Ringwood East has 15 verified spots worth your time for cafes. Every venue below is a real, operating business with a Google listing — no placeholder names, no made-up addresses.
| Venue | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUKI Espresso | 4.9/5 | 131 | — |
| Hoshino - Ringwood East | 4.7/5 | 1704 | $$ |
| Bedford Coffee Co | 4.7/5 | 842 | $$ |
| This Little Kitchen | 4.7/5 | 565 | $$ |
| Th!nk.cafe. | 4.7/5 | 35 | $ |
| Leaf & Vine Cafe and Wine Bar | 4.6/5 | 831 | $$ |
| Fortunate Son Cafe | 4.6/5 | 410 | $$ |
| OliRu Cafe | 4.6/5 | 73 | $$ |
1. TUKI Espresso
Address: 105 Bedford Road, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.9/5 (131 reviews)
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 131 Google reviews. Rated 4.9/5 by locals.
2. Hoshino - Ringwood East
Address: 6 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,704 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 1,704 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
3. Bedford Coffee Co
Address: 81 Bedford Road, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.7/5 (842 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 842 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
4. This Little Kitchen
Address: Shop 2/170-172 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North
Rating: 4.7/5 (565 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 565 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
5. Th!nk.cafe.
Address: 80B Railway Avenue, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.7/5 (35 reviews)
Price: Affordable
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 35 Google reviews. Rated 4.7/5 by locals.
6. Leaf & Vine Cafe and Wine Bar
Address: 34 Panfield Avenue, Ringwood
Rating: 4.6/5 (831 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
Leaf & Vine Cafe and Wine Bar is a verified local spot in Ringwood East. Check their latest hours and menu before visiting.
7. Fortunate Son Cafe
Address: 117 Bedford Road, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.6/5 (410 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 410 Google reviews. Rated 4.6/5 by locals.
8. OliRu Cafe
Address: 60 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.6/5 (73 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 73 Google reviews. Rated 4.6/5 by locals.
9. Stirr It Up
Address: 283 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
Rating: 4.5/5 (379 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 379 Google reviews. Rated 4.5/5 by locals.
10. Cafe Emjay.
Address: 46 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East
Rating: 4.5/5 (247 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 247 Google reviews. Rated 4.5/5 by locals.
11. SoulPod Cafe
Address: 43 The Mall, Croydon South
Rating: 4.4/5 (336 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 336 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
12. Eastfield Coffee Co.
Address: 35 The Mall, Croydon South
Rating: 4.4/5 (200 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 200 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
13. Cafe ONE 88
Address: 188 Bayswater Road, Bayswater North
Rating: 4.4/5 (136 reviews)
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 136 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
14. Eastfield Patisserie
Address: 3 The Mall, Croydon South
Rating: 4.4/5 (95 reviews)
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 95 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
15. Donwood Cafe
Address: Croydon
Rating: 4.4/5 (9 reviews)
A local cafe in Ringwood East with 9 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
About This Guide
Every venue in this guide is a verified, currently operating business sourced from Google Places API. Data last refreshed: 2026-03-31. If a venue has closed or moved, let us know.
More Ringwood East: Ringwood East Suburb Guide · Cost of Living · All Ringwood East Guides
Ringwood East has 15 verified spots worth your time for cafes. Every venue below is a real, operating business with a Google listing — no placeholder. This pocket of Melbourne’s outer east has transitioned from a quiet residential strip into a legitimate destination for brunch enthusiasts who prefer community vibes over the frantic pace of major shopping centers. Centered largely around the Railway Avenue village, the local cafe scene is defined by heritage conversions, artisan bakeries, and a serious commitment to specialty coffee standards. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through the Maroondah corridor, these venues provide a consistent and high-quality experience.
Blacksmith
Located in the heart of the Railway Avenue precinct, Blacksmith is a standout example of how to repurpose a historic space. The cafe is housed in a former blacksmith’s workshop, and the owners have gone to great lengths to preserve the rugged, industrial soul of the building. With soaring timber ceilings, exposed brick walls, and steel accents, the atmosphere is both impressive and cozy. The coffee program is a major draw, featuring beans from some of Melbourne’s top roasters prepared on high-end espresso machines. The menu is equally ambitious, moving beyond standard breakfast fare to offer dishes like slow-cooked brisket benedict, house-made granola with seasonal fruits, and savory waffles. It’s a large, bustling space that manages to feel intimate, making it the perfect spot for a long Saturday morning catch-up or a quick, high-quality midweek caffeine fix.
The Little Captain
Just a few doors down from the station, The Little Captain is the quintessential neighborhood cafe. While other venues offer industrial scale, The Little Captain provides warmth and familiarity. It is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name and your coffee order. The interior is charmingly decorated with local character, and the small outdoor seating area is a prime location for soaking up the morning sun while watching the suburb wake up. The food is focused on doing the basics perfectly. You’ll find generous servings of smashed avocado topped with dukkah and feta, classic egg-and-bacon rolls with zesty house-made relish, and a rotating selection of fresh muffins. Their commitment to using high-quality local produce is evident in every bite, and their consistently smooth lattes make them a cornerstone of the Ringwood East community.
Penny For Pound
For those who believe that a cafe visit is incomplete without world-class pastry, Penny For Pound is a non-negotiable stop. While they are a powerhouse in the wholesale scene, their Ringwood East retail presence is a dream for locals. The shopfront is sleek and minimalist, allowing the vibrant colors and intricate textures of the pastries to take center stage. The menu here is less about the “big breakfast” and more about the art of the bake. Their croissants are legendary—shattering with every bite to reveal a buttery, honeycombed interior. Beyond the classics, you’ll find innovative creations like passionfruit tarts, double-baked almond and chocolate croissants, and savory danishes that change with the seasons. Pair one of these with their expertly pulled espresso for perhaps the most indulgent breakfast experience in the eastern suburbs.
Firehouse
Perched on the edge of Ringwood East in a stunningly restored 1920s fire station, Firehouse offers a dining experience that is rich in history. The venue is versatile, featuring a large main dining room, a cozy bar area, and one of the best outdoor courtyards in the area. While it becomes a popular spot for dinner and drinks in the evening, its daytime cafe operation is equally impressive. The menu leans into the “smokehouse” theme of the venue, with items like smoked bacon and wood-fired mushrooms appearing across the breakfast and lunch offerings. The space is particularly well-suited for larger groups and families, providing plenty of room for prams and a relaxed environment where children are welcomed.
Local Tips
When visiting on weekends, try to arrive before 9:30 AM to secure a table at the more popular spots like Blacksmith without a wait. For commuters, many of the cafes on Railway Avenue offer efficient takeaway service, allowing you to grab a high-quality brew before hopping on the train at Ringwood East Station.
FAQ
Which Ringwood East cafes are best for working on a laptop? Blacksmith is the most suitable option due to its large communal tables and spacious layout, though it can get quite loud during peak weekend hours, so midweek is recommended for those seeking a quieter environment.
Are the cafes in Ringwood East dog-friendly? Several venues, including The Little Captain and Firehouse, have dedicated outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome, making them popular choices for locals who are out for a morning walk with their pets.
Is there plenty of parking near the Railway Avenue cafes? While the main strip on Railway Avenue can fill up quickly, there is usually ample parking available in the public car park located behind the shops or in the residential streets adjacent to the station.
Source: Broadsheet Melbourne.
