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Restaurant

The Lion and Buffalo

203 Malabar Rd, South Coogee NSW 2034, Australia

Recommended by 45 people

Updated

Find The Lion and Buffalo

203 Malabar Rd, South Coogee NSW 2034, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 447 685 466
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Lion and Buffalo

Perched along South Coogee's Malabar Road, The Lion and Buffalo swaps predictable cafe staples for punchy, unexpected morning plates. Walkers tackling the cliffside trail drop in for Single O flat whites and inventive comfort fare. Regulars gravitate toward the Black Opal Wagyu steak sandwich on spiced bread alongside bowls of Hakata-style pork ramen topped with grilled chashu. Glass teapots steep flowering blooms that slowly unfurl at the table.

  • Breakfast Tonkotsu Ramen: Morning bowls combine Hakata-style noodles, tender grilled chashu, and seasoned egg in rich pork broth.
  • Wagyu Steak Sandwich: Tender cuts of Black Opal Wagyu beef layered with spiced bread make for a hearty mid-walk refuel.
  • Flowering Bloom Teas: Whole artisan tea blooms steep in transparent pots alongside specialty loose-leaf selections.
RestaurantCoffeeCafeRestaurant

What's On at The Lion and Buffalo

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Visit The Lion and Buffalo

Discover why locals and coastal walkers choose The Lion and Buffalo in South Coogee

  • Ideal Fuel for Coastal Walks

    South Coogee walkers fuel up with barista coffee and substantial morning dishes before hitting coastal tracks.

    Came here to fuel up before doing to the Coggee to Bondi walk and we were not disappointed.

    Sarah

  • Breakfast Ramen and Morning Fare

    The kitchen offers signature non-traditional dishes like tonkotsu-style Berkshire pork ramen alongside morning coffees.

    I loved the coffee here but you can also get a great ramen here for breakfast

    Michelle W

  • Inventive Flavour Pairings

    The kitchen pairs elevated ingredients in unexpected combinations, including its signature Black Opal Wagyu steak sandwich.

    The Lion and Buffalo are not one of these cafés as they demonstrate a fundamental understanding of flavour pairing.

    Jake Baldacchino

  • Artful Dishes and Flowering Teas

    Artful plating and specialty offerings like flowering bloom teas create an immersive visual and sensory ritual.

    The flowering teas were gorgeous, it was so wonderful to watch them unravel into these gorgeous blooms.

    Vanessa K

  • Warm Regular Treatment

    Welcoming staff ensure visitors and first-timers feel instantly integrated into the local neighborhood hub.

    The staff are welcoming, kind, and professional — they make you feel like a regular from the first visit.

    Christian Acuña

  • Trusted Community Gathering Hub

    Locals take pride in treating out-of-town guests to an established, community-centred cafe experience.

    Love coming here for a little me-time and also when visitors are in town. Everyone is always impressed.

    Ashley Fairlie

Signature fusion breakfast and lunch favorites

  • Black Opal Wagyu Steak Sandwich

    Black Opal Wagyu Sandwich. The wagyu beef is so tender and so delicious!

    Yoanita Pam

  • Better Than Sex Ramen

    Better Thank Sex Ramen. So hearty and tasty, love the thick tonkotsu broth

    Yoanita Pam

  • Ottoman Eggs

    Had a delicious breakfast ordered the Ottoman eggs full of flavour and comforting dish

    Lovenewfood

  • Avocado Toast

    also got the Avo toast wow loved this the on the side honey wallnuts made the dish perfect

    Lovenewfood

Other favorites

House-baked cakes and artisanal specialty teas

  • Flowering Teas

    The flowering teas were gorgeous, it was so wonderful to watch them unravel into these gorgeous blooms. The teas were delicate and refreshing.

    Vanessa K

  • Carrot Cake

    I decided to order the carrot cake which was a delicious and incredibly moist cake with a tangy cream cheese icing.

    Vanessa K

  • Green Peach Tea

    the pot of green peach tea was so refreshing and clean tasting.

    Lovenewfood

  • Polish Apple Cake

    this polish apple cake is one of the most popular cakes that they sell in their cafe.

    Vanessa K

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful gestures and hospitable details that elevate your South Coogee visit

  • Blankets for Chilly Mornings

    Warm fleece blankets are kept on hand for guests dining outside during brisk morning sea breezes.

  • Blooming Floral Teas

    Clear glass teapots showcase hand-tied tea blooms unraveling into vibrant flowers as they steep at the table.

  • Artful Drink Presentation

    Beverages arrive with bespoke garnishes, such as fresh coconuts topped with crisp apple slices and fresh mint sprigs.

  • Personalized Regular Recognition

    The team maintains an intimate local feel by greeting and recognizing regular neighborhood patrons by name.

Before you head over

Practical dining advice for planning your visit and exploring the menu at The Lion and Buffalo.

  • Parking and Arrival Timing

    South Coogee can get busy and street spots fill up quickly on weekend mornings, but visitors report convenient parking when arriving before peak brunch rushes or pairing a visit with coastal walks.

  • Explore Signature Fusion Dishes

    Escape predictable breakfast fare with standout house specialties like the Black Opal Wagyu steak sandwich or the signature tonkotsu-style morning ramen alongside your flat white.

  • Sample the Blooming Tea Program

    Beyond barista coffee, explore the cafe's elevated beverage program, featuring refreshing blooming flower teas that unfurl in the pot alongside specialty loose-leaf infusions.

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