News & Events - 21/02/2024
Our local neighbourhood of Thornbury stands out with its unique blend of cosy corners, passionate baristas, and a slower pace that invites you to linger over your coffee. Here, cafes pride themselves on perfecting the classics, serving up dishes and brews that feel like home, and always leave you looking forward to your next visit.
What Makes Thornbury Cafes So Good?
Thornbury, cafes become a second home, a place where the coffee is rich, the toast is crunchy, and the vibe is just right. It’s not just about the world-class batch brews or the freshly made bagels that’s become the talk of the town; it’s about the experience.
These local spots offer genuine warmth, emphasising quality, friendly service, and an ambiance that makes you want to stay for a top up on your mug, or perhaps a second pastry. Whether you’re in for a morning pick-me-up or settling in for a relaxed afternoon, Thornbury’s cafes have you covered.
1. All Are Welcome Thornbury
Image Source: Concrete Playground
Address:
887 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 2:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
At All Are Welcome Thornbury, their passion for crafting exceptional baked goods shines through every sourdough loaf, pork-and-fennel sausage roll, and cheese-and-oregano pastry. Their beloved Thornbury location, an expansion from their Northcote bakery, thrives on a unique menu that complements its sister site, fostering a symbiotic relationship that ensures freshness and quality.
You can expect the following tasty treats:
- Classic sourdough loaves and baguettes baked to perfection.
- Croissants, including specialties like ham and cheddar, and the exquisite pain au chocolat.
- Unique offerings like the Georgian-inspired khachapuri pastries and the cardamom-spiced kouign-amann.
Their dedication to maintaining a connection with Thornbury’s history, coupled with their commitment to exceptional baking, makes every visit memorable.
2. Umberto Espresso Bar
Image Source: Broadsheet
Address:
917 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Wednesday – Sunday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Umberto Espresso Bar is a testament to authentic Italian cuisine, nestled in the heart of Thornbury. Marco, the son of the original Umberto, brings to life a legacy of Italian tradition and a deep-rooted family passion for food and coffee.
Their menu, inspired by homestyle ‘casalinga’ Italian food, is a celebration of simplicity and flavour, anchored in the foundations of family and community. Many locals have Umberto as their pick for the best coffee in Thornbury.
3. Little Tienda
Address:
410 Station Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 2:30pm
Little Tienda stands out with its vibrant peach facade and lemon-meringue-pie-coloured walls, offering a sunny spot for brunch that blends the best of Mexico and Southern California.
Their menu is a kaleidoscope of flavours, with everything from chilaquiles and huevos rancheros to their signature breakfast burritos, available in both regular and grande sizes, ensuring there’s something for all appetites.
Menu highlights include:
- A fusion of Mexican and Californian flavours, with dishes like chilli-cheese toast and the hearty breakfast burrito.
- House-made specialties, including chilli oil and ranchero sauce, with ingredients like jalapenos and fresh tomatillos grown right at our doorstep.
- A selection of artisan mezcals, and local beers from Moondog and 3 Ravens, perfect for those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal.
Patrons often rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the unique, flavourful dishes that make Little Tienda a beloved Thornbury gem.
4. Rat the Cafe
Address:
71 Wales Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Rat the Cafe stands out in Thornbury for its inventive approach and dedication to sustainability. Here, every dish tells a story of creativity and respect for the environment.
The menu, ever-changing, features dishes like French toast reimagined with yesterday’s bread, and poached eggs paired with creamed beetroot tops, showcasing the cafe’s commitment to using the whole vegetable. This ethos is not just in the kitchen but also in the cafe’s decor, with recycled materials and local art adding to the charm.
We would be foolish to discuss Rat and not mention their incredible coffee, as it stands as one of Thornbury’s best and brightest. The coffee is brewed with a passion for flavour and provenance – definitely worth checking out if you find yourself on Wales Street!
5. Prior
Address:
637 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Stepping into Prior, you’re greeted by a fusion of elegance and warmth, a reflection of its Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Chef Nick Korceba brings his expertise to the table, offering dishes that blend traditional flavours with a modern twist. Highlights include sticky black rice with dragon fruit, and salted chocolate crumpets that promise to delight.
The interior sets the perfect stage for a dining experience that’s both comfortable and chic. With its commitment to quality and a welcoming atmosphere, Prior is a standout in Thornbury’s cafe scene.
6. Ampersand Coffee and Food
Image Source: Broadsheet
Address:
863 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Ampersand Coffee and Food brings a vibrant blend of community spirit and culinary innovation to Thornbury. With a South American twist, the menu caters to all, offering dishes that are as inclusive as they are delicious.
The cafe’s transformation from a bright pink juice bar to a warm, art-filled space is a testament to owner Liam Wilson’s vision of a place that feels like home. The menu, featuring vegetarian and vegan options alongside hearty steak sandwiches, reflects this ethos. With its kid-friendly atmosphere and outdoor area, Ampersand is a true gem in the High Street food scene.
7. casa nata.
