This absolute cult classic of a cafe in Newcastle’s beachside suburb of Merewether is celebrating six years in business, with current owners, Meckenzie Youngblutt and Josh Marshall, adding their personality since May 2021.

Located in the heart of Merewether, Newcastle, Akuna Cafe stands as a testament to the dreams and hard work of its owners. 

The pair are quickly making a dint in the local cafe scene, having taken over 23Hundred in Newcastle’s East End back in 2020, taking over the reins of Akuna Cafe in 2021, and launching Paper Run Espresso in late 2023.

We caught up with Meckenzie and Josh last year to hear about their journey into the hospitality scene and it’s safe to say they’re invested in our local scene for the long run.

In 2018, former owner Ros launched Akuna as a haven of beachy vibes and chill energy, with the venue changing hands in 2021. The cafe’s core offering and philosophy has hardly changed, continuing to stand as a beloved fixture in the Merewether community.

“The summer just gone was so good. It all just flowed really well. We’ve got a really good crew here at Akuna and we’ve got Nepalese chefs, Kushal and Prajwal in the kitchen and they’re really cool.”

The venue sits on the corner of Merewether’s Patrick and Robey Streets and is just a short walk from the beach or The Junction. The cafe offers cosy interior seating, with a private back deck, and sidewalk seating oozing beachy vibes; a true representation of the Newcastle lifestyle.

For the acai-loving community in Newcastle, you’ll have no doubt have sampled a bowl (or two) from Akuna Cafe in Merewether. It was one of the first venues in town to really nail the brief, and it has continued to offer an almost identical menu to the one it launched six years ago.

“We’ve changed two bowls from when we took over in 2021. But for the most part, they’ve stayed the same and stood the test of time.”

Whilst the acai is a returning favourite for diners, the venue’s menu expands with an all-day breakfast offering, toasties, burgers, wraps, plus desserts and treats. Standout favourites include the Rosti Benedict, Smoked Salmon Stack, and the Bacon and Rosti Burrito.

“We will change a few things on the menu moving forward. Kushal and Prajwa will start doing some curries and more hearty styles of food as we move into winter. Winter is the time that we can do a bit more of a range. Summer is when we stick to our basics.”

As the sun sets over Merewether, Akuna Cafe stands as a beacon of warmth and hospitality – year round. With a few cosmetic changes planned for the future, locals and visitors can rest assured knowing their favourite acai bowl joint is not going anywhere.