The 55 best cafés in Sydney right now

What is it? Haberfield is one of the most proudly Italian suburbs in Sydney. And into this staunchly Italian scene bursts Happyfield, a bright yellow corner café slinging Canadian-style pancakes and Five Senses coffee. Co-owners Jesse Orleans (a native Canuck) and Chris Theodosi met while working at the Grounds of Alexandria where they hatched their plans for a proper, North American-style diner dedicated to pancakes and breakfast burgers. And here it is. Come hungry.

Why we love it: You can get your eggs coddled if toast and soldiers tickles your nostalgia receptors, or if you need to just eat your way through a force-five hangover they do a breakfast platter for two which includes eggs and all nine sides, plus a fermented chilli and black bean sauce and a green peppercorn Bearnaise. 

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling something sweet but not pancakes, try the beautifully tall soft-serve acai sundae. 

Address: 96 Ramsay St, Haberfield NSW 2045

Expect to pay: $5.50-$9.50 for a coffee, $15-$45 for a meal

What is it? A specialty coffee house where banging coffee, slick design and ingredient-driven cooking come together.

Why we love it: Purveyors of excellent coffee and good times, Single O has been a pioneer of Sydney’s café scene since it opened with a bang in 2003. Found on a cool, industrial-style corner space on Reservoir Street in Surry Hills, this place pumps with both Sydneysiders and tourists from morning until it closes at 3pm. Sustainability has been at the heart of Single O since its inception, with the team committed to sourcing ethically and environmentally responsible beans. They also have a solar-powered roastery in Botany, co-created an innovative milk-on-tap system that swapped plastic milk bottles for 10L bladders – resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in plastic waste – and their current mission is to halve carbon emissions by 2026 and achieve Net Zero by 2030. How good’s that?

Time Out tip: Coffee fiend? Single O offers daily coffee flights, including the filter flight, which comes with a taste of three of their feature origins from their taps. It’s a great way to find out what your jam is.

Address: 60/64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $5.50–$8 for a coffee, $16–$30 for a meal

What is it? A funky café on the Enmore side of Marrickville serving up banging breakfast and lunch, plus fun drinks (hello, medicinal mushroom–spiked hot choccy).

Why we love it: Superfreak comes from Michael Ico and Daniel Harrison, who are part of the team behind Newtown’s Soulmate and Petersham’s Splash – so they know what’s up. The guys have collaborated with Michaela Johansson, founder of the dreamy events and catering company Aplenty, to create a menu featuring rainbow brekkie plates, bright, zippy salads and lots of treats. The 30-seat space is sunlit and retro, with lots of considered knick-knacks and treasures.

Time Out tip: The glass cabinet is stocked with freshly baked sweet good to enjoy after your meal – or later in the sunshine.

Address: Shop 2/333a Enmore Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: Around $20–$25 per person, plus drinks

What is it? A beautiful, light-filled all-day eatery serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes overlooking Parramatta River.

Why we love it: Sitting on the patio under the forest-green and white-striped umbrellas, sun warming up for the day, surrounded by verdant parklands, is a prety great way to kick off the weekend. And it’s made even better with great coffee and breakfast, like the Mediterranean plate with spice-rich sujuk, soft pita, creamy labneh, pickled cucumbers and marinated tomatoes. Not a morning person? MISC is also open for lunch and dinner – and they can host your next big birthday bash.

Time Out tip: The folded schnitty, which features a succulent schnitty with sweet roasted toms, melted provolone cheese, slaw for freshness and crunchy aioli, is banging. Get that.

Address: Little Coogee, Parramatta Park, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta NSW 2150

Expect to pay: $10–25 for brekkie

What is it? The sister of the Eastern Suburb’s bougiest public laundromat, Washroom, Coffeeroom opened its doors during the wintery depths of the pandemic, but despite all odds, they’ve managed to pull through. 

Why we love it: This spot isn’t about long, languorous Sunday brunches – but it has delicious Tuga pastries, sizzling paninis and single origin coffee. With very limited space and seating, this hidden treasure works best as a stop-off on the way to work or a weekend walk along the coast.

Time Out tip: Early risers, welcome; this spot opens at 5:30am sharp.

Address: 256 Arden St, Coogee NSW 2034

Expect to pay: $4.50-$7.80 for a coffee, around $16-$18 for a panini

What is it? A Marrickville café – in the industrial Sydenham end of the suburb – known for it's fish sandwich.

Why we love it: The fish sandwich is good – think golden-crumbed fish with lashings of dill-packed tartare, a slice of American cheese and cucumber pickles between two slices of homemade focaccia. The rest of their sandwich menu (and the coffee) is great, too.

Time Out tip: Parking around this area can be hard, so get their fast on the Sydney Metro – get off at Sydenham, then it's a short walk to the corner of Meeks and Marrickville Roads. 

Address: 69 Meeks Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204 

Expect to pay: From $10-$25 for brekkie

What is it? Potts Point’s slick and tiny laneway café and the sibling to Piña across the road.

