Berrima is one of the prettiest villages in the Southern Highlands, and its cafe scene is a big part of the charm. Sandstone buildings line the main street, and behind many of those doors sit some of the best cafes in the region. If you want a quick coffee or a full lunch, this village just delivers!
The choices range from French-style patisserie to Italian home cooking to bakery favourites with a European twist. Each cafe has its own personality. As a result, no two stops feel the same, even though they sit just metres apart.
This guide breaks down the best cafes in Berrima NSW, what to order, and when to visit. By the end, you will know exactly where to head first.
6 Best Cafes in Berrima NSW Worth Visiting
When it comes to Cafes near Berrima NSW, the village offers a range of spots that suit every kind of visitor. Most are within walking distance of each other. All of them are easy to reach from Berrima Retreat.
1. Gumnut Patisserie Berrima
Gumnut Patisserie sits on Post Office Corner along the Hume Highway in Berrima. It is one of the most well-known stops in the Southern Highlands. The pies, cakes, and pastries here are made fresh daily using quality ingredients.
Visitors consistently praise the banoffee tart, caramel slice, and hazelnut chocolate mousse. The meat pies are another highlight. Many guests say they are some of the best they have had in Australia.
There is indoor and outdoor seating available. The outdoor tables under the mulberry tree are a favourite on sunny days. Opening hours are Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The patisserie is closed on Tuesdays.
2. Berrima General Store Café
The Berrima General Store Café sits at 1/13 Old Hume Highway, Berrima NSW 2577. It is owned by Italian chef Diego Arata and has been a local favourite for years. The atmosphere feels warm and unhurried, like settling into a friend’s kitchen.
The menu focuses on simple Italian-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Homemade focaccia, lasagne, and bombolini are popular choices. The coffee uses a Nicaraguan organic roast from Rush, a local roaster.
The almond croissant is frequently mentioned in reviews as a must-try. Scones with homemade strawberry jam are another standout. The cafe is open Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.
3. Baked in Berrima
Baked in Berrima is located at 8 Wingecarribee Street, just around the corner from the main street. It sits opposite the old gaol and is easy to spot. This is a bakery-style cafe that leans into European baking traditions.
The display counter is full of colour. Cinnamon scrolls, sfogliatelle, lemon and coconut slice, stuffed breads, and fresh baguettes are among the regulars. The Google rating sits at 4.7, which reflects the consistency of the food and service.
It is a great option for groups wanting a casual bite before or after exploring the village. Baked in Berrima is open Thursday through Sunday from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
4. Josh’s Café
Josh’s Café is at 9 Old Hume Highway in Berrima. It offers a cosy, relaxed setting with a romantic courtyard that works well for slower mornings. The menu blends classic café dishes with Turkish influences.
In addition to coffee and brunch staples, the beef dishes have earned a strong following among regulars. It is one of the best options out of cafes in Berrima, as it is a quieter option for groups who want to sit back and take in the village atmosphere. The courtyard makes it one of the more scenic spots on the main strip.
5. Eschalot Restaurant
Eschalot is a step up in formality but still fits the spirit of Berrima. It is considered one of the finest dining experiences in the Southern Highlands. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally grown produce, with much of it coming directly from the restaurant gardens.
Head chef Matty Roberts runs degustation experiences that showcase the best of the region. Furthermore, the new owners have refreshed the look and feel of the space while keeping what made it special. Opening hours are Thursday to Saturday from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
This is a strong option for retreat groups celebrating a milestone or wanting a special group dinner close to the property.
6. The Surveyor General Inn
The Surveyor General Inn is one of Australia’s oldest continuously licensed hotels. It sits in the heart of Berrima village and offers a bistro experience with genuine country hospitality. The setting alone is worth the visit.
As a result of its history and atmosphere, it attracts visitors who want more than just a meal. The inn is a piece of Australian heritage you can eat and drink in. It is a natural finish to a morning walk through the village before heading back to Berrima Retreat for the afternoon.
Tips for Visiting the Cafes in Berrima NSW
Best Time to Go
Weekday mornings are quieter, and it is honestly the ideal time to go in cafes in Berrima, especially before 10am. Weekends bring more visitors, particularly at Gumnut Patisserie and Baked in Berrima. Arrive early if you want the best pastry selection.
Getting to Berrima
Berrima is 90 minutes from Sydney via the M5 and Hume Highway. It is roughly 2 hours from Canberra. The village sits right off the highway, so most cafes are an easy stop on a road trip through the Southern Highlands.
Plan a Full Day
Most of these mentioned cafes in Berrima are within walking distance of each other. You can easily visit two or three in one trip. Pair a coffee stop with a wander through Berrima’s historic buildings and shops for a full day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cafes in Berrima NSW?
The top picks are Gumnut Patisserie, Berrima General Store Café, and Baked in Berrima. Each offers a different experience, from French-style patisserie to Italian home cooking to European bakery. All three are within the village and easy to reach from Berrima Retreat.
Are the cafes in Berrima open on weekends?
Most cafes in Berrima are open on Saturdays and Sundays. Gumnut Patisserie is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm on weekends. Berrima General Store Café opens from 7:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. Baked in Berrima trades Thursday through Sunday. It is worth calling ahead for the most current hours.
Is Berrima a good day trip from Sydney?
Yes. Berrima is 90 minutes from Sydney, making it an easy day trip. Visitors often combine a cafe stop with a walk through the village’s historic streets and shops
Final Thoughts
The cafes in Berrima NSW are reason enough to plan a trip to the Southern Highlands. Each one brings its own flavour to this small, historic village, from flaky pastries to slow-cooked Italian classics. Wherever you start, you are in for a good cup of coffee and a memorable stop.
After a day of cafe hopping, you might want somewhere quiet to rest before heading home. Berrima Retreat is just minutes away, offering private accommodation for groups who want to turn their visit into a longer stay. If you are interested, you can find more information at berrimaretreat.com.au or contact us through the given contact information below.
Call: 1300 76 13 76 | Email: bookings@berrimaretreat.com.au