The best cafés in Perth right now

What is it? A wee, but groovy city hide-out with a focus on wicked cups of coffee.

Why we love it: You might end up waiting a while in an alley for your morning cuppa, but trust us, it’s worth it. Plonked down one of Perth CBD’s hilly ways on Howard Street, this café serves specialty coffee that will surpass your wildest dreams. Twin Peaks and Smooth Operator beans are all systems go at this hip joint, and you best be sure to try their oat mont blanc – a cold brew with a cap of oat cream and a dusting of orange zest and nutmeg – and pair it with a golden toastie (their only solids offering), such as the Cuban with pickle mustard, ham, cheese and gherkins. As the name suggests, Howard’s Groove is indeed rather groovy, with its maroon colour scheme, polished concrete floors, soft globe light fixtures and timber fittings. It’s contemporary, but by no means frosty-feeling.

Time Out tip: Howard’s Groove is half underground-ish thanks to the sloped locale. This means you can sit by the window and watch the pants and shoes of Perth City clip and clop by.

Address: 22 Howard Street, Perth
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $10 for a proper meal

What is it? A New Orleans-style deli highlighting traditional Jewish cuisine.

Why we love it: A true landmark in North Perth, walking into Satchmo is much like walking into an old-school New York City deli, complete with 1970s-inspired interiors. That said, the neon-lit cornerstore is New Orleans at heart with music to match the seriously good soul food that reflects the owner’s Jewish roots. Deli-style dishes like cream cheese bagels and meatball hoagies are a Satchmo feature, and of course a hunk of a Reuben sandwich jam-packed with 250 grams of pastrami-rubbed corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese and Russian dressing on onion rye. Vegetarians don’t miss out on the Satchmo goods either, featuring an eggplant parmigiana hoagie with grilled zucchini, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, parmesan and sugo sauce on a trusty crusty roll. After moving a few doors down from its original location, Satchmo has somehow become even more popular. Trust us, it’s the place to be seen in North Perth.

Time Out tip: Lord knows we love a good bagel, but Satchmo is the place to be for even heftier traditional Jewish cuisine too. Venture out of your norm and get into the matzoball soup, which is a dumpling of sorts in chicken and vegetable broth with horseradish and a toasted bagel for good measure.

Address: 410 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-3pm; Sun 8am-3pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? An Inglewood café serving up some of the best breakfasts in P-Town.

Why we love it: While there are many good eggs benedict to be found around Perth, none compare with Finlay and Sons’ creation. Perfectly oozing poached eggs sit pretty on a wilted spinach and hash brown base and are smothered in a creamy hollandaise sauce. Adding the thick-cut bacon is not optional, it’s a must, with the chunky slice of bacon a perfectly salty contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish. The classic menu melds seamlessly with the casual-cool cornerstore’s ambience too, not to mention the Beaufort Street locale. There’s something a little old-timey about the recycled timber tabletops, red brick innards and mid-century mirrors that hang about the place. And to top it all off, a wee wooden coffee window adjacent to the main ensemble is the place to be when you're on the go but in need of a brew by Perth small-batch roasters, Twin Peaks.

Time Out tip: Given Finlay and Sons’ Beaufort Street locale, we recommend taking a stroll along the famed strip. You’ll find op shops, specialty stores, old-timey pubs and many a restaurant to peruse. 

Address: 917 Beaufort Street, Inglewood
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-2.15pm; Sun 7am-1.30pm
Expect to pay: More than $20 for a proper meal

What is it? Hotspots with a focus on coffee and souvlaki.

Why we love it: Subiaco has its fair share of cafés, but Community Coffee Co is definitely up there on our list of favourites. What appears like the back of a car park is actually a go-to café, and they’ve gained a loyal following over the years. They’ve now opened two new locations in Perth CBD and one in Duncraig, but it’s their Subi location that started it all. Fans of breakfast will want to head here ASAP to try their famous sandos (we recommend their fabled egg one) or their buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and bacon. Further, Community Coffee Co is known to pour some of the best cups of Joe in town, even roasting their own beans and supplying cafés under the alias, Loot Coffee. Try their stellar cold brew in a can, it’ll be sure to get the cogs turning.

Time Out tip: On Fridays, the OG Subiaco locale melds together wildly good souvlaki for lunch. The line-up is worth the wait.

Address: Multiple venues including Duncraig, Perth and Subiaco
Opening hours: Dependent on location
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? A Mediterranean eatery with bold flavours at the forefront of its breakfast and lunch menus.

