Alfina's is a quaint little suburban coffee shop on Brisbane's North side. It is located in a…read moresmall group of shops away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. This little shop is so sweet - as soon as you enter the smell of roasting coffee beans hits your nose and excites your senses! The little glass service cabinet is always filled with beautifully decorated cakes and slices and the staff are always pleasant. It's a great place to catch up with friends and grab a bite to eat. If you're not into cake and coffee (ahhh.. isn't everybody) Alfina's have a few light lunch options available including a variety of salads, mixed sandwiches, quiche and toasted foccacias. I have only ever had coffee here as I am almost always on a diet when I visit and I swear I gain a kg just looking at these cakes! As if their delicious cakes and coffee weren't enough - they also sell gorgeous little giftware's like homemade jewellery and the like. In 2009 Alfina's won the Small Business Achievers Award and were nominated again in 2010. Aside from the standard coffee shop service they host high teas, private functions and make speciality cakes to order! If you are on the North side of Brisbane, definitely recommend checking it out.

Alfina's coffee and cake is a lovely little family type coffee shop. Alfina makes the cakes, slices…read moreand biscuits from scratch, toiling over a hot oven from early in the morning before she opens. The sweet food is always yummy and fresh. She accommodates most requests. She makes the best omelette around. The prices are very reasonable. She is personable and makes you feel at home. There is always plenty of magazines to read. I would recommend paying her a visit.

Driving 21.7kms (that's a 40km round trip) to buy coffee beans may start the Charles Barkley hit…read more"Crazy" running through your head (I personally prefer the Katie Noonan version), but let me tell you: coffee lovers - the trip to Brendale is worth it. I've never ventured to Brendale before. I'll admit I was sketchy on where exactly Brendale was. But with my trusty GPS in tow finding Cleanskin Coffee Co on Old South Pine Road was a breeze. It's an industrial area and Cleanskin will be on your right hand side. They do some great blends including their "coffee shop" blends of Saint and Sinner. Rhiannon S was right on the money. The front room is stark white and there's almost a "walking into a hospital" feeling too it all even down to the looking glass wall the separates the main retail room from the roasting room. To avoid looking like a deer in headlights like I did when I walked into Cleanskin, take these tips: + It is primarily a roasting house. It is actually pretty neat to sit and watch it all happen. Take a seat on one of the bar tables and drink up. There were a few people sitting and partaking in a bit of a co-working session when I arrived. + Know what you're there for. When I arrived I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and I think it showed as soon as I opened the door. I quickly ordered a cold press ice coffee (delicious - best in Brisbane. No joke) all while trying to take in my surroundings. You can buy a coffee, beans for home and other coffee-making paraphenalia. + If you don't know, ask. I must have looked like a right dingus when the too cool for school bearded barista wandered over to ask if I needed any help. I did and he quickly helped me select a bean that would suit both my Aeropress and stove top espresso thing-a-ma-jig. If you're wondering it was the No. 14 blend. As well as being first-class coffee roasters, these cool cats are keen on educating the masses too and rumour has it they'll be starting education nights soon. They already have barista courses running (one day sessions, max four students) My only disappointment? When buying your beans at Cleanskin they come in a glass bottle. It's super cute and for a packaging fiend like myself, I'll openly admit, it was just one of the many attractions to this brand for me. Plus, each time you bring your bottle back you get $1 off your purchase. But, as I had them ground it for me, I was taking home a brown sealed bag not a glass bottle. First world problems, I know.

