A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

Placed aside crashing ocean waves and soft sand, Kiama soothes from the moment you slink into town – with no shortage of things to do once you arrive. The cherry on top is its burgeoning cafe scene, evolving from stock-standard tourist traps to artisanal statements complete with fresh local produce and some of the best beans in the country. From understated holes in the wall to sea-breezed hipster haunts luring big city hospitality talent, every knock-out Kiama cafe blazes the region’s culinary prowess one lick brighter. Here, our picks and everything we love about them.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Ernest Arthur Kiama
Hottest new opening: Beck’s Kiama
Best pastries: Slow Dough

1. Diggies Kiama

breakfast favourites at Diggies Kiama — Feast on fresh, hearty breakfast plates at Diggies. (Image: Buffet Digital)

What a spot. Diggies Kiama is a slice of coastal heaven located right on Blowhole Point Rd opposite the waves, and the people are as breezy-cool as the setting. Laidback vibes flow as large groups converge throughout the open courtyard overlooking the ocean. Sundowners of a weekend bring live music and rounds of cocktails, but breakfast is a sublime experience as the kitchen always shines. Fluffy buttermilk hotcakes with sliced seasonal fruit are never a bad idea as is the Blowhole Roll: a classic bacon and egg number levelled up via a hashbrown, pickled jalapenos and bacon jam. Lunch brings on coastal classics, all finessed with seasonal ingredients, while smoothies (go the Mango Lassi, always) washed everything down in style.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Buzzing

Location: 1 Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama

2. Minnamurra General Store

a person holding two servings of frappes at Minnamurra Cafe — Grab an indulgent iced coffee from Minnamurra Cafe.

Breakfast, brunch or lunch at Minnamurra General Store is always tempting and for good reason. The food is on point and in peak holiday season, the long-loved Kiama cafe gets busy. Best to book ahead for a lunch reservation or swing by and collect a takeaway feed. Keep in mind, their weekly specials are often the biggest drawcard, with regular hits spanning pot pies, jazzed-up egg scrambles and internationally led plates like the Turkish Iskender kebap with hot tomato sauce. Sweet tooths will delight in their homemade daily muffins, paired scrumptiously with a smooth cup of Vittoria coffee.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 1A Rangoon Rd, Minnamurra

3. Beck’s Kiama

Coffee snobs unite for their daily hit at Beck’s Kiama , a Kiama cafe that set up shop inside the former Little Earth Cafe in July 2025. Paying tribute to its roots, the team make magic out of Little Earth Roasters’ famed small-batch beans, which helped make Beck’s predecessor so damn adored. Rest assured, it’s still one of the best spots in town to slurp up a cuppa.

We love the at-home feel this place exudes from the moment you spot it – a simply brick facade dotted with pot plants and wooden benches – and once you settle in and let ocean views roll up from down the hill, it’s plain serene despite growing crowds cottoning on. The kitchen cranks out breakfast favourites including bacon and egg rolls with greens and toasted sandwiches, as well as freshly baked muffins and other baked goods.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

4. Slow Dough

alfresco dining at Slow Dough, Kiama cafe — Nab a relaxed spot for a morning brew. (Image: Slow Dough)

Putting delicious Little Marionette coffee beans to expert use, Slow Dough pairs its morning brew with the best bread in town. A stellar version of amateur Covid-19 sourdough baking gone pro, co-owner Richard King and his wife Lucy now dish up in-demand baked goods, best enjoyed under the sun on a low-slung stool on the grass. Sweet tooths will drool over a rotating menu of tarts and buns, while savoury loyalists simply can’t resist creative croissants (like the past salami, ricotta and hot honey) loaded focaccias and genius bread blends that have included aged cheddar and jalapeno blends in the past. They’re always playing around with local ingredients so expect the same brand of wizardry whenever you drop in.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Lively

Location: 19 Bong Bong St, Kiama

5. Ernest Arthur Kiama

Earnest Arthur Kiama is a family-owned business that’s been serving Kiama locals for years. With a second store in South Nowra, roughly half an hour’s drive down the coast, the brand fuels the region with two life necessities – pies and caffeine. Nailing both simultaneously, the Kiama cafe is famed for its ridiculously good takes on classic creations like cottage and beef and mushroom, plus wilder mixes like snapper and dill, or beer and beef cheeks, as well as killer sausage rolls. Homemade pastries are also crowd pleasers, as is the other half of their business, coffee, thanks to a house-blend of beans and expertly foamed cups.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Cosy

Location: 82 Terralong St, Kiama

6. The Farmer’s Table

The Farmer’s Table in a historic Kiama terrace house — Soak up the old-world feel at The Farmer’s Table. (Image: DEFACTO CO)

Located in Kiama’s heritage-listed Collins Street terraces, The Farmer’s Table is as visually beautiful as its homestyle food is plentiful. Expert baristas pour great coffee for devoted regulars and curious tourists seven days a week, making this Kiama cafe’s courtyard a sought-after spot to enjoy a feed. Sealing the deal is the fact it’s pet-friendly. Visitors who board the heritage-listed Kiama Picnic Train often book into The Farmer’s Table for a meal, perhaps to retain the historic, old-world feel that the rail-bound day trip brings, or simply because the food is so darn tasty.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Charming

Location: Shop 2/42 Collins St, Kiama

7. Otis

Tummy rumbling? Otis will sort you out with lashings of the good stuff. Specialising in flavour-packed salads that shine a light on the region’s peak produce, the Kiama cafe is famed for mixes like the Tahini-glazed sweet potato and the honey roasted carrot crunch with candied walnuts and feta. Grab a table to savour every bite, plus there’s wraps, focaccias, baked goods and silky-smooth coffee to further tempt.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Fuss-free

Location: 106 Terralong St, Kiama

8. The Hungry Monkey

a person holding a cup of coffee at The Hungry Monkey, Kiama cafe — The coffee alone makes this bustling cafe one of the best in Kiama. (Image: The Hungry Monkey)

While its burgers make it one of the best dining experiences in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey ’s breakfast menu also earns a place on our morning must-try list. Serving up creamy White Horse Coffee from 6.30am (you’ll spot caffeine-starved crowds waiting for tables most weekends), the Kiama cafe plates up all-day breakfast classics done with a twist, like chilli eggs with sambal and sourdough crumpets with ginger butter and local honey. Grab a spot on the front deck for all the excellent people watching.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Bustling

Location: 5/32 Collins St, Kiama

9. Manning Street Local

Combing the east coast for epic beans, Manning Street Local is firmly fixed on providing locals with some of the most robust morning flavours in town. While Reuben Hills dominates their machine pour, the team also showcase bags of their favourite brands in-store, with past legends including Melbourne’s Market Lane and Sydney’s Skittle Lane. Aside from supporting their industry peers, the team also whip up wonderful fresh-baked baguettes and focaccias loaded with indulgences, plus homemade scrolls and other baked goods.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Cheery

Location: 43 Manning St, Kiama

10. Penny Whistlers

roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers, Kiama cafe — Roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers.

From sunrise each day, you’ll find the Penny Whistlers crew pouring flavoursome brews with Campos coffee beans. The Kiama cafe boasts stunning ocean views and nourishing dishes across both breakfast and lunch (think chilli fried eggs and an open steak sandwich with chimichurri and chat potatoes), while Vegans are well-catered for, too. From Thursday to Saturday, Penny Whistlers is a licensed dinner venue that regularly has live music to get the party started.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Chilled out

Location: 5/31 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

11. Saltwater

A Kiama institution, Saltwater plates up the best fish and chips in town, as well as gourmet burgers, schnitzels, salads, breakfast and great coffee. It’s a go-to venue for a leisurely seafood lunch with loved ones in a relaxing atmosphere. Their signature dish, the Blue Oscar, takes a grilled Blue Grenadier and tops it with grilled prawns, hollandaise, chips and slaw for a winning taste sensation.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Friendly

Location: 104 Terralong St, Kiama

12. Flour Water Salt

the bread counter at Flour Water Salt Bakery — Grab a loaf of fresh sourdough from Flour Water Salt.

The Flour Water Salt team believe it’s better to do a few things well rather than several things averagely. It’s why the basis of this Kiama cafe is the bakery brand’s artisan sourdough production, and the cooks have garnered a cult-like attraction as a result. Come for the pastries, coffee, chai tea, hot pies and artisan-style sandwiches that put that bread to excellent use, and leave with a loaf (or few) of heavenly carb perfection.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Welcoming

Location: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

13. Short Black Coffee

Short Black Coffee is a lovely, no-fuss Kiama cafe located on the main street of town, where fresh-baked pastries and cakes are a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike. Think made-from-scratch delights like Mars Bar slices, loaded chunky cookies and banana bread, to heartier bites like fluffy stacked toasties. Kids love the banana split waffles while adults linger longer due to this place’s reliably good coffee and easy price tags.

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Low-key

Location: 88 Terralong St, Kiama

Still hungry? Discover the best restaurants in Kiama

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.

A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

The shortlist

1. Diggies Kiama

2. Minnamurra General Store

3. Beck’s Kiama

4. Slow Dough

5. Ernest Arthur Kiama

6. The Farmer’s Table

7. Otis

8. The Hungry Monkey

9. Manning Street Local

10. Penny Whistlers

11. Saltwater

12. Flour Water Salt

13. Short Black Coffee

Discover the best restaurants in Kiama: A food lover’s guide

11 picture-perfect Kiama Airbnbs for your next seaside escape

The best Kiama accommodation for every holiday style

This vintage steam train journey serves up coastal views and high tea

The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

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