Kew’s cafe scene runs along High Street and clusters around Kew Junction, with a handful of quieter spots tucked into the residential streets south of Cotham Road. The standard is high — this is an inner-east suburb where people drink coffee seriously and bad cafes close within a year. Here are the ones that have earned their regulars.
Best for Brunch
Ora — 143 Pakington Street
Ora is Kew’s best brunch destination, tucked slightly off the High Street strip on Pakington Street. The menu is seasonal and considered — think poached eggs with harissa, house-made granola with labne, and a corn fritter stack that brings people back. The space is light-filled with indoor plants, and weekend mornings draw a mixed crowd of young families and couples who know not to bother with the High Street queues. Coffee is excellent. Service is warm without being performative.
When to go: Weekdays for a walk-in seat. Saturday before 9am or after 11:30am. Price: Two brunches with coffee: $50-$65.
Short Straw — near High Street
A reliable brunch spot that nails the basics — good eggs, proper sourdough, a flat white that is consistent every visit. The menu does not try to reinvent anything, which is exactly the point. The outdoor seating catches morning sun in summer. A solid local that rewards repeat visits.
When to go: Any morning. Weekdays are quieter. Price: Brunch and coffee for one: $22-$30.
Best for a Daily Flat White
Axil Coffee Roasters — 322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn (borderline Kew)
Technically in Hawthorn but within walking distance for eastern Kew residents, Axil is one of Melbourne’s best specialty roasters with a cafe that matches the coffee. Single origin pour-overs, expertly pulled espresso, and a food menu that takes itself seriously without being fussy. The space is large enough to work from. If you care about coffee quality above all else, this is your spot.
When to go: Weekday mornings for the full bench-and-laptop experience. Price: Flat white $5.00, filter $5.50.
Kew Grind — High Street
A smaller, faster option on the main strip. No-fuss flat whites, a rotating single origin, and pastries from a good local bakery. Three stools, a bench, and you are in and out in five minutes. The baristas know the regulars by order. If you want efficiency and consistency rather than a brunch experience, this delivers.
Price: Flat white $4.80.
Best for Working From
The Establishment — near Kew Junction
Good WiFi, power outlets, natural light, and staff who genuinely do not mind you sitting for three hours on one long black. The music stays low enough for calls. The food menu extends through lunch, so you can transition without moving. Kew’s unofficial co-working cafe.
FAQ
What is the best coffee in Kew? For pure coffee quality, Axil Coffee Roasters on the Hawthorn border is hard to beat. For convenience and consistency on High Street, Kew Grind and Ora both pull excellent espresso.
Are Kew cafes family-friendly? Most High Street cafes have high chairs and outdoor seating that accommodates prams. Weekend mornings skew heavily toward families, so you will not feel out of place.
How much does coffee cost in Kew? A flat white runs $4.50-$5.20 across most Kew cafes. Specialty filter and pour-over options sit around $5.50-$6.50.
More on Kew: Kew Suburb Guide · [Best Restaurants in Kew](/kew/best-restaurants/) · Kew Cost of Living
Explore More of Kew
- Kew History
- Kew Rent Guide
- Kew Kew For Retirees
- Kew Things To Do
- Kew Cost of Living
- Kew Young Professionals Guide
- Kew Nightlife Guide
- Kew Transport Guide
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed