Whether you’re after a quick pick-me-up on your way into the office or a sit-down on your lunch break, there are plenty of options for city dwellers on the hunt for that perfect cuppa and tasty treat.
We take our job very seriously here, so we’ve scouted out the best cafe options around Perth City to make your next long day in the office a little more bearable.
1. Mo Espresso
City regulars will get excited at just the mention of Mo Espresso, being a solid fave of the early morning work crowd for a while now. Even if coffee isn’t your jam, the doughnuts here definitely will be.
The father-son duo who run the joint continue to pour the best cups of coffee in Perth, with quality brews from Five Senses beans and stools emblazoned with the faces of Tom Selleck, Einstein and Charlie Chaplin.
We’re also massive fans of a good coffee spot that remembers their locals so you can go in and ask for ‘the usual’.
- Location: 72 St Georges Terrace, Trinity Arcade, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: facebook.com/MoEspresso
2. Max + Sons
From the brains behind Mo Espresso, it’s no surprise Max + Sons is an absolute bangin’ coffee joint.
The staff will always serve you with a smile as they work hard to caffeinate the early morning work crowd daily, and they’ve got the brew formula down pat with an impressive lineup to go along with it including Holy Bagel Co, Top Dup doughnuts and some super tasty toasties. Everything you need for an I hate Monday’s morning pick me up.
- Location: Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway, delivery
- Website: facebook.com/maxandsons140
3. Cafe Leadman
Size and price are no matter at Cafe Leadman.
The timber-clad cafe front leads into a dark, cosy interior that’s home to good coffee and a seasonal, refined menu at affordable prices. The signature gourmet Mi Goreng at just $6.50 (yes, you read that right) is a well-loved crowd pleaser along with their truffle scrambled eggs and an assortment of unique sandwiches if you’re more on the go.
- Location: 159 Claisebrook Rd, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: cafeleadman.com
4. Playa Coffee
This funky little spot boasts neon lights, pastel pinks, a standout art piece on their wall, and natural light flowing in from above- you’ll be drawn in before you’ve even tasted what’s on offer.
Playa is a great stop for a cheap lunch break with their $10 coffee and bagel deal. The coffee is consistently 10/10 and the bagels are so good you’ll probably want to get a few takeaways for the office.
- Location: 15/17 William St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: playa-coffee
5. Sayers Sister
You’ll feel all warm and cosy the minute you step into the vintage atmosphere of Sayers Sister with exposed bricks lined in old photos and antiques scattered throughout.
An absolute must-visit for amazing food and ambiance, their array of creative, seasonal dishes put other brunch spots in the area to shame – and you can keep an eye on their delicious weekly specials over socials.
- Location: 236 Lake St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: facebook.com/SayersSister
6. Telegram Coffee
Tucked away in the stunning historical and architectural setting of the State Buildings, this tiny corner coffee spot packs a punch with beans sourced and roasted by none other than Telegram themselves out of Modern Coffee in East Vic Park.
There are also tasty baked goods to grab if you’re peckish as you take a stroll and take in the lavish surroundings of the building.
- Location: State Buildings, Cnr St. Georges Terrace & Barrack St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: telegramcoffee.com.au
7. Tiisch
You may have heard of Tiisch for being one of the more popular bottomless brunches around town – and we can confirm that the rumours are true.
Aside from boozy brunches they’re also making some seriously good coffee along with simple yet imaginative dishes with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.
The atmosphere here allows you to really unwind with lush greenery lining the walls and a light, bright venue oozing calm among the hustle and bustle.
- Location: 9b/938 Hay St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway, delivery
- Website: tiisch.com.au
8. Hemingway
You can find Hemingway in the Rio Tinto building, featuring a trendy, modern look with polished surfaces and black and white accents for a fresh take on the humble corner coffee shop. It’s also another one in Mo Espresso’s collection – these guys are doing seriously well for themselves.
Its stylish interior is complemented by an interesting food menu and top-of-the-range coffee brews thanks to the snazzy high-end machinery that’s been specially imported and Five Sense beans.
- Location: 152/158 St Georges Terrace, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: @hemingwaybymo
9. Mount Street Breakfast Bar
Mount Street Breakfast Bar likes to push boundaries with a menu that’s totally unique in a modern breakfast bar complete with tinted lighting and exaggerated lamp shades.
The food here is slightly limited, but that doesn’t stop it from being tasty- think crispy falafel, chilli crab scrambled eggs, french toast, and Turkish poached eggs. If you’re still in need of convincing, they also do cocktails, wine, and beer behind the bar.
- Location: 42 Mount St, West Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: mountstreetbreakfastbar.com
10. Smooth Operator
A unique specialty coffee shop in an urban-retro fit-out, Smooth Operator is a little gem on Hay Street where you can relax and unwind alongside toasties, treats, and smooth heavenly coffee- just make sure you don’t walk past it.
If you, like me, are finding it hard to source that perfectly done oat milk coffee, then this is your answer. They have nailed the oat milk blend, and we dairy-free folk are forever grateful for it.
- Location: Shop 4/938 Hay St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: smoothoperatorcoffee.com
11. La Veen Coffee
The presentation of the food at La Veen is definitely Insta-worthy, and it won’t disappoint with taste either.
Possibly one of our fave brunch stops in the city, it’s got that classic coffee stop look with the exposed bricks, warm wood interior, and floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural light and warmth- plus they do a good cuppa to top off your meal.
- Location: King St & Raine Square
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: laveencoffee.com.au
12. Cafe Vinyl
Dishing out excellent coffee on the regular, Cafe Vinyl is a hole-in-the-wall coffee stop that you can’t go past on your next walk to the office or detour between meetings.
The real winner here though is the giant homemade muffins – we can’t get enough!
- Location: 2/914 Hay St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: facebook.com/CafeVinylPerth
13. Bench Espresso
Another in the long line of class takeaway coffee stops on Hay Street, Bench Espresso live and breathe coffee, and lucky for them we share that passion.
They offer espresso and filter with breakfast options on the run plus an assortment of sweet treats if you’re having a bit of a cheat day.
- Location: 191/471 Hay St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: facebook.com/Bench-Espresso
14. Livingstone’s Urban Jungle
As the name suggests, Livinstone’s Urban Jungle brings the jungle vibes to the otherwise industrial feeling CBD.
Potted trees, vines, green turf, and wooden furniture work together to form a little oasis that seems far from the hustle and bustle of the city’s hub. Here you can take a break from the fast-paced world and grab an espresso and a bite to eat.
- Location: 47 James Street Mall, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway
- Website: @livingstonesurbanjungle
15. Panda & Co
Finishing off strong, Panda & Co is an Asian-Australian eatery winning our hearts with its creative menu and warm, inviting space.
Get carried away with bao buns, spicy stir-fried udon, fried chicken burgers, and deep-fried Reuben sandwiches in an explosion of Asian-inspired flavours.
- Location: 45/87 Bulwer St, Perth
- Price: $$$
- Options: Dine-in, takeaway, delivery
- Website: pandaandco.com.au
Feature Image: @tiisch.perth
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