Mosman’s best café’s and hidden gems for great coffee and an elevated bite.

By ALEXANDRA POUGNET

Mosman’s café scene has moved ahead in leaps and bounds over the past decade, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to daytime dining.
But with more than 30 local coffee spots to choose from – and dozens of Instagram worthy flat whites – who are the stand out culinary stars in our little neck of the woods?

Here are my favourites.

La Banette: 920 Military Rd, Mosman.

This little hole in the wall is accessed via Raglan Street. It is always packed full of regulars enjoying their morning coffee, delicious pastries, and service with a smile. Staff member May is the standout here, always remembering your name and coffee order, even if it’s been months since visiting. My picks are the chocolate croissant, sourdough baguette and the light rye sourdough. Pro Tip: Cool off with an iced coffee or iced chocolate – the coffee/chocolate ratio is on point, making me smile and feel like a child again, probably as it is made with so much love by May!

The Source: 6/914 Military Rd, Mosman.

If you love Chai tea, you’ll love it here. Quite simply, there is no better Chai in Mosman, especially when it’s made with oat milk, to add that smooth, nutty flavour. The Source team are well known for their delicious sandwiches, but eating at a table here is often challenging, because there is rarely a free seat available! Again, you will find beautiful, friendly staff who always remember your order and name.

Avenue Road Café: 185 Avenue Rd, Mosman.

One look at their Instagram page, and you know these guys are serious about their food and coffee. The consistency factor applies here because no matter how busy, you always get a table, with staff members professional and “on the ball”. Food picks are the Halloumi Stack or the Omelette with your choice of 3 fillings. The ingredients are cooked to perfection with the same portion size and flavour. For drinks, order the homemade hibiscus iced tea or green machine smoothie. No matter the time of the day, you can be sure to find an option that will leave you both satisfied and well-nourished.

The Village Café: 2/870 Military Rd, Mosman.

Just a few steps from Avenue Rd is another fantastic local find that is seriously under-rated, called The Village Café. I have only recently discovered them, and boy, have I been missing out! Choose from a vast array of wraps, sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked cakes. To me, their food and cakes have a home-cooked feel to them. My top picks are the quinoa, sweet potato & tahini salad and vegetarian pasta with sundried tomato and butternut. Once, they added poached chicken to the pasta dish, and I can honestly say this was the best chicken I have eaten. Pro Tip: If you love Brownies, this is where you’ll find the best in town.

August the Old Place. 4/707 Military Rd, Mosman.

What I love about this place is the garden oasis and consistent, five-star service. August is my go-to for a sit-down coffee, that is delivered with a generous serving of chocolate sprinkles and a complimentary biscotti. For breakfast or brunch, I love their scrambled eggs with mushrooms and avocado. The eggs are silky, and the mushrooms are cooked with a hint of ginger and soy, which is why I go back. Pro Tip: My husband says August offers the best Chicken Caesar Wrap in Sydney! You get value for money at this much-loved heritage listed cafe, with generous portions and consistent quality.

Bathers Kiosk: The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach.

My favourite local coffee is found at Bathers Kiosk, and visiting here each morning has become part of my daily routine. Pro Tip: Not only will you find perfect coffee here, but you get .50c off (regular milk only) if you bring a Keep Cup! I have yet to find another local venue that does this. Scoring a coffee for $3.50 on the world’s most spectacular beach is a pretty incredible deal don’t you think?