The ultimate coffee-lover's guide to Brisbane Airport

Gone are the days of instant coffee, so Brisbane Airport has solved your espresso woes with an impressive range of coffee spots, slinging shots all day long. 

Whether you're caffeinating to start your day or need a pick-me-up in-transit, you'll be excited to know that a 'proper' pre-flight coffee awaits you in both terminals.

For the purpose of this article, we taste-tested and shortlisted the best coffees on offer. We may not have slept that night, but it was worth it so that we may confidently recommend the following heart-starters. 

 

Best coffee at the Domestic Terminal

 

Coffee Royal

Waiting to serve you at the top of the escalators from the Qantas screening is Coffee Royal, a suave addition to The Food Collective. Specialising in Merlo Coffee, perch yourself at this modern venue for a morning latte or cheeky afternoon espresso martini.

Find Coffee Royal at Level 2 Cafe Court, Qantas terminal area near Gate 22 (after security).

 

 

Fonzie Abbott 

Fonzie Abbott is one of Brisbane's favourite blends, regardless of being at the airport or not. It's the go-to coffee spot for hardcore coffee aficionados, serving one of the smoothest soy lattes you'll ever come across.

Find Fonzie Abbott at Level 2, Virgin Terminal, near Gate 41 (after security). 

 

Krispy Kreme

Now serving barista coffee, Krispy Kreme and an afternoon pick me up are a match made in heaven. Nothing goes better with a coffee than a fresh doughnut before departure.

Find Krispy Kreme at Level 2, Qantas Terminal, near Gate 25 (after security).

 

Merlo Caffe

Brisbane locals know and love the Merlo bean, so it's fitting that Merlo Caffe has a permanent home in the Virgin food court. While we all know the coffee is going to be good, you can also find an array of gluten free and vegan options, and pick from plenty of healthy grab-and-go options for those in a rush.

Find Merlo Caffe at Level 2, Virgin Food Court (after security).

 

New Farm Confectionery

If you can tear yourself away from ordering the perfect hot chocolate at New Farm Confectionery, the coffee here is just as good. Our recommendation is to order both, just to be safe!

Find New Farm Confectionery at Level 2, near Gate 25 (after security).

 

The Aviary

It's easy to spot the sub-tropical fit-out of The Aviary in the Domestic Terminal with its indoor plants, light bright colours and pops of pastel. Its all-day menu is complimented by coffee running all day long - the ideal energiser no matter your time of flight.

Find The Aviary at Level 2, Qantas terminal area, near Gate 23 (after security).

 

 

The Lord Lamington Bar and Bistro

M'Lord serves up a mean (and strong) cuppa at The Lord Lamington. Why not indulge in one of their signature Nutella and baklava lamingtons whilst you're at it? 

Find The Lord Lamington in the Central Terminal, between Gate 26 & 32.

 

The Common

If you're looking for the most Instagrammable venue in the Domestic Terminal, look no further. The Common is the newest outlet to open at Brisbane Airport and boasts sweeping views out to the runway. In other words, it's the perfect spot to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee in hand before take off. 

Find The Common at Level 2, between gates 24 and 25 (after security).

 

Trader & Co

Trader & Co is your go-to for a perfectly poured Campos coffee. Located before security, it is a convenient place to farewell a friend or loved one. 

Find Trader & Co at Level 1, before security.

 

Best coffee at the International Terminal

 

Corretto Café & Bar

Corretto Café & Bar is not just the perfect spot for your 'goodbye' coffee, it stocks a range of healthy menu items to boot. If coffee's not your thing, Corretto Café & Bar also serves turmeric lattes, matcha lattes (and even blue lattes). 

Find Corretto Café & Bar at Level 4, before security. 

 

Hudsons Coffee

If you have time to sit, this is your place. Hudsons Coffee specialises in premium coffee blends, which you can also purchase in their keep cups. Boasting walls and decor that are begging to be photographed, it's a great pit-stop for taking plenty of pre-vacay snaps before your flight takes off! #doingitforthegram

Find Hudsons Coffee at Level 3, after security.

 

The Botanist Kitchen and Bar

Spend your final moments with family and friends before embarking on your flight at The Botanist Kitchen and Bar. Serving delicious coffee using beans from local Hendra coffee gurus, Wolff Coffee Roasters, it's an ideal venue to say goodbye over a shared cuppa. 

Find The Botanist Kitchen and Bar at Level 4, before security.

 

 

Windmill & Co 

Take a moment for yourself at Windmill & Co. Sit down, enjoy your coffee, and watch the planes arrive and depart in a relaxed atmosphere. With plenty of food on the menu including several pasta and pizza dishes, make it a sit-down meal to remember before taking off. 

Find Windmill & Co at Level 3, after security.

 

 

CREDITS

Feature Image: The perfect coffee being poured at the Domestic Terminal

Also read: The dining guide to Brisbane Airport.

 

With reduced passengers in our terminals and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on trading, airport retailers are continuously adjusting their opening hours and staff levels. Please check individual listings here for the most up to date information on what’s open at each terminal and their trading hours.