The Best Cafes in Sydney

It’s surprisingly hard (though very enjoyable) to put together round-up of the best cafes in Sydney.

You see, us Aussies are a nation of cafe-frequenters. Do any of these scenarios feel familiar…?

You’re long over-due on a catch up with a friend. Let’s meet at a cafe. A colleague wants to have an informal chat away from the office. Why don’t we grab a coffee round the corner? The kids have finished their Saturday morning Footy/Netball/Cricket/Running/Dance or whatever. Great! We can go and get a late breakfast at our favourite brunch spot.

From Melbourne to Adelaide, from Darwin to Perth, and – of course – Sydney, we don’t need much of an excuse to visit to our local cafe.

And with so much demand, it’s no surprise that there are always new places cropping up.

So you see our problem? Basically, we’d hate to think that you’d missed out on an ace venue for homemade granola or fat, squishy sandwiches. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the Best Cafes in Sydney – right now.

bills

Location: 355 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9360 4762 See Website For Further Locations

It’s impossible to over-emphasise how much the dearly-missed Bill Granger did for the Australian hospitality industry globally.

From his first venture in Darlinghurst, his flair for simple, fresh food made from the best of local ingredients spread across Sydney – and then the world.

And whilst bills is arguably a fully-fledged restaurant, rather than a humble cafe, we feel it deserves the place of honour on this list of the best Cafes in Sydney. Why? Because of the dishes – and image of laidback Australia – that Bill brought to the attention of the world.

Yes, the eatery’s Roast Snapper, Shaved Fennel, Caper & Olive Salad, and Lemon Saffron Dressing is utterly delightful ($44). But ask us what the quintessential bills menu item is, and the only possible answer is the Ricotta Hotcakes with Banana & Honeycomb Butter ($32.5). Or maybe bills Scrambled Eggs – served on Toasted Iggy’s Sourdough ($22.5). Honestly, it takes some kind of culinary genius to take a breakfast as old as scrambled eggs and re-invent it as a pale yellow curds of creamy perfection. But Bill Granger did it. And then there’s his part in the ubiquitous Avocado Toast…

And that’s why bills – for us – has to open this rundown.

Ok. We hate to fuel the rivalry. But here are our Top Cafes in Melbourne

Blackwood Bondi & Blackwood Cronulla

Location: Shop 3/87-89 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Ph: (02) 9544 4857 & 5/33 Surf Ln, Cronulla, NSW 2230 Ph: (02) 9544 4857

We’re off to the beach for the next of our best cafes in Sydney. Cronulla and Bondi Beach, to be exact.

With the original Cronulla Blackwood being such a hit, it seemed totally logical to attempt to replicate its success up the coast in Bondi. And the rest, as they say, is history.

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Open from 7am to 3pm, 7 days a week, the menu at both spots is a colourful exploration of winning Brunch dishes.

If you lean towards a sweet start to the day, then the Almond Frangipani French Toast ($26) is hard to ignore. Richly scented Frangipane Caramelised Brioche comes topped with Whipped Vanilla Bean Mascarpone, Roasted Strawberries, Lemon Myrtle, more Berries and Coconut & Almond Crunch. For the savoury-minded, we love the Blackwood Truffled Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($27.50). A regular plate of Scrambled Eggs on Toasted Sourdough with Mushy Peas, Marinated Feta, Mint, Cucumber and Crispy Shallots, it’s elevated by a house-made Truffled Chilli Sauce. So simple and yet so good.

Both the house blend Coffee and selection of Teas by T Totaler are quality. However, we actually prefer to spoil ourselves with their Banana & Biscoff Thickshake ($13). It’s almost a meal on its own!

Pina Potts Point

Location: Dear Sainte Eloise, 4/29 Orwell St, Potts Point, NSW 2011 Ph: 0432 445 342

For as long as we’re been dining in Sydney, Potts Point has been a reliable destination for great coffee and interesting brunch selection. So it’s no surprise that Pina Potts Point is has everything that you could want from a hip cafe, and more.

Initially opened to handle the excess business from sister establishment Room Ten, Pina is now very much a destination in its own right.

The Potato Rosti ($25.00) with Onion Puree, Creme Fraiche & Salmon Roe is textbook perfect – golden and crispy. However, it’s the little tweaks of inventiveness that keep us coming back. The Breakfast Curry Omelette & Thick Toast ($27.00) is truly inspired. Soft, Spiced Eggs balanced by sweet Roasted Truss Cherry Tomatoes.

