We love our coffee. And it’s no surprise to coffee aficionados that the best coffee in far-flung places such as New York and London is said to be made by Aussie baristas, whether it’s a macchiato, latte, cappuccino or a flat white with full, skim, almond, rice or soy milk.
The choices don’t stop there. There’s fair-trade coffee, organic coffee, wood-roasted beans, beans from the shady side of the hill, high altitude coffee, and micro-lot coffee.
Do you choose Australian-grown, or imported coffee from Brazil (the world’s largest producer) or Vietnam (the second largest), or anywhere in between? There’s a lot to be said for buying locally roasted beans to support Aussie producers, and just one benefit is in lowering your carbon footprint. And of course, re-useable cups further lower your carbon footprint by (we’re told) a couple of per cent.
What you may not know is that coffee roasted in its country of origin (where the best coffee is usually kept for export) benefits local farmers who rely solely on coffee growing for their meagre income, so they get a greater share of the coffee income.
As with wine, terroir is important, as is the side of the hill the coffee is grown on, and how ripe the coffee cherries are at picking. The end flavours also echo descriptions seen in wine tasting notes. You’ll find delicious notes of fig and vanilla alongside apricot. Or blackcurrants and toffee with subtle rhubarb and rosewater notes.
All we can say is, go forth, find your favourite coffee blend, and then enjoy it in the comfort of your home, in your favourite cafe, in your favourite location…
[In association with Caffeine Australia, the award winning magazine for coffee lovers.]
PATONGA
Patonga Boathouse Hotel. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, takeaway fish+chip shop. Licensed. Coffee by Single Origin, Paradox Blend.
What the locals say: Great ambience, great location. Come by boat, come by road but don’t come late because it’s super popular.
Hotel: 11am to 8pm. Fish+Chip Shop 7am to 3pm, 7 days. 6-8 Patonga Dr, Patonga.
PEARL BEACH
Pearl Bay General Store and Cafe . Breakfast, lunch and takeaway. Coffee by BlendCo Coast in Lisarow.
What the locals say: Great coffee. In a quiet corner of Pearl Beach, away from the crowds.
8am to 2pm, 7 days.1 Pearl Pde.
UMINA BEACH
The Beach Kiosk. Takeaway food and coffee.
What the locals say: Great if you’re holidaying at Ocean Beach.
7am to 3pm, 7 days NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, 90 Sydney Ave.
Umina Beach Cafe. Cakes, coffee, drinks, icecreams.
What the locals say: Great location, excellent for families. Coffee is good, view is amazing.
6am to 3.30pm, daily. Under the Umina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, 509 Ocean Beach Rd.
ETTALONG BEACH
The Box Beach on the Water, and The Box Kiosk. The kiosk is adjacent to the stylish restaurant, The Box on the Water. Kiosk is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks. Coffee by Fat Poppy Roasters.
What the locals say: The kiosk offers great casual meals and snacks; bench tables undercover, and chairs and tables by the sea wall where you can put your feet up and enjoy the view and the coffee.
7am to 4pm, 7 days. Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, The Esplanade.
KILLCARE
Killcare Beach Kiosk. Breakfast, lunch, snacks.
What the locals say: Best spot after a beach walk or surf. At the southern end of the beach where you can spread out on the grass, or choose a table.
9am to 2.30pm, daily. Below the Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club, 81 Beach Dr.
Spinnakers Killcare. Lunch and dinner. Coffee by NorthSouth Espresso in Lisarow.
What the locals say: Upstairs, the view is unbeatable.
Thursday to Sunday 12 pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. Above the Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club, 81 Beach Dr.
MACMASTERS BEACH
Barefoot Cafe. The food has an Aussie and Asian influence. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Coffee by Caffe Mondo.
What the locals say: Under the Norfolk pines, with views across the beach. Good food, and no passing traffic between you and the beach.
8am to 4.30pm most days, and 8am to 9pm Friday, Sunday.100 Marine Pde.
COPACABANA
Cabana Cafe and Bar. Spacious outdoor seating.
What the locals say: Nice bar servery under the big Norfolk pine. Dog friendly.
7am to 2pm daily. 202 Del Monte Pl.
Copaccino’s. Breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta. Coffee by Grinders.
From 7am, 7 days. 216 Del Monte Pl.
Burnt Honey Bakery. To go: Pastries, bread, cakes. Coffee by Little Italy.
What the locals say: Unsurpassed pastries, lovely owners, good coffee.
7am to 2pm Wednesday to Saturday, 8am to 12pm Sunday. 224 Del Monte Pl.
Artie’s Place at Copa. Kiosk under the awning of the Surf Lifesaving Club is under new management in 2021.
What the locals say: Low key, perfect spot to come to for a coffee in wet cossies.
Thursday to Monday 6.30am to 5pm. Copacabana Surf Lifesaving Club, Del Monte Pl.
DAVISTOWN
Dart & Feather. A mix of fine dining, cocktail bar and more casual lounge with windows that open to create an al fresco feel. No outdoor area, so no dogs allowed.
What the locals say: Very stylish restaurant without it feeling too formal. Great sunsets.
Wednesday, Thursday 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm. Friday to Sunday 8am to 9pm. 1 Restella Ave.
