20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

Given that the city is reported to have well over 7000 establishments within its city limits, trying to draw up a list of the best cafes in Sydney is a very difficult task.

But there again we like a challenge!

With cafΓ© culture being so prevalent in the city, competition is strong and the standard is very high overall.

Therefore, we won’t go so far as to say these are the absolute best venues to head to in town, just that they are 20 excellent places to go to.

So hold that thought, and read our selection.



Bills

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Bill’s is an institution in Bondi and quite rightly so.

Located in the Adina Apartment Hotel, this beachside, relaxed hangout is right opposite the beach. So it offers the quintessential Bondi cafe experience.

Presenting a mellow space with casual decor this is the place that introduced corn fritters to the foodies of Sydney.

Known for serving up contemporary Aussie fare and a selection of breakfast specials, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more pleasurable cafe experience in the city.


Address: 79 Hall Street, Bondi, NSW, 2026

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.30 am – 10 pm

Phone: (02) 8412 0700



Blackwood Pantry

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Over in Cronulla, the Blackwood Pantry is run by three mates from the Shire who collaborated to create the perfect cafe venue for those who want to eat their best life.

Their Insta-worthy menu draws inspiration from both Europe and Australia and is specifically designed for sharing.

Popular enough to only serve walk-ins, their all-day menu features such delights as coconut hotcakes, their signature morning glory bowl, miso avo and their iconic Schnitty Schnitty Bang Bang.


Address: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla, NSW 2230

Phone: 9544 4857

Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 4 pm



Shift Eatery

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Priding itself on being a deli with a huge point of difference, Shift Eatery is a fully vegan establishment that is known for its outstanding sandwiches.

Located in Surry Hills, this is a terrific place to visit for a quick brunch or lunch catch-up with health-conscious friends.

As well as a delicious all-day breakfast, they also offer a range of salads, bowls and smoothies. While their raw treat selection is pretty good too.

If you are feeling hungry, be sure to try their vegan bacon and egg bagel, which they claim to be the best in the world!


Address: Shop 4/241 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am – 3 pm

Phone: (02) 9281 5053



Edition Roasters

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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If you are a fan of fusion food then you’ll no doubt be intrigued by the food offerings at Edition Roasters.

Merging Scandinavian and Japanese dishes, flavours and cooking techniques, the menu at this casual venue in Haymarket offers plenty of choices.

Whether you decide on the bento and Japanese pancakes, or an open Danish-style sandwich, you’ll not be disappointed by what you get.

The coffee is pretty spectacular too. Comprising single origin and estate green beans that are perfectly roasted and bursting with flavour.


Address: 60 Darling Drive, Haymarket NSW 2000

Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm



Lox Stock & Barrel

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Offering a bona fide taste of Manhattan in the vibrant heart of Bondi, Lox, Stock & Barrel is renowned for being Sydney’s premier spot for bagels.

Entering its 10th year of existence, they dish up an all-day menu that provides plenty of choice for bagels and sandwiches, as well as classics like avo smash or the Reuben.

At weekends they even open late until 11 pm, serving up delicious cocktails and a drinks menu for evening visitors.

Whatever time you visit, the cafe has an intoxicating vibe which you will want to fully immerse yourself in.


Address: 140 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026

Phone: (02) 93000368

Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 2.30 pm, Wednesday – Saturday 6 pm – late



Reuben Hills

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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It’s hard to walk past Reuben Hills and not be totally intoxicated by the aroma of the freshly roasted coffee that wafts from its upstairs.

Another popular venue in Surry Hills, this cafe presents a sublime menu which is heavily influenced by South American flavours.

Served with wagyu beef brisket, The Not Reuben is a must-try. While their Huevos Divorciados are to die for.

Set within an industrial-chic venue with exposed brickwork and mood lighting, this cafe is open from 7.30 am to 4 pm every day and is always busy.


Address: 61 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Phone: (02) 9211 5556

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 4 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.30 am – 4 pm



Pina Potts Point

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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When Nigella Lawson sings your praises, you know you must be doing something right.

But there again Pina Potts Point has always enjoyed a very good reputation.

Located in Dear Sainte Γ‰loise, it is championed for dishing up one of the best avo smashes in Sydney.

