best-coffee-shops-canberra

The 5 Best Coffee Shops in Canberra for Your Daily Caffeine Fix

Roast Quality and Sourcing: We looked at where each shop sources its green beans and whether it roasts locally or partners with specialist micro-roasters.  

Menu Variety and Dietary Fit: Our team checked each menu for alternative drinks like matcha, decaf options, and kitchen dishes that skip artificial additives.  

Seating and Work Environment: We checked outdoor seating setups, park views, and table-booking rules to see what fits your daily routine.  

Convenience and Trading Hours: We compared weekday and weekend schedules, kitchen closing times, and bean delivery terms across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).  

Staff Knowledge and Guidance: We looked at how well the baristas explain flavour notes and guide customers toward the right beans for home brewing.

We all know that finding the best coffee shop in Canberra is a serious mission when you need a perfectly pulled espresso shot or a quiet corner to clear your inbox.  

Luckily, the city’s cafe scene has grown rapidly, making it easier than ever to discover exceptional spots. Whether you need a quick morning caffeine fix or a cosy spot to relax after your fun night out, our list has you covered with plenty of standout options.

Without further ado, meet the local roasters serving up rich aromas and spectacular flavours just below!

How much does coffee cost in Canberra?

A coffee in Canberra usually costs between $4.50 and $8.00, depending on your cup size and drink choice.

OptionTypical Price
Standard / Small / Regular Coffee$4.50 to $5.50 AUD
Large / Speciality Coffee$6.00 to $6.50+ AUD
Alternative Drinks (Matcha Lattes and Speciality Teas)$5.50 to $8.00 AUD

1. The Cupping Room

the-cupping-room

Website:https://www.thecuppingroom.com.au/ 

Address: 1/1-13 University Avenue

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM-2:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM-2:30 PM (Kitchen closes at 2:00 PM)

The Cupping Room turns the professional cupping process into a public experience. Designed by the ONA Coffee team, this concept spot lets brew enthusiasts taste and compare beans side by side without bias.

Their baristas pull shots and pour filters using beans from Ethiopia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Panama, roasted right around the corner. 

You can stick to staples like the Aspen blend and Unwind decaf, or try reserve filters and seasonal winter warmers. 

When we asked their staff about choosing a filter roast, the barista walked us through the natural fruit notes in plain English.

The catch is that table bookings are restricted to groups of four or more. Additionally, replies can take up to 48 hours. 

Pros

  • Educational cupping concept layout
  • Locally roasted beans from global origins
  • Reserve filters and Unwind decaf available
  • Rotating seasonal and limited-edition drinks

Cons

  • Table bookings restricted to four or more
  • Booking replies take up to 48 hours

Customer Reviews

I loved my mushroom toast and raspberry coffee

We didn’t let the construction and disruption ruin our experience but it is unfortunate as we had a dog so our only option is outdoor seating. The area is protected by a plastic cover from most debris and particles. The food and coffee here really represent Canberra at its finest. I loved my mushroom toast and raspberry coffee

Highly recommended

Wonderful spot for breakfast and coffee — The Cupping Room is a must. Delicious food, friendly staff, and the Reserve Milk coffee is a must‑try. Great atmosphere for a relaxed morning or catch‑up; everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Highly recommended.

2. Maple + Clove

maple-clove

Website: https://www.mapleandclove.com.au// 

Address: 7 Burbury Close, Barton

Contact: 02 5121 9983

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Maple + Clove is a sunny spot to enjoy a quality coffee while catching up with your weekend group. Surrounded by Realm Precinct Park, it offers plenty of outdoor space to sip a batch brew or cold brew and soak up the northern sun.

If you prefer something creamy or flavourful, you can also order a mocha, chai latte, or iced coffee to suit your mood.

Their coffee menu pairs well with the breakfast and lunch options, which are free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and sweeteners.

That makes them a great choice when you want a relaxed coffee break with the option of enjoying a sweet or savoury meal.

But remember, they don’t split bills at the register, which turns paying for a big social meetup into a math exercise. They also close at 3:00 pm daily.

Pros

  • Outdoor seating overlooking Realm Precinct Park
  • Food free from artificial additives and sweeteners
  • Open seven days for breakfast and lunch
  • Wide cold drink and batch brew selection

Cons

  • No split bills for groups
  • Closes at 3:00 PM daily

Customer Reviews

The food and coffee were absolutely delicious

I recently visited Maple and Clove Cafe in Barton, and I had an amazing experience! The food and coffee were absolutely delicious, and the smoothie and freshly squeezed juice were incredibly refreshing. Every dish was bursting with flavor, and the coffee was expertly brewed—just what I needed to start my day.

Coffee is good too

Perfect spot for a brunch at the center of Barton. Located along Burberry Close, Maple + Clove offers healthy options for sumptuous breakfast and lunch meals. We liked how the Pesto Eggs and Goats Cheese was made (as we are big Eggs Benedict chasers) and also the Blue Swimmer Crab Omelette with rice on top which has this Japanese dish vibe on it. Coffee is good too! They offer alfresco dining so you can enjoy your meal outside a good weather.

3. BEDST

bedst

Website: https://bedst.coffee/ 

Address: 20 Allara Street

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM-2:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Named after the Danish phrase for “best before,” BEDST brings together beans from roasters across Europe and as far as San Francisco.

