Just a hop, skip and a jump from Perth lies Maylands, Mount Lawley’s lesser-known neighbour an easy 12-minute drive from the CBD. Over the last several years, the once working-class area has had a serious glow up (one that all of us here at Urban List can get around). It’s now buzzing with cafes, cake shops and gourmet delis down the main drag Whatley Crescent, with more hidden gems peppered throughout the back streets.
But despite rapidly growing in popularity, Maylands has still maintained its distinct sense of community. Coffees are served with a smile, breaky portions are generous and regulars are on first-name basis with their baristas (and visa-versa). If you’re planning a visit to this diverse neck of the woods, we highly recommend starting with one of these top cafes in Maylands.
Mrs S
178 Whatley Cres, Maylands WA 6051
Image credit: Mrs S | Instagram
An Urban List favourite is the sweet-as-sugar Mrs S, where the highly Instagrammable dishes are just as pretty as the decor. The menu, pegged into children’s picture books, features jazzed-up brekky and lunch classics, and on the counter you’ll discover a huge selection of rotating classic cakes and sweet treats made by the in-house pastry chef. Don’t leave without trying their much-loved Rose and Berry Panna Cotta. Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast?
Smoults Larder
186 Whatley Cres, Maylands WA 6051
Image credit: Smoults Larder | Instagram
Mayland’s corner store and cafe Smoults is a one-stop shop for all of your DIY charcuterie board needs. There’s endless cheeses, gourmet preserves, deluxe dips and cured meats, but they also have a cracking breaky menu. Before you stock the pantry and pick-up some ready-made meals, sit down for a coffee and Smoults Scrambled Eggs or French Toast, available until 12 pm every day of the week.
Peninsular Farm Cafe
2C Johnson Rd, Maylands WA 6051
Image credit: Peninsular Farm Cafe | Maylands
Sitting pretty right on the Swan River, Peninsular Farm Cafe might just have the most picturesque setting in the area. With a focus on organic, seasonal and sustainable local produce, the carefully curated menu hits all the right notes. On the savoury side, tuck into their Local Asparagus & Scrambled Eggs, topped with moorish prosciutto crumbs, parmesan and chilli garlic sauce. Got a sweet tooth? Get around the Sweet Waffles, complete with an upside down waffle cone filled with vanilla icecream.
Noggos Kitchen & Coffee
38 Peninsula Rd, Maylands WA 6051
Image credit: Noggos Kitchen & Coffee | Instagram
For one of the best brunches in the area, venture off the main drag to Noggos, Peninsula Road’s hidden gem. It’s the kind of cafe you’d love to have as your local—consistently tasty coffee, fantastic food, a lively atmosphere, and a friendly crew who know all of their regular customers (and regular doggos) by name. For the ultimate indulgence, get around the salty-sweet Fried Chicken French Toast served with a rich butterscotch sauce.
Steam Haus Cafe
202 Whatley Cres, Maylands WA 6051
One of Maylands’ many great gifts is Steam Haus, dishing up delicious coffee, friendly service and one of the best carrot cakes in Perth. Located within an converted terrace house, each room offers something different: there’s dog-friendly verandah for people watching, a kids room full of toys to keep little ones entertained, a Harry Potter reading room, a retro room with fun prints adorning the walls, and a large courtyard suited to both children and pets.
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Sherbet Bake Shop
206B Whatley Cres, Maylands WA 6051
Image credit: Sherbet Bake Shop | Instagram
In terms of treats in Maylands, Sherbet takes the cake. Follow the sweet scent of freshly baked goods down Whatley Crescent to the bright, retro bakeshop and feast on some of Perth’s very best cakes. Baked fresh in-house daily, you’ll find all of the classic cake flavours you know and love in picture-perfect cupcakes and more modern flavour combos in impressive full cakes. Also a win is their gluten and dairy free creations on offer, huge range of savoury sangers and fresh juices (it’s all about balance).
Chapels on Whatley
196 Whatley Cres, Maylands WA 6051
With roots deeply set in the tea-making game (and over 550 flavours of tea on offer), it’s Chapels’ Eurasian fair, impeccable service and friendly staff that will have you returning time and time again. These guys take tea seriously, and will enthusiastically spill the tea on all of their brews. But the food! While there’s western options available, we recommend ordering the Bee Hoon (rice vermicelli noodle omelette), Jook (rice congee), Kim Chee Pancakes or Malay Green Pandan Fritters. For an extra special occasion, get your little pinkies up at Chapels’ High Tea.
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Main image credit: Peninsular Farm Cafe | Instagram