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

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Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.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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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

1. Underwater worlds

2. Farm-to-table dining

3. Water wellness

4. Restorative seaside stays

5. Tasty drops

6. Rail trail adventures

7. Linger longer