The Best Cafes in Geelong for Brunching in Style

Victoria’s second-largest city has truly cemented itself as a culinary gem, and its cafe scene is no exception. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re spoiled for choice—think cutting-edge brew bars, trendy sando spots, laid-back family-friendly cafes, and vibrant health-focused havens, all waiting just around the corner.

Grab a coffee to fuel your beach stroll or indulge in a leisurely brunch after your swim. Whatever your mood, the best cafes in Geelong serve up the kind of flavours that make every sip and bite feel like a little moment of magic.

No. 10 James Street

Your lunchtime vacation can be found in the heart of Geelong. No. 10 James Street is an enchanting cafe and wine bar that brims with character and charm. With its warm atmosphere and inviting vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back brunch or evening unwind. The house-blend 10 Rabbits coffee, roasted locally by Cartel Roasters, offers the perfect pick-me-up, while the carefully curated wine selection invites you to linger. Savour delicious dishes like the Green Avo Stack, or join the lively wine nights for a delightful taste of local culture in this cosy, tucked-away gem.

10 James Street, Geelong

At Randy’s

After losing her mum at 17, Kelly channelled her love for cooking and cherished family recipes into At Randy’s, a cosy cafe in Geelong that honours her mum, nana, and her beloved Vizsla, Randy. Serving up comforting, home-style dishes and exceptional coffee, Kelly’s cafe is a place where heart and home come together.

Be sure to try the Hummingbird Cake, topped with honey and white chocolate ganache. Whether you’re after sweet or savoury treats, At Randy’s offers food made with love, and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.

84A Hope Street, Geelong West 

Rossco’s 

For coffee and sangas, Rossco’s in Geelong West is the place to be. This modern-vintage cafe, decked out in orange and white, is known for its creative sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re after curried egg on soft, thick bread, nostalgic roast chook, indulgent toasted Reubens, or classic ham and BLTs, Rossco’s has something for every craving. Don’t forget to grab some cute merch on your way out—those beanies are a must!

1B Yuille Street, Geelong West 

Rebecchi’s

Rebecchi’s is the new cool kid on the block, where coffee culture meets vinyl vibes. A hybrid café and record store at Boom Gallery, it channels the bodega-filled charm of New York City.

Owner Sam blends music passion with culinary skill, creating a community-focused haven. Enjoy New York-style sandwiches like the Italian sub with rotating cold cuts, provolone cheese, pickled peppers, and rocket. Don’t miss the classic Caesar salad with cos leaves, croutons, bacon, anchovy parmesan dressing, and a slow-cooked egg. The likes of tuna melts, chopped cheese sandwiches, and rhubarb sodas round out the menu.

Serving Ona coffee and a rotating guest roasters, Rebecchi’s is all about quality, community, and hospitality—a standout in Geelong’s café scene.

11 Rutland Street, Newtown

Brown Deli

Brown Deli is a standout cafe in Geelong, known for its incredible bagels, toasties, coffee, and welcoming vibes. Must-tries include the fried chicken bagel with Korean fried chicken, sweet chilli sauce, lettuce, coleslaw, and cheese, and the chicken avocado chilli toastie packed with smoky chicken breast, avocado, Korean chilli, pickles, and cheese. Other favourites include the peanut butter porridge, classic salmon lox bagels, beef and kimchi toasties, and sweet banana and Nutella bagels. Vegans aren’t left out, with options like the beetroot hummus, avocado, and rocket bagel. There’s something for everyone at this Geelong gem!

Sitchu Tip: You must try their strawberry iced matcha this summer.

5 Cunningham Street, Geelong 

Blank Space 

Located at the River End of Pakington Street, Blank Space is a Newtown cafe with a passion for its tight knit community and for serving up some of the best brunch in Geelong. Owners Josh and Katie Armstrong have created a funky NYC vibe, providing exceptional Industry Beans Coffee, a season inclusive menu that caters for all….including cheeky cocktails! From Turkish eggs to a salmon deli plate, each brunch dish bursts with freshness and flavour. 

4/343 Pakington Street, Newtown

Cafe Go 

Cafe Go is a charming blue weatherboard café, nestled in Geelong’s heart, offering creative meals six days a week. It’s a haven of wholesome delights, where comforting cinnamon porridge shares the menu with Persian eggs and Moroccan nourish bowls. Relax by the warm fireplace with a coffee, or escape to the enchanting leafy courtyard out back. Café Go is truly one-of-a-kind cafe in Geelong, inviting you to experience its unique ambiance and delicious offerings. 

37 Bellerine Street, Geelong 

Sodi 

The most dog-friendly cafe in Geelong has to have a place on our best café in Geelong list – but it’s so much more than just pooch-perfect. Pakington Street’s Sodi is an all-round gem, a fully-licensed venue crafting tasty cocktails alongside a menu designed to accommodate both humans and pooches. The food is incredible here – think everything from Mexican style zucchini and corn fritters to buttermilk cinnamon scroll pancakes, and one of the best avocado toasts in the business. 

