Where to start the day downtown — bakeries, cafes, espresso bars, and pastry counters near the hotels and the harbour.
Start with Crust Bakery, Dutch Bakery & Diner, and Hey Happy. The stories below have more detail; check the restaurant websites for current menus and hours.
A quick coffee and pastry, a proper sit-down breakfast, or brunch before everything opens.
Croissants, danishes and other pastries on lower Fort Street. Crust was a reader favourite in our February 2025 bakery guide.
730 Fort St.
No online table booking is listed; contact the venue for seating details.
The Schaddelee family's bakery and diner on Fort Street. The vanilla slice is our pick.
718 Fort St.
No online table booking is listed; contact the venue for seating details.
A cafe on Johnson Street with espresso, filter coffee and beans from a range of roasters. Its planned Cook Street location is due in January 2027.
560 Johnson St.
No online table booking is listed; contact the venue for seating details.
Espresso and filter coffee in a small downtown coffee bar on Yates Street.
101-535 Yates St.
No online table booking is listed; contact the venue for seating details.
Coffee in the Atrium building on Yates Street, with windows facing the street and places to sit.
808 Yates St.
No online table booking is listed; contact the venue for seating details.
Your answer helps us choose what to cover. No name or email needed.