By David Leith
Cairns is home to a growing café scene, but Envy Espresso and its sibling Goose Specialty Coffee are two standouts that manage to marry brilliant coffee with food that deserves just as much attention.
Let’s start with Envy Espresso on Grafton Street, where it’s not just about the coffee – though that alone is worth the trip. Their menu is small but mighty, with classic brunch options done exceptionally well. The smashed avocado here is practically a rite of passage, served with a tangy twist of feta and a perfectly poached egg on sourdough so good you’ll consider buying a loaf to take home. The sweet tooths are well catered for too, with pastries that flirt dangerously close to dessert territory. Their white chocolate & raspberry layered French toast is frankly irresistible.
Meanwhile, over at Goose Specialty Coffee on Sheridan Street, the vibe shifts to modern, creative café dining. Their menu leans playful and inventive, with options like their pan seared crispy skin salmon and roasted Roma tomatoes, served on sourdough with pickled red onions, tomato chutney and feta crumble. For a sweet delight, there is the chocolate waffle with orange segments, chocolate custard, candied orange and an almond crumble, simply divine.
If you’re after something lighter, their salad bowls are fresh, vibrant, and a perfect match for Cairns’ tropical heat.
But let’s not forget the snacks – because really, a café visit isn’t complete without them. Both Envy and Goose offer a rotating selection of cakes and treats that are baked in-house and clearly made with care.
Whether you’re starting the day with brunch or popping in for a late lunch, both spots deliver on every level. It’s no surprise that Envy and Goose have become pillars of Cairns’ food scene – they’ve mastered the art of pairing good coffee with great food, all served in spaces you’ll want to linger in.
In short? Come for the coffee, but stay for the food. Envy and Goose have your cravings covered.
