Launceston Mornings Done Right: Best Cafés and Brunch Spots

Launceston is one of those cities that makes mornings feel like an occasion. The streets wake slowly, the coffee machines start humming, and soon enough, you’re surrounded by the scent of roasted beans and fresh sourdough. 
For travellers, it’s a dream.  With the best cafés in Launceston within walking distance of the CBD, mornings and brunch couldn’t be easier. Whether you’re a weekend visitor or a foodie curious about the Tasmanian café scene, here’s your guide to doing mornings right.
Discover where to sip the perfect flat white to where to linger over a warm plate of pancakes at the best brunch cafes in Launceston.
 

Where to Find the Best Coffee in Launceston

Coffee isn’t just fuel here; it’s part of the culture. Launceston’s cafés range from sleek specialty roasters to tiny espresso bars built for speed. Here are a few local favourites:

Amelia Coffee Co.

Credit: @ameliacoffeeco

Tucked away on George Street, Amelia Coffee Co. is a Launceston favourite for serious coffee lovers. Known for its specialty brews using locally roasted beans, it’s the kind of spot where you can grab a smooth flat white, try a pour-over, or linger with a cold brew in hand. 

Sweetbrew

Ask locals where to get the best brunch and coffee in Launceston, and Sweetbrew will come up again and again. Their beans are roasted with precision, the latte art is always spot-on, and the vibe is modern without being pretentious.

Alberto’s Espresso

Tucked into Launceston’s vibrant George Street food precinct, Alberto’s Espresso is a cosy, local-flavoured café run by two local sisters. They pour Allpress Espresso (a roast with smooth, balanced flavour) and serve up a menu of breakfast and brunch favourites.

Samuel Pepys Café

For a slower pace, Samuel Pepys delivers. Set in a cosy, book-lined space, it’s ideal if you want to linger with a cappuccino and soak up a bit of local atmosphere. The menu is simple but thoughtful, and the location is perfect for people-watching on a lazy morning.

Where’s Good for Brunch in Launceston on Weekends? 

Brunch in Launceston isn’t just eggs and toast (though you’ll find those too, cooked to perfection). Many cafés lean into local produce, adding Tassie cheeses, berries, and seasonal vegetables to the mix.

Here are some of the local’s favourite fares:

Tatler Lane by SweetBrew

Credit: @tatlerbysweetbrew 

Set in a repurposed historic laneway, Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew blends café culture with roastery vibes and a relaxed bar experience in the evenings. The café offers all-day brunch, specialty coffee, cakes, pasties, and it supports vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

Did you know Tatler Lane by SweetBrew also roasts its own beans? Delightful! 

Cuccina

If you’re after generous serves and a friendly, relaxed vibe, Cuccina is your go-to. The brunch menu is wide-ranging, from big breakfasts to stacks of waffles with syrup and berries. Families love it here: the space is pram-friendly, and the atmosphere is casual enough to make everyone feel comfortable. 

Cafe Mondello

Tucked on Charles Street, Café Mondello is a warm, welcoming all-day café that celebrates local ingredients and scratch cooking. Its menu ranges from hearty breakfasts and brunch dishes to light lunches, and it’s known to cater to special diets, including gluten-free options. 

With its relaxed ambiance, dog-friendly seating, and a loyal local following, it’s a favourite for visitors and residents alike.

Great Scot Cafe

Located on George Street, Great Scot Café serves all-day breakfast and lunch with a focus on flavour and consistency. Customers note a variety of menu choices (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options) and a friendly, dependable café experience.

Dietary-Friendly Options That Deliver

Credit: @earthy.eats

Launceston’s café scene is ahead of the curve when it comes to catering for different diets. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, you’ll find menus that feature clearly marked options, from plant-based brunch bowls to gluten-free breads and cakes that actually taste good. 

Many spots go the extra mile with alternative milks, raw treats, and inventive twists on classics, so everyone at the table can order something satisfying without compromise.

• Earthy Eats: The go-to for plant-based dining. Their menu is packed with colourful bowls, hearty vegan burgers, and raw treats that feel indulgent. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and a must if you’re travelling with mixed dietary needs.
• Sweetbrew: Alongside its coffee credentials, Sweetbrew also offers creative vegan and vegetarian brunch options: think vegan pancakes or avocado toast that goes the extra mile.
• Café Mondello: Expect hearty plates, great coffee, and a menu that caters to everyone with gluten-free options like GF toast.
• Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew: It pairs specialty coffee with a creative brunch menu, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Dairy-free drinkers are also covered, with oat, almond, soy and other alternatives now standard across most cafés. Everywhere you go, flexibility and thoughtful swaps make it easy to find something that works for you.

Weekday vs Weekend Vibes

Launceston’s cafés have two distinct personalities depending on when you visit. On weekdays, you’ll find a steady hum of locals grabbing their morning flat white before work or settling in with a laptop for a few hours. 

Come the weekend, the pace shifts: brunch stretches out longer, tables fill with groups catching up, and menus often feature specials designed for a more leisurely crowd. Whether you’re after a quick coffee to kickstart your day or a relaxed Saturday feast, the city’s cafés know how to deliver.

Things You Should Know about Brunch in Launceston

Because the little things make all the difference when you’re planning a café visit.

• Bookings: The most popular brunch spots can get busy on weekends, so it’s a good idea to book ahead if you’ve got your eye on a leisurely Saturday or Sunday breakfast.
• Accessibility: Many cafés are family-friendly, with space for prams, high chairs, and a relaxed vibe that makes them easy to enjoy with little ones in tow.
• Payments: Card is the standard, but not every venue will split bills. If you’re dining in a group, it’s worth asking upfront to avoid surprises.
• Takeaway culture: Launceston has embraced sustainable coffee habits, and keep cups are the norm. Bring your own and you’ll fit right in (and sometimes even score a small discount).

Launceston mornings are all about choice: speedy espresso bars, long brunches by the river, plant-based plates that surprise you, and heritage cafés with real character. Pack your appetite: your weekend in Launceston just got tastier.

Staying at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston? Great Choice

Credit: @hotelgrandchancellorlaunceston

If you’re based at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, mornings couldn’t be easier. 

The hotel’s own restaurant serves up a generous buffet breakfast, with everything from hot dishes and fresh pastries to fruit, cereals, and barista-made coffee. It’s the kind of spread that sets you up for a big day of exploring.

There’s also a stylish on-site bar and dining space, ideal for winding down in the evening with a glass of local Tasmanian wine or a hearty meal made with regional produce. It means you don’t always need to step outside to enjoy Launceston’s celebrated food culture: the flavours come to you.

Of course, part of the charm is the hotel’s location. Step outside and you’re within minutes of some of the city’s best cafés and roasteries, perfect for when you want to explore Launceston’s buzzing coffee scene. 

Whether it’s a quick espresso before a Tamar Valley tour or a leisurely brunch to savour the morning, being in the city centre puts it all on your doorstep. And for those early morning flights, the lobby coffee service makes grabbing a caffeine fix before the airport quick and painless.

Book your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston and experience the best coffee and brunch Launceston has to offer, just steps away from your room.