The Canberra coffee scene is on the rise. The word is spreading that we are serving up some seriously good coffee (actual World Barista Champion coffee…just saying!). We all know sometimes there is nothing more delightful than a creamy, smooth latte. “So,” you ask, “where should I go?”

Barrio Collective Coffee
Ori Building, 28 Lonsdale Street,
Braddon

This is one of my favourite spots, tucked away up on Lonsdale. Barrio epitomises simple but memorable coffee. Although they don’t serve up lattes, just trying their flat white is a latte experience in itself. What makes Barrio’s coffee so smooth, creamy and rich all at once is not only attention to detail but they use the best local milk that elevates their coffee beyond its rivals. Their support for regional producers is something so refreshing, that I love.

The Cupping Room
1/13 University Avenue
Canberra City

Yes, I know some coffee lovers sigh at notion of The Cupping Room coffee, but their bold attitude in serving milk coffees is setting a new standard. Here, you cannot order a cappuccino, latte or flat white, just a white coffee with two optional blends (the house or seasonal). It makes for an amazing learning experience. You come to realise that it’s not about the label on your cup but rather the type of beans used and the way in which they are roasted that brings out such diverse and delicious flavours.

Red Brick Espresso
Shop 4/35 Curtin Place,
Curtin

It’s one of Canberra’s best coffee shops, with a dedication to quality and flavour that few others can match. Head in to the friendly and informal corner café to grab yourself a brew, a bag of beans, or to settle in on a Saturday for one of their ‘cupping’ sessions. It’s a great way to learn the difference between the different types of coffee, and which one works best in your cup of latte love.

Lava
45 Brierly Street
Weston Creek

Lava is one of my favourite Southside coffee spots. It means for most Southsiders’ you don’t have to trek around to get your latte fix. Not only is Lava using Code Black Coffee & Sensory Lab (which is always spot on for a caffeine fix) but the thing that makes my latte from here special is the service. The baristas are so friendly and passionate about what they do, and they love sharing that with you too.

38 Espresso
4/ 2 Trevillian Quay
Kingston Foreshore

A best latte list for Canberra could not be complete without a Kingston Foreshore resident. 38 Espresso is not just your average café – with a full pastry cabinet to tantalise your taste buds, it’s hard not to get excited about a beautiful latte on the Foreshore. There is nothing more relaxing than a sunny afternoon on the lake with a latte in one hand, and a newspaper in the other.

The Front Gallery & Café
Wattle Street, Lyneham Shops
Lyneham

I feel the antiquated charm of The Front is perfectly captured in its fun gypsy vibe. The mix of eclectic and vintage furniture with tables, lounges and armchairs makes The Front my number one hipster café (that doesn’t even know its hipster). The effortless combination of a friendly atmosphere, with an amazing latte has me constantly handing over my $4.00 during visit after visit. Their coffee has all the velvety flavour you want in a latte.