Why we love it: Don’t be deterred by looks – Room Ten pumps out some of the best coffee, breakfasts, salads and sandwiches in the inner city. There are fresh, zesty and healthy numbers if you wanna go down the green route (that’s you, grain salad with radish, avo, jammy egg and a cashew dressing), or if you're craving carbs, salt and fat – AKA all the good things in life – our pick is the breakfast mortadella roll. Lunch? The porchetta roll is ridiculously good.

Time Out tip: There’s only a handful of seats here and it gets super busy. The good news is you can call ahead and pick up.

Address: 10 Llankelly Pl, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: Around $25 per person, plus drinks

What is it? An excellent food and coffee house in Parramatta serving up Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast plates. Circa Espresso is also the winner of Time Out’s People’s Choice Award for Best Café 2025.

Why we love it: We’re here for the Ottoman eggs – are you? So is everybody else. It's a day-starter that’s achieved cult status in this breakfast-loving town like few dishes can, and it proudly puts Parramatta on the map as a breakfast destination. Think: creamy, garlic-tinged labne layered with fried eggplant, chilli oil, crisp leeks and poached free-range eggs. Plus, we love the coffee that’s roasted in-house.

Time Out tip: Circa is a two-minute walk from the train station. Stop here for flavour and fuel before your day out exploring Parra.

Address: 21 Wentworth St, Parramatta NSW 2150

Expect to pay: Around $20–$30 per person, plus drinks

What is it? A kiosk-like café at the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre (AKA Petersham Pool), which is in the glorious Petersham Park. The team behind some other epic Inner West cafés (Soulmate and Superfreak) are behind this poolside gem. 

Why we love it: Splash serves up big, nostalgic hits, including a bacon sarnie, and a chip butty with curry sauce. Our favourite thing on the menu is the fish sandwich (and we're not the only ones). It’s a huge fillet of golden-crumbed fish with slices of tomato and beetroot, onion, lettuce, American cheese and a creamy, dill-forward “Splash sauce” on thick-cut, spongy white bread. Their "Bradman burger" is also a winner.

Time Out tip: If you want to pair your visit to Splash with a dip in the pool, you’ll need to go during the warmer months. Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre closes for the cooler months. That doesn’t mean you can’t still head to Splash year-round and eat on the park side (they have an indoor dining room, and they'll also lend you a picnic rug if you want to eat in the park).

Address: 2A Station St, Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, Petersham (Petersham Park) NSW 2049

Expect to pay: Around $12–$24 for a sandwich (of your dreams)

What is it? Judging by the weekend crowds in Llankelly Place, you’d think there’s a celebrity in town. In reality, it’s just the local line-up for a seat at Piña, Room Ten’s hipster sister café.

Why we love it: The general rule of thumb on Piña’s all-day menu is that it serves breakfast and lunch classics with a touch of class. So, instead of scrambled eggs, you get super fluffy, chilli oil-infused scrambled eggs on an extra thick slab of toast. 

Time Out tip: Piña’s side game is strong, and mixing and matching sides is all part of the fun. The spicy corn ribs, charred cabbage and salty hash browns are a vegetarian combo of legends.

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

Expect to pay: $4.50-$8 for a coffee, $14-$24 for a meal

What is it? All Purpose Bakery aka A.P. Bakery is found on top of Surry Hills' Paramount House Hotel. The licensed all–weather rooftop terrace serves up a selection of fancy pastries that change daily, banging brekkies and breads made from ancient and artisanal grains, plus croissants stuffed to the brim with LP's Quality Meats ham with gruyere cheese.

Why we love it: You also have the option of fried custard bread, toast and bagels, artfully presented avocado, muesli, omelettes, the baker's breakfast of soft boiled eggs, rilette, cured ham and caper cream cheese, congee, green goddess salad, the A.P. Burger and more sandwiches than you can poke a stick at.

Time Out tip: Come early to (try) and beat the crowds.

Address: L2/80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $5-$6.50 for a coffee, $18-$25 for a meal

What is it? Sydney has a growing list of once-neglected heritage buildings that have been transformed into trendy eateries. Parramatta North's Havenstone is the latest addition to this list, set in a lovingly restored sandstone building from 1888.

Why we love it: Today, this historic building and its sunny surroundings create a peaceful backdrop for all-day breakfast and lunch. The best bit? Your four-legged friends are welcome to come, too.

Time Out tip: Havenstone sits in the heart of a big urban renewal project taking place in Parramatta North, which is all about conserving and upgrading the buildings and other landmarks in the area over the next decade. Take a stroll through the historical site with a breakfast bagel and freshly made juice in hand.

Address: 5 Fleet St, North Parramatta NSW 2151

Expect to pay: $4.50-$5.50 for a coffee, $15-$29 for a meal

What is it? Don’t wait until the middle of the day to check out Manly café, Noon. And that’s because it’s probably the most exciting morning offering we’ve seen in the coastal town of late (and this is coming from a born-and-bred Northern Beaches local). 

Why we love it: Noon, by the team behind some of Manly’s best spots, is tucked one street back from the beach. Come for mince on toast, loaded B&E rolls, lots of sunshine and a retro fitout.

Time Out tip: Love Noon? Check out their other venues: fun-times-only Japanese-ish Sunset Sabi, pasta and vino haven Busta, and OG date-night spot, Chica Bonita.