For lunch, few things are more inviting than the Fried Prawn Burger ($25.00) at Pina. Do yourself a favour and order it with the added Cheese. Yum.

This fabulous Cafe has one more major trick up its sleeve – it’s Sides. In fact, some dishes – like the Potato Rosti mentioned above – come with the recommendation that you order a side or 2 as well. Among the selection, our go-tos are the Crispy Sweet Potato ($10.00) and the Corn Ribs ($13.00). Especially the Corn Ribs. Dressed with Calabrian Chilli, Lime & Manchego, we’d eat a pile of them on their own. With a Coffee, of course.

Incidentally, sibling eatery Room Ten has just had a major facelift. And that includes switching up some of the menu too. Pop in for the Kale & Lentil Salad ($18.00) or the Breakfast Trout Pane ($17.00) Sandwich.

Whichever of these 2 venues you visit, you’ll understand why they are amongst the best cafes in Sydney.

Pastizzi Cafe

Location: 109 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 9519 1063

Now, we are the first to admit that Newtown and its surrounds have more than their fair share of the top cafes in Sydney. In fact, the much-loved Brewtown – just round the corner in O’Connell Street – along with Campos Coffee, are covered in our piece on the Best Coffee Shops in Sydney.

But we are going off piste But if with our next entry for the finest cafes in Sydney. The wonderful Pastizzi Cafe isn’t your regular Coffee and Scrambled Eggs joint. Instead, it is a bastion of Maltese cuisine. And that’s entails the Pastizzi that gives the eatery its name.

Pastizzo are a many-layered, diamond-shaped Pastry and are ubiquitous on the streets of Malta. Traditionally, fillings run to staples such as Ricotta & Peas, but the team at Pastizzi Cafe have taken this perfect little hand-held pie and let their imaginations go. And so the kitchen knocks out Chilli Con Carne and Chicken & Mushroom pastries for the savoury fiends and Cheese & Cherry and more for those who like a sweet treat.

And every now and then – keep a watch on their Socials – they bake a batch of Fenek Pastizzi. Fenek is Maltese for Rabbit and is considered a delicacy. If you have a taste for this subtly flavoured game, you’ll love these pies.

But if Pastizzi don’t appeal, never fear. The kitchen also put together huge, satisfying Bowls of Pasta and enormous Salads.

Lunas

Location: 316 Stanmore Rd, Petersham, NSW 2049

Full disclosure. Eatability has a major soft spot for this buzzing eatery in Petersham. Why? Because many moons ago we lived around the corner and frequented this venue when it was Mims. As we are delighted that the old corner shop is still serving food. This time as Lunas At Petersham and whipping up dishes that reflect the Portuguese soul of the suburb.

If you like a hearty Breakfast, then the Chourico (Chorizo) Scramble ($25) will see you right. With Chorizo, Eggs, Sourdough, Sobrasada Butter, Onion, Olives and more, it’s an Iberian feast. Come Lunch time, we have to toss a coin over 2 dishes. Our first love is the Sardines On Toast ($23) on Broa (Portuguese Bread) with Molho Verde, Tomato, Coriander and Puffed Rice. However, sometimes we succumb to the pull of the Francesinha Sandwich ($29). A carb-heavy delight of Chorizo, Ham, Steak, Sausage, Egg, Cheese, Molho de Francesinha + Portuguese Chips, it’s quite a meal.

Although essentially a cafe, Lunas Petersham runs a Dinner menu on Friday & Saturday evening.

Oh. And we recommend a wander through their Drinks List too. In particular their Portuguese-accented Cocktails. The Luna’s Martini ($20) starring Sobrassada Stuffed Olives with Gin, Vermouth & Orange Bitters is a must-try.

Circa Espresso

Location: 21 Wentworth St, Parramatta, NSW 2150

From the Inner West and the ingredients of Portugal we head to further West, chasing the aromas of the Middle East.

A cool space, bags of ambience, excellent coffee and modern plates of Arabic-scented food. Circa Espresso has it all. Not to mention what are arguably the finest Ottoman Eggs in Australia.

Sometimes, a menu description in no way conveys the flavours of the offering. Such is the case with the Circa Espresso Bread & Dip ($14). Never has Smoked Hummus, Dukkah, Pomegranate & Focaccia (baked in house) been so fine. Move over Corn Fritters. Hello Corn and Halloumi Fritter ($24). This dish comes with Celery, Pear & Watercress Salad, Green Goddess Dressing and a Poached Egg. And not for the first time in my life, I wonder why more places don’t experiment with peppery Watercress.

