Blue Olive Cafe

Blue Olive Cafe has become a cherished destination in the heart of Canberra, revered by locals and visitors alike for its unwavering commitment to exceptional coffee, creative cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Situated at 56 Alinga St within the iconic Melbourne Building, this café has carved out a reputation that extends far beyond the typical city-center coffee stop. With a consistent 4.3-star rating from over 200 reviews, patrons repeatedly highlight the extraordinary consistency of the coffee, the beautiful latte art, and the friendly, personalized service that turns a quick break into a memorable experience. The team, led by the dedicated owners Sue and Sam, has perfected the art of making every cup taste exactly as you hope it will, blending premium beans with expert technique to create what some enthusiasts call one of the best coffees they’ve had worldwide.

Beyond its celebrated espresso bar, Blue Olive Cafe operates as a vibrant daytime hub where fresh food and community spirit meet. The café is open from early morning through the afternoon, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, or a late lunch. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a book with a latte, a bustling table for a business catch-up, or a quick takeaway on your way to the office, the space is designed to accommodate. The menu balances classic café favorites with contemporary twists, all crafted with an emphasis on quality, freshness, and presentation. This deep-rooted focus on the full guest experience makes Blue Olive much more than a coffee shop—it’s a cornerstone of Canberra’s hospitality scene.

Services & Facilities

The Blue Olive Cafe provides a multi-faceted experience that caters to a wide range of customer needs in Canberra ACT. We offer comfortable dine-in seating that captures the unique character of the Melbourne Building, allowing guests to relax in a historic setting while enjoying their meals. For those on the go, our efficient takeaway service ensures you can grab your favorite coffee and a fresh bite without compromising on quality, making it a seamless fit for the busy professional. We also accommodate a delivery service, ensuring that our delicious food and beverages are accessible even when you can't make it to Alinga St.

• Dine-In Experience: Enjoy the ambiance of our historic location with full table service in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely brunch or an informal meeting.
• Rapid Takeaway: Pre-order or stop by for a swift pickup. Our team is trained to prepare your order quickly, so you can get back to your day with a perfectly crafted coffee in hand.
• Premium Coffee Bar: Watch the baristas craft your drink with precision, from classic espressos and cappuccinos to signature lattes featuring Sam’s stunning latte art.
• Catering Dispatch: Our in-house “sandwich shuttle” is ready to deliver large, freshly made orders directly to your office or event venue across the city.
• LGBTQ+-Friendly Environment: We are proud to be recognized as a safe, inclusive space where everyone in the community can feel welcome and respected.

What We Offer

Our menu is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients, designed to satisfy both classic comfort cravings and contemporary tastes. The coffee program is the undisputed star, earning rave reviews for its consistency and artistry. Beyond the beans, our kitchen prepares a diverse selection of food items that have become local favorites. From the popular burgers and fluffy muffins to the beautifully executed scrambled eggs and gourmet sandwiches, every dish is prepared with care. The café is particularly famous for its sandwich selection, which features a sophisticated and healthy approach to lunch.

All-Day Breakfast & Brunch

The breakfast menu at Blue Olive is designed to fuel your day. Guests rave about the perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, which are light, creamy, and seasoned to perfection. We pair our egg dishes with high-quality accompaniments and, of course, our signature coffee blends. Whether you prefer a light start or a hearty plate, the kitchen team delivers consistency and flavor that keeps customers returning morning after morning.

Gourmet Sandwiches & Burgers

We take our sandwiches seriously. Each one is crafted using the freshest ingredients and, most notably, bread from Flute Bakery—widely considered the best in town. This commitment to premium bread elevates our sandwiches from a simple lunch to a culinary highlight. Our burgers have also been called out in guest reviews for their flavor and quality, offering a heartier option that doesn’t compromise on the café’s standard of fresh, delicious food.

Fresh Muffins & Baked Treats

No café experience is complete without a selection of fresh-baked goods, and our muffins are a standout item on the menu. Baked daily, they provide the perfect complement to a hot latte or cappuccino. The display of treats, cakes, and pastries offers something sweet for every palate, whether you’re ending a meal or just taking a well-deserved coffee break.

Why Customers Choose Us

In a city brimming with café options, Blue Olive Cafe distinguishes itself through a combination of world-class coffee, culinary craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. Our guests often comment on the remarkable consistency of the product; every single cup of coffee tastes exactly as it should. This is a testament to the passion and precision of owners Sue and Sam, who have perfected their craft and instilled a culture of excellence in their team. Another key reason for our strong following is the personalized touch—the team at Blue Olive has a clear understanding of what constitutes exceptional customer service, making every visit feel like a return to a familiar, welcoming space.

• Award-Level Latte Art: Our coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a visual experience. The intricate latte art has become a signature, with customers frequently noting the beautiful designs that top their cups.
• Unbeatable Coffee Consistency: We’ve been described as having “perfected” the art of consistent coffee. Every barista is trained to exacting standards, ensuring your flat white or cappuccino is flawless every time.
• Warm, Personal Service: Our regulars know Sue and Sam by name, and new faces are greeted with the same warmth. We believe in building relationships, not just transactions.
• Premium Local Ingredients: We source the best, like Flute Bakery bread, because we believe a great sandwich starts with a great foundation. Our commitment to quality ingredients sets us apart from typical café chains.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Blue Olive Cafe is perfectly positioned to serve the dynamic community of Canberra, ACT. Located on Alinga Street, we are right in the pulse of the city’s business district and a short walk from major landmarks, shopping areas, and transport hubs. Our central location makes us an accessible meeting point for professionals, students, and travelers exploring the capital. Canberra is a city that appreciates a sophisticated coffee culture, and we are proud to contribute to that landscape by providing a spot where the quality of the brew and the warmth of the service match the city’s cosmopolitan expectations.

The connection to the local community extends beyond our coffee counter. We actively engage with the rhythm of city life, serving as a go-to option for weekday business, a relaxing brunch spot on weekends, and a reliable caterer for the many corporate and government events that take place across the ACT. Our recognition as an LGBTQ+-friendly establishment further underscores our commitment to celebrating Canberra’s diverse and inclusive spirit.

Hours, Location & Directions

We are conveniently located at 56 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601, inside the historic Melbourne Building. Finding us is easy, whether you are walking from the city center or arriving by public transport. Our operational hours are designed to cater to the breakfast and lunch crowds. Please note our current schedule below, and remember that hours may vary on public holidays.

• Location: 56 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia (Within the Melbourne Building).
• Standard Hours: Monday to Tuesday & Thursday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
• Weekend Brunch: Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
• Closed: Sunday and Wednesday.
• Contact: For orders or catering inquiries, call us at +61 2 6230 4600.

Corporate & Event Catering

One of our most valued services is our tailor-made event and boardroom catering, serving businesses across Canberra. The Blue Olive catering arsenal is designed to turn a standard working lunch into a sophisticated affair. We specialize in constructing large orders of freshly prepared, healthy, and stylish sandwiches that bring a touch of elegance to any corporate event, seminar, or group gathering. The philosophy is simple: why settle for boring, unhealthy food options when you can have a masterpiece delivered straight from our breadboard to your boardroom?

Our dedicated catering service includes the use of our very own Blue Olive “sandwich shuttle,” ensuring that your order arrives fresh, on time, and beautifully presented. Every sandwich is built on the legendary Flute Bakery bread and features only the freshest ingredients. For orders and a tailored menu specifically designed for your next office lunch or party, we encourage you to reach out directly via phone or email us at catering@blueolivecafe.com.au.