The dreamiest cafes in Yamba for slow mornings

A top-notch cuppa, seasonal produce and a generous dollop of sea breeze — the best cafes in Yamba absolutely nail the good life.

Slow mornings spent soaking up the coastline over a stellar cup of joe – is there anything more desirable on a long-awaited beach break? You’re spoiled for choice in Yamba, one of the NSW North Coast’s shining stars, as outstanding AM pit-stops dot the beach town. From undiscovered gems to the most popular haunts around, your all-important caffeine and fresh, bountiful meals are found at the best cafes in Yamba.

The shortlist

Best family-friendly spot: Beachwood Cafe

Best for vegetarian: Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar

Best views: The Kiosk Yamba

Best hidden gem: Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods

1. Gather

the cafe exterior at Gather, Yamba — The aptly named cafe is an ideal spot for friends to gather.

Perched high above Main Beach in the bustling hub that encompasses some of Yamba’s best restaurants (think BRGR Spot and the Pacific Hotel) is Gather ; they’re famous for frothing up some of the best coffee in town (although a close second or third would be Summi’s right next door). It offers delicious, flavour-crammed meals across breakfast and lunch, like mushroom bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella, a chilli crab scramble, a signature hash with pressed smoky pork and a matcha tapioca pudding topped with coconut mousse.

They’re open until 2pm daily, only take walk-ins, and offer a children’s menu that includes mini French toast among other fuss-free favourites.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 3/14-15 Clarence St, Yamba

2. Spilt Milk

a plate of eggs benedict at Spilt Milk, Yamba — The moreish eggs benedict.

Serving up superb Hill Roasters beans from nearby Kungala, about an hour south of Yamba, Spilt Milk arrived on the cafe scene in November 2024 and instantly endeared locals. Run by a Yamba family who have slowly taken over the space that Bean Scene once thrived in, the hot spot is gaining attention for its creative smoothies and milkshakes, plus left-of-centre breakfast and lunch options.

You can expect the likes of ‘Breaky Fried Rice’ which resembles a Nasi Goreng tossed in sesame hoisin sauce, plus rich curries served alongside all-day classics like avocado smash, bacon and egg rolls and open grill sandwiches.

Cuisine: Comfort food with Middle Eastern influences

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 3.5/5

Location: Shop 4/8 Yamba St, Yamba

3. Beachwood Cafe

Open for breakfast and lunch, Beachwood Cafe is one of the homeliest cafes in Yamba, attracting a cult-like status to its side street location. Sevtap Yuch, the Turkish-born owner and chef who also moonlights as a cookbook author, delivers an authentic slice of the Mediterranean, maintaining a tightly curated blackboard menu of breakfast all-stars with a twist.

Expect humble yet wildly fresh local produce transformed into memorable dishes like scrambled eggs with feta and sucuk (Turkish sausage), coconut and cinnamon toast, braised octopus, lamb kofta and grilled sardines. As for the vibes, they’re plenty cosy as patterned mismatched crockery and a leafy patio create an inviting atmosphere for parents and kids.

Love what you’re gobbling down? Sevtap’s ‘less is more’ approach to cooking is ripe for the adopting, with her collection of cookbooks available to purchase in-store.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Turkish influences

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Review: 4/5

Location: 22 High St, Yamba

4. Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar

al fresco dining at Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar — Enjoy breakfast al fresco at Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar. (Image: @angouriecafeandwinebar)

Dishing up soul food in a beautiful boho-inspired, white timber fit out, Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar is a local gem. While the bar element of the brand was still under reconstruction in December 2024 (they’re promising to be back with a vengeance soon), the kitchen nails a menu of breakfast classics that embrace seasonal ingredients and a healthy lifestyle.

A six-minute drive from the centre of Yamba, this beloved cafe offers acai bowls, vegetarian baked beans, garlic mushrooms on sourdough, toasted sandwiches, mega-loaded salads, tacos and more across its breakfast and lunch menus.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, skewing vegetarian

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Hippy

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 11/13-15 The Crescent, Angourie

5. The Kiosk Yamba

beachfront dining at The Kiosk Yamba — The Kiosk Yamba offers idyllic beachfront bliss.