But let’s talk about those Ottoman Eggs ($28). A luscious slab of Crumbed Eggplant, Garlic Labne and Fried Leeks, topped by Poached Free Range Eggs, drizzled in a glorious Burnt Chilli & Sage Butter. And that rather ace Focaccia to soak up all the lusciousness. Is it worth travelling to Parramatta for if you live on the Eastern Beaches? Absolutely!

If the flavours of the Middle East set your heart aflutter, here’s our recommendations for the Best Kebab Shops in Sydney.

MCA Cafe

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 4/140 George St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9245 2400

Of course, there are many components that go into making one of the top cafes in Sydney. Perhaps the menu is highly original, or the Coffee is sublime, or the staff always go that little bit beyond. But in a city boasting as much natural beauty as Sydney, outlook clearly has to get a mention. Which brings us very neatly to the MCA Cafe.

If you’re not aware, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia not only houses one of the nation’s finest collections of modern pieces, but is also in an enviable position. Sitting at the edge of The Rocks, looking out over Circular Quay, it almost goes without saying that any dining spot here will have stunning views. And so it does.

In fact, you have 2 cafe options. The MCA Cafe at Tallowoladah is on the ground floor of the Museum and includes a sun-drenched terrace looking out towards the famous ‘Harbour. But our choice is the MCA Cafe on the Fourth Floor. Although always busy, it is spacious and affords a glorious vista, out over The Rocks and the water, both through its large windows and from the outside dining terrace.

The food runs to simple, but tasty, options like Focaccia’s, Wraps, Toasties and Tapas Boards, as well as a very decent Home Made Banana Bread with Whipped Cinnamon Butter. You can also revive yourself with a Glass of Bubbles, though we prefer a Maybe Sammy Eucalyptus Gimlet.

A fantastic spot to either meet friends, take a break from sightseeing or simply to people watch, you can frequent the MCA Cafe without visiting the Museum. However, we recommend that you do.

Reuben Hills

Location: 61 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9006 9650

We’re entering the concrete-heavy, industrial chic aesthetic of Reuben Hills for the next of our best cafes in Sydney.

This spot is very much Coffee-focused. They roast their Beans in-house and sell their blends both onsite and across the ‘City. Their website has guides on how to get the best out of your brew and on Saturday mornings the team host tastings.

An interesting quirk to the food menu is that the dishes strive to reflect the ares where those beloved Coffee Beans come from.

2 of the biggest hitters amongst the All Day offerings are the Fried Chicken Basket ($22) and The Not Reuben ($24.50). The former features Pickled Slaw, Chillies, Chipotle Sauce, Flour Tortilla and more, along with juicy Chicken. Meanwhile, the other has Salted Wagyu Brisket, that Pickled Slaw, Manchego & Horseradish Mayo on Rye.

And if Coffee isn’t your thing – can we even be friends?! – their house-made Lemonade ($8) is zingingly refreshing.

The Grounds Coffee Factory

Location: Bay, 4a/2 Locomotive St, Everleigh, NSW 2015 Ph: (02) 9699 2225

The re-development of the old railway sheds at Everleigh has been a huge success on a number of levels. Not least for those of us who like our food.

The Grounds Coffee Factory is one of 2 large, dynamic venues which fall under The Grounds banner, with the other being The Grounds of Alexandria. But more on that later.

If you’re looking for a cosy, wee place for brunch or an afternoon snack, this isn’t the place. To say that The Grounds is big is an understatement. Housed in a huge old industrial building with soaring ceilings and lots of original feature still in place, the is lightened by elegant, tall palm trees.

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As the name implies, The Grounds does it’s own roasting etc in-house, so the caffeine game here is strong. Food-wise things fall into the Breakfast and Lunch categories, with a bit of a cross-over.

The Warm Oat Porridge ($23) isn’t cheap but it is filling, coming as it does with Pear, Blackberry, Orange Marmalade, Mascarpone & Brown Sugar. I haven’t tried the Steak & Eggs, but at $43 a pop, they’d better come with plenty of Hash Browns & Green Sauce. Meanwhile, the Spinach Gigli Pasta ($32) is a Lunchtime winner. The bowl arrives vibrant with Roast Zucchini & Zucchini Flowers, Fried Garlic, Capers, Chilli, Stracciatella, Basil Pesto and Parmesan. And as a Brit-born Aussie, I can never resist the charms of a Fish Finger Sandwich ($26). The one at The Grounds materialises complete with Chunky Cocktail Sauce and Gem Lettuce with a portion of Potato Scallops on the side.

A couple of quick, extra points. The Grounds Coffee Factory is open on Saturdays, but not Sundays. Those in the know book ahead as the place is generally heaving – even during the week. And lastly, the kitchen also runs a Take Away menu with a number of different (tastier?) options to the eat in one.

Heading over to Brisbane and wondering where to grab Brekkie? Here’s our guide to the Best Cafes in Brisbane.

The Grounds of the City

Location: Shop RG12, The Galleries, 500 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9699 2225

Part of the same family as The Grounds Coffee Factory and The Grounds of Alexandria, the CBD venue is beautifully designed old-world oasis in The Galleries. From a sophisticated Afternoon Tea – including a standout Beef Bresaola Tartlet with Celeriac & Truffle Remoulade and Pickled Mushroom – to an classy Date Night, The Grounds does it all.

Pop in for an indulgent Breakfast and settle back with Corn Fritters, Avocado Salsa, Poached Eggs, Manchego, Herb Salad & punchy Aleppo Butter. Come Lunch, we recommend the Crab & Prawn Ravioli with Tomberries, Shimeji Mushrooms, Sorrel Roe and a heavenly Bisque. Then for dinner, it’s hard to resist the pull of the Herb Crusted Lamb Rack accompanied by Kale, Parsnip, Pressed Lamb Belly, Eschallot & a lush Lamb Jus.

And a special shout out for the Paris Mash, which we’d eat anytime of day!

Centennial Homestead

Location: Centennial Park, 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park, Sydney, NSW 2021 Ph: (02) 9380 9350

From the BBQ Pits to the Ian Potter Wild Play Area to the seemingly endless walking paths to the beautiful gardens and the countless activities that fill the annual calendar, Centennial Park is a hub of activity – all year round. So it is only fitting that this fabulous oasis has a few spots where you can kick back and watch the world go by, And one of our favs is the Centennial Homestead.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful location for an event, or just a spot of brunch, this has to be one of the best cafes in Sydney. Not least because it is big and offers a number of dining spaces and function rooms.

If you drop by for Breakfast, might we suggest the Waffle Suzette ($22)? With Beurre Noisette Waffles, Orange & Brandy Sauce & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream it’s a clever spin on the classic Crepe Suzette. If you prefer to start your day with savoury, the Charred Avo on Toast ($28) is a yummy rift on the Aussie favourite.

Amble in for Lunch and you can either nibble your way through an array of Small Plates, or dive in with Large Plates. Us? We find it hard to resist the Vannella Burrata ($26) with Charred Tomato, Potato, Coriander Relish & Focaccia. And on a cooler day, the Chicken, Brie Leek & Mushroom Pie ($32) is wonderfully warming.

Apart from the Centennial Homestead Cafe, the Treehouse Rooftop Bar is also worth investigation. That lush Burrata is on the menu there too.

Finally, the kitchen also puts together a mean hamper so that you can Picnic in the Park. From $40pp a world of Charcuterie, Cheese, Dips & Salads can be your. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Celsius Coffee & Dining

Location: Kirribilli Wharf, 1/2 Holbrook Ave, Kirribilli, NSW 2061

We’re hopping over the ‘Harbour to our next contender for the best cafe in Sydney crown.

Squidged into a glass and wood box on Kirribilli Wharf, Celsius Coffee manages to produce culinary alchemy from a dinky kitchen. And the regulars know it.

The Celsius Waffle ($26) must be up there as one of the most Instagrammed plates in town. In its current incarnation, it’s a striking Red Velvet Waffle, with Seasonal Fruits, Strawberry Yuzu, Pistachio Crumb, Maple Syrup & Cheesecake. Luckily, it tastes just a wonderful as it looks.

Another much-loved dish is Billi’s Eggs ($20). Here, Chilli Buttered Eggs, Braised Tomatoes, Greek Yoghurt, Onion Jam & Fresh Mint are piled on Sourdough. It does hot/cold, spicy and cooling with impressive ease.

However, my English-born heart belongs to the team’s Fillet-O-Fish ($31). A Fish Fillet on a soft Potato Bun with Lettuce, Cheese, Housemade Tartar and a dab of Salmon Caviar – it’s definitely one up on the Fish Finger Sandwiches of my childhood.

And the innovation doesn’t stop with the food. The crew also make a great cup of Coffee and an ever-enticing array of flavoured Lattes. Our favourite is their Coconut Cloud Latte – a half and half concoction of Coconut Water and Coffee Cream.

If you are fortunate enough to get up to K’gari (Fraser Island), check out our article on the Best Restaurants in Hervey Bay

Cafe Sydney

Location: Customs House, Level 5 Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9251 8683

So it’s time to tackle the elephant in the room – Cafe Sydney.

Why do we describe it as such? Well, because Cafe Sydney is hardly a cosy, local cafe. Instead, it’s a swish, modern Australian rooftop restaurant with some of the most desirable vistas of Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge imaginable.

But. Search for ‘Cafe Sydney’, and of course, it will pop up. So we are including it on this guide.

Cafe Sydney’s A La Carte Menu transforms with the seasons. Currently, Appetisers include dishes such as Cured New Zealand Salmon, Pickled Rhubarb, Yoghurt, Ginger & White Soy Dressing ($32). Meanwhile amongst the Mains there is a glorious plate of Berkshire Pork Belly with Nduja Sugar Loaf Cabbage, White Bean Puree & Preserved Lemon Dressing ($45).

Alternatively, you can experience the decadence of Cafe Sydney Sunday. Here, you can kick back on the terrace overlooking the iconic ‘Quay with a Cocktail and enjoy a 2 or 3 Course Fixed Price menu.

Pleasingly, if you prefer to dine vegan, you are well-catered for at this fine dining establishment. Indeed, the kitchen offers a fully Plant-Based menu. Our favourite plate is the Black Barley Risotto with Fennel, Sweet & Sour Grape & Caper ($38). It’s utterly divine.

Whatever you choose to eat, there’s no denying that dining at Cafe Sydney is quite an an experience – from the chic space, to the amazing location, to the superb service, to the stunning food. And those views!

Happyfield

Location: 96 Ramsay St, Haberfield, NSW 2045 Ph: (02) 9716 5168

For the next of our finest cafes in Sydney, we are nipping back to the south of the ‘Harbour. Set in a large, elegant corner building, Happyfield is a casual dining jewel amongst the heritage-listed Federation houses of Haberfield.

The bright, egg-yolk yellow livery of this superb local venue encapsulates the warm vibe of the place and the cheerful friendliness of the staff.

The food is delicious and plentiful. If you like Eggs first thing, then the kitchen does a staple of Eggs (cooked your way) + Toast ($15). From there, you can pick from 14 Sides for an extra cost. Our choice is the Happy Shrooms ($6) – Roasted Field Mushrooms in Garlic Butter – and the more unusual Eat Yo’ Cornbread ($9) – burnished Cornbread with Smoky Maple Butter.

Don’t feel like Eggs? No problem. Happyfield does outstanding Pancakes stacks – both savoury and sweet. Then there’s their range Brekkie Burgers and Brekkie Platters. For us, it’s hard to resist the OG Happy Nights platter ($40). This whopper has 3 Pancakes, Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, Fries, Pepe Saya Butter, Canadian Maple Syrup and an amazing Watermelon Hot Sauce.

Whilst is goes without saying that the Coffee (from Single O) is great, if you’re going to slurge on a Brekkie Platter, we generally like of the crews’ Happy Negronis to help us digest.

Yes, Happyfield really is a very happy place.

Cafe Cressida

Location: 118 Queen St, Woollahra, NSW 2025

Where do the well-heeled of Woollahra go for a Coffee, plate of Eggs and a catch-up? Well, quite a few of them head to Cafe Cressida.

Pop by for a filling Breakfast and we totally recommend the Crab Omelette ($33). A generous portion of sweet, delicate Crab Meat, umami-forward XO Sauce, Tomato and Rocket. It might be dear, but goodness it’s divine!

Stroll over around Lunchtime and we defy you to not enjoy the Miso Glazed Salmon with Gochujang, Bak Choy & Soba Noodles ($41). Throw in a glass of wine and you’ll be ready to trip down the road to Cressida’s big sister restaurant – Ursula’s Paddington – for dinner.

But before do you, may we suggest that you try the Housemade Lemonade ($8)? Zingy, zesty and full of pep, it’s a reminder of childhood in a glass.

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