The Best Cafes in Coogee for Your Next Beachside Brunch

Rise and dine, Coogee, these dreamy cafes are calling, and we guarantee you’ll want to get a seat early. This charming beachside hangout may not be as well-known as its big sister Bondi, but Coogee still draws in the crowds, not least for its gorgeous beach, but for its cafe culture that’s second to none.

From wholefood havens to cosy neighbourhood coffee shops – we’ve whittled down the best cafes in Coogee for brunch and a brew.

Best Cafes in Coogee

The Lion and the Buffalo

Community is at the heart of this friendly South Coogee cafe, from their locally sourced produce to their huge wall mural, designed and painted by local artists. The Lion and the Buffalo’s menu looks high-end but has a surprisingly affordable price tag, making this a favourite amongst beachside brunch-goers. Pair your brunch with a gorgeous floral-infused loose-leaf tea – they’re famous for them!

203 Malabar Road, South Coogee

The Little Kitchen

The Little Kitchen is a family business nestled in Arden Street, just off the beachfront drag. It’s unpretentious and approachable, everything you’d want in a friendly neighbourhood cafe. It still oozes that coastal cool cafe vibe though, with white, wood-panelled walls and an organic, wholesome menu (think fried chicken burgers, fish cakes, buttermilk pancakes and poached eggs). 

275 Arden Street, Coogee

Coffeeroom Coogee

A hole-in-the-wall affair on the south side of the beach, it has hand-crafted pastel pottery, Tuga pastries, rich, melty paninis, and Single Origin coffee. Just a short walk from the McIver’s Women’s Baths, Coffeeroom Coogee has a sun-soaked Scandinavian-inspired feel. Their menu is limited but packs a serious punch.

256 Arden Street, Coogee

Cafe Rafaele

This charming French cafe is the perfect spot to go for an unforgettable bite to eat just moments from the beach. Stand-outs include the croque-monsieur, the pillowy soft homemade ricotta gnocchi, and the roasted mushrooms on schiacciata, with prosciutto and porcini aioli. 

19 Havelock Avenue, Coogee

Little Jack Horner

Little Jack Horner is all about the good vibes. Offering a beachfront dining experience with stunning views of Coogee Beach and Wedding Cake Island, it’s open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper. Standouts on the menu include lemon and rosemary chicken skewers, the wagyu burger, an array of tacos and pizza, plus their divine cocktails. Enjoy live music, a cosy setting, and a chilled beachy atmosphere.

270/274 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee

X74 Cafe

A local hot spot, X74 Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and has a fantastic menu serving up everything from truffle chili scrambled eggs, sweetcorn and zucchini fritters, chorizo shakshuka, and Reuben sangas. Even better is the fact they have their very own on-site garden, where they hand-pick ingredients from every day.

10 Bream Street, Coogee 

The Grumpy Baker

The Grumpy Baker – or as it’s affectionately known by customers, “Grumpy” – is known for quality, old-fashioned European sourdough and a delicious range of preservative- and additive-free bread.

98 Beach Street, Coogee

Coogee Courtyard

From their locally roasted coffee to their neighbourhood pastries baked nearby in a Clovelly patisserie, Coogee Courtyard is all about celebrating community. The menu comes filled to the brim with a variety of delicious breakfast treats, and with its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home relaxing with a good book and a tasty local blend.

1/260 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee

Gusto Espresso Bar

With four locations scattered around the Eastern Suburbs, Gusto Espresso Bar is the place to go for good coffee. Be sure to try our favourite dish: shakshuka served on Bake Bar sourdough.

211 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee

Bohäus Cafe

This cute little cafe brings the bohemian vibes to Coogee. Halfway between Coogee and Randwick, Bohäus Cafe is decorated with rattan pendant lights overhead and a deep blue and turquoise mural at the back of the cafe. The service is friendly, and the food is fresh and tasty with all the classics like açai, bagels, eggs your way, smoothies galore, and, of course, coffee. 

101 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee

Has our list of the best cafes in Coogee inspired you to explore Sydney’s coffee scene? Check out our edit of the best cafes in the CBD, Mosman, and the Northern Beaches.