WOW. I first heard of Cleanskin Coffee Co - a contract and private label coffee roastery - when I…read moresaw their signature blend of beans, Saint Espresso used at a number of cafes around Brisbane (Bowerbird in Wavell Heights, Park Bench Espresso in Bulimba). I was intrigued. Then I heard about then again, when I found out Hangar13 in Zillmere used their cleanskin beans - buying their beans to custom package as their own brand. I looked them up and discovered they weren't too far away from me on the north side of Brisbane. They are located in Brendale, which is near Strathpine and Carseldine. There is an espresso bar as well as the roastery. It's all very white and with the crazy brewing equipment that looks like chemistry beakers, it really looks like a cross between an Apple Store and a Chemistry lab. Come in and try one of their blends or single origins in either an espresso style (cappuccino, latte, flat white) or in a brewed style (aeropress, pourover). You can also buy the beans and various equipment for home. They are also starting to hold free educational events or Masterclasses on Thursday night at 7pm. I went to the first Masterclass last night - it was about the Pourover (what it is and the technique). This is a must for any coffee fanatic, and will help you make great coffee at home. The brewing techniques are all very easy and accessible to do at home. We all got to taste some of the coffees, and although we could then buy equipment, the guys weren't pushy at all. This is just a group of coffee lovers, wanting to share the wonderful world of coffee with everyone. Not a sales push. Cleanskin Coffee Co also have their own cold press coffee - bottled and sold for either $4 each or 6 for $20. If you are a fan of cold press coffee, you will be pleased at the taste and cost of these. They're much cheaper than most of the other cold press bottles available in Brisbane! I could ramble on for hours about this place, do yourself a favour and check it out. They're open on Saturdays and til 9pm on Thursday night too.

I just popped in for breakfast after reading other reviews and was pleasantly surprised to find…read morethis gem in the concrete jungle of Brendale. Staff were very friendly and helpful, considering I ordered breakfast 15 minutes before it was over. The coffee I ordered came out as nothing short of excellent and the food hit the spot with my tastebuds. It was definitely enjoyable going from coffee to my meal and back without any interference on the flavours that this cafe has managed to capture and harness. The menu can be found on their website: http://www.theboilerroomcafe.com.au Those who enjoy chain coffee shops will find the same money going towards something of better quality in a location that is spacious, vibrant and welcoming to all. I will definitely be making visits in the future.

Great Coffee . Great customer service . If you are looking for something better than the usual…read morepreservatives boiled in oil , try the food here . A great gourmet menu , not cheap but value for money . Nice ambience to dine in for lunch . I try to have at least one meeting here a week

There's a good reason this place is always busy with their huge range of French delights including…read morebreads & flowers for sale. Cakes are approx $7 a serve but well worth it and you will be hard pressed to find similar quality in north Brisbane. A true hidden gem. Every time I've been regardless of number of customers, the staff are friendly and quick to get your order out to you. They regularly change their sweet offerings so you could never be bored with the fare.

French vanilla slice, chocolate éclairs and macaroons in every colour of the rainbow... If you have…read morea sweet tooth like me then French and Mor will send you weak at the knees. This cute little café in Albany Creek has on offer the most delicious baked treats you will find on the North side of Brisbane. The café is small but I think this adds to its character, it is really quite charming - just like stepping into a café in Paris. You can get everything here from freshly baked breads to homemade chicken and leek pies with rich buttery pastry. The glass cabinets are filled with the most beautifully decorated petite cakes and slices. The flourless chocolate teacake is heavenly - such a light texture but so decadent in flavour. French and Mor is the perfect place to bring your Mum on a Sunday morning for coffee, cake and a catch-up.

Prime Cafe for Samford This is a popular cafe on weekends…read moreand the weekend tourist trap. Located just off the main road it is easy enough to find and there is lots of parking - but finding a close spot at lunch on the weekend is a lottery. Walk in - find a host and be seated - inside or out , lots of tables. Table service - it was on the slow side but given the crowd we were accepting. Lots of good things on the menu, which is broad and has ample vegan and GF options. Coffee was better than expected - above average. Food was good but I noted that table next to us had the dishes come out in ad hoc order so some where finishing when others food arrived. Overall it's good - also a bit pricey. But good.

Need a parent-friendly place to entertain your folks for Sunday lunch? Flying Nun might just be…read moreworth having up your sleeve. With Samford Valley now being a swift 15-minute drive from home, we loaded up the car with the parents and ventured into the village for a leisurely lunch and the Nun did not disappoint. As other Yelpers have noted, it does get busy and all the inside tables were reserved. Don't get too hung up on sitting inside, I actually think it's nicer to be outside to take in the surrounds. We were able to easily nab a table outside and amongst a lovely gentle breeze. A gentle note: you may spend a little time, as I did, picking out various leaves and plant matter from your plate and cup if you're seated right at the front tables. The menu is standard cafe fare ranging from smashed avocado or banana bread to the Clergy Burger (aka cheese burger). For around $20 per meal you won't go home hungry. There's a few surprises in the duck and lentil dish with orange. Oh how I wish I'd ordered that. It's a perfectly 'A-ok' spot to stop for lunch and as long as you've reserved ahead, breakfast.

Just experienced the most delicious Eggs Benedict and coffees from the delightful and courteous…read moreyoung girls. Will definitely be back

If you have never tried pofferjes than you have not lived! The Greek on the Creek Espresso Bar in…read moreAlbany Creek specilise in these little beauties, which are mini pancakes that are so light and fluffy - I think this is the closest you will get to the experience of eating a cloud. Be sure to get yourself there as soon as you can and order at least 2 servings! Aside from the delicious pofferjes The Greek on the Creek do a mean eggs benedict (perfect eggs with runny yolks and creamy hollandiase) and also have great coffee! They have a range of sweet and savoury Greek-style treats available too. The style is simple sidewalk café and is child friendly. The staff seem friendly enough, but to be honest I am usually so exciting about stuffing my face with pofferjes when I go that I don't even notice.

It is ok to eat pie for breakfast - especially if it's a Digger's pie. I fantasise about these…read morepies, they are that good! They come in two sizes, small and large.. I am ordinarily a cheese and bacon kind of girl but I have a weakness for the chilli plum pork pie they sell at Diggers. Unfortunately they lose a few points for service - the staff are sometimes a bit snippy and don't usually smile a lot. The prices are also a bit steep. You can't really eat in but there are a few tables and chairs outside the shop for those who prefer to dine on site. On a rainy day nothing beats a Strawberry Breaka and a Digger's pie with tomato sauce.

This is your no-frills pie place…read more I like my pie to be hot inside. I like the steak pies to actually have pieces of steak in them, not just the regular old mince. I like my bacon in my pies and lastly, I like my pies with tomato sauce on them on a crispy pastry. I also like them big. This place meets all those requirements, and although a tad daggy on the inside and out, the pies are a treat. They have breakfast ones with bacon and egg in them, my favourite of all time the steak and mushroom. They are hot inside, steaming (I almost burnt my tongue) and you definetely feel satisfied once you've had one of these babies. So go dig yourself a digger's pie, if you have the hankering.

The Wheeler's Old Northern Bread Shop in Eatons Hill is my salvation. On week days, if I can get…read moreout of the house before 8:00am it is a good morning. More often than not I am not - battling with a 6 year old drama queen and a 2 year old regular tantrum thrower, on school mornings we are usually running ridiculously late! On those mornings, I pop into Wheeler's where I can get breakfast on the run for my fussy little eaters!! Full of baked goodies - you are sure to find something to suit your occassion... Cakes, bakes and slices for last minutes morning teas, pies and sausage rolls, breads, freshly made sandwiches and even fried rice! I now know most of the staff here now on a first name basis - and they are all lovely. They have run the bakery for as long as I have lived in Eatons Hill which is almost four years and I usually pop into Wheeler's once a week and have tried pretty much every product that they sell - I have never been disappointed, always fresh and full of flavour, I will continue to be a regular customer.

This bakery is nothing special. Food is ok but rather pricey. Staff can come across as very rude…read moreand short. Ok place for an afternoon treat.

Love love love!!! Such a great cafe for all your gluten free, dairy free, vegan, sugar free or…read morepaleo needs!! Wonderful food and lovely coffee!! And right next door to a little organic store! Win win!!

That Black Sheep Knows How To Cook!…read more What a pleasant surprise the Black Sheep Caffe at Samford is. They have an excellent menu, friendly helpful staff and a tasty range of drinks to tempt all buds. It really is very nice indeed. The front garden offers shaded tables to relax or you can choose indoor seating to get away from the weather. There's even things for the kids to play with and they're pet friendly too, should you wish to dine with your well behaved fur baby. Top marks.

Three Black Sheep is nice enough, but it is definitely a place to visit when you don't have to be…read moreanywhere else. Things move slowly here. The food itself is pleasant enough and the coffee is nice. Overall, it is nice enough for a Sunday morning.