Why we love it: Subiaco locals have known and loved Boucla for years, and for good reason. The café’s Moroccan-style decor and colourful prints create a sense of homeliness you can’t help but love. Despite opening 20 years ago, current owner Nil Thapaliya is all about continuing the tradition of good Greek food for lunch while constantly updating the café’s menu with hints of Turkish influence. Come for soufra (egg and vegetable pie), spanakopita (spinach filo pie) and Turkish fried potatoes with sumac pickled onion, feta, coriander and dukkah. Definitely stay for a slice or two of their super moist cakes with the likes of orange and poppy seed as well as chocolate and ricotta. They’re very home-style and just rustic enough – the perfect hot chocolate pairing, if we may suggest.

Time Out tip: Subiaco’s Rokeby Road is a hive that should be gandered, if you’ve not done so already. Catch a show at the Regal Theatre or wander the Subiaco Farmers Market on a fine Saturday morn.

Address: 349 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-4pm; Sun 8am-1pm
Expect to pay: More than $17 for a proper meal

What is it? A clean-cut CBD espresso bar that’s brimming with the professional crowds.

Why we love it: Part of Mo Espresso Group, Hemingway Café’s appeal is its modern, minimalist, chic aesthetic. Sleek curves, polished concrete and marble tabletops take centre stage at this Perth City bean bar, and caffeine addicts flock here for a taste of coffee made from their under-counter Modbar (a true love letter to coffee). Pour-overs, single-origin batch brews are the Hemingway mainstays, utilising Five Senses beans with guest roasters on rotation too. Matchas are an equal highlight too, with latte art that might look a little like seahorses and unicorns. If you’re on the run, get your hands on a 17-hour beef brisket milk bun with onion jam, pickled onion, pesto aioli and brie. But if you’re in it for the long run, settle in with sardines on toast with red onion, pickled lemon, rocket, capers, capsicum and tomato salad. 

Time Out tip: City workers are known to hold their meetings here. If you’re planning to visit on a weekday morning, expect a small queue. But trust us, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Address: 152/158 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-3.30pm
Expect to pay: More than $12 for a proper meal

What is it? A cosy, art-filled café in the heart of Northbridge.

Why we love it: This delightful little café on William Street has been a go-to for the Northbridge crowd since 2009. With almost no social media presence, Little Willy’s might seem like a hidden gem – but judging by the weekend crowds, the secret’s well and truly out. Adorned with quirky artwork and a blackboard that enlists the nosh, Little Willy’s is cute as a button and a welcome escape that’s safe from the minimalism police. Burritos and bagels rule the breakfast menu at Little Willy’s, with hot coffee and freshly squeezed fruit juices always on hand to perk you up. The bacon and egg bagel with tomato chutney is a hot hit, irresistible on any old day, while the blueberry bagel with cream cheese is a sweet enough temptation that’ll get the job done. Pair it with a chilli hot chocolate for a taste bud tingle.

Time Out tip: On sunny days – which let’s face it, are a likely scenario here in Perth – sit streetside and watch the world go by.

Address: 267 William Street, Northbridge
Opening hours: Sat-Mon 6am-12pm; Tues-Fri 6am-1pm
Expect to pay: More than $15 for a proper meal

What is it? A Byron Bay-like café in Perth’s north-west.

Why we love it: When Mr Herbert’s closed in 2021, locals were understandably devastated. But when Laura and Gary Fletcher took over and opened Folk and Merchant, that feeling of community was brought back to the Doubleview area soon enough. Sourcing foods from local businesses, Folk and Merchant boasts outdoor dining, a coffee window and a simple food menu done well, which equates to a Byron Bay-feeling hub. Think rattan light fixtures, canvas umbrellas, recycled timber tables and plenty of beige tones about the place. As for the fare, Fold and Merchant are all about wholesome goodness, which means nourishing bowls and gluten-free options are high on the agenda. But fresh-baked sausage rolls with their golden hues atop the counter might just scratch your itch. We love the coffee brewed from Wangara’s own Kaltiva Coffee Roasters, as well as taking a peek at Laura’s own children’s clothing line, Lucie June, sold inside.

Time Out tip: Venue hire is all the rage at Folk and Merchant – they love to put on a show in their cactus courtyard, the ideal backdrop for a summery soirée. 

