Is Perth’s café culture losing its spark? The fall of the smashed avo
Smashed Avo from Timber Cafe in Harrisdale
Perth’s café scene has long been a source of pride. We love our flat whites, our smashed avo, and our weekend brunches that stretch into the afternoon. But lately, something feels... off. What was once an exciting, ever-evolving coffee culture now feels repetitive, overpriced, and, dare we say, a little uninspired. Add in sky-high competition, and it’s clear that the café game in Perth has become a tough one to crack.
So, what happened? Let’s break it down.
The Price Problem: When a Toastie Costs More Than a Meal Out
We get it—everything’s getting more expensive. But when a ham and cheese toastie with a coffee hits the menu for over $30, people are bound to raise an eyebrow (or both). It’s not just food prices either; a humble cup of coffee now comes with a premium price tag, and it’s making people question whether their morning brew is worth it.
Of course, there are legitimate reasons behind the price hikes: rising rent, staff wages, and increasing costs of high-quality ingredients. But for customers, there’s a tipping point. Many are now looking at their go-to café order and thinking, “Is this really worth it?” And too often, the answer is “not really.”
Brekky wrap and iced latte from Timber Cafe in Harrisdale
Lack of Innovation: Have We Hit Peak Café?
Remember when every new café seemed to bring something fresh to the table? One month, it was matcha lattes and turmeric shots; the next, it was cronuts and rainbow bagels. But now? The menus are starting to blur together. Big breakfasts, smoothie bowls, chilli scrambled eggs—it’s all good, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
Part of the issue is that new cafés are playing it safe. Rather than taking risks and offering something bold, they’re sticking to what works. While that makes sense from a business perspective, it leaves customers wanting more. Where’s the excitement? Where’s the “wow” factor?
The Café Boom: A Double-Edged Sword
Perth’s café culture is thriving—so much so that it’s almost oversaturated. New spots pop up constantly, each trying to carve out their own niche. But with so many players in the game, staying afloat is harder than ever.
For customers, it means an overwhelming number of choices, but not necessarily a better experience. If every café is fighting to survive, customer service can take a hit. Staff turnover is high, wait times can be long, and the overall vibe can feel rushed rather than relaxed.
The Shift: Why It’s No Longer Just About the Menu
In response to all this, people are shifting their priorities. While good food and coffee will always matter, it’s no longer enough. What really draws people in now? The experience.
Here’s what customers are craving:
Great Service – A friendly, welcoming team makes all the difference. No one wants to pay $6 for a coffee and get an attitude with it.
Comfortable Spaces – We’re seeing more people opting for cafés that offer plenty of room, natural light, and a chilled-out vibe.
Convenience & Extras – Free WiFi, dog-friendly areas, and power outlets for remote work are small things that make a café more inviting.
It’s no longer just about who has the best coffee or the prettiest plate—it’s about who makes you feel good when you’re there.
Where to From Here?
Perth’s café culture isn’t dead, but it does need a refresh. Perth is packed with passionate baristas, talented chefs, and creative minds. Maybe it’s time to shake things up again—less focus on overpriced, overhyped dishes and more emphasis on crafting an experience people actually want to come back to.
Because at the end of the day, we don’t just go out for coffee. We go out for connection, comfort, and a break from the everyday. And that’s what truly makes a café worth visiting.
At Timber Cafe, we pride ourselves on creating a memorable space where people feel welcome, safe and at home so relationships can flourish, with good coffee, good food and great service. Whether you’re a group of mums taking a break from your homes, or remote workers needing to work where there’s hustle and bustle, our cafe in Harrisdale is a place where all are welcome.
Iced latte from Timber Cafe in Harrisdale