A drool-worthy guide to Australia's best cheese toasties

For those times when nothing by a cheese toastie will do…

Consider this your guide to Australia’s best cheese toasties, slathered with butter and grilled until gooey. Here are some beautifully engineered examples from around the country.

VIC | NSW | QLD | WA | SA | NT | TAS

Victoria

Mushroom and cheese toastie at HIFI Collingwood, Melbourne

HIFI is a new hipster hole in the wall in Collingwood that slaps mushroom ragu and taleggio between slabs of sourdough and toasts it until it is ridiculous. The Collingwood bolthole is the sibling to nearby Terror Twilight and Tinker in Northcote, and it is impossible to pootle past the kiosk due to the pervasive perfume of melting cheese. Expect cameos from achingly cool members of local bands such as Surprise Chef, and Hiatus Coyote who appreciate the vinyl-spinning vibes in a corner of Collingwood co-owner Kieran Spiteri describes as “dirty chic".

Cheese toasties at HIFI Collingwood — HIFI is a new hipster hole in the wall in Collingwood. (Image: My Friend Tom)

Calabresie toastie at Maker & Monger, Prahran

The Swiss raclette and All-American grilled-cheese toastie with onion and parsley at Maker & Monger is the signature toastie at this chapel to cheese in the heritage harvest hall at Prahran Market. The staple ingredient on the Calabresie toastie is the smoked scamorza, ‘nduja and oregano, which is gorgeously gooey on the inside and all crisp and crunch on the outside. It’s become a tradition for visitors to Anthony Femia’s stall to choose their wedge of gorgonzola or chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano from the seven-metre-long cheese cabinet before submitting to the toastie. Resistance is futile.

Fondue Toastie, Maker and Monger, Australia — Just submit to the toastie. Resistance is futile.

The Latina at Aphro & Wolfe, Fitzroy North

Aphro & Wolfe is serious about its toasties, with a dedicated toastie window that doles out epic cheese toasties with fillings that literally make them shine. It’s a meal fit for those fixie-riding hipsters who live in Fitzroy North and are fighting to remain WFH to feed their addiction to these doorstop-sized toasties. Blame the banh mi toastie: this creation is made from pulled pork cooked slowly for six hours and then squished between slabs of flame-grilled bread and a mix of cheeses. Keep saying no to the suit and tie and hole up here in the cosy cafe, fitted with plywoods and antiques.

Toastie, Aphro & Wolfe, VIC, Australia — Aphro & Wolfe is serious about its toasties. (Image: Aphro & Wolfe)

Ghosty Toasty, Bendigo

Who said bread was dead? Not the breadheads at Ghosty Toasty, that’s for cert. If you’re on a road trip in regional Victoria, and heading to Viva Bendigo, let it be for food first. The rest will follow. The Mark Truffalo with truffle oil, mushroom, rocket and thyme will hit you where it counts, as will the peanut butter, maple bacon and banana designed in honour of Elvis, who is taking over the city until July as part of the festivities surrounding the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition coming to town. Wear your supersized jumpsuit for the Pastrarnold Schwarzenneger with pastrami, hot English mustard, cream cheese and pickles, surely one of Australia’s best cheese toasties.

Mark Truffalo Toasties, Ghosty Toasty, Australia — The Mark Truffalo will hit you where it counts.

Hector’s Deli, Richmond

Chef Dom Wilton worked at Attica and Stokehouse before co-founding Hector’s Deli and has some cred with bread. Hector’s Deli is a shrine to the sandwiches he so loves. Wilton’s formula is simple: he elevates deli-counter staples and tried and true treasures into superlative sangas by using exceptional ingredients. The Never Now-designed cafe, located in a quiet suburban backstreet in Richmond, is a low-key part of the hood in which to hang. Discover why Wilton is considered a champion toastmaster when you wrap your laughing gear around the monster HCT, mortadella with provolone, mozzarella and tomato chutney on sourdough.