AVOCA BEACH
Point Cafe. Breakfast, lunch, drinks. Coffee by Schibelloco.
What the locals say: A favourite spot, interesting food and always a good buzz. The perfect place to watch the surf and the surfers, and to catch the sea breezes.
7am to 4pm, 7 days. Under the Surf Lifesaving Club, 10 Vine St.
NORTH AVOCA
The Boy and the Rose. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, cakes. Coffee by Glee Coffee Roasters.
What the locals say: The cool place in North Ave.
6am to 2pm, 7 days 21 North Avoca Pde.
TERRIGAL
Bellyfish. A landmark in Terrigal, at the northern end of the esplanade. Breakfast, all-day brunch menu, licensed. Coffee by Single O Roasters.
What the locals say: Lovely atmosphere, feels like its own little community at the Wamberal end of Terrigal.
5am to 2pm, 7 days. Takeaways 10am to 12pm. 112 Terrigal Esplanade.
Sixty The Esplanade. Breakfast, lunch, pasta, cakes. Wood roasted coffee by Wood Roasters in Marrickville.
What the locals say: Family friendly and dog friendly café. Go there for the coffee and the view.
6am to 3pm, 7 days. 60 Terrigal Esplanade.
Island Time Espresso Bar. Island-style breakfast, brunch, lunch, poke. Coffee by Espressology in Sydney.
7am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. 104 Terrigal Esplanade.
Surf Cafe Terrigal. Breakfast, brunch, surf burgers, seafood, and more.
What the locals say: Great location. Go there because it’s right on the beach without having to cross the road. Huge menu with something for everyone.
6am to 3pm, weekdays. 6am to 4pm, weekends. Under the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club, 1 Terrigal Esplanade.
Maccoa @ The Clan. Located just over the bridge, by Terrigal Lagoon, with views over the water and beach, and up to the Skillion. Breakfast, lunch, takeaways with seasonal menu sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Coffee from The Little Marionette.
What the locals say: Delightful veranda area with old-fashioned louvred windows give it a cottage feel. The older kids can amuse themselves nearby on the sand.
7am to noon, weekdays. 7am to 3pm weekends.1 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.
TERRIGAL BEACH HOUSE – OCEAN-FRONT AT TERRIGAL CROWNE PLAZA. Surfside bar, alfresco terrace, indoor dining, and live acoustic music.
What locals say: The cool place to unwind, kickback, and shake off the salt and sand from the beach.
Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 3am. Sunday: 10am to 10pm Kitchen hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11.30am to 9pm. Friday, Saturday: 11.30am to 10pm.
TERRIGAL HAVEN
The Cove Cafe. Breakfast, lunch, takeaway. Licensed. Organic Arabica coffee by BlendCo Central in Lisarow.
What the locals say: Always buzzing. Upstairs on the long narrow balcony, overlooks The Haven beach, the seagulls and swimmers.
Sunday to Thursday 7am to 3pm, Friday to Saturday 7am to 5pm. Beachside, The Haven.
WAMBERAL
Wamberal Ocean View Cafe. Breakfast, lunch, coffee.
What the locals say: Big windows, big view across the dunes to the beach and surf. Good place for small and large gatherings. They do weddings too.
8am to 3pm, 7 days. Wamberal Surf Lifesaving Club, 1 Dover Rd.
SHELLY BEACH
Munchas Cafe and Catering. Breakfast, lunch, takeaway. Dairy milk from Little Big Dairy Co., Dubbo. Coffee by Crave.
What the locals say: Perfect location. Love the coffee. Great food, and caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten free meals.
6am to 4pm, 7 days. Downstairs, Shelly Beach Surf Club, Shelly Beach Rd.
TOOWOON BAY
Toowoon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. Breakfast, lunch, drinks. Coffee by Grinders.
What the locals say: Best hot chips! Menu specials are always good.
7am to 2pm, 7 days (weather permitting).160 Bay Rd.
THE ENTRANCE
The Entrance Lake House. Opposite the water at Tuggerah Lake, west of the bridge.
What the locals say: Go there for date-night dinners, great for weekend breakfast or brunch, and high teas too.
Saturday, Sunday: Breakfast 8am to 11 am, takeaway 12pm to 6pm. High tea takeaway, Saturday 11 am. 27 The Entrance Rd.
Waters Edge Seafood Restaurant Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Coffee by Coast Caffe.
7am to 9pm, 7 days. 12 The Entrance Rd.
NORAH HEAD/SOLDIERS BEACH
Surfside Snax. Kiosk open for breakfast, brunch, sandwiches. Takeaway, delivery. Coffee by Marrichio.
What the locals say: Busy place, great excuse to stop and rest after a walk or cycle.
8am to 3.30pm, weekdays, and from 7am weekends, weather permitting. Ted Rafferty Cycleway, Norah Head.
Dunes by Dish. Mostly a bar and restaurant (try their delicious tapas). Specialises in enticing cocktails. Coffee by Buondi Beans.
What the locals say: Try the coffee cocktail!
Dinner, takeaway. Friday to Sunday 12pm to late. Wednesday, Thursday 4pm till late. Upstairs, Soldiers Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, 101 Soldiers Pt. Dr, Norah Head.