Yamba is not a beach town that’s short on great cafes, but few boast views as striking as The Kiosk Yamba . Housed within Yamba’s Surf Life Saving Club, this unassuming spot right on Main Beach features picnic benches and striped parasols and is open from breakfast through to lunch.

Whether you’re in the mood for something salubrious (hello acai bowls and fresh, cold-pressed juices) or something more indulgent (perhaps a bacon, egg and cheese roll with a milkshake on the side) this popular Yamba cafe always delivers.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Easy and breezy

Review: 4/5

Location: 1 Marine Parade, Yamba

6. Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods

the coffee counter at Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods, Yamba — Grab a takeaway coffee at Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods.

Find a smashing morning meal and charcuterie supplies for later at Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods . Renowned across the region for its exceptionally fresh focaccias and wraps, plus creamy, strong coffee, the cafe in Yamba also stocks a brilliant range of cured meats, indulgent cheeses and ultra-rich sweets.

Best of all, the team are endlessly inviting, on hand to walk you through its cabinet and the mainstays, including the popular chicken and sundried tomato wraps with garlic aioli, as well as the dine-in headliners – Bowen’s burgers. Crispy chicken, double cheese, bacon and pineapple… whatever you fancy, the gang’s all here.

Cuisine: Artisanal snacks and Modern Australian meals

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 4/5

Location: Shop 33, 1-3 Treelands Drive, Yamba (inside Yamba Fair shopping centre)

7. Pinewood Corner

a look inside the cafe at Pinewood Corner, Yamba — This charming cafe serves delicious Botero coffee.

A beloved local’s secret, Pinewood Corner takes the best picks from Yamba Farmers and Producers’ Market, one of the best things to do in Yamba, and spins them into scrumptious dishes with dialled-up heart. Think fluffy layered cakes with seasonal fruit, buttery tarts dressed in greens, herbs and nuts, toasties with artisanal bread and sweet focaccias alongside savoury variations.

The owners are natural-born creatives themselves, showcasing their favourite art on the café’s walls and even hosting the odd life drawing class. But first, coffee, right? The beans are among Yamba’s best, sourced from Botero Roastery Cafe in nearby Maclean.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Free-spirited

Review: 4/5

Location: 1/2-4 Yamba St, Yamba

8. Laneway Lunchbox & Espresso

lunch plates at Laneway Lunchbox & Espresso, Yamba — Laneway Lunchbox & Espresso serves up generous and healthy lunch plates.

Now you’re really getting into the locals’ treasure trove of most-loved cafes in Yamba. Laneway Lunchbox & Espresso is a serious gem, tucked behind a butcher on Coldstream Street. It’s only open during the week, feeding the centre of town’s business crowds, and you’ll need to be quick as a rotating menu of internationally inspired dishes tends to sell out quickly.

Spanning Asian, like wok-tossed noodles and traditional chicken balls, and even traditional British pub classics like bangers and mash, the menu is experimental and a ton of fun. Additionally, the coffee is strong, and the service is friendly.

Cuisine: International

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Busy

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 3/18 Coldstream St, Yamba

9. Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store

the counter at Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store — Order breakfast classics with your chosen brew at Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store.

A delightful old cottage converted into a morning eatery and grocer, Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store is pure charm. Hearty dishes span the typical spectrum of breakfast classics (avocado on toast, eggs your way and more), but everything is treated with extreme care.

Don’t leave without taking home a flaky baked good or few, and if you’re feeling extra generous, there’s always the ice cream freezer for kids to fight over at this cafe in Yamba.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Cosy

Review: 4/5

Location: 29 Coldstream St, Yamba

Ready for lunch? Discover the best restaurants in Yamba

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The dreamiest cafes in Yamba for slow mornings

A top-notch cuppa, seasonal produce and a generous dollop of sea breeze — the best cafes in Yamba absolutely nail the good life.

The shortlist

1. Gather

2. Spilt Milk

3. Beachwood Cafe

4. Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar

5. The Kiosk Yamba

6. Bowen’s Delicatessen & Fine Foods

7. Pinewood Corner

8. Laneway Lunchbox & Espresso

9. Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store

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Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife