Mudgee cafes have a lot to offer when it comes to delightful breakfasts and brunches, thanks to the freshly-farmed bounty of this Central West region of NSW.

Mudgee may first have gained a reputation as an incredible wine region, but it also packs a very out-sized punch on the food scene. From the time breakfast begins, Mudgee’s cafes turn on the wholesome country charm along its main streets, enticing coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike.

The cafe scene is thriving, thanks in more recent years to a slew of openings offering everything from casual cafe classics to elevated brunches. Oh, and great coffee everywhere around every corner.

Here are some of our picks for the best cafes in Mudgee.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Butcher Shop Cafe
Best pastries: Althea by Zin
Best for brunch: Alby & Esthers
Best for dog-friendly dining: Byron Perry

Butcher Shop Cafe

The name might sound strange, but it makes more sense when you realise the Butcher Shop Cafe is housed in an old butchery from the late 1800s. While the cafe may have leaned into the theme when it comes to decor, it’s surprisingly very vegetarian-friendly. The menu is consistent, reliable and tasty, knowing its strengths and doing them well. Think sweet and savoury waffles, eggs your way, croissant melts and brekkie burritos on an all-day breakfast menu. And be sure to add the house-made jam. After 10.30 am, guests can also choose from the likes of burgers, sandwiches and nachos.

But top of the list, for those in the know, is the coffee – it’s roasted in-house here, and locals will rave about it, when asked.

Cuisine: Classic all-day breakfast.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location:  49 Church St, Mudgee

Althea by Zin

Named in honour of chef Kim Currie’s mum, Althea by Zin is the love child of Lowe Wines and the Zin House. The cupboard-sized bakery and patisserie pumps out treats such as freshly baked organic sourdough and other loaves, berry (and chocolate) tarts, incredible baked cheesecake (the passionfruit and white chocolate cheesecake is otherworldly) and Deluca coffee. Treats do change seasonally, as the cafe uses the same fresh produce from the organic and biodynamic Lowe Family Wine Co farm as The Zin House.

Take away is the main mode here, but bench seats out the front and a sunny courtyard out the back do allow guests to down their tasty treats before heading home.

Cuisine: Baked goods of a sweet and savoury nature.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Sunny and bright.
Location: 5 Cnr Church & Horatio St, Mudgee

Alby & Esthers

Alby + Esthers turns on the charm in a little cobblestoned corner of Mudgee. The courtyard cafe is tucked away down an alley outside an 1873 stone terrace, and it’s this backdrop of heritage buildings that grounds you in the heart of historic Mudgee.

It’s the perfect spot to spend the morning sipping coffee or kombucha, and eating the famous Esthers Jaffle with smoked leg ham, free-range eggs, Swiss cheese and tomato relish. Locals come for breakfast, but they don’t leave until after lunch. Do as they do and order the lamb burger with greens, beetroot relish and tzatziki on Turkish bread.

Cuisine: Australiana cafe classics.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 61 Market St, Mudgee

The Coffee Burrow

A newer kid on the block, The Coffee Burrow is probably Mudgee’s edgiest cafe, with its all-black walls and sleek-edged decor. While there’s plenty of room to sit down, take away seems to be where this cafe shines. Hot and iced coffees, matcha and chai lattes grace the menu. While simple, sweet and savoury pastries grace the food menu, alongside toasties and sweet slices.

Order online ahead of time to grab and go (those wineries won’t drive to you, after all).

Cuisine: Sweet and savoury pastries.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Edgy.
Location: 79 Market Street, Mudgee

The Quick Brown Fox

Walk down Mudgee’s main streets of a morning, and you’ll notice that most of the locals are sitting at The Quick Brown Fox. For good reason. Sit outside to enjoy some people watching while friendly staff prepare your breakfast or lunch. Choose from a simple menu of classic Aussie cafe dishes, from bacon and egg rolls to a selection of wraps and sandwiches. Just be prepared to settle into country time when the lines are long.

Cuisine: Cafe classics.
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: A people-watching classic.
Location: 79 Market St, Mudgee

Millbrie

Millbrie describe themselves as “fine dining meets cafe culture", and we feel that sums it up nicely. Under the expert eye of head chef and owner, Andy Crestani (the very same who brought Pipeclay Pumphouse to Mudgee), the menu focuses on keeping ingredients local and ideas fresh. Think a breakfast of bacon and egg gnocchi with truffled poached eggs or a caramelised onion, potato and leek tart with hazelnut, fetta and poached eggs. Come lunch time, the menu changes to bowls, burgers and pastas with a unique twist.

Cuisine: Modern Australian.
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 89 Market Street, Mudgee

Empower Cafe

One of the most thrilling things about Mudgee – outside its unbeatable food and wine scene – is that you can head to the Mudgee Arts Precinct to stand face-to-face (and often, alone) with some of the world’s most famous artworks, on loan from Canberra. We’re talking soup cans by Andy Warhol and pop art by Roy Lichtenstein.

And when you’re done, you can pop into the newly opened, on-site Empower Cafe. Muse on what you’ve just witnessed over light refreshments and top-notch coffee.

Cuisine: Light refreshments.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casually artsy.
Location: Mudgee Arts Precinct, 90 Market Street, Mudgee

Bite & Brew

Bite & Brew really does what it says on the tin: easy bites (of the sandwich, wrap and salad persuasion) and tasty coffee brews (plus a few other treats, like hot chocolate and chai lattes). Why complicate a good thing, after all? And, ok, it’s hard to walk past and resist the daily sweet treats they add to the offering.

Cuisine: Sandwiches and salads.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 70 Church Street, Mudgee

Mudgee Corner Store

This isn’t an average corner store. Pop into Mudgee Corner Store to order takeaway coffee and food from the kiosk window, or linger longer at communal tables, begging diners to take their time. The menu is simple: good quality, locally sourced ingredients in crowd-pleasing meals. Think bacon and egg rolls, delicious toastie (both classic and with a twist) and a selection of sandwiches.

And most of the ingredients can be bought from the store part of this cafe, from tomato relish to house-made granola to local marinated olives. Those staying in luxury accommodation in Mudgee should order a breakfast hamper to enjoy the next day.

Cuisine: Cafe classics.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Communal and welcoming.
Location:  72 Lewis St, Mudgee

Mudgee Honey Haven Cafe

Never has a cafe been more aptly named than Mudgee Honey Haven. The honey here is so fresh, you can spy on the bees as they make it (through a glass window, of course, which shows a cross-section of a working hive). Book a tasting to discern your favourite variety, then stock up on a jar, as well as other picnic provisions like sparkling mead and blueberry jam.

The rustic on-site cafe knows what its guests are after – simple classics that only taste better with a topping of honey. Scones, croissants, toasties and a mini pizza make up the main bulk of the menu. But dessert is truly the show stopper, with the homemade honey ice cream being a must.

Cuisine: Honey, and other simple pleasures.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: A place to learn and enjoy.
Location: 2 Hill End Road, Mudgee

Byron Perry

This quirky cafe offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options from its Perry Street precinct location. The cafe takes pride in championing fresh, local ingredients, and provides plenty of gluten-free options (they also cater to other dietary requirements). The menu includes everything from award-winning coffee to bacon and egg rolls. But it’s the housemade, artisanal gelato that has most customers coming back.

Cuisine: Gluten-free delights.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Dog-friendly.
Location: 13 Perry St, Mudgee