Food and Wine 17 May 2017

7 Best Coffee Shops In Brisbane CBD

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, we all know there’s one thing you need first thing in the morning (and it’s not scrambled eggs, but that would be nice too). It’s that first cup of coffee that gives you a reason to rise, shine and greet a new day.

As your number one motivator, we know your flat white, latte, cappuccino or long black has to be really good and we’ll not let you settle for second best. It’s why we’ve rounded up the seven best coffee spots, cafes and carts in Brisbane CBD where you can get your daily caffeine fix. Follow your nose and hightail it straight to one of these fantastic cafes where local baristas will extract your morning hit – and some where chefs will cook up a brilliant brunch or lunch.

John Mills Himself, Charlotte Street

It’s not easy to find the mysterious John Mills Himself. Wander through a gift shop or down the driveway of a parking garage to find this Brisbane gem. Expect a full range of coffee styles from espresso to cold brew made using Bunker Coffee, and return for a knock-off drink later at “Australia's first craft spirits drink miles bar”. Yes, the spirits, beers and wine list details how far away your drinks were grown, distilled and fermented. JMH is super convenient if you are staying at Oaks Charlotte Towers.

Hot coffee

Coffee Anthology, Charlotte Street

Considered one of the – if not the – best specialty coffee shops in Brisbane, Coffee Anthology is the place to go if you’re serious about your morning brew. Set in a beautiful 1890s heritage-listed building, behind the counter you’ll find beans from Australia’s best roasters and can choose from classic espresso coffee or other methods like batch brew and pour overs.

A cozy and relaxing vibe inside the Coffee Anthology

Instagram | @coffeeanthology

Coffee Iconic, George St

Slip down the laneway and into this hidden garden oasis in the centre of the city. With a huge leafy courtyard at the centre, Coffee Iconic is a great place to escape the busy rush of the city and enjoy a few tranquil hours with a great coffee and excellent lunch. Choose from the delicious house blend, single origin coffee and batch brews, all just a few minutes’ walk from Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites.

At the courtyard of Coffee Iconic Shop, with customers drinking coffee

Instagram | @coffeeiconic

Pablo & Rusty’s, Mary Street

Close to the river and the City Botanic Gardens, this cafe from beloved Sydney roasters is a favourite for a flat white or long black made with a coffee blend or single origin bean. If you’re lactose-intolerant, this cafe even has small-batch macadamia-nut milk. Grab a takeaway pastry or slice of cake and wander down to the river – or back to your room across the road at Oaks Felix.

A staff of Pablo Rusty's preparing toasties & coffee specials located at Mary Street in Brisbane

Instagram | @pabloandrustys.bne

Edward Specialty Coffee, Edward St

This tiny coffee shop packs a hugely caffeinated punch. The sophisticated but small space at the base of the Anzac Square building is open seven days a week so you can always get your coffee fix at Edward Specialty Coffee. Choose from a range of coffee styles using White Horse Coffee beans, or ask about the single origin beans on rotation.

Marchetti, Tattersalls Arcade

Step straight into old school Italy at Marchetti, a charming traditional European-style cafe tucked within Tattersall’s Arcade. With cute terrazzo tiled floors and a counter stacked with Italian sweet treats, order your favourite brew made with Allpress coffee and enjoy a very chic coffee break. Return later for snacks and an Aperol spritz.

Piccolo latte at the Marchetti Cafe in Brisbane

Instagram | @marchetticafe

Botero, Adelaide St

Our final top cafe for incredible coffee is also a great place to relax for a few hours with great food. Enter Botero’s three-storey, renovated heritage-listed building and choose from five coffee blends and rotating single origins. Drop in during the week for your caffeine fix and a creative breakfast and lunch menu that makes the most of top quality produce.

With 11 properties scattered across Brisbane, Oaks has a hotel to suit you in every corner of the city. View all the Oaks Brisbane hotels here.