The best cafes across Canberra
Canberra's cafe scene stretches across the city's neighbourhoods, from inner suburbs like Dickson and Manuka to Woden and Belconnen. Whether you're after a serious coffee, a casual brunch spot, or somewhere with a full bar menu, there's a local cafe worth the visit. Here are 12 standout options across different parts of town.
- 1Cafes Fyshwick
1. TRADIES CAFE AND BAR
Fyshwick's top-ranked cafe option, combining cafe service with a full bar menu if you're after something stronger than coffee.
Opens early (before 7am)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue5.0(566)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Cafes Fyshwick2. Cup & Coaster
Another solid Fyshwick choice for a straightforward cafe experience without the bar element.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(427)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Cafes Gungahlin3. Le Bon Mélange Café Pâtisserie
Gungahlin's French-leaning option, suggesting pastries and a more European cafe vibe than the typical Australian cafe.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,083)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Cafes Manuka4. Kita
Located in the bustling Manuka strip, useful if you're shopping or exploring that neighbourhood.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(920)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Cafes Woden5. Space Kitchen
Woden's best-rated cafe, convenient for the southern suburbs.
Open MondaysView venue4.5(1,517)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Cafes Dickson6. Gang Gang Cafe and Bar
Dickson's top-ranked cafe with bar service, good for the inner-north.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(1,058)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Cafes Civic7. DOP Canberra
Civic-based cafe with a specific focus on coffee quality, ideal if you're in the CBD.
Opens early (before 7am)Open MondaysView venue4.8(263)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Cafes Kingston8. Coffee Collective
Kingston location makes it convenient for the eastern suburbs and near the lakeside.
Opens early (before 7am)Open MondaysView venue5.0(138)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Cafes Woden9. Coffee Cafe
Woden's second solid option if Space Kitchen is busy.
Opens early (before 7am)Open MondaysView venue4.8(270)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Cafes Belconnen10. 54 Benjamin
Belconnen's best-rated cafe, serving the north-western suburbs.
Opens early (before 7am)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(503)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Cafes Braddon11. BEDST
Braddon's coffee-focused cafe in an inner suburb with easy access to the city.
Open MondaysView venue4.8(200)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Cafes Dickson12. Yu Cafe
Dickson's second option, providing choice in the inner-north cafe market.
Opens early (before 7am)Open MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.9(152)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRADIES CAFE AND BAR | 69/100 | 5.0(566) | — | Fyshwick | Opens early (before 7am) |
| Cup & Coaster | 65/100 | 4.8(427) | $$ | Fyshwick | Open 7 days |
| Le Bon Mélange Café Pâtisserie | 65/100 | 4.6(1,083) | $$ | Gungahlin | Open 7 days |
| Kita | 65/100 | 4.6(920) | $$ | Manuka | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Space Kitchen | 65/100 | 4.5(1,517) | $$ | Woden | Open Mondays |
| Gang Gang Cafe and Bar | 64/100 | 4.5(1,058) | $$ | Dickson | Open 7 days |
| DOP Canberra | 64/100 | 4.8(263) | $ | Civic | Opens early (before 7am) |
| Coffee Collective | 64/100 | 5.0(138) | — | Kingston | Opens early (before 7am) |
| Coffee Cafe | 64/100 | 4.8(270) | $$ | Woden | Opens early (before 7am) |
| 54 Benjamin | 63/100 | 4.6(503) | $$ | Belconnen | Opens early (before 7am) |
| BEDST | 63/100 | 4.8(200) | — | Braddon | Open Mondays |
| Yu Cafe | 63/100 | 4.9(152) | — | Dickson | Opens early (before 7am) |
Frequently asked questions
Which Canberra cafe has the highest rating?+
TRADIES CAFE AND BAR in Fyshwick has the highest spot score at 69, followed by several venues tied at 65.
Are there cafes with bar service?+
Yes, TRADIES CAFE AND BAR (Fyshwick) and Gang Gang Cafe and Bar (Dickson) both combine cafe and bar service.
Which cafes focus on coffee?+
DOP Canberra in Civic and BEDST in Braddon are both tagged specifically for coffee.
What suburbs are covered?+
The list spans Fyshwick, Gungahlin, Manuka, Woden, Dickson, Civic, Kingston, Belconnen, and Braddon.
Is this list ranked by rating?+
The venues are ordered by their spot score, a composite quality metric. TRADIES CAFE AND BAR ranks highest at 69, while scores then range from 65 down to 63 across the remaining venues.
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