Popular MQ Campus Eateries

Looking for a place to eat or grab a much needed dose of caffeine between classes? Editor in Chief Beth Nicholls reveals the best on-campus places to grab a bite.

Macquarie University’s campus, spanning from one end at 4 Research Park Drive in the School of Computing to 25 Wally’s Walk in the Faculty of Arts, boasts many options for food and drink.

With a plethora of options to choose from, new and continuing students might be a little overwhelmed with choices. But don’t worry, this guide might make the decision just a tad easier!

Cult Café

Located at 1 Central Courtyard (1CC) and 25 Wally’s Walk (25WW)

Cult Café has many versatile options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Their fridge cabinet is full of pastries and lunch options like sandwiches and salads, while they also boast an onsite kitchen, so if pasta or fish and chips are more your thing, Cult will keep you satisfied. Of course, there’s a good reason behind the name ‘Cult,’ with the café’s excellent coffee beloved by students and staff alike. 

Esc Café

Located at 4 Research Park Drive

Now, imagine you’re a Computing or IT student and you are way too tired to walk all the way to 1CC to get your coffee; Esc Café is the one for you! With a menu jam-packed with sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and salads, you will find something for your 11am spiral. Don’t forget to add your coffee of choice or Red Bull to restore your energy.

Library Café

Located at 16 Macquarie Walk, Library

It’s 6PM and you are desperately looking for a coffee or Red Bull but can’t find anywhere still open. The Library Café is the place to go to! It’s one of the few campus eateries open past 5pm (usually open until 7pm on weekdays during the Semester) and will have you super-charged and re-caffeinated for your late-night studies.

Piccolo Lane

Located at 4 Eastern Road (4ER)

In need of a pick-me-up after the long journey from the Metro Station to campus itself? Don’t worry, Piccolo Lane has you covered. Located right outside the Business School building, they have a range of coffee and small snacks that are sure to boost your energy and keep you sustained for at least another hour.

Wally’s Coffee and Toasties

Located at 18 Wally’s Walk (18WW), MUSE

Newly reopened in mid-2022, Wally’s Coffee and Toasties has a wide range of toasties and breakfast muffins, along with coffees and smoothies. Whether you like a hot cappuccino or an iced latte, they have your midday lunch and drink sorted!

Please note: Many of these eateries have varied trading hours, and they might change depending on weekday or weekend and if the semester has started. So, if they’re shut, don’t come running to me — I warned you!

And, of course, this is only a short list of some of Macquarie’s most popular cafés and eating spots. 1CC is the main food hub on campus with plenty of options to choose from, for whatever food and drink you might fancy.