Back to Basics Organic Cafe

Back to Basics Organic Cafe sits on the waterfront of Lake Kawana at Bokarina, a quiet, health-focused spot serving organic, seed-oil-free food away from the traffic noise of the Nicklin Way strip. The lake path runs right past the door, which makes it a natural stop for dog walkers doing a lap of the water.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor waterfront seating area looking over Lake Kawana. Water bowls are commonly put out for visiting dogs, and it is a regular stop for people walking the lake path. Usual courtyard manners apply: keep your dog settled beside the table and leashed, since the shared path runs close by. Confirm seating arrangements with staff on the day, as outdoor setups can shift with weather.

The vibe and the menu

The menu leans organic and wholefood, with gluten-free and vegan options, refined-sugar-free dishes and coffee made with organic or biodynamic milk. Sourdough toast and proper chocolate cake keep both camps at the table happy. It is a smaller, low-key cafe rather than a big brunch destination, which suits a calmer dog. Hours run from 7am to about 1 or 2pm depending on the day.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 2/209 Nicklin Way, Bokarina, with parking easier to find than at busier coastal spots along the strip and access straight off Nicklin Way.

Make a morning of it

The lake walkway makes an easy loop before or after coffee, and the sand at Bokarina Dog Beach is a short drive for a proper run. Sunday Coffee and Bagels is the suburb's other dog-friendly coffee stop if you are doing a two-stop morning.

Wider options are on the Bokarina destination page and in the QLD cafes index.