Apropos of nothing, I was born in Perth – left there as a child and only been back once or twice as a young adult. But I’m going to get myself over there to that beautiful city of my birth and try these five coffee shops out myself. I was even born in the same suburb as one of them. You might like to try them yourself if you live or visit for business meetings, or to get together and catch up with friends.

Most cafes are popular not only for their great-tasting coffee but also for their friendly service and the expertise of their baristas – so the vibe is right in the mix here.
We’ve listed the top cafes in Perth that any local, easterner, or foreigner should visit. Check out the list below and find out why people love them.
1. The Attic Fremantle
Located at 16 Bannister Street in Fremantle’s West End, The Attic was one of the first cafes to take a chance on the area back in 2011, helping transform it into the vibrant precinct it is today. Open from 7 am, The Attic now sources its beans from Timely Coffees in Bayswater, with the house coffee delivering notes of milk chocolate, caramel and malt. Their best-selling bacon and eggs brioche buns remain a firm favourite among regulars. The café is well-known for consistently making good coffee in Perth, with communal tables and eclectic bric-a-brac decor creating a warm, welcoming vibe that is perfect to start the day. The service crew is always moving fast to attend to orders and getting acquainted with their guests.
2. Standing Room Only
Located in Piccadilly Arcade in the heart of Perth CBD, Standing Room Only is known for serving the best coffee in Perth CBD. As the name suggests, the place is best for take-away, especially when you are in a rush. When you require a quick dose of caffeine to kick-start your day, Standing Room Only should be your go-to stop. With 1,284 likes on Facebook and 245 check-ins, it has built a loyal following of city workers and visitors alike who swear by the quality and speed of service. So if you need a top quality coffee hit when you’re on the go, then this might be your go.
3. Lowdown Espresso Bar
Coffee brewed to perfection is a great way to start the day, and Lowdown Espresso Bar proves this true. Located at 16a Cloisters Arcade, 865 Hay Street in Perth, the café is run by brothers Mark and Adam, who have built a reputation for serving the best and cheapest coffee in town. Offering locally roasted coffee, homemade toasties and in-house muffins, Lowdown delivers affordable quality without compromise. Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #130 of 1,236 restaurants in Perth, the café is tucked within Cloisters Arcade rather than a basement as some might assume. The excellent customer service and consistently great brews are what keep their regular patrons coming back for more.
4. Elixir Coffee Specialists
If you prefer a more fun and friendly ambiance to get your round of coffee, Elixir Coffee Specialists is for you. Located at 45A/145 Stirling Highway in Nedlands, Elixir is a small batch coffee roaster, not just a café — all coffee is made from their own in-house roasted beans. They are particularly known for their single origin Ethiopia, extracted as a single espresso, with the coffee described as having a taste of dark cherries and dark chocolate. Their staff shows the passion to serve that perfectly brewed coffee every time, and the all-day breakfast menu keeps locals and visitors well fed throughout the day. Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and with 2,011 likes on Facebook, Elixir Coffee Specialists has earned a loyal following. The coffee is robust and creamy, satisfying for those who love their beans and brews.
5. Bossman
Tucked away in Arcade 669 in the Mount Lawley area, Bossman is one of the most talked-about cafes in Perth and sits firmly at the top of our favourite coffee shops list. Using beans from Leftfield, Bossman focuses on delivering quality coffee in a pocket-sized space that rewards those who seek it out. The café may be hidden, but it is very cozy, warm and inviting — a great rendezvous for friendly chit-chats with longtime friends. Their food and sweets are a perfect match to your coffee.
So because “Mount Lawley” is written in my passport as my birthplace, Bossman is going to have to be my first visit – but I’ll give them all a try. I’m going over to WA next year to scatter some ashes in the wheat belt – Dinner Hill near Badgingarra. There’s no reason I can see that it can be a celberation of good coffee and saying goodbye to family. That seems pretty compatible to me.
FAQ
Where to find the best coffee in Perth CBD for coffee lovers?
