The cafe culture has become a way of life and it is a thriving industry in Wollongong.
With a laid back lifestyle and a city full of talented baristas and chefs, you will see Wollongong locals sitting back and enjoying a bite to eat and a coffee at any time of the day – me included!
Here are five of Wollongong’s Best Cafes that are not only my favourites but are guaranteed to satisfy your coffee cravings!
Diggies
If you are looking for a cafe that comes with incredible views and oozes the Wollongong coastal vibe then look no further than Diggies.
Located right on North Beach Diggies not only offers delicious food, fresh juices and cocktails but also has one of the best views in Wollongong.
We love visiting Diggies in the morning, it’s fresh, vibrant and full of atmosphere. Be sure to start your day with a fresh juice, Sunkissed is our favourite!
Diggies also runs two other eateries, North Beach Kiosk and Diggies Kiama. North Beach Kiosk is located right next door to Diggies Wollongong and is more of a “grab and go” style eatery while Diggies Kiama is located in Kiama and also offers incredible food & views!
Must Try
Sunkissed Juice – orange, pineapple strawberry
Banana bread with sweet ricotta & honey – add strawberries!
Benni with leg ham – hollandaise on the side
The big reg breakfast burger
Southern chook burger
Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: 1 Cliff Road, Wollongong
Phone: 02 4226 2688
Ready to try a Sunkissed? Visit Diggies
Zanders
Another local favourite is Zanders. Located within Keiraville Village Zanders is open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and may I say cooks ups one of the best hamburgers in town! The best thing about Zanders is that it’s not just a café it also offers delicious desserts. So make sure when you order your burger you add in a cinnamon or Nutella scroll for dessert – yum!
Must Try
Smashed avo on sourdough with smashed feta
Classic burger – ask for Jarlsberg cheese and BBQ sauce…I do!
Cinnamon scroll
Vittoria coffee – any type!
Price: $ – $$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: Shop 1/3 215-217 Gipps Road, Keiraville
Phone: (02) 4227 6483
Ready to try the classic burger? Visit Zanders Bakehouse
Emporium on Swan
Breakfast, brunch or lunch whatever it is you’re after I promise you will enjoy all of them with a cup of the award-winning Danes coffee that’s brewed at the Emporium. This unique little gem not only has a relaxed charm about it but also sells new and old wear.
Emporium on Swan is situated towards the business end of town and is still serving up takeaway orders. You can choose to sit inside amongst the chandeliers or outside in the sunshine.
Must Try
Caramel coconut slice
Danes coffee
Price: $ – $$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: 40 Swan Street, Wollongong
Phone: (02) 4244 4767
Ready to try Danes Coffee? Visit Emporium on Swan
POD Emporium & Espresso
Take a short 5-minute drive from Wollongong centre and you will find the perfect weekend or weekday go-to for coffee and light bites.
Think Delano coffee, protein smoothies, acai bowls, smashed avo on sourdough with clothing and homewares all combined into one – here you can pop in for a coffee, pick up a packet of protein powder and also grab a new dress for that all-important coffee date with your bestie – it’s the perfect combination!
POD is a popular place for locals to meet, especially on weekends. If you’re in a hurry you can order ahead of time using the Hey-You app.
Must Try
Acai bowl with fresh strawberries, banana, coconut and honey
Chocolate protein smoothie with cinnamon, peanut butter and almond milk
Smashed avo on toast with tomato and balsamic glaze
Iced latte
Price: $ – $$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: 1/174-182 Gipps Rd, Gwynneville
Phone: (02) 4226 7076
Ready to try a delicious Acai Bowl? Visit POD Emporium & Espresso
Lee and Me
Another popular choice for Wollongong locals which has been around for many years is Lee and Me. Located at the lower end of Crown Street serving up breakie, lunch and Campos Coffee. This is not just a café it’s a place that is run by passionate locals, has delicious food and tons of soul and atmosphere.
Must Try
Smashed avo with poached egg
Cheesy beef and bacon burger
Sweet potato Fries
Campos Coffee
Price: $ – $$$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: 87 Crown Street, Wollongong
Phone: (02) 4244 0695
Ready to try Campos Coffee? Visit Lee and Me
Mudcat
*** Now Closed ***
Located just across from North Beach Mudcat is loved by the locals for so many reasons – delicious food, a great outlook and a dedicated owner who is also a chef! I personally love Mudcat as it’s the first place I tried vegemite and avo on Turkish aka “The Burgo” and needless to say it is now one of my favourite combinations!
Must Try
The Burgo
Toasted Banana bread with yoghurt, honey and berry sauce
Delano Coffee
Price: $ – $$$
Atmosphere: Casually relaxed
Location: 7/2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong (under the Novotel)
Phone: (02) 4227 3090
Ready to try Vegemite and avo on toast? Visit Mudcat
Thoughts, and opinions about Wollongong’s Best Cafes That You Need to Visit are entirely my own.
