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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

10 best cafes in the Blue Mountains to try now