Swap your oat latte for a cheeky cocktail if you're up for it. Then go ahead and flick through some vinyl or check out all of the epic local retail offerings. You might be here a while.
Willing Coffee
Willing Coffee will definitely bring about feelings of nostalgia for Mount Lawley locals. The building’s original 1950s facade has been given a facelift (while maintaining the iconic Peters Ice Cream mural) and the interiors are warm, bright and super inviting. The cafe shares the same brews as its sister store in Guildford, so expect a top-notch brew as well as flaky croissants, buttery pastries and a simple but utterly delicious food menu. And if you stick around long enough, you'll see the venue transform into a beautiful wine bar, with over 100 wines available by the glass and some feel-good Italian-style eats.
Cafe Guilty Pleasure
Kitted out with vintage furniture, plants and retro wall art, Cafe Guilty Pleasure is an eclectic little cafe that's perfect for a friend date filled with coffee and cakes. From fluffy cream cakes in every flavour to light and airy choux and basque cheesecake, it's hard to pick but the earl grey cake might just be our fave.
Still hungry? Scope out the best breakfasts in Perth.
Image credit: Shot By Thom (Soho Lane), Bagel O's, Viaje Coffee, Mary Street Bakery, Local & Aesthetic