Newcastle's cafe scene has been growing rapidly over the last few years, and there's no shortage of venues where you can enjoy your morning coffee or Sunday brunch.

After sampling many chai lattes, smashed avos, bacon and egg rolls and long brunches, we’ve rounded up the best cafes in Newcastle.

Autumn Rooms

Known for its cosy indoor seating, quaint courtyard, and seasonally-evolving menu, Autumn Rooms is a crowd favourite for classic breakfast fare with a twist. We keep going back for the crumpets, which have toppings that change with the seasons (at the moment, they're baklava-inspired with honey-rosewater syrup, almond praline cream, toasted pistachios, and filo pastry), the eggs Benedict, and the iced lattes.
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Bolton Street Pantry

Bolton Street Pantry's sleek, industrial-style fit out is reflective of its coffee and food philosophy: don't overcomplicate things. Make yourself at home and enjoy a specialty coffee or a bite from the all day menu. The menu changes up every so often, so you'll absolutely want to keep coming back to try the cafe's latest creations. The smashed avo is a reliable favourite, if you're that way inclined.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Bowie

Bowie is brought to you by the same friendly team behind The Junction’s Talulah, and you can expect the same quality of food, coffee, and service at this fun Hamilton haunt. The menu certainly more on the adventurous side for cafe fare, but it makes for an exciting brunch outing. Dippy eggs have had a makeover and are served with avruga caviar, brioche soldiers, and a truffle and chive butter; fermented peppers give the smashed avo a tangy kick; and zucchini fritters are upgraded with the addition of crab.
Where: 79/81 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Convoy Commune

Convoy Commune nicely matches the beachy, relaxed vibes of Merewether, where it's been located since 2019. It's a great spot to head to when you need fuelling up after a swim or surf at nearby Merewether Beach. Locals keep coming back for Convoy Commune's own speciality coffee blend and no-fuss food menu – acai bowl anyone?
Where: Shop 1/88 Mitchell St, Merewether

East End Hub

East End Hub is a staple on the Newcastle cafe scene, and for good reason. Whether you go for a breakfast classic like corn fritters or make it a long lunch with hand-rolled gnocchi, you can expect quality, seasonal ingredients, great service, and premium coffee. It's located just steps away from Newcastle Beach, so you'll get a dose of fresh sea air if you sit outside!
Where: 3/3 King St, Newcastle East

Estabar

This local favourite is perched in a prime position in Newcastle East, overlooking Newcastle Beach. Estabar continually impresses with its unwavering passion for coffee and simple food done well. The team keeps the food offering concise, but even then you'll still find it hard to choose just one dish to order. If you're finding it hard to decide, order the pear bruschetta, featuring turmeric-poached pears, toasted sourdough, house-made sweet labna, toasted coconut and macadamias, and honey. Make sure you grab some of the house-made gelato on your way out too!
Where: 61 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Equium Social

Equium Social not only boasts a wholesome, ethically-sourced, and seasonally-influenced menu, but it's dog-friendly too, so bring your pup and people watch outside while you sip coffee and devour your breakfast. You can expect plenty of people stopping by Equium Social of a weekend, but it never takes too long to be seated or get your takeaway order. The menu is full of interesting takes on cafe favourites; we're particularly fond of the vegetable hash and the nuoc cham eggs.
Where: 1-5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Goldbergs’ Coffee House

Goldbergs’ Coffee House has called Darby Street home since 1995, serving up no-fuss food and coffee to locals and visitors alike. Grungy interiors, quality coffee, and plenty of charm can be expected from a visit to this Newcastle institution. Grab a table out the front (indoors or outdoors) for a prime people-watching position.
Where: 137 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Good Brother Espresso Shop

Don't let the name fool you – Good Brother Espresso Shop does indeed serve a cracking coffee, but the food offering is not to be missed. The meals are hearty and casual, but they are full of flavour. You can always expect super friendly service too, so we reckon you'll quickly start making Good Brother your regular. Come back on Wednesday to Saturday nights for Good Nights at Good Brother, the cafe's after-dark bar with live music, an excellent happy hour, and delicious share plates.
Where: 40 King St, Newcastle

Local Customs

Local Customs took up residence in some of Habitat's old space on Glebe Road, and the result is a bright, chilled out space where the only priority is to slow down. Take your pick of the seating areas – outside among the plants, at the bar seating overlooking the courtyard, or on a vintage green couch inside – and order a coffee made with the cafe's house coffee blend, the wood-fired panini, and relax. Afterwards, browse the retail shelves, mini record store, and pantry, and marvel at how carefree you feel.
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Mockingbird

The team at Mockingbird are all about taking a fresh and fun approach to their food, so while you can expect to see your Aussie classics on the menu, you’ll also be in for a surprise with dishes like prawn toast and XO chilli scrambled eggs. There's plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes, so everyone is covered, and you can expect much of the menu to be made with local ingredients. The attention to detail, while keeping things exciting, is what makes Mockingbird a must-dine.
Where: 131 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Momo Wholefood Cafe

