Four New Illawarra Cafes to Discover This Weekend
The Illawarra region continues to solidify its reputation as a culinary hotspot on the east coast, with a fresh wave of cafes opening their doors to eager locals and visitors. This weekend, why not explore some of these new additions that are already making waves in the local food scene? From traditional Turkish fare to sweet pastries and unique coffee creations, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Cafe Persona Brings Turkish Flavours to Crown Street
A new establishment on Crown Street in Wollongong is introducing authentic Turkish cuisine to the area. Cafe Persona, founded by immigrants Max and Sara Barry, offers a menu that includes melts, toasts, English-style breakfasts, and bacon and egg rolls. However, the standout item is undoubtedly the Turkish breakfast, described as the "king and queen of the menu."
The couple, who have backgrounds in business and industrial engineering, pursued their long-held dream of opening a cafe after facing challenges in the job market. "We had many interviews and downs and ups and some offers," Mr Barry explained. "When the job interviews didn't go well, we told each other, why not give it a shot?" Their passion and dedication are now on full display at this vibrant new eatery.
Crois.Au Offers Artisanal Pastries on Market Street
Early risers on Market Street are being treated to the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries from Crois.Au, which opened on January 8, 2026. Owner and chef Matt Taylor found inspiration during a trip to Paris, where he appreciated the simplicity of using fresh ingredients like fruit on pastries instead of canned alternatives.
"That simplicity of balance is what got me really started," Taylor said. "Before I even started working in a kitchen commercially, I was trying to make croissants, so it's something that has stuck with me for a long time." The cafe's popularity was evident when it temporarily ran out of pastry shortly after opening—a testament to its quality. Alongside classics like plain croissants and pain au chocolat, Crois.Au features unique creations that have quickly gained a loyal following.
Bliss and Bean Gains Community Support in Lake Heights
In Lake Heights, the new cafe Bliss and Bean has quickly become a community favourite, described as a place where locals "can come every day." Owner Mainul Hasan, who also runs Nadia's Cafe in Wollongong Central, launched this venture after discussions with manager Sandy Srbinovski, who is from the area.
"She said, 'Oh, there's a nice little spot that we can think about', I said, 'Let's go explore the place,'" Hasan recalled. The cafe has already found success with its $12 bacon and egg roll and coffee combo, attracting an early morning crowd that includes many tradies. In the coming weeks, Bliss and Bean plans to expand its offerings with a lunch menu to complement its breakfast selections.
Sleep Talker Coffee Innovates with Cold Brews in Port Kembla
Port Kembla welcomes a unique new business, Sleep Talker Coffee, which specialises in cold brew coffee with a sweet twist. Founder Stephen Wright began experimenting with flavours at home, sharing his creations with family and friends who encouraged him to bring them to the public.
"I was having my friends and my family try them, and they basically said, 'These are really, really good, you need to get these out to the public,'" Wright explained. The cold brews come in flavours like salted caramel, Dubai chocolate, and blueberry crumble, resembling dessert beverages. Currently, Wright is selling his products out of Black Metal Motor Co in Port Kembla a few days a week as part of a testing period, with hopes to grow the brand further.
These four new cafes highlight the diversity and innovation thriving in the Illawarra's food and beverage scene. Whether you're craving a traditional Turkish breakfast, a flaky croissant, a hearty bacon and egg roll, or a creative cold brew, there's a new spot waiting to be explored this weekend. Support local businesses and tickle your tastebuds with these exciting additions to the region.
