Aitken‘s Corner

32 Johnstone St, Castlemaine VIC 3450, Australia
+61 479 047 783
$$$ Cafe
(36 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Nestled in the heart of Castlemaine, Aitken's Corner is more than just a cafe; it's a warm and welcoming oasis for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Located at 32 Johnstone St, this charming spot is delightfully positioned to serve the community from the early hours of the morning, opening at 5 AM to greet those in need of a caffeine boost.

As you step inside the beautifully restored historic building, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wraps around you like a warm hug. The ambiance is cozy and laid-back, making it the perfect place to relax with a book or catch up with friends. With an impressive selection of menu items, Aitken's Corner caters to a variety of tastes. Be sure to try their famous homemade rendang curry pie, which has received rave reviews for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Elizabeth Nolan describes Aitken's Corner as 'delicious,' particularly praising the homemade gluten-free options that keep customers coming back for more. The quiche is another crowd favorite, and for those with a sweet tooth, the fresh cakes and muffins are not to be missed.

Customer reviews epitomize the genuine, friendly service that defines Aitken's Corner. Mary McMullen highlights the cafe's early opening hours, sharing her delightful experience with a hearty breakfast sandwich and the renowned rendang curry pie. The owner’s warmth and hospitality shine through as they serve up not just coffee, but a little piece of community spirit. Ger Hoelk shares his encounter with the staff, calling them "friendly, patient, and interested"—a testament to the service that keeps patrons returning.

The coffee here is often described as "the best in town," and it's easy to see why. Each cup is carefully crafted, making every sip a delightful experience. It's no wonder many customers like Neil Robinson emphasize the quality and freshness of the coffee, praising the enticing flavors that coax them back day after day. Whether you’re stopping in for a strong espresso or a creamy latte, Aitken’s Corner promises a perfect brew every time.

For those early morning travelers heading to Melbourne, Lisa Pekin appreciates having a reliable spot to fuel up before hitting the road. The friendly staff and nourishing offerings are the cherry on top of a must-visit experience. If your journey takes a detour like Ger Hoelk's did, you’ll find that Aitken’s Corner welcomes all with open arms and, of course, delicious homemade treats.

In a world where cafes come and go, Aitken's Corner stands out as a remarkable gem in Castlemaine, seamlessly blending exceptional coffee, delightful homemade food, and a personable atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this cafe promises not only to satisfy your hunger and caffeine cravings but also to leave you with a smile and a warm heart. Don’t miss out on stopping by—you'll leave feeling refreshed and revived!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM

36 Reviews
Elizabeth Nolan

08 Oct 2025

Went here as had heard there were homemade gluten free goods...did not disappoint! Delicious quiche and came back a few days later for another one and a few to take home. Great selection, lovely owner and coffee arguably best in town.

mary mcmullen

03 Sep 2025

We are so lucky to have a country town cafe that opens at 5am to provide EXCELLENT coffee to the early morning folks. There was a delicious selection of freshly made breakfast sandwiches and other items, but I asked for one of the famous Rendang curry pies. I also bought a dinner serving of beef rendang curry to takeaway. The owner was so lovely! Beautiful historic building. I will be back.

Neil Robinson

02 Sep 2025

Great coffee. Fresh cakes & muffins. Very friendly service! Did I mention the great coffee?

Mark Dobson

19 Aug 2025

The homemade ren dang pie is a winner! And the frangipane tart gave squirts of dopamine. Such a charming low key gem, this place - we sat next to the open fire on a very fresh morning.

Martina Prebianca

06 Jul 2025

Great coffee and friendly staff! We ordered two takeaway coffees and the barista gave us two cookies

Lisa Pekin

01 Jul 2025

Great coffee and food. Enjoyed a bacon & egg sandwich. Very friendly staff. Expecially love having an early morning coffee shop for my trips to Melbourne

Ger Hoelk

24 Jun 2025

Top notch! That would sum it all up. Due to our car breakdown we stranded here just before closure. Coffees were good and the service was so nice. Friendly, patient and interested in their customers. And then.... there was the cake! Yum, home made and how delicious. I live too far for a drive out here but would recommend stopping here on your way to/from Melbourne.

Catherine

12 Jun 2025

Gorgeous place, super efficient service and delicious. We stopped for coffee and a light lunch of homemade gourmet pie and sausage roll. Fab!

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