Step outside the city and find yourself in some of the southern suburbs' finest, from cafes with brunch to cheeky midday cocktails. Check out our pick of hidden gem cafes, south of the Swan River.
Brother of Mine
Baldivis
Brainchild of Jos Whettingsteel, Brother of Mine is a welcoming and cosy spot serving coffee that's roasted on-site, and a rotating menu of comfort food (and even a cheeky brekkie cocktail or two). Keep an eye out on their Facebook for weekly specials for even the biggest of appetites, or try out their fan favourite bites like the loaded French toast and pulled pork burger. Open Monday through Friday from 5:30am for that early morning coffee fix and from 7am during the weekend, Brother of Mine also sell coffee to take and brew at home, in a variety of roasts and blends.
Tilly's Garden
Piara Waters
Opening in September for a spectacular Spring and Summer season, Tilly's Garden is a cafe and restaurant with a whimsical twist. Offering delightful Asian-fusion brunch (bottomless if you're feeling extra hungry!) and drinks surrounded by greenery and good vibes, Tilly's also converts to a bar in the evenings to continue the whimsy. Open Friday and Saturday until late and Sundays until 7pm, keep an eye out on their socials for the next season kicking off again.
The Bistrot Cafe
Bibra Lake and Fremantle
Dog-friendly and crafting some delicious baked goods, The Bistrot Cafe is a perfect suburban hideaway for a breakfast or brunch date. They call themselves 'a local neighbourhood cafe' established in 2016, and their cafe's success has meant they have recently expanded into Fremantle. Serving up classic breakfast from the kitchen, including eggs benny and smashed avo on toast (which we definitely recommend!) and their cabinet is always filled with an extensive array of sweet treats, cakes, sandwiches, rolls, pretzels and more. The Bibra Lake cafe is open seven days a week, 7am to 2pm, and Fremantle open 6.30am to 3pm everyday.
Secret Garden Cafe and Patisserie
South Perth
The Secret Garden is the perfect hidden sanctuary for a relaxing experience just south of the CBD. With a design reminiscent of a classic garden, the cafe is set up with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, and surrounded by an abundance of greenery. Open since 2008, the cafe plates up all day breakfast, and a lunch menu, as well as brewing Five Senses coffee to keep you going throughout the day. We recommend trying one of their signature dishes; classic Spanakopita, Moussaka or stuffed mushrooms. For those with little ones tagging along, the Secret Garden even has a kids' corner to keep them occupied. Open everyday, 7.30am to 4.30pm.
Moore & Moore
Fremantle
Moore & Moore is a warehouse turned cafe, furnished with eclectic couches and complete with an outdoor courtyard. Their all-day brunch menu is full of unique dishes, like chilli eggs and halloumi or sage & burnt butter pumpkin mash. Moore & Moore encourages their customers to bring their own takeaway cups, and even offers a small discount for those who remember. The cafe also shares their building with the Moore & Moore Art Gallery next door, and we recommend grabbing a coffee before having a look at emerging contemporary artists on display next door. Open 7.30 to 2pm Monday through Friday, 7.30am to 3pm Saturday and 7.30 to 4pm Sunday.