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Restaurant

Cafe Especial

216 Catherine St, Leichhardt NSW 2040, Australia

Recommended by 65 people

Updated

Find Cafe Especial

216 Catherine St, Leichhardt NSW 2040, Australia

Directions ↗
61 452 266 948
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Cafe Especial

Those on the morning dog run bypass the main strip for this Catherine Street corner—the neighborhood pick for a cheap, no-fuss breakfast. Owners Bella and David know regulars and their pets by name, sliding treats across the counter and pinning visitor snaps to the photo board. The kitchen turns out straightforward comfort: breakfast burgers stacked with crisp hash browns, generous egg platters, and thick toasted sandwiches. Pups lap up their own puppuccinos under the covered outdoor awning while the espresso machine pulls morning shots.

  • Active Dog Hospitality: Visiting dogs score treats at the counter, custom puppuccinos, and an ongoing photo wall honoring regular four-legged patrons.
  • Hefty Neighborhood Brekkie Value: Big breakfast plates, hash-brown breakfast burgers, and toasties arrive generously portioned without suburban markups.
  • Personal Community Welcomes: Hands-on owners run the floor with warm, familiar service on a quiet Leichhardt corner with convenient street parking.
RestaurantCafe

What's On at Cafe Especial

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Locals Make Cafe Especial Their Daily Anchor

Generous neighborhood comfort, dedicated pet hospitality, and genuine Inner West community spirit—book your table to experience it firsthand.

  • Dog-Friendly Daily Rituals

    Furry family members are treated as first-class guests during daily morning routines, complete with complimentary treats and dedicated puppuccinos.

    The atmosphere is great with their puppuchinos and the several fur friends stopping by for a treat.

    Prasanth Rajan

  • Sheltered Outdoor Dining

    A covered alfresco layout ensures morning cafe stops remain comfortable and accessible regardless of changing weather.

    Lovely cafe with outdoor seating only (covered, so still ok in wet weather).

    Debbie Cashmore

  • Abundant Morning Portions

    Generous morning platters provide satisfying, substantial portions that easily satisfy hungry diners without straining the wallet.

    We ordered a big breakfast which was very affordable. The plate was big enough to feed 2 people.

    Brianna Ireland

  • Value-Forward Comfort Classics

    Comforting breakfast staples like burgers paired with crispy hash browns deliver consistent quality and outstanding everyday value.

    Extremely affordable and food tasted amazing, super value for money

    Angeline Tan

  • Warm Personal Connection

    Hands-on hospitality and genuine conversation from the owners make each visit feel like catching up with old friends.

    the primary reason I visit this place is the huge smile and that little chit chat I have with the owners.

    Ozan Ulusoy

  • Canine Community Keepsake

    A community photo wall celebrating visiting dogs highlights the venue's heartfelt role as an Inner West neighborhood anchor.

    The board of photos of their beloved dog visitors is a charming touch that adds so much warmth and personality to the cafe.

    Helena C

Locals return for comforting morning staples, crafted coffee, and dog-friendly hospitality—book your table to experience it all.

  • Puppuccino

    My dog seems to love their puppuccino.

    Jess L

  • Big Breakfast

    We ordered a big breakfast which was very affordable. The plate was big enough to feed 2 people.

    Brianna Ireland

  • Especial Beef Burger

    We had the especial beef burger and a ham, cheese, tomato toastie with our coffee. All delicious and a great example of simple food done well.

    Helena C

  • Latte Art

    Love their coffee art, it’s one of a kind.

    Rong Lin

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality gestures that make neighbourhood locals and their four-legged friends feel genuinely cherished. Book your table to experience it yourself.

  • Unprompted Sharing Service

    When staff notice guests sharing a generous morning breakfast, they proactively bring out an extra plate without being asked.

  • Canine Photo Board

    A dedicated photo wall honors visiting canine regulars, creating a personal and welcoming community atmosphere.

  • Countertop Treats & Puppuccinos

    Owners Bella and David greet four-legged patrons with complimentary dog treats and freshly frothed puppuccinos.

  • Artisan Coffee Art

    Baristas craft detailed, one-of-a-kind latte art that adds a thoughtful aesthetic flourish to each morning brew.

Before you head over

Make the most of your neighbourhood stop on Catherine Street—book your visit now.

  • Time Around Dance Class Changeovers

    Because the cafe is located directly across from a dance school, customer volume can swell during class changeover times; aim between sessions if you prefer a quieter table.

  • Plan for Covered Outdoor Seating

    Seating is outdoor only, though fully sheltered with overhead cover so dining remains comfortable even in wet weather.

  • Share the Big Breakfast

    Portions for the big breakfast are exceptionally hearty and can easily satisfy two diners, with the owners happy to bring an extra sharing plate.

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