Best Cafes in Thornbury

Thornbury has a more suburban feel than its southern neighbour, Northcote. You'll notice the difference at any of these small, modestly appointed cafes. The pace is a little bit slower, and early in the day, there are always more kids about.

This isn't the suburb to eat if your breakfast is destined for Instagram – these cafes are more concerned with nailing the classics than inventing the next big thing. Likewise, when it comes to coffee, established roasters and tried-and-tested blends are generally favoured over upstarts and obscure single origins.

Words by Dan Cunningham And Holly Bodeker-smith
Updated on 10 May 2024

Cafe

Umberto Espresso Bar

A tribute to the owner’s Calabrian-born father, Umberto plates up cucina casalinga homestyle cooking and classic Italian aperitivi in a former shoe shop. It’s also home to Gigi, a rooftop bar where you can sip a Negroni with one-of-a-kind views.

Cafe

Little Tienda

This sunny Thornbury cafe marries flavours from Mexico and southern California.

Cafe

Rat the Cafe

A neighbourhood specialty coffee shop and eatery in the backstreets of Thornbury.

Cafe

Prior

This 130-seat space is full of warm hues and natural materials. Whether you're sitting on a sleek leather banquette or you've got a table in the large outside courtyard, there are no dud spots here. On the menu, you'll find a range of inventive Middle Eastern-inflected dishes, many of which showcase vegetables.

Cafe

Ampersand Coffee and Food

Take a seat in the front room if you want to enjoy the cafe's community spirit. Alternately, head to the leafy courtyard for some quiet.

Cafe

Casa Nata

At this dedicated house of Portuguese tarts, watch your “pastéis de nata” be made, then eat them fresh from the oven – flaky, silky and with a touch of cinnamon.