Akuna Cafe

Akuna Cafe is a Merewether beachside stop built around specialty coffee, acai bowls and fresh, wholesome food. Just a short walk from the sand and The Junction, it suits a post-swim breakfast, a coffee after a coastal walk or an easy local lunch. The kitchen takes familiar food in a global-inspired direction, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and meals cooked to order.

Breakfast is served throughout the day, with the menu ranging from classic bacon and egg rolls to the cafe’s Rosti Benedict and Smoked Salmon Stack. Acai bowls are a central part of Akuna’s identity: the cafe describes itself as one of Newcastle’s original acai bowl pioneers and continues to make them a signature offering. There are also Buddha bowls and lunch options, fresh juices and smoothies, and specialty coffee. The website’s social updates also highlight the Corn Fritter Stack, while customer reviews mention the breakfast burrito and children’s-size acai bowl.

The space offers several ways to settle in. Inside, the cafe has a bright, welcoming feel with whale artwork, making it suitable for a catch-up or a quiet coffee with a book. The back deck is described as a sunny, pet-friendly courtyard, while sidewalk tables look out over Merewether’s streets. That mix of seating gives the venue a relaxed, flexible feel for solo visitors, friends, young families and people arriving from the beach or a morning workout.

Akuna has been part of the Merewether community for more than six years, with its story centred on nutritious food, hospitality and the idea that meals help create shared memories. The cafe says it sources local produce and meats whenever possible and takes part in local markets, festivals and neighbourhood gatherings. With its coastal location, broad breakfast menu and strong focus on coffee and acai, Akuna Cafe offers an approachable option for Newcastle locals and visitors looking for a casual meal close to the beach.