Social enterprise cafes and restaurants
Everyone loves a good cafe or restaurant. And one that does good is even better!
In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is often accompanied by the heartwarming scent of social change. Social enterprise cafes are not just serving delicious food and beverages; they are also brewing opportunities, fostering community, and providing vital support to individuals facing barriers to employment. These establishments demonstrate that you can have your cake and help people and the planet too.
Photo credit: The Freedom Hub
The Freedom Hub
Based in: Waterloo (Sydney), NSW
About: The Freedom Hub is a survivor-led organisation that supports survivors of modern slavery in Australia and runs a cafe and event space to raise awareness and funds for its programs.
Visit their website: https://thefreedomhub.org/
Parliament on King
Based in: Erskineville, NSW
About: Parliament on King is a hospitality training program and cafe that provides employment pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them gain skills and integrate into the community.
Visit their website: https://parliamentonking.com
Kabul Social (Plate It Forward)
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: Kabul Social’s menu features generational recipes and modern street food dishes served across three categories – dumplings, ‘Kabuli burgers’ and Kabuli Snack Packs.
Visit their website: https://plateitforward.org.au/kabul-social/
Kolkata Social (Plate It Forward)
Based in: Newtown (Sydney), NSW
About: Rooted in tradition yet shaped by Sydney’s diverse food scene, Kolkata Social introduces guests to the depth and complexity of Bengali flavours beyond the typical Indian dishes seen in the West.
Visit their website: https://plateitforward.org.au/kolkata-social/
Kyiv Social (Plate It Forward)
Based in: Chippendale (Sydney), NSW
About: Kyiv Social showcases authentic and reimagined Ukrainian food and drink while providing employment and training to Ukrainian people recently displaced by the war
Visit their website: https://plateitforward.org.au/kyiv-social/
Colombo Social (Plate It Forward)
Based in: Enmore (Sydney), NSW
About: Colombo Social serves up soulful Sri Lankan food and vibrant cocktails while providing employment opportunities, practical experience and training for people seeking asylum.
Visit their website: https://plateitforward.org.au/colombo-social/
Civic Cafes South Sydney
Based in: Caringbah, NSW & Jannali, NSW & Engadine, NSW
About: Civic provides employment opportunities and skills training to people with disability. They support individuals to exercise choice and control in their lives, achieve their goals, and participate in the community. They also prepare delicious food, serve freshly roasted barista coffee, and provide quality catering options for families and local businesses.
Visit their website: https://www.civic.org.au/kitchen-and-catering/
Civic Cafe Penrith
Based in: Penrith (Western Sydney), NSW
About: Civic provides employment opportunities and skills training to people with disability. They support individuals to exercise choice and control in their lives, achieve their goals, and participate in the community. They also prepare delicious food, serve freshly roasted barista coffee, and provide quality catering options for families and local businesses.
Visit their website: https://www.civic.org.au/kitchen-and-catering/
Civic Cafe & CBK Civic Burger Kitchen Nowra
Based in: Nowra (South Coast), NSW & TAFE Nowra
About: Civic provides employment opportunities and skills training to people with disability. They support individuals to exercise choice and control in their lives, achieve their goals, and participate in the community. They also prepare delicious food, serve freshly roasted barista coffee, and provide quality catering options for families and local businesses.
Visit their website: https://www.civic.org.au/kitchen-and-catering/
Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney
Based in: Surry Hills, NSW
About: Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney is an Australian-first social impact collaboration between OzHarvest and Food for Soul. It operates as a community hub welcoming those in need to feel at home and enjoy a nourishing, dignified meal prepared from fresh, rescued ingredients. The Refettorio embraces principles of hospitality, beauty, and collective ideas to support Sydney's most vulnerable, protect the environment, and foster social inclusion. It also functions as a community hub for education, workshops, and cultural activities.
Visit their website: https://www.refettorioozharvestsydney.org
Brewing Up a Storm (Greenacres), Wollongong
Based in: Wollongong, NSW (SES Building) & Wollongong, NSW (City of Wollongong Building)
About: Greenacres Cafés & Catering are more than just places to enjoy great coffee and delicious food. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and exceptional service, these cafés have become destinations for coffee enthusiasts and the local communities they serve.
Visit their website: https://www.greenacres.net.au/social-enterprises/supported-employment-cafes
Brewing Up a Storm (Greenacres), Shellharbour
Based in: Shell Cove, NSW & Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park, NSW
About: Greenacres Cafés & Catering are more than just places to enjoy great coffee and delicious food. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and exceptional service, these cafés have become destinations for coffee enthusiasts and the local communities they serve.
Visit their website: https://www.greenacres.net.au/social-enterprises/supported-employment-cafes
Stepping Stone Cafe (Canberra)
Based in: Canberra, ACT (Dickson and Strathnairn)
About: Stepping Stone Cafe is a social enterprise that offers training and employment opportunities in hospitality for young people facing barriers to employment, helping them gain valuable skills and confidence.
Visit their website: https://www.cafesteppingstone.com/
These social enterprise cafes are more than just places to eat and drink; they are vibrant community hubs, training grounds, and advocates for social inclusion. By supporting them, whether through enjoying their offerings, spreading the word, or volunteering your time, you're investing in a more compassionate and opportunity-rich future for NSW and ACT.
See something that needs fixing up, or know a social enterprise that should be on this list? Please email us and let us know!