It also regularly serves up a range of exotic specials like XO tofu scramble, which comes with a delicious labneh, as well as shallot kimchi.


This place is always busy, so you can expect a bit of a wait. But as the food is so good here, you won’t care one jot as soon as that first delicious mouthful hits your tastebuds.


Address: 4/29 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Hours: Mon-Sun 7 am – 3 pm

Phone: 0432 445 342



Flour and Stone

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll love the opportunities to get your sugar fix at Flour and Stone.

A real favourite in Woolloomooloo, the venue is run by a lady called Nadine whose pedigree is every bit as impressive as the wonderful creations she makes.

Starting off with humble beginnings on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley, this supreme artisanal baking talent also cut her teeth in some of London’s best Michelin star restaurants.

Her menu features a range of delightful savouries like pies, sausage rolls and the most incredible spanakopita. While her sweets include tarts, cakes and other treats that are so beautifully created, they are almost a shame to eat.


Address: 43 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011

Phone: (02) 8068 8818

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 4 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4 pm



Circa Espresso

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Renowned for serving up the best brekkie and coffee in Parramatta, Circa Espresso is an institution in the suburb.

Unlike other cafes, it strongly discourages laptops and phones, preferring you instead to focus on the wonderful food and coffee option they provide you with.

Inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, this chic bar and restaurant serve up contemporary farm-to-table cuisine from an impressive seasonal menu.

Their halloumi & corn waffle, ottoman eggs and crispy confit duck are all favourites, so be sure to pay this place a visit, next time they make an appearance.


Address: 21 Wentworth Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 2.30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 2.30 pm



Jarern Chai Grocer and Boon Cafe

Love Asian food? Then you should spend some quality time at the Jarern Chai Grocer and Boon Cafe.

Situated in Haymarket, this CBD favourite is an Asian grocer that doubles as a charming cafΓ©.

Presenting an exotic and inventive menu that smoothly fuses Thai and western cuisine, this all day dining venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This means you come at any time of the day and treat yourself to a delicious Thai meal that has been authentically cooked and is bursting with flavour.


Address: 1/425 Pitt Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9281 2114

Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am – 12 am



Kurumac

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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Over in Marrickville, Kurumac is a good place to go if you have a bit of trouble being on the ball in the morning.

The colourful venue and banging hip-hop music will soon jolt you out of your slumber just in time to enjoy a delicious coffee and a terrific brunch menu.

Full of all-day options, if you don’t mind experiencing new taste sensations, the onigiri – rice balls that have been stuffed with pickled mustard greens – are definitely worth a go. If you love them, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

The cafe is quite small, so don’t be surprised if you have to queue at the weekend.


Address: 107 Addison Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204

Phone: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm

Hours: (02) 8593 9449



Two Chaps

20 Excellent cafes in Sydney you simply must go to

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If you like your cafes to have a strong focus on sustainability, then head to Two Chaps.

Another venue in Marrickville that draws in the crowds, one of the best selling points of this establishment is that they make all their pastries and bread by hand, using premium organic flour that is made in Australia.

A snug space that features exposed brick walls, Two Chaps dishes up some of the finest coffee in Sydney.

As the team likes to support local and like-minded producers, their menu changes regularly to reflect what is available and also in season too.


Address: 122 Chapel Street, Marrickville, NSW 2204

Phone: (02) 9572 8858

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 3 pm, Saturday 7.30 am – 3 pm, Sunday 8 am – 3 pm



Bread & Circus

Like the thought of being able to have breakfast all day? Then Bread & Circus over at Alexandria is the place for you.

Buzzy, colourful and full of character, this cafΓ© offers an experience that few others in Sydney can match.

Dominated by communal seating, its daily rotating menu of organic food features plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as blended fruit bowls.

If you like nothing more than a delicious cup of tea, you will be pleased to read that the fine tea list on offer here is exceptional.


Address: 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

Phone: 0418 214 425

Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am – 2 pm



Harry’s Bondi

Another iconic venue that is a stone’s throw from Bondi Beach, Harry’s Bondi has been a stalwart on the Sydney breakfast and brunch scene for over 25 years.

Once a mere hole-in-the-wall, they now boast plenty of outdoor seating to really immerse yourself in the vibe.