Image Source: Broadsheet
Address:
846 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday : 9:00am – 3:00pm
At Casa Nata, innovation marries tradition to create the quintessential pastéis de nata. Their journey to Portugal in 2017 was more than a quest for authenticity; it was a commitment to sustainable, artisanal craft. Co-owners Nelson Coutinho and Ruben Bertolo, armed with family heritage and a passion for Portuguese cuisine, have mastered the delicate balance of creating the perfect tart.
Ingredients are locally sourced, highlighting their dedication to community and environmental stewardship.
8. Short Round
Address:
731 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Housed in a building with a storied past, Short Round offer a blend of history and contemporary design. Their seasonal menu, crafted by chefs Kate Pratt and Jo Baring, champions Victorian produce, transforming local ingredients into dishes that resonate with the heart of Thornbury.
The Labourer’s Lunch, featuring ham and kransky from a local butcher, is a testament to their local-first philosophy. With coffee sourced from Atomica, using Portuguese machinery, they bridge local flavours with international traditions.
9. Jerry Joy
Image Source: Broadsheet
Address:
128 Mansfield Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Jerry Joy is a sanctuary for dietary diversity, where every meal is crafted with care to meet the unique needs of their patrons. The cafe’s ethos is simple: create a welcoming space where dietary restrictions are not restrictions but avenues for culinary creativity.
From gluten-free delights to vegan treats, their menu is a thoughtful mosaic of flavours designed to cater to everyone. With dishes like spiced beetroot lentil fritters and apple almond pikelets, they offer an adventurous take on brunch that’s as inclusive as it is delicious!
10. The Old Milk Bar
Address:
144 Dundas Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
Friday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
At The Old Milk Bar, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff, delicious coffee and exquisite food. Dishes like the matcha pancakes and Wagyu brioche burger aren’t just mouthwatering; they’re crafted with meticulously selected, sustainably sourced ingredients.
11. Little Henri
Image Source: Easy Weddings
Address:
850 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Little Henri not only offers a nod to the area’s heritage but also serves up a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, from the hearty corn, pea, and bacon hash to their superb baguettes. The interior of this Thornbury cafe is second to none, as it is bathed in natural light and draped in lovely greenery.
- Outdoor area and takeaway options enhance the experience.
- Available to hire for functions i.e. wedding receptions, Christmas parties
12. Artiga Specialty Coffee
Address:
65/327 Mansfield Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 3:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Artiga Specialty Coffee is a standout in Thornbury for its focus on high quality, delicious coffee. This café prides itself on offering a diverse menu that showcases premium ingredients in every dish. From its modern and minimalist interior to the sunny outdoor seating, Artiga creates a welcoming space for every patron.
Whether you’re here for the specialty coffee roasted in-house or the fresh pastries, Artiga ensures a memorable experience with each visit.
13. Haytch
Address:
690 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
At Haytch, the fusion of innovation and sustainability crafts a unique dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional cafe culture. The menu is a testament to the creativity and environmental ethos that define this establishment. Dishes such as the solar-smoked salmon and the zero-waste vegetable tart showcase the inventive approach to cooking, with every ingredient selected for its sustainability credentials.
The cafe’s sustainability commitment extends beyond the plate, evident in its renewable energy sources, composting programs, and use of recycled materials throughout the venue.
14. Thornbury Espresso Bar
Image Source: Broadsheet
Address:
792 High Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Thornbury Espresso Bar distinguishes itself with a singular focus on quality and authenticity, making it a beacon for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike. The uniqueness of the bar lies in its commitment to offering a curated selection of direct trade coffees, each with its own story and flavor profile.
This dedication to quality extends to the menu, where items like the artisanal sourdough toast and the signature Thornbury affogato blend tradition with a modern twist. The warm, eclectic interior serves as the perfect backdrop for the community it serves, creating a space where every visit feels like a homecoming. Customers regularly praise the bar for its standout coffee and the personal touch that comes with each order.
15. Tickled Pink
Image Source: Localista
Address:
145 Miller Street, Thornbury
Trading Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Tickled Pink offers a refreshing take on the cafe experience, where the joy of dining is celebrated in a playful and lighthearted environment. The cafe’s uniqueness springs from its vibrant decor and a menu that dares to be different, offering a range of dishes that cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
The gluten-free red velvet cake and the vegan avocado smash are just a few examples of how Tickled Pink turns dietary needs into culinary adventures. The cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where art, culture, and food intersect, creating memorable experiences for all who visit.
16. Outer Circle Social Club (Fairfield)
Address:
1/299 Arthur Street, Fairfield
Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Outer Circle Social Club can be found right on the cusp of Thornbury, in the nieghbouring suburb of Fairfield. Outer Circle opened its doors in the beginning of 2019 and has been a local mainstay for delicious coffee, handcrafted pastries and nourishing meals.
Armed with a playful menu, that caters to all dietary requirements, Outer Circle has become a local favourite for its welcoming atmosphere and quality service. One of our personal favourites is their fresh in-house made lemonade, which pairs perfectly with their fresh seasonal salads.