Best coffee spots

Published on 07 May 2024

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Whether it’s a quick espresso, a comforting caramel latte or heart-pumping, extra strong long black with an extra shot on the side – most people’s mornings begin with a dose of caffeine to kick-start their day.

In Lake Macquarie, the coffee scene is growing, with new cafes popping up on every corner.

And while it’s fair to say everyone’s got their coffee-making business pretty fine-tuned these days, we thought we’d share some of the city’s favourites.

Mr Sister Coffee, Speers Point

Opening in 2021, Mr Sister is new to the Lake Mac coffee scene, but owners Garth Buchanan and Bec Thomson wasted no time making a name for themselves.

Featuring a flawless brew, the entity is attracting workers, locals and people from all walks of life into the store every day.

Home to an impressive array of baked goods and a simplistic hot-food menu, the café is making waves in Speers Point.

New Nero Espresso Bar, Cardiff

At New Nero Espresso Bar, your coffee won’t just taste impressive – it’ll look like something straight from Pablo Picasso’s canvas.

Often created by owner Li, froth is transformed into roaring lions, tranquil swans and more.

Li imparts his wisdom onto locals through barista training sessions, kickstarting people’s coffee careers by teaching them how to make the perfect coffee and create magnificent artwork. 

Three Bears Cafe at the Museum of Art and Culture, Booragul

Situated among eye-capturing art and the leafy grounds of Sculpture Park lies the tranquil Three Bears Cafe.

Cafe owners Tony and Vicki pride themselves on serving customers fresh produce and Award-Winning Roasted Coffee.

Well versed in their craft, the couple ran a cafe in Newcastle’s CBD for four years.

Cargo Espresso, Redhead
The million-dollar views are reason enough to take a seat just metres from the sand on iconic Redhead Beach, but it’s the coffee and food that will keep you coming back.

With such a stunning location, owners Murray and Maree Ruse could almost have been forgiven for resting on their laurels with the actual menu.

Instead, it’s all top-notch. Coffees are made with beans from Newcastle’s Sprocket Roasters, while the accompanying food options include classic beach staples and gourmet dishes featuring locally sourced produce.

Cafe 2283, Toronto

Starting out as a junior staff member, Sandie Redman has climbed the hospitality ladder and is the new owner of Cafe 2283 – taking over in early 2022.

The café boasts regulars arriving by jet-ski and kayak, but with its proximity to Toronto’s sparkling foreshore it’s clear to see how Cafe 2283 achieves this feat.

The outdoor area now boasts a fresh vegetable garden with tomatoes, parsley, coriander, lemons, oranges and more.

And it has a menu to match – with Sandie Redman focused on putting fresh produce on plates.

Door 34, Cardiff

Cardiff born-and-bred owners Caroline and Tony Hayes have made this tiny cafe a decidedly family affair since opening five years ago.

Their mums – aged 86 and 87 – make the slices and tea towels, while their daughter, Ebony and her partner, Hayden, help serve customers, many of whom they know on a first-name basis.

It’s the kind of place with a homely feel but a funky vibe, thanks in no small part to the Doors theming, complete with a giant artwork of front-man Jim Morrison. Coffee is top-notch, sourced from Newcastle’s Silverskin micro-roastery.

Pegs Café, Whitebridge

Having travelled and worked in cafes and restaurants across the globe, hospitality enthusiast Melanie Chapman chose to set up shop in Whitebridge, transforming a former fruit store into Pegs Café.

The quirky coffee shop boasts a rustic flair, delicious coffee and hearty food to match.

And if you feel like swapping caffeine for wine, the restaurant hosts a delicious dinner menu set to satisfy anyone’s taste buds.

A Good Day, Cardiff

A haven for trendy breakfast lovers, newly established A Good Day café in Cardiff is destined to impress.  

From avo on toast to eggs benedict, acai bowls, big brekkies, bacon and egg rolls and green smoothies – owners Benny and Ella have made sure to leave no gaps in the menu.

Originally from Thailand, the couple have reached their goal of opening their first cafe – on a mission to make sure Cardiff locals have ‘a good day’.

Maddz on York, Teralba

Settled in Teralba, in the city’s west, lies the niche Maddz on York café which specialises in delicious cakes while offering a wide range of in-house freshly baked cakes and pastries.

While Bountiful beans from the boutique Glitch Coffee in Newcastle fill each mug with liquid gold, the store itself holds decades of rich Teralba history, formerly a Teralba newsagency.

Furthermore, the store has bumped up production to offer event and corporate catering, so delicious treats can be enjoyed outside its four walls.

 

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