Eurobodalla might not be a coffee growing region, but that hasn’t stopped it from having one of the most vibrant coffee scenes in the country. With an ever-increasing array of local roasters and coffee shops as dedicated to sourcing ethical beans as they are to roasting and brewing them to perfection, you never need to travel far to find a quality caffeine fix on the NSW Far South Coast. Here are just a few local favourites to try, from north to south.
The Venetian, Batemans Bay
Hailing from Venice – one of the first European ports to import coffee beans in the 16th century – and having worked in hospitality all his life, The Venetian’s Davide Pergola knows a thing or two about how to make a good coffee. Enjoy yours with a cake or panini at his Venice-themed cafe in Orient Street, Batemans Bay, or pop in to grab one of the 19 house-roasted blends to brew at home.
Alfresco Coffee Roasters, Batemans Bay and Moruya
After building up a loyal following for its ethically sourced coffee roasted on-site at its hip Moruya cafe on Church Street (where you can also pick up brew gear), Alfresco Coffee Roasters opened a second cafe in North Street, Batemans Bay, in late 2020. Soon you’ll also be able to sample a brew made from beans from their very own coffee farm in the Philippines.
Java Jack, Batemans Bay
A newer addition to the Bateman’s Bay coffee scene, Java Jack is a gourmet market specialising in top local produce, with the lion’s share of it sourced between the NSW South Coast towns of Berry and Bega. Strong and flavoursome, with a chocolate-toned finish, its delicious ‘coffee for adults’, as the owners call it, is supplied by Alfresco Coffee Roasters in Moruya.
Crumb, Batehaven
Whether you’re after a quick caffeine fix, a sweet treat, or a gourmet brunch (with plenty of gluten-free options to choose from), Batehaven’s Crumb has you sorted. Their coffees are brewed from 100% arabica beans sourced from Sydney artisan coffee roasters Numero Uno, and are best enjoyed at a sun-drenched outdoor table on Beach Road.
Grounded, Moruya
Life is too short for bad coffee, say the owners of this Vulcan Street coffee shop, who claim to have created the perfect full-bodied blend. Sample it for yourself during your next visit to Moruya, where you can grab a takeaway from Grounded’s coffee window or pull up a stall in its leafy café space.
Mogo Brew Crew, Mogo
For a classic taste of Mogo, look out for the retro aqua coffee van on Tomakin Road. It’s home to the Mogo Brew Crew, who source all their brews and ‘chews’ locally – from their egg pies and cakes to their smooth coffee, created just for Mogo Brew Crew by Alfresco Coffee Roasters in Moruya.
The Mossy Cafe, Mossy Point
The folks behind The Mossy Cafe believe that the coffee and food they serve is just as important as the atmosphere of their charming cafe tucked behind the Tomaga River. And most would agree they’ve nailed all three. The founders of Guerilla Roasters (who serve coffee from their Moruya roastery door on weekday mornings) also work on the Mossy team, ensuring each seasonal blend isn’t only delicious but also ethically sourced. But you’ll want to come hungry, as the Mossy Cafe’s wholesome all-day menu is one of the best on the coast.
Montague Coffee, Narooma
This small boutique roastery in Narooma prides itself on quality, commitment and community. Montague Coffee offers its freshly-roasted beans for sale on its website, but most locals would agree that their wares are best sampled from the source at Montague Cafe on the Princes Highway. You can also find Montague Coffee at the Moruya Markets on Saturday mornings.
Coral at the Marina, Narooma
Between its moreish brunch menu and its idyllic Wagonga Inlet views, Coral at the Marina in Narooma is the kind of cafe you could spend all morning in – especially if you’re a fan of Sydney roaster Numero Uno’s bold and full-bodied Black Mamba blend.
La Galette, Tilba Tilba
When you’re in the mood for coffee and cake in the Eurobodalla region, it’s difficult to go past French patisserie La Galette in the small hinterland village of Tilba Tilba. Here owner Patricia brews Alfresco Coffee Roasters’ India Pearl Mountain light-to-medium roast, which was carefully selected to pair perfectly with the delicate French pastries on offer.