Perth’s CBD hosts many standout cafes and roasters where coffee lovers can enjoy flat whites, lattes and single-origin brews; look for specialty spots on Milligan Street, Howard Street and around Hay Street that offer selection of local roasters, batch brew options and espresso pulled by experienced baristas. Many CBD cafes also stock micrology beans or Five Senses beans and offer takeaway or dine-in options for a genuinely good coffee.
What makes the best coffee spots in Perth WA a must-visit?
The best coffee in Perth WA is defined by fresh coffee beans, precise espresso machines, friendly baristas and consistent flavour. Must-visit cafes often roast on-site or source from reputable roastery partners, offer cold brew and long macs alongside classic flat whites, and create community vibes — examples include hole-in-the-wall espresso bars, daybreak coffee shops in Vic Park and roaster-cafes in Subiaco and Highgate.
How do local roasters and coffee co shape coffee in Perth?
Local roasters and coffee co operations influence coffee in Perth by roasting micrology or Five Senses beans, experimenting with blends for milk-based drinks like oat lattes and offering bags for home brew. Roaster-cafes and community coffee co spots provide training for baristas, host cupping sessions and supply cafes across Freo, Osborne Park, Myaree and Northbridge to elevate the overall scene.
Are there great coffee and takeaway options around Perth for busy mornings?
Yes — many cafes across Perth offer takeaway cuppa options and quick long macs or flat whites for commuters, especially in CBD, West Leederville, South Freo and Vic Park. Look for places advertising batch brew or a morning selection of local and international beans; Mary Street Bakery outposts and hole-in-the-wall espresso spots are reliable for fast, delicious brews.
Which cafes in Perth are recommended by baristas and coffee lovers?
Baristas and coffee lovers often recommend cafes that balance excellent espresso technique, coffee roasted to order and friendly service — locations in Highgate, Subiaco, Northbridge and Freo frequently come up. Many of these favourites also offer specialty items like Twin Peaks coffee blends, boucla pastries, toasties and a variety of milk options including oat for the perfect latte.
Can I buy coffee beans from Perth roasters to brew at home?
Absolutely — most Perth roasters and coffee shops sell whole beans or ground coffee for home use. Search for local roasters that list micrology beans, Five Senses beans or house blends, and consider a roastery that offers tasting notes on flavour and recommended brew methods; some also provide espresso machine servicing advice for home setup.
Where are the best neighbourhood coffee spots in Perth like Freo, Vic Park and Subiaco?
Freo (South Freo), Vic Park and Subiaco each have signature coffee spots known for amazing coffee and community vibes. In Freo you’ll find seaside roaster-cafes and cafe chains with a local twist; Vic Park offers lively lanes with boutique cafes and oat-milk lattes; Subiaco combines heritage streets with roastery cafes and cozy dine-in spaces — all serving great coffee and brewed favourites.
How can I find genuinely good coffee and the right barista in Perth?
To find genuinely good coffee and skilled baristas, look for cafes that highlight barista credentials, showcase espresso machines, post brewing methods like batch brew or pour-over, and receive local praise on social listings. Visiting smaller hole-in-the-wall cafes, roaster-coffee shops and community coffee co venues often reveals passionate baristas, consistent quality and delicious brews that define Perth’s coffee culture.
References & Sources
- Time Out Perth — The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Perth (Updated 2026): timeout.com/perth
- Urban List Perth — Perth’s Best Coffee, According To Baristas: theurbanlist.com
- Perth is OK — The Best Cafes in Perth: perthisok.com
- Broadsheet Perth — Lowdown Espresso Bar: broadsheet.com.au
- Micrology Coffee Roasters — Independent specialty roaster, Osborne Park: micrology.com.au
- Telegram Coffee — State Buildings, Perth CBD: telegramcoffee.com.au
- Elixir Coffee Specialists — Nedlands, Perth: elixircoffeespecialists.com
- Visit Perth — Cafes and Coffee Guide: visitperth.com
- WA Good Food Guide — WA’s Best Coffee: wagoodfoodguide.com
