5 Best Aussie Cafes In Southern California
Southern California has long been a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and experiences. Among the most exciting influences to take root is the café culture from Australia, which is celebrated for its balance of elevated food, espresso-forward menus, and a welcoming sense of community. At Common Room Roasters, we’re proud to see fellow Australians building spaces that reflect intention and creativity. Here are five standout cafés in Southern California you need to visit.
1. Milligram Coffee & Kitchen – Costa Mesa
Tucked into the vibrant Paseo 17 on the East Side of Costa Mesa, Milligram Coffee & Kitchen is more than just a café, it’s an experience. The space blends a groovy and relaxed atmosphere with thoughtful design, creating the perfect backdrop whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, enjoying date night, or dining with family.
The menu is seasonally curated, offering dishes that are both fresh and intentional. From house-made cocktails to a hand-picked wine list, there’s something for every mood. Their coffee program, powered by Common Room Roasters, ensures that every cup is crafted to perfection. Add in live music and community events, and you’ve got a café that turns every visit into an experience to remember.
2. Boulevard – Venice
A true local classic, Boulevard in Venice has quickly become a go-to for both neighborhood regulars and weekend wanderers. Known for its espresso-forward menu and thoughtful selection of bites, Boulevard delivers quality without pretension.
Beyond the coffee, Boulevard shines as a community hub. The café frequently hosts pop-up events featuring local vendors and partners with AM radio for block-wide happenings that infuse the neighborhood with energy and creativity. Whether you’re grabbing your daily brew or looking for a new spot to explore, Boulevard knows how to create moments worth savoring.
3. Outpost Kitchen & The Pocket – Costa Mesa
Outpost Kitchen is where simplicity meets sophistication. With a menu built around fresh, minimal ingredients that pack maximum flavor, Outpost has carved out a place for itself as an elevated café experience in Orange County. Whether you’re sipping on a crafted cocktail, sharing plates over brunch, or diving into their coffee lineup, there’s always a sense of refinement.
The Outpost family recently expanded with The Pocket, located on the West Side of Costa Mesa. This cozy spot has the spirit of Outpost in a more intimate, local-friendly setting. Both spots embody the heart of café culture from Australia: welcoming, flavorful, and community-focused.
4. Vacancy Coffee – Newport Beach
If you’re in Newport Beach, Vacancy Coffee is a must-stop for locals, surfers, and beachgoers alike. Known for its easy-going charm, this café serves coffee, fresh local pastries, and crowd-favorite weekend burritos. It’s the kind of spot you can drop by after a morning surf or on your way to explore the coast. Vacancy also embraces its local roots with a retail section featuring coastal-inspired brands, blending coffee culture with a love for the beach lifestyle.
5. Strings of Life – Melrose
Located on iconic Melrose Avenue, Strings of Life brings the café spirit of Melbourne to the heart of Los Angeles. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch during a shopping day or grabbing a bite before heading into the office, Strings of Life offers something memorable for everyone. Their menu is built around curated dishes, handmade sauces, and a coffee program that reflects the very best of down-under flavors. The energy inside Strings of Life captures the Australian café ethos, bright, approachable, and effortlessly cool, which has resulted in it becoming a staple in the Melrose community.
Each of these cafés offers its own take on what makes the café experience special, whether it’s Milligram’s seasonal curated menu, Boulevard’s neighborhood energy, Outpost’s fresh dining, Vacancy’s coastal ease, or Strings of Life’s Melrose flair. Together, they showcase how Australian hospitality translates beautifully into Southern California’s lifestyle. More than just a good cup of coffee, they represent places where food, culture, and connection come together in ways worth celebrating.
