Rise and Bake Brasserie

Central Shopping Centre, 1/21 McLeod St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
+61 459 052 401
$$$ Cafe
(212 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Rise and Bake Brasserie sits comfortably inside Cairns Central Shopping Centre, offering a light, airy spot that balances the buzz of the mall with a touch of European flair. This cafe draws a steady mix of shoppers, locals grabbing a morning coffee, and friends catching up over brunch. With plenty of seating spread out, including family-friendly options like highchairs, it accommodates both quick solo stops and relaxed group visits.

The vibe leans toward casual but thoughtfully curated, with simple touches that hint at French bistro influences — from the buckwheat flour crepes filled with smoked chicken or avocado to freshly baked croissants paired with housemade jams. The menu's strong breakfast focus makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to linger over a plate like Eggs Benedict or a hearty Big Breakfast that includes locally sourced chorizo and roasted chat potatoes.

Coffee and drinks hold their own here, particularly the locally roasted Tattoo Sailor coffee which many visitors praise for its smooth, rich flavor. The cafe offers a few refreshing beverage options—from mango iced tea to classic banana milkshakes—that fit well with the tropical Cairns climate, especially during warmer midday hours.

Groups often turn to Rise and Bake for events like baby showers or afternoon high tea gatherings, making it more than just a quick bite spot. The staff’s warm attentiveness is regularly noted, creating a welcoming atmosphere that suits both casual meet-ups and small celebrations. While some local feedback mentions prices on the higher side relative to typical cafes, the quality of ingredients and generosity of portion sizes seem to justify the cost for many.

Best times to pop in are mid-mornings on weekdays or the slower hours after peak lunch, when the space is more relaxed but still lively. Whether you’re shopping nearby and need a solid caffeine hit, or making a morning of catching up over crepes and tea, Rise and Bake presents a reliably pleasant setting infused with friendly local character.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

212 Reviews
Rosalie Stubbin

08 Dec 2025

A really friendly beautiful cafe tucked away inside near Woolworths at the shopping centre brings a European French atmosphere and just delightful staff and food is delicious. Quite big for its size. Lots of seating. Family friendly highchairs! Tattoo sailor coffee is roasted locally so this is a beautiful little spot to come and bring a friend you can even have a high tea date here! Come enjoy their waffles are divine.

Kate Cosatto

02 Nov 2025

The best high tea in Cairns. Every part of it was absolutely delicious. Such amazing value too - with a freshly made crepe, fresh juice and bottomless tea and coffee included.

Yvette Gasa

01 Nov 2025

I’m from Townsville and I have been back here 3 times now during my little holiday. The coffee and crepes are so delicious and made with fresh ingredients. Five stars from me.

TONY

29 Oct 2025

We had my daugthers Baby Shower - High Tea - at Cairns Central yesterday. The Food, Service and Atmosphere were all 100% fantastic. I can not fault a single thing - happy and smiling staff - Mika made our High Tea just perfect and I can and do definitely recommend Rise and Bake to everyone. Thanks so very much for such it an enjoyable experience and gathering for us. Thanks Sandy

Neil James

16 Oct 2025

Our food was very nice, the service was good and pretty quick too! Only criticism would be that perhaps it's slightly over priced, but about on par for your usual Cafe meals. Overall I'd recommend it

Barb Martin

12 Sep 2025

There’s only one place for High Tea in Cairns! Come to Rise & Bake Cairns Central. Had the most incredible Mother’s Day High Tea, everything was amazing! Food, service and atmosphere is outstanding. Mika and the team are amazing. We will be back for sure!!!

Join the Rise and Bake Brasserie Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.