The Best Cafes in Wollongong for Beautiful Brunch Fare

Discover the hidden gems of Wollongong‘s cafe scene and indulge in a world of aromatic brews and delectable delights. From cosy nooks serving artisanal coffee to trendy brunch spots dishing out mouth-watering creations, we explore the diverse flavours and inviting atmospheres that make Wollongong a haven for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Get ready to savour the perfect cup and experience brunch bliss at Wollongong’s best cafes.

Opus Coffee Brewers

Opus Coffee Brewers is all about the coffee bar, and the communal tables out the back will beg you to stay for brunch. If your Sunday morning ritual looks a little like this: coffee, doughnuts, fresh juice and bagels choca-block full of gourmet toppings — then you’ll be well looked after here.

118/120 Keira Street, Wollongong

Lower East Café

Lower East Café is known for its coffee and house-baked pastries, but if you’re in the mood for something more hearty, then they more than have you covered there too. Think pancake stacks and mushroom-topped toast, paired with a full-bodied Single O coffee.

70 Crown Street, Wollongong

Uncle Earl’s

When your next craving for a quality toastie, bagel or sambo hits, make a beeline for Uncle Earl’s. Pull up a table in the sun and chow down on the likes of jalapeno cheese toasties, mortadella foaccia and cream cheese bagels before topping things off with a soft serve and cookie.

47 Burelli Street, Wollongong

Halfday Deli

Halfday Deli serves up sandos by day and pizza by night, a mission we wholeheartedly support. Keeping it simple means they pull off both with aplomb. The seasonal salad menu goes beyond your classic sandwich bars, with the likes of saltbush, preserved broccoli and crispy lentils just a handful of the fun additions available. As for sandwiches, choose from foccacia or ciabatta with porchetta, jeow som chicken and meatball, each making an appearance.

When the sun sets, expect a menu of equally intriguing pizzas and tiramisu to finish.

Shop 1/38 Atchison Street, Wollongong

Lili J Cafe

Lili J’s is the kind of place you can find a corner and nestle in for a drawn out coffee catch-up or quiet read. The courtyard is particularly lovely on a sunny day. Utilising Reuben Hills beans, you can rest assured the coffee is top-tier, whilst the food revolves around nourishing breaky favourites. This family-run biz absolutely adores dogs, so be sure to bring your furry friend along.

1/156 Corrimal Street, Wollongong

LEE & ME

LEE & ME just reeks of cool with its bare bricks and eclectic menu. Spruiking delicious dishes like Turkish eggs, pastrami bagel, house-made waffles and lamb gyros, it is the perfect spot for Sunday morning brunching.

87 Crown Street, Wollongong

Diggies

Diggies is a dream for harbourside brunching. Overlooking Wollongong Harbour and giving a heritage building new life, this popular café draws the crowds and has a special weekend brunch menu that is well-worth lingering over.

1 Cliff Road, North Wollongong

Buck Hamblin 

Buck Hamblin is a 1940s shoe store turned cafe with a touch of old-world charm. The unofficial HQ for Thirroul’s trail-running community, Buck serves top-notch coffee and homemade eats with a smile.

Sitchu Tip: Help yourself to bottomless batch brew for a sweet $6.

260 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Loved our round-up of the best cafes in Wollongong and looking for more local inspo? Head straight to our guide of things to do in Wollongong and our edit of the best restaurants in Wollongong.