Cafes

Cafe Diem

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

1/114 Parkes St, Helensburgh NSW 2508, Australia A$1–20
4.4
171 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Step into the cozy embrace of Cafe Diem, a delightful café nestled in the heart of Helensburgh, NSW. Just a stone's throw from the bustling town center, this local gem offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its quality fare. With an array of menu options from breakfast through lunch, it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends or grab a quick bite before heading out to explore the area.

The café’s breakfast menu is a crowd-pleaser, featuring favorites like the hearty Big Breakky, complete with all the essentials, and the delectable French Toast, which promises a sweet start to your day. For a taste of something lighter, the Brookfarm Toasted Muesli or the vibrant Tomato Bruschetta deliver on deliciousness without weighing you down. Kids can indulge in their own delights too, with options like the Kid's Pancakes that are as fun as they are flavorful!

As you transition to lunchtime, the offerings at Cafe Diem shine just as brightly. The Helensburger is a local favorite, far surpassing your typical burger with its succulent flavors and generous portions. For a healthy twist, don’t miss the Quinoa Bowl, which showcases fresh ingredients crafted with care. Each dish is carefully prepared to maintain a comforting familiarity while prioritizing quality and taste, which visitors like Chayut O have noted, praising the “quality food with nice service.”

The ambiance at Cafe Diem is reminiscent of a rustic European café, with eclectic decor and a friendly vibe that invites you to linger. However, some patrons, like Duncan McArdle, noted that while the atmosphere is charming, tables could benefit from more frequent clearing. This slight oversight is easily overlooked with the delightful company and homey feeling of the café.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the café's selection of brews. The drinks menu includes tempting options like a Homebrew Chai Latte and classic Milkshakes, both perfect for pairing with your meal. While some found the coffee a bit bitter, it's hard to resist the artistry of the beautifully crafted latte art that accompanies each cup, adding an aesthetic pleasure as you sip.

At Cafe Diem, the emphasis on homemade quality shines through—Helen Marx enthusiastically shared her experience of enjoying the generous portions of the mushroom and bacon omelette alongside fresh-squeezed juices that tantalize the palate. Rose Hayes was equally impressed with her flavorful BLT, leaving her satisfied and eager to return after her routine Park Run.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Cafe Diem offers a charming escape filled with mouthwatering meals and friendly service that makes every visit a delightful experience. Don't miss out on this lovely little café; it’s a haven for food lovers and a staple of the Helensburgh community.

03 Notes from regulars

171 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 171 verified notes
5 112
4 43
3 11
2 2
1 7
All
Chayut O.
7 month ago
Nice local cafe near town center. Quality food with nice service. Love the burgers
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Duncan McArdle.
7 month ago
Lovely spot in the heart of the town! The food was good, and well priced. It was nothing special from a taste perspective, but I feel like they're going for consistency rather than flamboyance here so maybe that's intentional. Coffee was okay but tasted a little bitter / over-extracted. The latte art was very nice. The place itself was nice but the tables needed clearing far more regularly. We cleaned our own table to sit down and the birds were all over the other ones. Good spot, we'll be back again, just needs a few tweaks to get it perfect.
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Wiremu Samson.
8 month ago
Lovely Little cafe, great service and food was beautiful!
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Helen Marx.
8 month ago
Food was great! Generous portion, great price, tasty and homemade - all that AND it came out super quick with tasty freshly squeezed juices. Yum! Helensburger with chips, Mushroom and bacon omelette and fresh squeezed juices. Breakfast menu goes after 12 on weekends only.
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Rose Hayes.
8 month ago
Had a lovely cafe and BLT Very nice and tasty will come again post Park Run
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Wesam.
9 month ago
Probably the best BLT sandwich I’ve ever had. Wonderful service and lovely staff.
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ALAN SMITH.
9 month ago
Fantastic breakfast..seating..so many people..v fast service..so popular
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Friday 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Saturday 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Sunday 07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Finding the door

1/114 Parkes St, Helensburgh NSW 2508, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed
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