Address: 4/243 Herbert Street, Doubleview
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-2pm; Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $19 for a proper meal

What is it? An intimate neighbourhood café that also has a buzzy bar out the back for evening catch-ups with friends.

Why we love it: Smack bang on Railway Parade, it's hard to stop yourself from grabbing a bite from Hylin. The West Leederville café is all about maximising the space they have, from the curbside dining (and they take the meaning seriously) to the industrial bar out the back that’s fit with a corrugated iron ceiling, steel rafters and polished concrete floors for a beer in the shed-like ambience. Hylin takes its food seriously too – it's all about breakfast classics and wholesome dishes, and its namesake bruschetta combines the best of both (think whipped stracciatella, poached egg, cherry tomatoes and a verdant basil-walnut dressing atop ciabatta). But if eggs aren’t your breakfast of choice, fear not, the menu offers plenty of South American-inspired brekkie dishes to tempt you, from an AM burrito to smoked chicken quesadillas – they’re some of the best breakfasts in Perth, mind you.

Time Out tip: Hylin is mere moments by foot from West Leederville train station – ideal if you’re avoiding the roads.

Address: 178 Railway Parade, West Leederville
Opening hours: Sat-Mon 7am-2pm; Tues-Fri 6.30am-2.30pm
Expect to pay: More than $23 for a proper meal

What is it? Two café outposts with a Japanese flair.

Why we love it: Artem Coffee started as a pop-up spot before its blossoming popularity led to the establishment of two locations in Applecross and Highgate. Now Perth residents flock here for their east-meets-west menu, which is a hybrid of brunch-style classics and Asian fare. Most famous is Artem’s Reuben sandwich, which is only available on weekends. But you could also try their chilli eggs, prawn rolls or Japanese-inspired pasta specials if you’re feeling a little adventurous. Drool-worthy drink specials grace Artem’s menu from time to time, like the Chicory Sunrise of roasted chicory root reduction, orange syrup and vanilla cream foam topped with candied orange and zest – a caffeine-free number that isn’t just a second thought. 

Time Out tip: Artem Coffee are all about maximising their existing Applecross space, sometimes turning their café by dawn into a full-on restaurant by dusk. Most recently, Tsukemen Night has been reeling in the crowds for steamy bowls of ramen and crispy bites of karaage.

Address: Applecross and Highgate
Opening hours: Dependent on location
Expect to pay: More than $17 for a proper meal

What is it? An always café and sometimes live music venue in the unassuming suburb of Harrisdale.

Why we love it: Perth’s southeastern suburbs are not exactly known for their culinary fare, which makes Timber Café a standout in the area, and well worth a trip into the depths of Harrisdale (that’s just past Canning Vale for those in the back). The menu changes seasonally and features all the classics with a twist – crispy corn and spring onion fritters with sriracha and sour cream, for example. Classics are indeed mighty fine, but Timber Café likes to make sure you’re really well fed too – tuck into the fish burger made up of an extra crisp Redspot Emperor fillet, lettuce, pickles, onion and house-made tartare between a super fluffy potato bun. Winner-winner fishy grinner. The grilled peaches go down a treat, too. There’s also a well-stocked cabinet of takeaway goodies to accompany your morning coffee if you’re on the go, seven dang days a week.

Time Out tip: Bring your baby, tell your puppies – Timber is churning out $1 babychinos and $1.50 puppychinos.

Address: 51 Wright Road, Harrisdale
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $17 for a proper meal

What is it? A vibrant, outdoorsy nook in the CBD that’s big on bagels and brews.

Why we love it: A freshly toasted bagel and hot coffee from Playa could make anyone’s day. And that’s probably why you’ll usually find a small crowd gathering at this café every weekday morning. A city sanctuary, it’s no surprise office workers flock here for smokey salmon bagels (there are 16 to choose from), melty buttered banana bread and baked goods too. You’ll never want to return to the office after stopping by, but if you must, it’d be a wise choice to take a look at Playa's drinks selection – they’ve got everything from cappuccinos and short macchiatos to turmeric lattes and nitro cold brews. Playa Coffee will inadvertently brighten your day with its neon signage, hot pink theme and striking mural that turns heads left, right and centre.

Time Out tip: Did someone say gluten-free and vegan bagel options? Playa did, and there’s a crumbed mushroom number up for grabs if you’re looking to stray from the stock standard ‘everything’ bagel.

Address: 15/17 William Street, Perth
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 6.30am-3pm; Fri 6.30am-2pm
Expect to pay: More than $13 for a proper meal