A fresh chapter for this familiar Redhead favourite
After years of operating from the much-loved spot on Cowlishaw Street, Redhead locals, Rochelle and Simon, have taken the leap into a new era with The Villa Cafe.
Rebranded, refreshed, and now located in one of Redhead’s most iconic buildings, the new space is a seamless blend of beachside charm, community connection, and elevated kiosk-style eats.
“We loved our space on Cowlishaw, but it was never really ours. We always hoped we’d be able to purchase our own space and make it our own – and that’s exactly what’s happened here,” Rochelle said.
Situated in what locals know as the blue shop, the new Villa Cafe has transformed the site into a relaxed, sun-soaked hub for great food, coffee, drinks, and those beachy vibes Redhead is so famously known for.
“When I knew I wanted to rebrand, I wanted to bring in that original blue of the building. I also wanted the overall vibe to be a little more surfy – it’s a nod to the history of the building and to the vibe of Redhead.”
The cafe’s fresh branding has been worked in conjunction with Laura of Laura Cook Design, and the interiors have been thoughtfully reimagined by the team at After Dark Design.
“Adrian and the team at After Dark did a really great job with the layout and the flow of the space. We knew we wanted a coffee window and this layout just makes so much sense.”
The new location also came complete with a commercial kitchen and grease trap, meaning that the team could elevate their food menu from their original acai bar and toastie offering.
"We're very much focusing on the cafe and bar side of things now. We still offer a few retail items like our candles and we will have a little bit of merch, but the food and drinks are now front and centre."
And what a menu it is. The new offering includes a mix of classic beachside favourites with a gourmet twist – think fish tacos with mango chilli salsa and sriracha mayo, a colourful soul bowl loaded with greens and gains, and their already iconic RBC brekky burger, stacked with bacon, eggs, avocado, hash brown, and more.
Kids are catered for with a simple, satisfying selection, and light bites like waffle fries and the BBQ street corn keep things casual.
“Our chef has been with us for about 18 months now and he’s really proud of the menu he’s created.”
The reimagined Villa Cafe is also embracing its liquor license, with drinks like Aperol Spritz, wines, and beers already on offer.
“I just wanted to get our drinks menu up and running. But, we’re planning on expanding on that soon – things like a fresh margarita – the drinks you’d want to enjoy a long lunch near the beach with.”
There’s even more on the horizon, with plans to get the pizza oven fired up and a potential Airbnb in the works behind the cafe.
With their fresh location, renewed energy, and a commitment to the local community, Rochelle and Simon are committed to doing things right.
“We just want to be that iconic cafe spot for Redhead. Everything we do, we want to do really well.”
Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between, swing by The Villa Cafe in Redhead and experience their latest offering.