Address: Shop 1/18 Raglan St, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: $5.50-$6.50 for a coffee, $14-$19 for a meal

What is it? This Potts Point café is big on pared-back interiors, good coffee and friendly service. 

Why we love it: They source their own green beans and roast their own coffee, and they'll do you a solid cold drip, a velvety smooth cap or a milky iced latte. Kick back on the blonde wooden bench and enjoy one with a croissant to kick-start your day on a positive note. You'll also find KeepCups for sale, native floral displays and take-home beans.

Time Out tip: Is a coffee-obsessed friend’s birthday coming up? Gift them a voucher.

Address: 1/9 Ward Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: $5-$6.50 for a coffee

What is it? It doesn't get much more Inner West than this laid-back Marrickville haunt behind a roller door on Chapel Street, with plenty of exposed brick, communal tables, mismatched furniture and an entirely vegetarian menu. 

Why we love it: House-baked sourdough is a great place to start, but the made-from-scratch ethos is alive and well on each and every plate. When this café-bakery opened in Marrickville in 2014, it was an outlier. There were a few vegetarian cafes at the time, but what was rare was a meat-free venue opening without marketing itself as vegetarian. An equal exchange of flavour and satisfaction means you don't even have to tell anyone there’s no meat on the menu, just that it’s a good place to eat.

Time Out tip: Two Chaps is also open for pasta nights! Find out more at the website.

Address: 122 Chapel St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $23-$27 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? Cafe Cressida – a casual café and restaurant by chef Phil Wood and wife Lis Davies, the team behind the award-winning Ursula’s Paddington – is now open inside the Musk Stick-pink Queens Court building. The menu is thoughtful and straightforward, featuring pretty-to-look-at dishes executed with local, quality produce and a fine-dining chef’s palate. 

Why we love it: A fresh selection of baked goods is always on offer, such as Iggy’s sourdough, golden croissants and salted choc-chip cookies. Bigger morning dishes include caramelised French toast with whipped cream, banana and crisp bacon; the Mediterranean breakfast plate with a boiled egg, falafel, hummus, ham, cucumber, radish and tomatoes; congee with shredded roast chicken, peanuts, chilli and fried bread; and a full English-style breakfast starring LP’s parsley and pecorino sausages and the usual suspects. 

Time Out tip: If you feel like something sweet, Wood has also recreated Margie Agostini’s orange cake – a deliciously moist and fragrant cake, formerly on the menu at Caffe Agostini’s – which we hear long-time locals are ordering with gusto.

Address: 118 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025

Expect to pay: $16-$36 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? Behold this beautiful, retro Americana diner trading in biscuits, gravy and bottomless coffee.

Why we love it: So many things about Valentinas are surprising. Like its location, on a suburban stretch of Livingstone Road. You don't expect to find such a perfectly realised vision of mythological American dining in among the Federation homes. It’s also surprising that so many people want to get their hands on the crumbly, short, cathead biscuits with a heart attack’s worth of whipped maple butter and blueberry jam that even at 11am on a weekday there’s not a spare chair to be had and people milling on the footpath. 

Time Out tip: Avert your eyes if you’re on a health kick. There’s nothing on the menu here that Elvis himself wouldn’t consider a rounded start to the day, which is also to say that there is nothing here for Buddha bowl enthusiasts. And we love it.

Address: 132 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $13-$18 for a brekky sandwich, around $18-$30 for a hot meal (including sides)

What is it? Effie’s – a café by day and wine bar come Friday and Saturday nights – is the kind of place you wish was just around the corner (Manly and Fairlight locals, you’re lucky). The sunny, minimalist space is named after owners Aniella and Sam Batten’s second daughter, Effie. 

Why we love it: With cracking coffee, flavour-packed plates, a relaxed, chic space and natural vino with snacks at sunset, it’s no wonder this spot is such a local hit.

Time Out tip: Are you an early riser? Grab a warm brew from Effie’s marble hole-in-the-wall window from 6am on weekdays and 6.30am on weekends, then head to nearby Manly Beach for an ocean swim.

Address: 281 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

Expect to pay: $5.50-$7 for a coffee, $16-$21 for a meal

What is it? Warm, kind and incredibly talented, the man behind Bills (Bill Granger) changed the way Aussies eat brekkie. He also made the rest of the world take note – and for that we will be forever grateful. 

Why we love it: Granger’s avo on toast, ricotta hotcakes and corn fritters are so good they've reached icon status. Come and get your hands on them in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Bondi, and remember why we first fell in love with Granger and his sunny food many moons ago.

Time Out tip: To learn the backstory behind this brekky institution, read here.

Address: 79 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $4.80-$7.80 for a coffee, $19-$32.50 for a meal

What is it? One of Newtown's long-revered neighbourhood cafés, this spot is a chilled-out blend of comfortable and calm.

Why we love it: Rolling Penny might come off as easy-going on the surface, but this is the kind of place where a bacon and egg roll means smoky speck, a free-range poachie, aioli, mixed leaves and housemade tomato relish on a Brickfields milk bun. And that is exactly why we love it.

Time Out tip: Let them know if you’ve got dietary requirements – they’ll happily accommodate on request.

Address: 583A King St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $5-$6 for a coffee, $17-$26 for a meal

What is it? “A Portuguese oasis in Petersham,” is what Jose Silva and wife Basia wanted to create with their corner-eatery Lunas, named after the couple’s daughter. And we’d say they’ve pretty much nailed it. 

Why we love it: The all-day café serves classic breakfasts with Portuguese flavours – think hotcakes with a Portuguese tart custard, cinnamon, raspberries and vanilla ice cream; and chorizo scrambled eggs with onion, sobrasada (cured sausage), chives, coriander, and olives.

Time Out tip: Take a seat in the courtyard which overlooks the verdant garden, lush with herbs, citrus, fig and pomegranate trees.

Address: 316 Stanmore Rd, Petersham NSW 2049

Expect to pay: $18-$32 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? Tita Carinderia is a Filipino café found on Marrickville's main drag serving tasty, home-style food with a side of kitsch. In case you’re wondering, ‘tita’ in Tagalog (the native language spoken in the Philippines) means aunt and this café pays homage to its owners’ late aunt, Tita Marlene. 

Why we love it: Come for home-style pandesal, a soft, fluffy bread roll that’s a Filipino staple, garlic fried rice topped with a sunny fried egg, tender pork adobo and a vibrant purple ube soft serve. 

Time Out tip: It’s service with a smile at Tita Carinderia, so if you’re curious about a dish just ask! The staff are proud of their heritage and will happily share tidbits about their cuisine.

Address: Shop 4/359 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $7-$9 for a drink, around $17-$23 for a meal

What is it? The phrase ‘your phone eats first’ takes on a whole new meaning at The Grounds of Alexandria. In 2024 and 2023, this viral all-day café in Sydney – famous for its sprawling alfresco area, enchanting installations and, yes, huge weekend crowds – was named the world’s most Instagrammed café. 

Why we love it: When it comes to brunch, The Grounds isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. The breakfast menu features all the classics, from freshly baked pastries and toasted granola to bacon and egg burgers, French toast and a big brekkie with the lot. We went for the triple stack of buttermilk pancakes, complete with fresh fruit, vanilla and maple syrup.

Time Out tip: Coffee is where The Grounds truly excels. Roasted at their brand-new Coffee Factory in South Eveleigh, these beans are served in all sorts of interesitng ways: a deconstructed mocha, 12-hour cold brew and pour-over, and more.

Address: 7A/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015

Expect to pay: $12-$16 for something small, $23-$29 for a larger dish, plus a drink

What is it? Legendary Melbourne coffee roaster Padre Coffee has made the move to the bright side, opening up its first ever Sydney concept store in Paddington’s Five Ways. 

Why we love it: Not sure what a concept store is? Basically, the new Padre Coffee space is a heaven for coffee lovers, with an espresso bar, self-serve taps for hot filter and cold brew, a retail section so you can shop Padre’s signature espresso blends and home-brewing equipment, and a whole section dedicated to learning and training – all under the one roof. Coffee geeks, drink your heart out.

Time Out tip: Of course, all of this coffee drinking will be hungry work. Thankfully, Padre is stocked up with tasty pastries, including Portuguese tarts, fresh bread and cookies.

Address: 241A-241B Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: $5-$7 for a coffee or $13 for a coffee flight, plus a snack

What is it? One of Sydney’s most beloved cafés has transformed into an all-day eatery, bringing the flavours of Europe to Glebe Point Road in a gorgeous space.

Why we love it: Over the past decade Glebe's The Wedge has gained a loyal following for its boundary-pushing breakfasts (think: ‘The Lisbon Benedict’ with a hash brown, poached eggs, baccala (cod), bottarga and chorizo; and soufflé pancakes with poached fruit, Italian custard and an oat crumble), as well as the warm service and on-point coffee (Single O). 

Time Out tip: Making it a boozy one? Here, they do a cracking Negroni.

Address: 53/55 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

Expect to pay: $5-$10 for a coffee, $18-$26 for a meal

What is it? Sabrina Carpenter isn’t the only one keen on espresso of late, with The Grounds Coffee Factory, a mammoth coffee roastery and café dedicated to the perfect cup of joe, now open in South Eveleigh. 

Why we love it: A project six years in the making (thanks, Covid), The Ground Coffee Factory is the sibling to the world’s most Instagrammable eatery, The Grounds of Alexandria, as well as The Grounds of the City, and is set to take Sydney’s already-strong coffee game to a new, toasty high. There’s a latte to love here, with The Grounds Coffee Factory also offering roaster tours, coffee cuppings and handy workshops – including advanced home barista classes.  Come for top-notch brews, fluffy hotcakes with maple syrup and bacon, and retro banana splits.

Time Out tip: Can’t go anywhere without your four-legged friend? Dogs are welcome in the outside area.

Address: Bay, 4A/2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015

Expect to pay: $21-$43 for a meal, plus a coffee

What is it? You’ll find this casual Bondi diner on a sun-kissed corner at the buzzing Seven Ways hubs on Glenayr Avenue. Here, you’ll see Bondi’s breakfast crowd bonding over blueberry and ricotta hotcakes; truffle chilli scrambled eggs; corn and zucchini fritters; or Blackwood’s can’t-take-off-the-menu Morning Glory egg, chorizo and kale spectacular.

Why we love it: When it comes to brunch and lunch, you can’t go wrong with Cronulla’s crowd-favourite miso salmon poke bowl, house-crumbed chicken schnitzel sandwich or hearty, maple balsamic-dressed veggie salad with a poached egg (and haloumi, of course). And for those Sunday sessions, the cocktails hit the spot.

Time Out tip: Bringing the whole fam? There’s a nice grassy area for dogs and kids wanting a play.

Address: Shop 3/87-89 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $22-$35 for a meal, plus drink

What is it? This sleek, modern café on a sunny corner in Newtown’s backstreets takes humble brekky favourites to the next level.

Why we love it: Bacon and egg rolls are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but frequent flyers in the café breakfast game get very good at picking up the little differences that make the ordinary extraordinary – and a lot of it comes down to condiments. Sure, tomato or barbecue are your entry-level offerings, and Soulmate,, has them on the appropriately labeled ‘basic BAE roll’. But then, there’s the Soulmate BAE roll, which spices things up with sambal and then cools it off with a herb mayo between the soft leaves of a potato bun.

Time Out tip:  If condiments don’t impress you much, there’s also the option to supersize your roll with a hash brown, extra bacon, a second egg or avocado.

Address: Unit 12/39 Phillip St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $6-$10 for a coffee, $14-$26 for a meal

What is it? The crew at Barrel One Coffee Roasters have finally burst their Northern Beaches bubble and opened a café south of the bridge. 

Why we love it: Loyal fans will be pleased to know that Potts Point is following suit of its siblings with deli-style sandwiches and bagels that give the Big Apple a run for its money. The pastrami bagel (by Brooklyn Boy) still reigns supreme and goes down well with a batch brew featuring Barrel One’s single origin of the day.

Time Out tip: Barrel One’s smoked trout and cream cheese bagel could be a good op for lunch, but it’s hard to resist their sangas and toasties with fillings like smoked chicken and mayo and jalapeno cheddar and red peppers. 

Address: 4 Roslyn St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: $5.50-$7 for a coffee, $15-$20 for a bite to eat

What is it? The founder of Black Star Pastry and creator of the world-famous watermelon cake Christopher Thé  has opened a sunny café and cake shop in Stanmore.

Why we love it: Found on Douglas Street in leafy, sleepy Stanmore, the gorgeous Art Deco-style space showcases local and native Aussie ingredients throughout Thé’s seasonal and brilliant menu. Also on the menu are bakery classics, like fresh loaves of bread, textbook-perfect croissants and scones.

Time Out tip: It’s not all sweet, of course. Keep an eye out for the daily meal of the day, which could be anything from paperbark lamb to roast pork with crackling, kangaroo wellington or a chicken tagine with couscous.

Address: 16 Douglas St, Stanmore NSW 2048

Expect to pay: $16-$20 for most dishes, plus drinks and a sweet treat

What is it? Found on Redfern’s Cooper Street, this sunny corner shop has been slinging fresh sambos, retro treats, good coffee and nostalgic drinks since it first opened back in 2021. 

Why we love it: The team bakes sourdough ciabatta using organic flour each morning, all pastries are made in house, and sandwiches are made fresh to order. Must try: Good Ways Deli’s famous kangaroo mortadella sanga which is loaded with Whole Beast Butchery kangaroo mortadella, LP’s Quality Meats salami cotto, ham, provolone cheese, pickles, white onion, iceberg lettuce and a special sauce

Time Out tip: Be sure to keep room for a treat.  

Address: Shop 1/20 Cooper St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: $5.50-$6.50 for a coffee, $16-$20 for something to eat

What is it? This wabi-sabi café introduces specialty coffee from local micro-roasters to the heart of Burwood. 

Why we love it: It’s one of the only cafés in the Inner West that pours cult-followed boutique roaster Skittle Lane for their house-batch brews. They share the spotlight with a revolving catalogue of reserve filters from guest micro-roasters across Australia. Pillar’s food menu includes both savoury and sweet treats and is intentionally simplistic, ensuring it never outshines the specialty line-up of single-origin coffee – but don’t underestimate the quality.

Time Out tip: Try the black garlic chilli toastie or the soy-braised pork belly toastie for a next-level brekky bite. 

Address: 1 Unity Pl, Burwood NSW 2134

Expect to pay: $4.50-$12 for a coffee, $9-$22 for a toastie

What is it? Opened at the start of 2023 by the team behind next door's Butterboy and nearby Rollers Bakehouse, Norma’s Deli is named after owner James Sideris' grandmother. The all-day bakery, café, diner and grocer is found at a sprawling site that sits just below the Corso. 

Why we love it: Longtime Manly and Northern Beaches locals will know the space well – for years it was usually a discount or less-than-average souvenir shop. So to see the area snapped up by good hands is like a breath of fresh, salty, gorgeous air. Come for a cracking pork souvlaki; house-made goods like moussaka; freshly baked sourdough and Single O coffee.

Time Out tip:  In a rush? There are plenty of take-home goods to choose from, all made in-house: spanakopita, Greek stuffed capsicums, moussaka, pastitso (a traditional Greek beef and pork ragu pasta bake) and more.

Address: Suite 5, Office 16/78 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: $5-$7 for a coffee, $20-$32 for a meal

What is it? Is this one of the most beautiful cafés Sydney’s ever seen? If those glossy white tiles, smoothly buffed polished concrete floors, and pop-up Tokyo bike store are anything to go by, that’d be a yes.

Why we love it: Paramount is always pumping, and it's no mystery why. Not only is it housed in one of the city's sexiest Art Deco buildings, in one of its buzziest neighbourhoods, but the team also has the food, coffee, design and service brief down to a science. On the menu, there's a bit of Japan, a tad of Korea, a hint of L.A. and a nod to the American South – and that's exactly what makes it the kind of Sydney café we can't get enough of.

Time Out tip: Got stuff to do? The big communal tables make this spot friendly for freelance and WFH workers.

Address: 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $6.50-$9.50 for a coffee, $17-$30 for a meal

What is it? Daniel Blackman is the OG founder of one of Sydney’s best cafés, Potts Point’s Room Ten. Now, along with partner Faye Montalban, he’s opened up another spot in Darlinghurst called Kaska, with a focus on house-made ingredients and local produce. Brunch, anyone? 

Why we love it: Come for generous servings, hearty flavours, and fresh, seasonal produce. Oh, and the  ‘best ploughman's in town’, with smoked leg ham, cheddar cheese, jammy egg, house-made pickles and sourdough.

Time Out tip: This spot’s also a feast for the eyes; check out the revolving art curated by M Contemporary Gallery.

Address: Shop 1/19A Boundary St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $4.40-$6 for a coffee, $16-$24 for a meal

What is it? Humble is from the all-star team behind Porteño, Wyno X Bodega and Bastardo, which all happen to be found on the same drag (if this was a game of Monopoly, the Porteño group would be making it rain). 

Why we love it: The finger bun of childhood memories has been given a makeover at Humble, the cult bakery and café on Holt Street, Surry Hills. It's not all about the humble finger bun, however, as you can get your hands on seriously good sandwiches, treats and coffee here. And if you're lucky, you may even nab a seat outside to enjoy them.

Time Out tip: Don’t eat meat? An excellent falafel sandwich – herby soft falafel, a spiced sweet pickle, creamy hummus and fresh purple cabbage in ciabatta – is anything but ‘a vegan option’ afterthought.

Address: Shop 2/50 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $8-$20 for a bite to eat, plus a coffee

What is it? How lucky are we that one of the best bakeries in town doubles as one of the best cafés? Line up for the best thing Chippendale's seen since sliced bread.

Why we love it: Grab a window seat and gorge yourself on all the ace pastries, from croissants and dazzling Persian love cakes to addictive cheddar and chilli scones. Or, live large and conquer the almighty bacon or broccoli sangas. If carb loading is on the itinerary, make this your very first stop. 

Time Out tip: There's also one in Marrickville.

Address: 206 Cleveland St, Chippendale NSW 2008

Expect to pay: $4.50-$5.50 for a coffee, $15-$18 for a meal

What is it? This Surry Hills stayer slays it across the board, so expect a queue that's every bit as long at peak hour as it was back when they unlocked the doors in 2012. 

Why we love it: The coffee (roasted upstairs) and Central and South American accented all-day eats (think chilaquiles and huevos divorciados) are absolutely worth any wait you may have to endure. Bonus points for the immaculate industrial fitout.

Time Out tip: Booze is available after 10am, as long as you accompany it with food.

Address: 61 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $6.50-$7.50 for a coffee, $19-$26 for a meal

What is it? Make friends with Ken and come to this cracking European-style deli and café slinging hearty brunches, delicious sandwiches on freshly baked baguettes, cured meats and cheeses and pastries. 

Why we love it: Basically, it’s exactly the sort of food you want to munch on while people-watching in Rushcutters Bay. Here, the focus is on seasonality, provenance and reducing the amount of waste they create – Riwaka repurposes products from Bones Ramen to make pâtés, and pickles the best of the season’s fruit and vegetables to use later on in the year. Nice. 

Time Out tip: Though the sangas are absolutely banging, don’t look past the charcuterie deli plate if that’s your love language.

Address: G07/38-52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills

What is it? White Rabbit is a café that has proved so popular that it’s made like a bunny and procreated in Drummoyne, Double Bay and, now, Marrickville.

Why we love it: While White Rabbit has become a little chain of sorts, there's nothing cookie-cutter about these family-owned cafés (except for their delicious monster dark chocolate and sea salt cookies) – each spot caters to its local community and vibe.

Time Out tip: They also have an on-site bakery shop serving up Sonoma bread and great pastries for you to take home.

Address: 30 Llewellyn St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $18-$36 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? A soothing sliver of a space on the fringe of Newtown is offering sophisticated café fare that’s very satisfying. 

Why we love it: One Another is the neighbourhood café that every suburb longs for. Everything on the shapeshifting all-day breakfast menu is well priced, and seasonal produce at peak freshness is always a guarantee. In autumn, that might mean an elegant spin on fruit toast with tender cubes of spiced apple, ricotta and rosemary. Come spring, asparagus appears alongside perfectly poached eggs, crisp potatoes and rich miso butter. 

Time Out tip: No need to commit to a full sit-down meal. The Sample coffee is on point, as are the irresistible housemade pastries. Good morning, indeed.

Address: Shop 1/131 Wilson St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $5.30-$6 for a coffee, $15-$25 for a meal

What is it? The second edition of this Scandi Japanese café is a Kyoto cool kid dressed in charcoal black.

Why we love it: The striking, dramatic and very pared-back Scandi-Japanese aesthetic here is impressive enough, but then out comes that signature soufflé pancake: whipped to within an inch of its life, risen high in the oven like a phoenix and finished with toppings that range from mango, peach and cream cheese to sencha cream, rhubarb and elderflower. The dish has a 20-minute wait time, but boy is that time well spent.

Time Out tip: Here’s a fun fact for you – this spot won our highly coveted Best Café award in 2018. 

Address: 60 Darling Dr, Haymarket NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $5.50-$9.50 for a coffee, $15-$32 for a meal

What is it? A half motorcycle workshop and half eatery, ‘powered by community’. 

Why we love it: Sydney's never-ending love affair with ramen reaches all-time highs at this Newtown café-cum-motorcycle-repair-shop, where breakfast ramen is the order of the day. It’s a beautiful big bowl of rich, fatty buttered-toast-infused bone broth with bacon, tomato and an egg.

Time Out tip: Should you sleep in, there are ramens to choose from at lunch (including a wicked vegetarian option), as well as dynamite katsu burgers. 

Address: 1C Whateley Street, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $28-$30 for ramen, $5-$10 for coffee and tea

What is it? This Canberra import has made a name for itself sourcing and roasting some of the tippity top coffee in the country, and its minimal, miniscule Marrickville outlet is a caffeine fiend's paradise.

Why we love it: How to win friends and influence people? Try coffee, waffles and doughnuts. There are separate menus of blends and single origins for black and white coffees and a pricey reserve list for filters, so don't hold back and nerd out hard – the staff know it all back to front and are more than happy to guide your journey. 

Time Out tip: Yes, this is a temple to coffee, but the experience isn’t complete without something fun to eat. Try the Korean-influenced tteokbokki French toast or the punchy Moroccan eggs with chorizo.  

Address: 58 Smith St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $5-$7.50 for a coffee, $19-$25 for a meal

What is it? This Manly favourite is where you can get your day off to a rolling start with good coffee and all-butter pastries in elaborate flavours. 

Why we love it: Ever wondered if there was somewhere out there you could find a croissant made with activated charcoal dough, piped with crème patissière and raspberry gel, dipped in caramelised white chocolate? Well, head to Rollers and wonder no more. 

Time Out tip: Longtime Rollers fan? Show the love and order some merch.

Address: 19 Rialto Ln, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: $5.50-$13 for a coffee, $7-$13 for a snack

What is it? Nostalgia is alive and well at this Marrickville showstopper that references the look and feel of old-school milk bars and arthouse cinemas. 

Why we love it: You’ll want an encore of this matinee performance featuring poached eggs, thick-cut bacon and a very inclusive key lime pie. The food side of the equation takes a creative, globetrotting approach with options like Persian rice pilaf and pork cassoulet, while tricked-up sides (popcorn chicken, falafel) and housemade desserts sweeten the deal.

Time Out tip: Love to put a name to a face? Find out more about the friendly staff serving up your coffee at the website. 

Address: 23-29 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $17-$26 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? This approachable family-friendly fave plates up delish brekkies, cured seafood and fun drinks. 

Why we love it: Harry's has proudly served the residents of Bondi since 1997, which is a medal-worthy achievement in its own right. So, too, are the famous chilli folded eggs, amped up with fermented sambal and a kiss of kaffir lime (with bacon on the side FTW), and the chicken sambo with ox heart tomato, fior di latte and green goddess dressing. Yum. 

Time Out tip: We all know turmeric lattes, but have you ever tried a beetroot one? Harry’s comes with housemade almond maca milk, cacao and ginger for an earthy kick.

Address: 2/136 Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $6.50-$7 for a coffee, $18-$27 for a meal

What is it? At the heart of this Annandale café and general store is a custom-built wood oven named Apollonia that embodies the artisanal charm, ambition and joy it delivers in spades. 

Why we love it: Humble breads flavoured with wild ambition come to life here: rye with malt molasses and caraway; amaranth and lavender; a gluten-free ‘Life-changing Bread’ made of sprouted buckwheat, seeds and nuts. They’ve won over locals, who’ve even brought cumquats and potatoes to inspire future creations.

Time Out tip: If a birthday or special celebration is coming up, consider Cherry Moon’s signature cake. It’s a handmade, rustic-looking beauty, featuring seasonal fruit and cream and three moist layers of butter cake. Delightful.