Their Bondi bowls are legendary, especially when combined with a beetroot latte. But if you don’t fancy that, there are plenty of other fabulous and nutritious dishes on their menu.

Why not try the slipper lobster omelette or seaside sushi bowl? You won’t be disappointed!


Address: 2/136 Wairoa Avenue, Bondi, NSW 2026

Phone: (02) 9130 2180

Hours: Monday – Friday 6.30 am – 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 6.30 am – 4 pm



Brickfields

If your idea of a good breakfast involves delicious pastries or ultra fresh bread, then Brickfields should be right up your street.

Part cafe, part bakery, these artisans in Chippendale create some of the most incredible ciabatta, sourdough, croissant and cakes you’ll find in Sydney.

Possibly not the best place to head to if you are down with carbs. But if you are looking for a comforting way to start your day, this is definitely where it is at!


Address: 206 Cleveland Street, Chippendale NSW 2008

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 3 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8 am – 3 pm

Phone: (02) 9698 7880



St Dreux Espresso Bar

Tucked away in a quieter corner of the CBD, St Dreux Espresso Bar is arguably the best place to go to for coffee on this list.

Locals seem to love it, judging by how many people each day treat themselves to one of their perfectly balanced, hand-crafted, single origins.

Sourcing their coffee from all over the world and roasting it locally in Sydney, their brews go really well with one of the signature pastry or chocolate offerings.


Address: 151 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9826 5876

Hours: Monday- Friday 7 am – 3.30 pm



Rising Sun Workshop

If you love ramen then the Rising Sun Workshop is somewhere you will want to familiarise yourself with. Though, granted, it might take you a bit of time to get used to it.

A first in Sydney, this fabulous restaurant is also a communal motorcycle workshop too. Which means it attracts people from all walks of life.

Equally adept at fixing a motorbike, as they are at fixing up a ramen, the food here is incredible. If ramen is not your thing, then their killer katsu burgers is sure to impress.

But arguably the best thing about this venue is its sheer sense of community and friendship. Which makes it definitely worth a visit.


Address: 1C Whateley Street, Newtown NSW 2042

Phone: (02) 9550 3891

Hours: Sunday – Tuesday 9 am – 4 pm, Wednesday – Saturday 8 am – 3.30 pm / 6 pm – 10 pm



Saga

Famous for being the venue where Andy Bowdy creates some truly magnificent cakes, Saga is a charming neighbourhood patisserie and cafe in Sydney’s Inner West.

Located in Saga, the cakes might steal the show here, but the Italian-style sandwiches and speciality coffee is equally as good.

For those who want the ultimate start to the day, order a coffee and one of their signature tiered doughnut pastries. (You can thank us later!).

Though if you fancy something a bit more substantial first up, their sandwiches – which are all named after people – will definitely do the job. We recommend the Julian. A fantastic mix of herby and crumbed chicken schnitty with bacon and lots of trimmings. (Again, you can thank us later!).


Address: 178 Enmore Road, Enmore NSW 2042

Phone: (02) 9550 6386

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 9 am – 4 pm



Joseph Hyde

If all that talk of cakes and pastries is enough to make you want to immediately hit the gym, then perhaps a trip to Joseph Hyde might be more to your liking.

Definitely one for all the health nuts out there, this snug laneway eatery offers healthy food, served quickly, to those who are in a hurry.

Offering outstanding value for money, there are plenty of vegan and veggie options on their menu. With their delicious miso mushroom bowl being a particular favourite.


Address: 34 Llankelly Place, Potts Point, NSW 2011

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 3 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8 am- 3 pm

Phone: 0434 786 210



Cornersmith

Situated on the corner of a quiet street, Cornersmith is a very popular cafe with locals – especially those who have young children.

Tucked away in Annandale, directly over the road from it is a playground. Which makes it the perfect spot to place a takeaway order and enjoy a bit of time in the fresh air whilst the little ones play.

Another venue that believes in ethical and sustainable food production, these guys champion pickles and ferments. They even run a cooking school as well as a picklery!

Set within a space with minimalist decor, their menu is seasonal, vegetarian and locally sourced. They even offer picnic boxes for parents who want to eat whilst their kids play in the park.


Address: 88 View Street, Annandale NSW 2038

Phone: (02) 8084 8466

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 2 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 2 pm

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