Housed in a former bank building, Momo Wholefood Cafe is a light-filled, plant-adorned, vegan's delight. With a focus on sustainability and organic produce, this cafe is the place to be those wanting a nourishing, plant-based meal, but even omnivorous folks can get around Momo's delicious creations. The menu stays primarily the same, with frequent specials, so you can go back for your faves or switch things up if you feel like it. The crumpets, Indian breakfast, and veggie momos are HUNTERhunter favourites.
Where: 227 Hunter St, Newcastle

Neighbours on Market St

Pair your Sunday brunch with a cocktail and rustic interiors at Neighbours on Market St. Sharing the space with its sister venue Market St Basement, Neighbours is a reliable option for a tasty cafe feed. The servings are hearty, so you won't go hungry. You'll want to spend plenty of time admiring the gorgeous interiors, or if you're outside, you've got a great vantage point to watch the comings and goings of Scott Street. 
Where: 2 Market St, Newcastle

Pegs Cafe

Cosy, eccentric, and community-minded, Pegs is the little suburban cafe that you can’t help but love. Head down for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or while away the afternoon at Pegs' high tea. The meals are always hearty and colourful, so you're guaranteed to feel good after a visit to Pegs. On Friday and Saturday nights, the cafe transforms into an Italian restaurant, offering a banquet menu or tapas – expect dishes like ricotta gnocchi with lamb ragu, rigatoni alla vodka, and arancini.
Where: 157 Dudley Rd, Whitebridge

Poppy's Verandah Cafe

Don't let the unassuming name fool you – Poppy's Verandah Cafe is a lush, green oasis set alongside nursery Poppy's Home & Garden in Gateshead. Drop in for coffee and cake and linger for a long lunch – all before shopping for plants to add to your garden. The menu is full of cafe classics done well, and the cafe even serves alcohol, so you can have a tipple with your lunch.
Where: 83 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead 

Slingtown Espresso

Settle in for a coffee and a relaxed feed at Slingtown Espresso, run by the same folks behind Good Brother Espresso shop. This Beaumont Street favourite is loved for its laidback, grungy vibe – plus, the coffee is great and the food is scrumptious. Think golden toasties, baked treats, and rotating specials. Kick back in the leafy, dog-friendly courtyard for a catch-up with friends.
Where: 3 Beaumont St, Islington

Talulah

Make yourself at home at cosy Talulah in The Junction. With a seasonally-inspired menu full of breakfasts classics and fusion flavours, there's something to please everyone at this long-standing cafe. We'll never tire of the breakfast roll with an iced chai. Talulah even supports local artists, whose works are hung all over the cafe's walls. Make sure you take a look around – you might find an artwork to take home for yourself.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Three Monkeys

Three Monkeys has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Locals keep coming back for the Monkey Fry (think gourmet big brekkie), the enormous smoothies, and stellar service. We're very fond of seating ourselves in the back courtyard or the upstairs balcony for a bit of respite from the hustle and bustle of Darby Street while we tuck into our humungous feed.
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

The Village Newcastle

This Greek-inspired cafe on Beaumont Street has a number of signature dishes, making it hard to pick just one to dine on. The Greek breakkie is a classic choice, aligning with The Village's roots. It's served with lemon fried eggs, grilled halloumi, mushrooms, spinach, cumin tomato, olive tapenade, and sourdough. Anyone else feeling inspired to book a ticket to Greece?
Where: 2/44 Beaumont St, Hamilton

The Yoga Place Cafe

Located next door to The Yoga Place (surprise surprise), The Yoga Place Cafe is wholly plant-based and beloved among the Blacksmiths community. The lake and the beach is just a short stroll away, making it a lovely spot to stop off at after a swim or a walk. Its nourishing menu is sure to satisfy vegans and omnivores alike, while the coffee always hits the spot. Oh, did we mention the cafe is dog-friendly, and offers free wi-fi? Essentially, The Yoga Place Cafe ticks all the boxes.
Where: 6 Mitti St, Blacksmiths

The Wickham Boatshed

Ideally located on Newcastle Harbour, The Wickham Boatshed has been serving up Mediterranean-inspired fare since 2017. Sit outside and lap up the sunshine as you watch the goings on of the marina, all with a coffee in hand. The menu changes up seasonally, so it's a good excuse to keep returning to try new dishes. At the moment, the chai-spiced pear and walnut bircher is very suitable for the autumn mornings. When it comes to lunch, try the chilli prawn and chorizo gnocchi.
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham

Xtraction Espresso

On the corner of Bolton and King Street is a cafe that has been churning out some of the best brews in Newcastle since its inception in 2013. Xtraction Espresso has a focus on excellent coffee (you'll frequently find queues of eager coffee lovers awaiting their daily brew), the food is not to be missed either. The menu is a comprehensive selection of cafe favourites like smashed avo and eggs Benedict, but there's stacks of on-the-go options like bagels, toasties, and pastries, and chef Adam always whips up cracking weekly specials.
Where: 36 Bolton St, Newcastle