Cheese toastie, Hector's Deli, Australia — Discover why Wilton is considered a champion toastmaster. (Image: Hector’s Deli)

New South Wales

Four-cheese toastie at Arms Length, Potts Point

Arms Length in Potts Point is one of the go-tos for a bottomless brunch in Sydney. But the cafe that turns into a bar by night is also known for its excellent jaffles, as toasties are known in Australia. Make a stop at Arms Length late at night after enjoying a neon-lit night in nearby Kings Cross. Arms Length recently relocated from Redfern to this leafty new HQ in Potts Point and the four-cheese toastie with crisps is especially good after a night on the town. This is the place to be as the sun sinks over the horizon, as you will want to Shazam every song during the DJ’s set.

The filthy-good cheese toastie on offer at Arm's Length served with a pile of salty crisps. — The filthy-good cheese toastie served with a pile of salty crisps. Credit: Chad Konik

Eight-cheese toastie at Penny’s Cheese Shop, Potts Point

If you’re in the mood for a cheese toastie, the version at Penny’s Cheese Shop is regarded by devotees to be one of the nation’s best. Owner Penny Lawson’s decadent rendition is made from a blend of up to eight different cheeses which she changes each day at her new digs in Sydney’s Potts Point. Those game enough to try and replicate this marvellously gooey creation at home can purchase all the artisan cheeses and the PiOik sourdough from the European-style deli and give it a red-hot go.

8-cheese toastie, Penny's Cheese Shop, Australia — The decadent rendition is made from a blend of up to eight different cheeses which she changes each day. (Image: Penny’s Cheese Shop)

Confit duck and five-cheese toastie at Three Blind Mice, Mascot

Three Blind Mice is a new neighbourhood providore in Mascot that specialises in cheese and meat. The most glorious dish on the menu is the toasted sandwich with confit duck, fig jam and scallions, mixed with a blend of five cheeses and grilled until golden and oozy at its centre. Chef Daniel Hughes and cheesemonger Milan Majstorovic are the co-founders of the elegant European-style deli that has put Mascot on the map for foodies.

Cheese toasties, Three Blind Mice, Australia — Three Blind Mice is a new neighbourhood providore in Mascot that specialises in cheese and meat.

Dosa Potato Jaffle at Flyover Fritterie and Chai Bar, Redfern

Flyover Fritterie’s owner Gunjan Aylawadi draws on his Indian heritage for his take on toasties that are a mash-up of old-school Aussie jaffles stuffed with Indian flavours in pairings such as Dosa potato and peanut chutney, and tofu tikka. Flyover Fritteria started as a hole-in-the-wall in Sydney CBD, but has moved to larger premises in Redfern due to the popularity of its dishes. The eatery is nods to the no-name street-food carts that jostle for space amid heaving crowds beneath Mumbai’s overpasses (flyovers).

Jaffle and Corn, Flyover Fritterie, Redfern, Australia — Taste the exquisite mash-up of old-school Aussie jaffles stuffed with Indian flavours.

Pork belly, provolone + American cheese toastie at SOUL Deli, Surry Hills

K-food culture is alive and well at Taylor Square in Redfern where SOUL Deli doles out decadent toasties designed to cure a heinous soju (hangover). Plough into the golden sourdough sanga that is filled with pulled pork, fried kimchi, provolone and American cheese and served with house-made pickles. Kimchi is an acquired taste and one that Australians are acquiring at an ever-increasing rate judged by its appearance on menus. SOUL deli also does a killer KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) roll.

Toasties from SOUL Deli, Surry Hills, Australia — SOUL Deli doles out decadent toasties designed to cure a heinous hangover.

Mushroom and gruyere cheese toastie at SixSmith Create, Cronulla

Drive a few kilometres south of the main hub of Cronulla and you will find a pretty little corner cafe sandwiched between Oak and Shelly parks. What you will also find at Sixsmith are members of the Jellybeans swim club tucking into the mushroom, thyme and gruyere toastie, which, like the cafe itself, is a jealously guarded secret. Pull up a seat at the communal table, where past and present NRL players and local cricketing legends make regular cameos, while you enjoy your toastie grilled to creamy perfection on Brasserie Bread sourdough.

Six smith Create, Cheese toastie, Australia — Enjoy your toastie grilled to creamy perfection.

Queensland

M.C. Cheese at Melt Brothers, Brisbane

The Melt Brothers have two locations in Brisbane: one at Post Office Square, and the other in the Myer Centre. And nowhere does a goopy New York-style grilled cheese sanga better.

The M.C. Cheesy is a molten monster of macaroni and cheese gussied up with maple bacon and finished with a sweet swipe of smokey BBQ sauce and aioli. The thick-cut white sourdough gives the double-decker treat structural integrity. Delish.

Goopy Cheese Toastie, Melt Brothers, Brisbane, Australia — No one does a goopy New York-style grilled cheese sanga better. (Image: Justin Kim)

Criminal Coffee Company, Maroochydore

Criminal Coffee Company is known and loved for two things: ‘Roasting and Toasting’. So consider it a bonus that you go for the cheesy, decadent toasties and stay for the artisan roasted coffee.

Toasties from Criminal Coffee, Australia — Go for the cheesy, decadent toasties.

The Criminal Coffee Company HQ is located in a quiet corner of Cotton tree in Maroochydore and it has a sister venue, called The Toast Office , on the bustling Mooloolaba Esplanade. Ask for your toastie extra unctuous. We love the signature toasted sarnie, the Padre, held together on fresh fermented sourdough and stuffed with a secret blend of herbs, cheese and spices.

Toasties from the Toast Office, Australia — It has a sister venue, called The Toast Office, on the bustling Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Two Blocks Cafe, Holloways Beach

This cute little cafe in Holloways Beach is routinely rammed with locals. It’s called two blocks because it’s literally two blocks back from the beach in the northern suburbs of Cairns. Tropical North Queensland is designed for al fresco dining and this industrial-chic cafe presents an excellent example of that. Sit in the outdoor dining area, which is softened with rustic railway sleepers and tropical greenery, and meet some of the friendly locals who are justifiably proud that this is their neighbourhood hang. Go for a walk along the beach after inhaling the ham and gruyere toastie with bechamel, mozzarella, house pickles and jalapeño mustard.

ham and gruyere toasties, Two Blocks Cafe, QLD, Australia — Try their ham and gruyere toasties. (Image: Benjamin McKay)

Milk Bar Coffee, Maroochydore

This Milk Bar Coffee specialty staple ingredient is a black truffle paste, which means we can carb-load here all-year round on black truffle and roast mushie toasties and not be restricted by the seasonal availability of fresh fungi. This is the crowd favourite, made up of field mushrooms, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan cheese and served with house-made bread and butter pickles on the side to cut through the richness. You might want to extend your lunch break and have a snooze under a palm tree as you will enter a deep carb coma after devouring this beast.

Toasties from Milk Bar, Maroochydore, Australia — Carb-load here all-year round on amazing toasties. (Image: Timothy Birch Studio)

Western Australia

Bolognaise and cheese toastie at Foxtrot Unicorn, Perth

Foxtrot Unicorn is housed in an old underground bank vault built in 1887, where it’s likely the recipe to their jaffle toastie is stored for safekeeping. And while the eight-cheese toastie is sweetly nostalgic, a veggie option becomes a contemporary take with a serve of kimchi on the side. The award-winning bartenders here also do magical things with cocktails. And, as an aside, it’s a top spot to bunker down during an apocalypse. The outside of the jaffles is brushed in confit garlic butter, then crusted in parmesan. Inside, is a blend of about eight different cheeses and a top-secret seasoning called “jaffle crack".

