The Best Cafes in Penrith: 12 to Try in 2024

Whilst we do recommend a picnic by the picturesque Nepean River, for the family that likes their oat lattes and super-charged Belgian waffles, you'll be pleased to know that Penrith's cafe scene is absolutely thriving. We're talking Instagram-worthy hot spots to charming heritage-listed institutions.

So, when you're out west exploring what the region has to offer families, put one (or two) of these cafes in Penrith on your day trip itinerary. 

The Best Cafes in Penrith: 12 to Try in 2024

1. Percy Plunkett

 

Don't be fooled by the heritage cottage, this Insta-hot cafe is as hip as they come.

Find a spot on Percy Plunkett's wraparound veranda and choose from modern classics such as lamb eggs Benedict and halloumi fries or retro classics such as homemade scones with jam and cream. There's even fairy bread for the kids (or big kids for a true taste of nostalgia). Oh, and save room for Percy's signature dish, the deep-dished pancake. It's served with butterscotch sauce, white chocolate mousse, caramelised banana and crushed pistachios.

The previous owner and namesake Percy Plunkett hasn't been around since 1928, so he won't mind if the kids run off their sugar high on the beautiful lawns!

Location: 146 Station Street

2. Mr Watkin's

 

Located on Penrith's High Street, Mr Watkin's is a cafe-bar run by a trio of hospitality heavyweights.

Expect drool-worthy twists such as truffle scrambled eggs, smashed avo with beetroot hummus and pomegranate, and their famous 'bread pie', which they describe as a 'jacked up jaffle'.

Kids will love their homemade banana bread, and they'll love you even more if you let them have it with ice-cream and salted caramel sauce.

Named after Australia's 18th century explorer Captain Watkin Tench, and themed like his library, Mr Watkin's is very welcoming to families. However, come nightfall this place transforms into a cocktail bar so come back for a nightcap when you've got yourselves a babysitter! 

Location: 467 High Street

3. Laughin' Boy 

 

Located on the banks of the Nepean River in the new Regatta Park Precinct, Laughin’ Boy is sure to tickle your fancy with its cheeky menu and friendly staff.

Your breaky-lovin' kids can score all-day breakfast and choose from menu items such as the deep dish vanilla pancake with maple syrup and ice cream or dive into lunch choices such as tempura chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers.

Fun fact: Laughin' Boy is housed inside a restored police cottage. And with its pretty river views and dog-friendly appeal, on sunny days we recommend getting there early to nab a picnic table out on the lawn. 

Location: 4 River Rd, Emu Plains

4. Settlers Mulgoa

 

In one of Penrith's oldest buildings, you'll find Settlers Mulgoa, the perfect place to settle in for a few hours.

Situated on almost an acre, Settlers is one of the best cafes in Penrith for good reason. This quaint cafe/bar offers great food, tunes, and the opportunity to relax while the kids play in the fully fenced yard.

The heritage building dates back to 1890 but the menu reflects classic Australian pub grub made with fresh, seasonal produce. Think burgers, bangers and mash, and crispy skin Barra. While the kids can pick from staples such as fish and chips, pastas, and chicken nuggets.

Location: 1300 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa

5. The Orchard

 

More than just a place to eat, the Orchard is a destination for the whole family!

Situated on the Eastern banks of the Nepean River, the Orchard offers a range of food options from dine-in to take-away - and a brand new playground to boot.

We recommend dining at the Farmhouse, which is a cafe by day and restaurant by night. Bring your appetite for the modern Australian offerings, such as charred prawn and lemon risotto, roasted pork belly and Wagyu steaks, but don't leave without trying the banana and mascarpone tart.

If you can pry the kids away from the super-fun playground, there's a generous $10 kids' menu for them to choose from.

Location: 50 Tench Ave, Jamisontown

6. Henri Marc 

 

It's a little hidden away on the High street but Henri Marc is worth seeking out.

The industrial-chic cafe is known for its bold choices and unique flavour twists - okonomiyaki scrambled eggs with fried shrimp anyone? And we just love the menu descriptions, such as, "Caramel on Toast #SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!" and "House-made Shakes by Taylor #shakeitoff".

There isn't a kids' menu to speak of, but sophisticated youngsters will find something to satisfy them, while parents can enjoy coffee by Reuben Hills.  

Location: Shop 2, 438 High Street

7. Cafe at Lewers  

 

Situated in the gorgeous heritage gardens at the Penrith Regional Gallery, Cafe at Lewers is the perfect place to refuel after exploring the regional gallery.

The breakfast and lunch options are humble but tasty - think beef and bacon burgers and eggs Benedict. Although they swing big with the Winter S'mores Waffles with toasted marshmallow meringue. Don't worry, little ones are not forgotten, there are mini waffles on the kids' menu, too.

Set on the western bank of the Nepean River at Emu Plains, you'll feel a million miles from the bustling city, as your kids roam freely in the gallery's artistic surroundings.

Location:  86 River Rd, Emu Plains

8. High Street Depot

 

Smack bang in the centre of Penrith's CBD, High Street Depot is a favourite amongst locals.

While you can expect all the cafe classics, such as bacon and egg rolls and roasted tomato bruschetta, they also jazz things up with tantalising options such as the kimchi pork stew and laksa with pan-fried salmon.

We also hear that parents will fight their kids for the homemade peanut butter cookies! 

Location: 1/488 High Street

9. Caffe & Co 

 

Do you call yourself a brunch connoisseur? Caffe & Co will put that to the test. With its vast all-day breakfast menu, trust us when we say you'll need a moment just to digest the magnitude of it.

We're talking ALL the breakfast items! From eggs to waffles, pancakes, Acai bowls, crepes, shakshuka and everything in between. Even their coffee menu is extensive - plan ahead for this outing, parents!

Your kids can thankfully keep it simple with the 'Minion’s Menu' where they can pick from chicken nuggets, mini pancakes/waffles or eggs on toast. 

Location: 100 O'Connell St, Caddens Corner, Kingswood 

10. Screamin' Beans 

 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Screamin' Beans on Penrith's High Street!

This charming little cafe is known for its friendly staff and wholesome food. Serving all-day breakfast and classic lunch-time hits (the chicken schnitty burger and scotch fillet sanga are both winners), you can't go wrong here.

With no actual beans on the menu (apart from the coffee) your kids can relax while they enjoy a milkshake served in one of those big old-fashioned stainless steel cups. 

Location: 3/396 High Street

11. Zokoko Chocolate & Espresso Cafe

 

Combining two of our loves - chocolate and coffee - the award-winning Zokoko is a must-visit cafe in Penrith.

Whether you stop in to sample a chocolate bar and truffle or settle in with a piece of cake and coffee made from freshly roasted beans on-site, you'll quickly see why Zokoko has earned more than 15 international awards, including Best Chocolate in Australia.

Location: Unit 3, 84–90 Old Bathurst Rd, Emu Heights 

12. Harry's Café De Wheels

 

It's been an institution in Woolloomooloo for over 80 years, but if you haven't been to the iconic Harry's Cafe De Wheels, put it on your list of cafes in Penrith, stat.

Find the caravan outside the Panthers Penrith entrance, and sink your teeth into one of Harry's famous pies n' peas - or go for a classic hotdog, burger or pastie.

The menu has expanded but stayed very much true to its roots, so show your kids a piece of Sydney history - just don't tell them about the mushy peas.

Location: 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

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Penrith's Best Dumplings
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Awesome Things to do in Penrith

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