The Best Cafés for a Bite in Bowral

Bowral turns up the southern charm with exquisite gardens, grand estates, rolling vineyards, and shopping hotspots. Add a burgeoning café scene to the mix and you can see why people can’t get enough of this Southern Highlands town.

From organic sourdough to homemade pies and rustic coffee roasts, Bowral sure knows how to do cafe culture well. Here’s our pick of the best cafes in Bowral to satisfy your sweet and savoury tooth.

Franquette Creperie

If you can only stop for one meal in Bowral, head straight to Franquette. This charming slice of Brittany offers an indulgent dish for every meal of the day. Swing by mid-shop for a coffee and crepe or revel in a long lunch of shared galettes, cocktails and authentic French cider paddles. Every single item on the menu has been thoughtfully considered from the largely gluten-free offering to the dedicated vegan menu. The drinks list is impeccable so you might need to plan a second visit to sample the best that France has to offer. 

329 Bong Bong Street, Bowral 

The Press Shop

The Press Shop is everything you want from a weekend brunch spot and more. Fashionably decorated in shades of pale blue, white and marble, and with elegant timber and brass embellishments, it has the ambience of a chic French patisserie. While the menu changes regularly (sometimes on a daily basis) to reflect the best of Bowral’s produce, you can expect a mix of sweet and savoury treats such as couverture chocolate doughnuts, fluffy scones with jam and cream, toasted sandwiches, gluten-free cakes, vegetarian tarts, and moreish breakfast bowls. 

391-397 Bong Bong Street, Bowral

The Hungry Monkey 

Originating in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey has made its way to Bowral and we couldn't be more pleased about it. Delicious and simple staples are the name of the game with incredible burgers and brunch favourites making up the bulk of their menu. If you're keen for a top-notch brew with your breaky or lunch, this is where you'll get it. 

Shop 17, 310-312 Bong Bong Street, Bowral

Rush Roasting Co 

Coffee on your mind? Head directly to Rush Roasting Co. These guys roast their own ethical beans so you can trust your brew will be incredible. They also cater to all tastes with single espresso, filter and cold brew available. Pair with Rush's breaky or lunch menu which covers eggs, salad, burgers, toasties and baked goods. You'll leave fuelled up and ready to go. 

64 Bowral Street, Bowral 

Raw & Wild Bowral 

If you're craving wholesome and healthy be sure to swing by Raw & Wild Bowral. This organic wholefood market and cafe champions local, seasonal and organic ingredients. You'll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free bites on the menu as well as takeaway salads, coffee and cakes. If you're exploring with your pooch we guarantee you won't find a more dog-friendly cafe in town! 

250 Bong Bong Street, Bowral 

Nick's

Nick's is the place to head if you're looking for a top-notch brew and a pastry. Their petite light-filled cafe is also home to plenty of local art. Offering batch brew, reserve, milk-based and black coffee, this is one for both casual coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs.  

343 Bong Bong Street, Bowral 

Salters at Dirty Janes Bowral

A cup of tea with a side of homemade scones, jam, and cream followed by antiquing – it doesn’t get more Bowral than this. Named after Dirty Jane, an Irish orphan who was possibly one of the first traders in country NSW to sell second-hand treasures, the antique marketplace is run by father-daughter duo Athol Salter and Jane Crowley. If the name doesn’t intrigue you to stop by for a gander, the delightful Tea Salon certainly should. Serving a selection of light meals, homemade pastries, savoury treats, and their speciality, Salters at Dirty Janes Bowral is the perfect pit stop before venturing through the fascinating menagerie of vintage furniture, retro homewares and farmhouse finds Dirty Janes is famous for.

13-15 Banyette Street, Bowral

Green Lane Bowral

Green Lane Bowral is a charming village square dotted with quaint cafés, homewares stores, a potting shed and delightful gardenalia. Harry’s on Green Lane is a cafe/bar that screams French country chic. Delight at the picturesque courtyard dining complete with wrought-iron bistro tables and chairs, or venture indoors and be transported back a few centuries by classic decor, bookcases groaning with vintage hardbacks, and walls covered in faded French prints. Harry’s on Green Lane is open daily from 12pm and serves coffee and delicious provincial cuisine. 

21 Banyette Street, Bowral

Gumnut Patisserie 

Your visit to Bowral is not complete without a stop at Gumnut Patisserie. Peruse shelves stacked with exquisite pastries, pies and breads that look almost too good to eat. These guys win awards year on year for their exceptional delicacies so anything you choose is guaranteed to be delicious. We recommend swinging by as early as you can because these goodies don't last long! 

Sitchu Tip: The Lemon Tartlet is sublime. 

Shop 7, Grand Arcade, Bong Bong Street, Bowral 

If you loved this edit of the best cafes in Bowral and are keen to expand your foodie horizons further, be sure to check out our edit of the best restaurants in the Southern Highlands. If it's accommodation you're after, we've sourced the best of the best with our edit of luxurious accommodation in the Southern Highlands.