149 Pakington Street, Geelong West 

Neck of the Woods

For specialty coffee and divine baked goods, look no further than Geelong’s own Neck of the Woods! A humble husband and wife duo are behind the wheel here, serving up Campos coffee, tasty treats, and freshly prepared, light café fare. From classic brekky toasties to fresh berries, granola and yoghurt, and salted chocolate chip cookies paired perfectly with your coffee order, there really isn’t a better way to start the day than with a visit to this charming spot. 

136 Myers Street, Geelong

The Local Geelong

Serving delicious hand-rolled pastries and multi-day baked sourdough from 7.30am, The Local Geelong is the café and bakery we wish was in every neighbourhood. Using top-quality local produce, their menu changes daily with seasonal treats like croissants, brioche burgers, corned beef sandwiches, salted chocolate cookies, and potato and leek gratin danishes. Paired with top-notch coffee from Everyday Coffee and skilled baristas, it’s a must-visit cafe in Geelong for breakfast and beyond.

175 McKillop Street, Geelong 

Pavilion

Brunch heaven with bayside views? Yes, please! The storied Pavilion in Geelong, developed in 1927 and recently revitalised, offers a fresh, crowd-pleasing all-day menu. Highlights include smashed avocado with smoked feta, jalapeno sauce and chives, braised mushrooms on toast, blueberry and banana acai bowls, and the must-try eggs benedict with pulled pork brisket and sweet mustard hollandaise. It’s a brunch spot you don’t want to miss, and one of the best cafes in Geelong. 

95 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong

King of the Castle

You’ll feel like a king after recharging at one of the best cafés in Geelong that’s slinging coffee and brekky worth rising for. In a refurbished repair garage spruced with hanging plants, a sleek kitchen and a cabinet displaying irresistible sweet treats can be found at King of the Castle. There’s plenty of space for the hordes of hungry punters that come by each weekend, and their globe-trotting menu has something for everyone, from brekky tacos topped with buttery scramble to their ‘Thai poached eggs’, which layer herbs and chilli jam on crispy grilled roti. Vegans are also well looked after with a separate plant-based menu.

24 Pakington Street, Geelong West

Winter’s Cafe

This spacious and friendly gem on Pakington Street is a perennial brunch favourite. Winter’s Café in Geelong remixes café classics with a diverse, all-day menu. Try their Mexican-inspired eggs benny with pulled pork hash, corn, beans, and chipotle crema, perfect with a refreshing breakfast sangria. For lunch, opt for wholesome dishes like Mediterranean calamari or a lemon and pea falafel bowl.

Open seven days a week from early morning, Winter’s Café welcomes families with ample space for prams both indoors and outdoors.

330 Pakington Street, Newtown

Kilgour St Grocer

In an old corner store that’s been around since the 1960s, Kilgour St Grocer is a modern milk bar – and one of the best cafes in Geelong. They serve specialty coffee and classic sandwiches alongside sweet treats, fancy groceries…and waffles on the weekends! You’ll also love shopping their curated hampers online, but visit in person and you get to build your own. 

164 Kilgour Street, Geelong

Coffee Cartel Brew Bar

If you’re serious about your coffee you’ll find the Geelong’s best at Coffee Cartel, a specialty roaster and brew bar in the city centre. Nab a spot at the communal table or people watch from the coveted window seats while sipping high grade coffees from around the world. Each brew can be traced from crop to cup, with beans grown sustainably and processed with utmost care. Try rare varieties before buying some for home, and we can attest that they make great gifts for the coffee lovers in your life.

1/80 Little Malop Street, Geelong

Mano Deli

Mano Deli is a retro gem in Manifold Heights, celebrated for its cosy vibes, good old fashioned service and mouthwatering menu. From Zeally Bay sourdough toast and sweet crumpets with berry compote to hearty toasties and sandwiches brimming with local flavours, there’s something for everyone.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the Ode to Iberia sandwich—a delicious nod to the venue’s former life as Iberia.

137 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights

Born & Bread Bakehouse

At Born & Bread, three generations of baking wisdom are crafting up some of Geelong’s finest sourdough, focaccia, and buttery brioche. Visit for the fresh bread and stay for a hot coffee and pastry. Housed in a former mechanics garage, this cosy haven offers delightful savoury and sweet treats like cheesy scones, spicy nduja fougasse, delicate danishes, and moreish cakes. Enjoy the aroma of fresh bread and peek into the production area where bakers work their magic.

2/364 Pakington Street, Newtown

Travelling through the area and keen to explore post delicious brunch at one of the best cafes in Geelong? Check out these gorgeous places to stay in Lorne or all along the Great Ocean Road. En route, surf your way across our road-tripper’s guide to the best beaches in Victoria.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

23 January 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.