Coffee shop Roby cafe in Subiaco, Perth, WA

Roby cafe

4.9 (56 reviews)
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Takeaway Dine-in Dogs allowed

Location & Contact

127 Rokeby Rd Subiaco WA 6008

0422271853 (Tap to call)

Opening Hours

Saturday: 11:30 am-10 pm
Sunday: 11:30 am-3 pm
Monday: 11:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday: 11:30 am-9 pm
Wednesday: 11:30 am-9 pm
Thursday: 11:30 am-9 pm
Friday: 11:30 am-10 pm
Reviewed by: Matthew Eaton October 31, 2024

I've been bouncing around coffee shops in Perth, and my latest stop was Roby Cafe in Subiaco. Right on Rokeby Road, it's a spot I've heard earns rave reviews time and again. I swung by for a midday brew on a Tuesday, and it turned out to be a good choice.

Walking in, you notice the place is friendly and open. The vibe isn't too fussy, which I like. There's a mix of customers—people in for a quick takeaway, others with their dogs chilling outside, and a few enjoying a sit-down meal. I like how the cafe welcomes dogs; it's not something you see everywhere.

I ordered a flat white, served hot with just the right balance. There wasn't a need to ask for anything more. Sitting by the window, I got a peek at Subiaco life passing by, which made for a nice break. The staff were pretty quick, but they didn't rush you out the door. They managed to keep the service casual yet efficient, a delicate balance not all places can achieve.

Roby Cafe has this thing going for it—a constant 4.9-star rating across 56 reviews is nothing to sneeze at. I figured there's gotta be a reason behind those stars. So I wanted to see if the food was as good as the brew. I tried a classic avocado toast. Sometimes you just can't overcomplicate what's already a good idea. The avocado was fresh, and they laid out it together well.

What also makes the spot relaxing is that you don't have to squeeze and say "excuse me" every two steps. The area is wheelchair accessible, which is thoughtful. It wasn't too busy when I visited, so I found it easy to settle into my own space. Good Wi-Fi is a given, making it a fine place to sit with a laptop for a bit.

While there's no website to check ahead, the cafe seems pretty active on social media. It's worth a quick look to see any updates or specials. And when you're looking to plan a visit, their hours are straightforward. They open all week from 11:30 in the morning. If you're a night owl, you're in luck on Fridays and Saturdays since they stay open until 10 pm.

Subiaco itself is an interesting area to wander in. A short walk from Roby Cafe, there are little boutique shops to pop into. And the Subiaco Arts Centre isn't too far away, if you're into catching a local show. Plus, for those needing to stretch after a cup of coffee, King's Park is close enough for a leisurely stroll.

After my toasted goodness was done, I watched a couple groups wander in. Some ordered quick takeaways, but a few seemed ready to linger over some extended chats. My guess is that a cafe doesn't hold a 4.9 average from over 50 reviews without offering a solid atmosphere and good fare.

In short, Roby Cafe pretty much nails it for what I want. The location is convenient, tucked in an area that's got its fingers on the pulse of what makes Subiaco cool. Whether it's a quick coffee or a longer lunch, it strikes a balance that's difficult to get in some places. I'll definitely be adding it to my list of regulars, especially when I'm sticking around Subi for the day.