Address: 77 Nelson St, Annandale NSW 2038

Expect to pay: $5-$7 for tea or coffee, plus a treat

What is it? If you want a lesson in how to shakshuka, hit up this long-lived modern Middle Eastern favourite in Redfern. Be warned: a visit might also make you crave falafel for breakfast for the rest of your days.

Why we love it: Kepos knows full well that Sydney is a breakfast town and have ensured their soft-baked eggs and tomato shakshuka appears on both the breakfast and lunch menu. Two eggs with just-set whites and runny centres come girt by a sea of spiced tomato sauce – you’ll need a second slice of toast to mop up the rich, yolky remainder as well as the side of tahini mixed through with fresh coriander.

Time Out tip: Competition for tables at Redfern’s cafés can be fierce. We’re talking lions-stalking-the-Serengeti fierce. Fortunately at Kepos Street Kitchen they have crowd control covered: pop your name on a list, order a takeaway coffee and bask on the sunny benches outside until you’re called.

Address: 96 Kepos St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: $23-$29 for a meal, plus a drink

What is it? Craving a little slice of NYC in the CBD? Wedge yourself right between the teensy tables built into the bench outside of Regiment, order a bagel and a cared-for filter coffee and watch the world go by.

Why we love it: Sure, the location is designed to suit the commuter crowd, but that doesn’t mean they’re not smashing out a surprisingly elevated menu. Even their condiment game is impressive – typical toast-toppers like avo and Vegemite share menu space with wattle macadamia peanut butter, aged provolone, forest fruit jam and eucalyptus honey – this is not a house of pallid paninis. We also love that the bagels are served with crisps!

Time Out tip: Watching the wallet? Savour a delish slice of fig and cranberry toast with cultured butter for just $8.

Address: 333 George St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $4.50-$7.80 for a coffee, $10-$17 for a bite to eat, $19-$21 for lunch dishes

What is it? These coffee titans supply beans to dozens of quality establishments across town, but a pilgrimage to the Alexandria HQ is a must for any caffeine worshipper. 

Why we love it: The food, too, does not disappoint, with a menu from chef Brett Barbuto that basically wails at you to order everything on it. Mecca are fermenting and pickling their way through the vegetable wheel, and classics like avo toast and chilli scram remain red-hot hits. The drinks list doesn’t just spotlight coffee, either (we’re looking at you, strawberry and yuzu Spritz). 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss dessert. The orange and lavender cake we tried on our last visit was syrup-drenched and had our sugar-cravings sorted till teatime.

Address: 26 Bourke Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015

Expect to pay: $5.50-$8.50 for a coffee, $18-$27 for a meal

What is it? Housed within Darlinghurst’s Yirranma Place, this social enterprise café provides employment opportunities for vulnerable women, while serving wholesome menus curated by Sydney’s top celebrity chefs.

Why we love it:  Your morning coffee and toastie go the extra mile at Two Good Co Café. You can eat well and feel good with freshly baked treats, toasties and seasonal salads from guest chefs like Matt Moran, Kylie Kwong and Neil Perry.

Time Out tip: You can find out more about this spot and its awesome feel-good initiatives at the website.

Address: Yirranma Place, 262 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $4-$6.50 for a coffee, $14-$20 for something to eat

What is it? The Three Blue Ducks brand was born in the coastal suburb of Bronte back in 2010, inspired by the ethos that food should be “honest, thoughtful and shared.” Six years later, they opened the doors at their Rosebery site – a rustic, ambitiously sized space serving up the same produce-driven seasonal menus and lively, laid-back, distinctly Australian attitude. 

Why we love it: If you visit for breakfast or brunch, you’ll be met with a hearty menu of Aussie favourites, including golden corn fritters, buttermilk pancakes crowned with whipped maple butter and a delightfully loaded avo toast. The combination of good-quality produce and an atmosphere that prioritises fun over pretension is a winning formula for a neighbourhood eatery, so it’s unsurprising that the Ducks have kept their hold on Sydney for as long as they have.

Time Out tip: Carnivores, take note – Wednesday night is “butchers’ block” night – with excellent cuts at affordable price points.

Address: 1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018

Expect to pay: $5-$6 for a coffee, around $20-$30 for a meal

What is it? This all-day trattoria is giving your café breakfast a Roman makeover. 

Why we love it: We seem to be in an ongoing love affair with all things Italian, so why should breakfast be an exception? Enter Barbetta with its dashing good looks, cannoli and biscotti and a Carbonara Australiana scramble, complete with hearty cracks of black pepper, bacon and sharp pecorino.

Time Out tip: For upcoming pasta classes, wine tastings or language lessons, check out the website.

Address: 2 Elizabeth St, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: $24-$33 for breakfast, plus a drink

What is it? This slick CBD brew bar is punching out coffees that’ll get you out of bed and right into the rat race

Why we love it: Unlike their candy counterpart, Skittle Lane’s interiors stick to a more muted palette of blonde wood, black marble coffee bar and high, white ceilings. It's all very Nordic and elegant. But it ain’t just about Instagram-worthy interiors – these guys are dishing out full-bodied brews. