10 Charming Blue Mountains Cafes To Try Now

From excellent coffee to comforting dishes and cheerful hospitality, these much-loved Blue Mountains cafes will fuel, nourish and delight.

Set yourself up for good dining on your next sojourn to the Blue Mountains with this list of the top places to enjoy a sunny breakfast, casual lunch or relaxed dinner. From a forest-fringed afternoon tea in a glasshouse to a retro-inspired diner, and hip coffee haunts, our edit will ensure you eat (and drink) well at every meal.

1. 8 Things

Travel the globe in eight delicious dishes at this Katoomba eatery . Chef Misha Laurent has compiled her menu based on street food favourites, ranging from an Indian dosa to a Balinese nasi goreng.

a table-top view of food at 8 Things — Make a pitstop at 8 Things. (Image: @lauren.commens)

They may be from different corners of the earth, but they all share one commonality – they’re thoroughly full-flavoured and robustly delicious. Just like all classic street eats, the eight things are fast, freshly made and crave-worthy.

a person holding food at 8 Things, Katoomba — Satisfy your hunger with the classic street eats at 8 Things. (Image: @lauren.commens)

Location: 133 Katoomba Street, Katoomba.

2. Frankly, My Dear

Fancy a bagel with your coffee? You’re in luck at this good vibes- and good times-oriented café in Katoomba. Run by local coffee power couple, Dylan and Alisha of Glenbrook’s Kickaboom (see below), you’ll find the same bright and breezy hospitality and dedication to a good cuppa at Frankly, My Dear as you will at their first establishment.

Enjoy your brew with a hand-rolled bagel stuffed with the likes of salmon, avo or pastrami, as well as treats, such as housemade banana bread and cakes.

the breakfast menu at Frankly My Dear, Katoomba — A delectable breakfast menu is available at Frankly, My Dear. (Image: Time Out/Destination NSW)

Location: 195 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

3. Cassiopeia

Bean devotees can pick up the scent of a beautifully brewed coffee from great distances. Luckily, with Cassiopeia’s three espresso bars and a roastery , this mountain-born coffee brand is never far away.

the Cassiopeia cafe in the Blue Mountains — Swing by Cassiopeia to grab a bite of your breakfast favourites.

Established in 2006, Cassiopeia’s specialty brews are sourced from the best-quality beans across the globe to service the Mountains community and beyond. You can caffeinate at Katoomba, Springwood and Windsor, where you may sip and grab a bite, as well as purchase beans to take home.

an avocado toast at Cassiopeia, Blue Mountains — Refuel with avocado toast and coffee at Cassiopeia.

Location: 79 Lurline Street, Katoomba; 2/127 Macquarie Road, Springwood; 3/200 George Street, Windsor; roastery 3/59 Megalong Street, Katoomba

4. Black Cockatoo Bakery

For golden, flaky croissants fresh from the oven paired with excellent coffee, make a pit-stop at one of the two Black Cockatoo locales before any mountain adventure.

a pastry on a plate topped with nuts and strawberries at Black Cockatoo Bakery — Bite sweet and savoury pastries at Black Cockatoo Bakery.

At this local go-to, dedication to the craft is at the heart of everything kneaded and baked, so you won’t be able to leave without a loaf of organic, stoneground sourdough bread tucked under your arm. While you’re at it, you may as well grab a few pastries to fuel any bush walks or fireside reading sessions, too.

a close-up photo of bread on a plate at Black Cockatoo Bakery — Dig into soft and indulgent treats at Black Cockatoo Bakery.

Location: Shop 1/1 Staples Crescent, Lawson; 165 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

5. The Wayzgoose Diner

The Wayzgoose Diner creates comfort food made from scratch with local produce and served with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups. It’s delicious, diner-style fare, from toasties and burgers to bagels, lasagne, waffles, and, because it’s the mountains, scones served in a flowerpot.

burger and fries with ketchup on the plate at The Wayzgoose Diner — Try the burger and fries combo at The Wayzgoose Diner.

It’s a menu that seems to suggest there’s nothing that can’t be improved with a squirt of fluffy cream or tomato ketchup, so walk on in for rib-sticking favourites.

food with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups at The Wayzgoose Diner — The Wayzgoose Diner serves food with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups.

Location: 174 Leura Mall, Leura

6. The Bunker

Now with three locations in the mountains – Springwood, Leura and Mulgoa – The Bunker has firmly cemented itself as a veritable institution. It’s the classics done well with nothing ultra-fancy, but everything exceedingly delicious.

the cafe exterior of The Bunker, Blue Mountains — Head to The Bunker for a delicious brunch.

From the eponymous breakfast burger to the lamb ragu and burgers come lunch, and share plates of chicken bao and prawn tacos, as well as larger serves such as baked barramundi and Moroccan chicken, at dinner, there’s something to please all, no matter what time you amble in.

burgers, fries and lamb ragu at The Bunker, Blue Mountains — The Bunker has loads of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Location: Shop 8 and 9, 150 Macquarie Road, Springwood; 117–121 Leura Mall, Leura; 1319 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa

7. Sorensen’s Glasshouse

An icon of the mountains, this nursery and cafe is an idyllic spot to take a window seat and gaze out to the forest beyond. The floor-to-ceiling glass building makes you feel a little like you’re dining in a cloche, or, say a glasshouse, but what’s on display is not you, rather it’s the scenery beyond.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch every day, such as a rainbow felafel bowl or Sorensen’s garden breakfast, and browse the local wares for sale in the shop.

plants on display inside Sorensen’s Glasshouse — The plants on display add a warm touch to the cafe’s interior.

Location: 8 Herbet Street, Leura

8. Hounslow

From breakfast served with a perfected cold drip coffee to lunch with a chilled fine wine and, between Thursday and Sunday nights, dinner and a cocktail, this Blackheath favourite is an almost-all-day diner and the place to sit and savour. You could begin the day with a kipfler Spanish omelette, then stretch your legs and return at midday for the grilled broccoli toastie, before reprising your table at dinner for Korean barbecue pork belly and a bespoke cocktail.

Location: 25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath

9. Kickaboom

The menu at this Glenbrook cafe operates in the light and shade of a balanced diet. On one side, choose from chia granola at breakfast and a soba noodle bowl for lightness at lunch or, on the more indulgent spectrum, allocate your daily calorie intake to the decadent fried chicken waffle.

the cafe exterior of Kickaboom, Glenbrook — Drop by Kickaboom for your daily caffeine fix. (Image: Liam Foster)

With owner Dylan Johnson having cut his teeth at some of Surry Hills’ most iconic cafes, you can expect everything to be just as it should be.

an empty seat at Kickaboom, Glenbrook — Sip great coffee with friends at Kickaboom. (Image: Liam Foster)

Address: 6 Ross Street, Glenbrook

10. The Grumpy Baker

This big city import from Sydney’s Oxford Street looks as though it has always occupied the weatherboard shopfront of its Bilpin digs. Swing by daily for a baked goodie, such as a traditional sourdough loaf, pain au chocolat or chocolate brownie, enjoyed with a Single O coffee at the window seat as the sun beams in. It’s the perfect way to fuel your mountain explorations.

the cafe exterior at The Grumpy Baker, Blue Mountains — Get your breakfast fix at The Grumpy Baker.

Location: 2481 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin

For more inspiration on where to eat and drink, read our pick of the best restaurants in Katoomba, and nearby in Blackheath.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

10 best cafes in the Blue Mountains to try now