Best Coffee and Cafes in Cairns
The hardest part of going on holiday is parting with your beloved barista, the one who knows exactly how you like your coffee, who always serves it hot enough, strong enough, who knows your quirks inside and out and doesn’t judge you for them (at least not within earshot).
Your daily caffeine hit is essential to your routine, but you don’t want to waste your holiday sifting through mediocre espressos and lattes only to find the best brew the day of your departure. So, we’ve consulted the locals, the coffee snobs, the folks with the know-how and know-where to take the trial and error out of your search for a good cuppa.
Here are our top 14 spots for coffee or a cafe feed in Cairns!
Best Coffee In Cairns
Wharf ONE
Overlooking the waters of Trinity Inlet and the mountains rising in the distance, Wharf ONE is the perfect place to catch a cool breeze while you sip on their locally roasted, 100% organic coffee. We reckon this is the number one spot to enjoy luxury views and an affordable bite after a morning stroll along the water. Plus, their fig and walnut bread is something worth writing home about.
The Nook
Not only is the Nook the cutest cafe around, but they’ll also make you feel extra welcome with their gorgeous smooth brew and complimentary biscuit. With swinging seats suspended from the lofty ceilings, the Nook provides the ultimate boho Insta-moment as well as a killer cup of coffee. Get the shot, babe!
The Chamber Room
This one is for diehard caffeine addicts. Specialty coffee is king at The Chamber Room Espresso and Brew Bar, and these talented baristas really know their stuff. From their gently brewed filter coffee to their consistently smooth espresso sourced from Melbourne’s renowned Code Black Coffee, The Chamber Room will soothe all your caffeine cravings. Head on down to Village Lane to meet the masters of coffee and see their impressive setup.
Guyala Cafe
Not only is their name (pronounced ‘goo-ya-la’) a nod to the local indigenous Gimuy name for the White Breasted Sea Eagle, Guyala’s menu also boasts an emphasis on local and indigenous ingredients. The hollandaise on their eggs benny is infused with locally sourced lemon myrtle and smoked kangaroo is the shining star of their take on the Rueben sanga. While you sink your teeth into Guyala’s mouth watering menu treat yourself to a shot of their delicious, locally roasted Tattooed Sailor’s brew.
Caffiend
Caffiend is the sister café of Guyala, so expect a similar indigenous twist on their Japanese-inspired menu. For the espresso and long black drinkers you’ll be treated to Tattooed Sailor Coffee’s Seasonal Blend, and for those that froth a frothy coffee à la latte or cappuccino, you’ll enjoy Tattooed Sailor’s White Label blend. For the non-coffee drinkers (sacré bleu!), treat yourself to a refreshing spiked iced tea, garnished with mint and lime.
Blackbird Espresso
Tucked away down Oceana Walk Arcade you’ll find the loved-by-locals gem, Blackbird Laneway. These guys are locally renowned for their strong, delicious roast and consistently creamy crema. Be sure to swing by for #DoughnutFriday to score a Duke’s Doughnut if you like a little sweet treat on the side of your brew!
Bang and Grind
On top of their all-star Aussie breakfasts, Spence Street’s Bang and Grind offer two superb blends of locally roasted coffee. Casual coffee consumers can enjoy the smooth blend, while those who like to push their limits can treat their taste buds to the strong Screaming Maasai roast. No matter how you take your coffee, you can be sure Bang and Grind will make it with a whole lotta love.
Best Cafes In Cairns
The Chambers
Back in the 1920s, The Chambers building used to host the Cairns branch of the National Banks of Australasia. A hundred years later, it hosts way cooler residents. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rejuvenating cup of the elixir of life (coffee) or brunch with a cocktail, the Chambers has got you covered. With its high, lofty ceilings, federation-era columns and arches, and abundance of greenery, this is a truly gorgeous venue where the old days meet the new.
Muddy’s Cafe
Located on the edge of Cairns’ sunny Esplanade, Muddy’s Café is a great spot for parents to get their much-needed caffeine hit while the kids play in the grassy expanse and playgrounds out front. Stop in for a coffee and stay for lunch, you won’t want to part with these waterfront views.
Mama Coco
Hospitality begins at home for the restaurateurs behind Mama Coco, and everybody is welcome. Their menu is an exciting revolving door of eclectic and homely flavours that reflects the seasons. If you love Mama’s fresh breakfast and lunch offerings drop by on Friday nights for themed dinners, like Turkish and Spanish nights.
Image: Mama Coco
Blu Marlin Bistro
With ample outdoor seating and a gorgeous view over Trinity Inlet, Blu Marlin Bistro is the perfect place to perch before you climb aboard your charter boat for a day out on the reef!
Smash their smashed avo on toast while you watch the palms dance in the breeze and the boats glide across the inlet. Happy dining, and happy diving!
The Lillipad
The Lillipad first hit the scene back in 2003 and now boasts franchises all over Australia. Yuri Kagan, the man behind the mission, is set on catering to everybody and celebrating all of the dietary requirements and preferences that dictate what we treat our taste buds to. Rest assured Yuri and his team will make you feel warm, welcome and well fed with their fresh take on cafe classics.
