Cosy Leura Cafes To Start The Day At

For Leura-based explorations of the Blue Mountains, these seven cafes will top up your caffeine levels and fortify your day with delicious food.

It’s easy to while away a day cafe-hopping in lovely Leura. Go from latte to lunch at these eateries that serve beautiful, locally focused fare with laidback mountain vibes. From a long-time favourite tucked behind a red door, to a deli counter loaded with incredible cheeses and meats, there are plenty of Leura cafes to fuel a day hiking, shopping or simply relaxing in town.

1. Red Door Café

Best for: Relaxed sipping and snacking.

On a cherry blossom-lined street sits Red Door Cafe , a Leura local favourite. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or just to cradle a latte and have a chat in the courtyard. It’s not fancy or fussy, but you’ll find all the classics made well, from eggs however you like them to salads and sandwiches. Bigger meals may include bistro-style plates the likes of Tuscan-style sausages or a confit duck Maryland. Cosy and much adored in the community, a visit here offers a wedge of mountain life.

the Red Door Cafe in Leura — Stop by for brunch at Red Door Cafe. (Image: James Horan; Destination NSW)

Address: 134 Leura Mall, Leura

2. Leura Gourmet Cafe and Deli

Best for: Gathering provisions for your Leura staycation.

Swing by Leura Gourmet Cafe and Deli for smoothies and juices, coffee and a range of tempting morsels under the deli counter, from salads and sambos to pasta and sugar-dusted cannoli. It’s hard not to shop with your stomach here with a range of beautiful condiments and pickles that promise to level up the excitement in your pantry and everything you could ever need to build the ultimate antipasto platter. If you’re planning a picnic out in the national park, Leura Gourmet is an obligatory stop to gather provisions.

Address: 159 Leura Mall, Leura

3. Sorensen’s Glasshouse

Best for: The stunning, sun-lit location.

This beautifully designed, glass-walled cafe lets you feel as though you’re dining under the trees. Bright and light-filled, it’s a stunning spot for breakfast or lunch any time of the year, but autumn is particularly magical with the orange-hued leaves providing a vibrant backdrop.

plants and flowers inside Sorensen's Glasshouse — This beautiful glass-walled cafe immerses you in nature.

There is Devonshire tea as well as more substantial eats of mushroom fettuccine for lunch or a garden breakfast to help push the day into gear. Wander the enclosed gardens where little ones can freely roam and pick up a bunch of blooms or a new plant while you’re here.

potted plants on display at Sorensen's Glasshouse, Leura — You’ll find vibrant plants on display at Sorensen’s Glasshouse.

Address: 8 Herbert Street, Leura

4. The Laneway

Best for: Coffee lovers.

Drop into the cosy Laneway coffee shop that has local Cassiopeia beans running through the candy-pink coffee machine from 6.30am through to 2pm on weekdays, and 7am–11am on Saturdays. You’ll have plenty of baked and fresh toasted delights to tempt you into a side order of a little something, such as the roasted pumpkin and gorgonzola toastie or a lemon and blueberry syrup cake.

Address: 146–148 Leura Mall, Leura

5. The Wayzgoose Diner

Best for: Big, diner-style dining.

Meals are made from scratch using locally sourced produce wherever possible at the bright-hued Wayzgoose Diner set in the oldest commercial building in Leura (once home to a printing press). It’s all about big, comforting favourites here, from hot cakes to waffles and hot dogs to burgers.

Breakfast is served until 11.30, but the all-day menu means you can indulge your fish and chip craving at breakfast, too. It’s also home to the original flowerpot scone, which has remained unchanged since the 1980s when it was invented by a former owner.

pastries and teapot at The Wayzgoose Diner — The Wayzgoose Diner is home to the original flowerpot scone.

Address: 174 Leura Mall, Leura

6. The Bunker

Best for: All-day grazing and afternoon drinks.

The Leura outpost of The Bunker can be found in Leura Mall, where burgers are flipped, tea is poured and cocktails are shaken from breakfast to dinner on Friday to Sunday, and lunch to dinner Monday to Thursday.

food at The Bunker, Leura — Make a pitstop for breakfast or lunch at The Bunker.

It’s cafe classics and relaxed ambience that draws diners in for everything from snacks of Cajun cauliflower to plates piled with smoky ribs and spritzy, boozy drinks. The Leura Bunker also has its own drawcard of a private, outdoor Dining Dome, where you can take in the stunning views while you eat and gaze through the transparent walls for a special event or high tea.

The Bunker Leura's Dining Dome in the Blue Mountains — Take in the breathtaking views from the Dining Dome.

Address: 117-121 Leura Mall, Leura

7. Lily’s Pad

Best for: Sweet treats to share.

Humble and homely, Lily’s Pad cafe is an adorable spot for a sweet treat come morning or afternoon tea. If you can overlook the ceramic frogs and the pun and turn your eye to the selection of beautifully baked goods, you’ll be very quickly taken in with this charming spot. Think sugar-crusted doughnuts, mini cheesecakes and all manner of muffins. There is a more savoury side to things, too, with breakfasts of eggs and lunches of salads, sandwiches, and even rice paper rolls.

Address: 19 Grose Street, Leura

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

7 cosy Leura cafes to start the day at