Cheese toastie, Foxtrot, Queensland, Australia — Taste the blend of about eight different cheeses in their cheese toasties. (Image: Darius Photography)

Toastface Grillah, Perth

Those chasing the thrill of the grill in Perth should go directly to Toastface Grillah (and sister grillah, Lil’ Toastface). While the OG toasted sanga temple is known for its hangover-beating cheese toasties, it’s also one of the coolest cafes in the WA capital. Pull up a milk crate in the grungy alleyway and forgo the Panadol after your big night out in favour of the toasted chilli cheese sanga which will kick your dry-mouth horrors to the graffiti-clad kerb. There are now five locations of Toastface Grillah peppered around WA. We recommend the Quodzilla, a 35 cm x 25 cm four-cheese beast that you can slam dunk into four dipping sauces.

Livingstone’s Urban Jungle, Northbridge

Livingstone’s Urban Jungle is the toast of Northbridge thanks to its killer combos. Particularly, the Mac Daddy (triple cheese macaroni and cheese). Likewise, Bada-bing (Italian meatballs, garlic, rosemary, tomato sauce and Emmental cheese). Meanwhile, keep it simple with old-school winners such as ham and cheese. Moreover, take it up a notch with the seductive Slam ‘n’ Cheese, featuring smoked ham, bechamel sauce, seeded mustard and gruyere cheese. Check out the special boards for more out-there combinations such as The Raging Bull (braised beef short ribs with caramelised onions and cauliflower cheese). And then settle in for coffee at the greenery-filled oasis, which, we presume, was named after explorer Dr Livingstone who went missing in the wilds of Africa.

South Australia

Proof, Adelaide

Great sangas abound at the Proof located near to Press Food and Wine in Adelaide. The trick to making the colossal sandwiches so good is in the engineering; these are sandwiches with structural integrity. Let’s not overcomplicate things. Obviously, the Breville is in the detail. And the grilling is also integral to the success of a sweet-as sanga. Take some beans. Add some salsa and jalapenos and smoosh together in a jaffle iron. Sprinkle with some Dorito dust and hey presto: it’s a Tex Mex toastie. We would also like to tip our hat toward the lamb, hummus, ras el hanout with za’atar which is a beautiful collision of crunch, and is silken, sweet and spicy all at once. If you consume it all at once, it can be the sort of sandwich that will require an afternoon siesta.

Cheese toasties, from Proof Bar, Adelaide — The trick to making the colossal sandwiches so good is in the engineering.

Northern Territory

Postie, Darwin

The cheese toasties at Postie really cut the mustard. The secret to the perfect cheese sandwiches at Postie is all about the quality ingredients. Chiefly, the sturdy slabs of sourdough and secret blend of cheeses. Basically, there’s a science to making the perfect grilled cheese toastie as this video attests. Because you want to bite off more than you can chew, you should order the humble Postie toastie. Indeed, it features ham off the bone, homemade pink onion jam, a blend of cheeses and seeded mustard on sourdough. This cheesy concoction is toasted until golden, crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

Tasmania

Samuel Pepy’s Cafe, Launceston

Why did the great diarist Samuel Pepy bury his giant wheel of Parmesan during the Great Fire of London? Because Parmigiano Reggiano was considered valuable even back in 1666, when Pepy buried his treasures before escaping from his house. Correspondingly, the owners of Samuel Pepy’s Cafe in Launceston also share a fondness for cheese. Evidently, the casual eatery with the vintage vibes does a pleasing lunchtime toastie that will appeal to gluten-free tribes. Finally, arrange a gatho to chow down on the chicken, bacon, avocado, cheese and aioli sanga on GF bread.

Toast, Launceston

Mainlanders travelling to Tassie seem to want to give Launie a bit of love. We’ll toast to that. Keep it simple with chicken and cheese. Or the ham, cheese and tomato. Equally, you can up the ante with a chicken parmie toastie or pork ‘n’ slaw. Besides, the BLT is also a thing of beauty: a tasty torpedo of melted cheese, mushies, bacon, pickles and lettuce. Accordingly, The Land Down Under flips the notion of a toastie with dim sims, bacon, mozzarella cheese and ABC sauce. Certainly, this is how Aussies like to eat.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.