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.

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.
Where: 227 Hunter St, 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.
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill

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.
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

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.
Where: 131 Beaumont St, Hamilton

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.
Where: 1-5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Onyx Espresso

What was once a little espresso bar has expanded into a full cafe offering right in the heart of Mayfield. The community-minded Onyx Espresso continues with its stand-out coffee offering, now accompanied by an extensive breakfast and lunch menu.
Where: 191 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

The Grumpy Baker

The only Newcastle location of this iconic Sydney bakery, The Grumpy Baker brings freshly-baked sourdough, flaky pastries and quality coffee to The Junction. Contrary to what the name implies, you certainly won’t be grumpy after a visit to The Grumpy Baker.
Where: 53 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Goldbergs’ Coffee House

Goldbergs’ 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.
Where: 137 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Villa Lane Café

A blend of café and homewares store, Villa Lane is a favourite with the Redhead community. The bright, relaxed space is an ideal spot to spend a morning devouring an acai bowl and a coffee.
Where: Shop 2/105 Cowlishaw St, Redhead

Talulah

Make yourself at home at cosy Talulah in The Junction. With a seasonally-inspired menu full of breakfasts classics and fusion flavours, settle in and watch the world go by.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Blue Door

With two locations across Newcastle, one in Merewether and one in Hamilton, Blue Door is known for its consistently good coffee and fresh food offering. If you’re visiting the kiosk, expect lots of grab-n-go style food. Heading to Hamilton? Enjoy all the usual cafe favourites in their sit-down space.
Where: Cnr Watkins St &, 1 John Parade, Merewether and Shop 2/103 Tudor St, Hamilton

Estabar

This local favourite is perched in a prime position in Newcastle East, overlooking Newcastle Beach. Estabar continually impresses with their unwavering passion for coffee and simple food done well.
Where: 61 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Poppy's Verandah Café

Don't let the unassuming name fool you – Poppy's Verandah Café is a lush, green oasis set alongside nursery Poppy's Home & Garden. Drop in for coffee and cake and linger for a long lunch.
Where: 83 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead 

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.
Where: 3/3 King St, Newcastle East

Pegs Café

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.
Where: 157 Dudley Rd, Whitebridge

Goodfriends Eatery

Goodfriends Eatery serves up quality, wholesome food to be shared with loved ones in its light, airy space. The menu is fresh, simple and plant-based, and boasts lots of delicious salads and cafe favourites.
Where: 144 Union St, The Junction

Sherwood Coffee

Don't be deceived by the hole-in-the-wall nature of Sherwood Coffee. What Sherwood Coffee's venues lack in size, they make up for in delicious coffee and cracking food.
Where: Newcastle West, New Lambton, Kotara, Kahibah, Gillieston Heights, Cardiff, Charlestown

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 Basement on Market St, Neighbours is a reliable option for a tasty cafe feed.
Where: 2 Market St, Newcastle

Morning Market Coffee

With two venues across Newcastle, Morning Market Coffee has gained a loyal following for its speciality coffee and artisanal baked goods. Don't miss the cold brew when you need cooling down. 
Where: Unit 1/6 Stewart Ave, Newcastle West and 2/142 Dudley Rd, Whitebridge

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.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Convoy Commune

Convoy Commune nicely matches the beachy, relaxed vibes of Merewether, where it's been located since 2019. 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

The Yoga Place Café

Located next door to The Yoga Place, The Yoga Place Café is wholly plant-based and beloved with the Blacksmiths community. The lake and the beach is just a short stroll away, so don't sleep on this delicious local gem.
Where: 6 Mitti St, Blacksmiths

Mama P

Using only natural, wholefood ingredients in their culinary creations, Mama P is the place to be for nutritious yet delicious cafe eats. You'll leave feeling energised and satisfied.
Where: 2/142 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown

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 world go by. 
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham