Australian coffee culture has a strong claim to being the best in the world, and Ballarat is no exception to the rule. There are some top-notch destinations for coffee connoisseurs and bean fanatics, and some pretty exceptional pastries as well. These are six of the best places to get your caffeine fix.
Great atmosphere, superb Italian coffee and scrumptious cakes and gelati made on the premises… It’s easy to see why L’Espresso has been a Ballarat favourite for over 25 years! Housed in one of Ballarat’s stunning historic buildings, L’Espresso stand out in Ballarat’s busy cafe culture. Open 7am to 6pm all week, with late opening until 11pm on Fridays.
Strike gold with a visit to Yellow Espresso, a trendy cafe serving up a smashing all day breakfast and some of the best speciality coffee in town. A bright and bustling cafe serving up light meals and speciality coffee. Open Tuesday to Friday 8am to 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8 30am to 4pm.
An award-winning traditional cafe/restaurant located in an imposing, historic red brick building, The Turret Cafe provides coffee, breakfast, lunch and pastries, seven days a week. The beautifully decorated high ceilinged interior compliments the impressive exterior, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. A locals’ favourite, it is open 7am to 5am daily.
A Ballarat institution, the Europa has been serving up scrumptious cakes and top notch coffee for over 23 years. A great place to sit, grab an all-day breakfast, and watch the world go by. There’s a front terrace, and loads of space inside, and it remains a favourite of locals and visitors on the busy cafe strip. Open everyday from 7am for breakfast and lunch.
A great place to recharge after a day of art, and well worth a standalone trip. Kittlety’s family-run cafe is warm, comfortable, and makes sensational cakes! They work with local coffee roasters, beekeepers and fruit growers to provide a range of homemade, locally sourced cakes, pastries and treats, alongside coffee and light meals. They are open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm.
Little Bird is a retro-style diner and cafe with high quality coffee, an extensive food menu and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Priding itself on the quality and friendliness of its service, its classic formica tables and intimate atmosphere evoke a feeling of delicious nostalgia. Open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Saturday.