We’ve taken the hit and given ourselves an endless buzz, sipping our way diligently through the precinct to find some of South Bank’s best coffees from the streetside cafes to all day restaurants.

Riverside Cafe and Bar

Stuck in an endless Riverside Green playground loop and in need of a solid hit of caffeine to jolt you back to life? Take the short stroll to Riverside Cafe and Bar for a much deserved micro-break before hitting the trenches again.

Poppies

Is there anything Poppies can’t do? Serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner (and some of South Bank’s best cocktails) daily, the bar restaurant slashie is also responsible for coffees worth making the trip for, whether you’re staying for a meal or not. 

Denim. Co 

This Little Stanley Street cafe is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a light evening meal and, of course, coffee made to perfection!

Espresso Garage 

This might just look like a hole in the wall, but boy do they know how to serve a coffee! Using the freshest beans and serving a tidy menu of quick eats, Espresso Garage is a South Bank coffee institution – just follow the crowd of lycra-clad cyclists to join the daily pilgrimage. 

Lost Bean

Lost Bean’s cafe on Grey Street draws both dedicated brunchers and caffeine-obsessed coffee nuts in equal measure. Reignite your love of go juice over the menu of savoury dishes and sweet treats and grab a seat to enjoy as you watch the morning rush swirl around you.

Belle Époque

A patisserie-style café located at the Emporium Hotel, Belle Epoque is home to a plethora of buttery reasons to visit but it’s also home to one of the best cups of coffee this side of the river. Sip with breakfast, lunch or the finest French treats like tarts, gateaux, macarons and chocolate delights.

Baba Ganouj

Most visitors to Baba Ganouj come to this popular cafe for the moreish traditional Lebanese fare served up daily but few know that it’s also home to a great coffee. The baristas work their magic on fresh, locally roasted beans doling out coffee made exactly as you like it! 

Vici

You can definitely trust an Italian restaurant to serve up one of South Bank’s best coffees, and the traditional pizza and pasta haunt is no exception. Pumping out cups of Campos Coffee beans and quick bites from 7am, Vici should be added to your morning ritual list, stat.

Coco Bliss

Vegan and plant-based wholefoods lovers have been flocking to Coco Bliss for its smoothies, protein bowls and light lunches for a decade now. But the South Bank store is also a fave among the coffee committed too. Set your day up for glowing success with a stacked acai bowl or bright, berry-filled juice alongside your cup of joe.

Nodo

As if the prettiest of gluten-free donuts for breakfast aren’t enough, Nodo goes ahead and ups the ante with one of the best cups of coffee not just in South Bank, but the whole of Brisbane. Pick your style and milk, get your mitts on one of the round dough delights and your morning will be made.