They focus on light Nordic-style roasting, which allows the beans’ origin and processing methods to shine through in every cup.

Their light-roasted beans can keep for up to three months and reach peak flavour after at least four weeks of resting. This makes buying a bag to brew at home a worthwhile option, especially if you enjoy exploring different coffee profiles.

Can’t drop in before heading out to some vineyards? They also ship across the ACT for a flat $5 fee using their own packaging.

However, they no longer offer free shipping and aren’t responsible for parcels once Australia Post takes them.

Pros

  • Light Nordic-style roasts highlighting bean origin
  • Beans peak after four weeks and last three months
  • Sourced from European and San Francisco roasters
  • Flat $5 standard shipping within the ACT

Cons

  • No free shipping available
  • No responsibility for parcels after dispatch

Customer Reviews

The café is clean and has a cute, quirky vibe

I visited this café based on a recommendation from a friend who used to live in Canberra. Personally, I enjoyed it much more than Cupping Room ONA Coffee—the coffee had a richer, bolder flavor. It was exactly the strong latte I had been looking for. The seating area is quite small, but the café is clean and has a cute, quirky vibe.

A great local recommendation

A great local recommendation. Incredible luck, directly opposite my hotel. Opens early, which was what I needed.

First visit the afternoon before. Specialises in light roast coffee, beans carefully sourced worldwide. Skilled barista. I asked for a flat white and sat outside. The coffee tasted bright and fruity not so toasty, the milk sat back, very good.

4. ONA Coffee House Cafe Fyshwick

ona-coffee-house-cafe-fyshwick

Website:https://www.onacoffeehouse.com.au/ 

Address: 68 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM (Kitchen closes at 2:00 PM weekdays, 2:30 PM Saturday, 1:30 PM Sunday)

Freshness is hard to beat when the roaster is right next door, and ONA Coffee House Cafe Fyshwick has a direct connection to the main ONA roastery.

This means freshly roasted beans go straight to the cafe, where baristas turn them into signature brews alongside a full brunch menu.

If you’re new to speciality coffee or already know your way around a coffee machine, the staff can help you choose retail beans or limited releases that suit your home brewing gear.

During our Saturday visit, we also found a drink menu with plenty of variety. Options included an iced long black, affogato, matcha latte, and even babyccinos for families.

The main drawback is the limited Sunday schedule. The cafe opens from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, while the kitchen closes at 1:30 pm.

Pros

  • Attached directly to the ONA roastery
  • Staff guidance for home brewing and retail beans
  • Wide hot and iced drink menu including affogato
  • Online retail shop with limited-release beans

Cons

  • Open only five hours on Sundays

Customer Reviews

The coffee was very good

We came to this cafe for breakfast. There’s a nice mural at the car park so you can’t miss the place. They have a good variety of hot food for breakfast and various coffee blends. Staff were friendly and explained the special coffee blend we ordered that was served in two cups. The coffee was very good and food was delicious with large servings. Eggs on toast and Ona roll were delcious. They also have a small shop and we bought filter coffee beans here.

Coffee was amazing

If you are in the Canberra area dont miss Ona Coffee House in Fyshwick.  Staff greeted you on arrival, the atmosphere was great and the breakfast and coffee was amazing.  If you enjoy Avocado toast , Ona Coffee House has one of the best.

5. Barrio Collective Coffee

barrio-collective-coffee

Website:https://www.barriocollective.com/ 

Address: 59/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM-2:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM

Barrio Collective Coffee roasts their own beans using a vintage 1950 Probat L5 roaster, giving locals and visitors a taste of Braddon’s coffee scene.

The roaster produces seasonal espresso blends, reliable decaf, and single-origin beans from Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Peru. So, there’s plenty to explore if you enjoy trying different coffee flavours.

They also supply coffee to other businesses through their growing wholesale service. Their team can create custom blends and provide espresso or filter roasts for cafes, businesses, and serious daily coffee drinkers.

However, traffic along Lonsdale Street can make getting there a little frustrating. You’ll also need to call or email ahead to place a wholesale order.

Pros

  • Beans roasted locally on a 1950 Probat L5
  • Single origins from four coffee-growing countries
  • Seasonal espresso blends and quality decaf
  • Custom wholesale blends for espresso and filter

Cons

  • Braddon location prone to traffic delays
  • Wholesale orders require prior phone or email contact

Customer Reviews

Friendly and prompt service

Toasties and coffees, such a perfect combo!

They even have 2 types of batch brew available to choose.

The cheese toastie was super rich and decadent, pickles added to cut the grease. The corn beef hash toastie was also very delicious and salty (in a good way).

Friendly and prompt service. Both indoor and outdoor seating.

Had a nice batch brew coffee

One of the best toasties I’ve ever had. I got the ‘bully beef’ toasty and OMG.. it was incredible. Will try to go back there when I’m in Canberra again. Had a nice batch brew coffee.

There’s limited seating and it’s popular so you’ll be sitting close to others. I did have an odd encounter with another customer who wouldn’t let me sit next to them on the communal bench because there was “no space” (there was space!). But luckily I managed to find another spot.

Loading...
Loading...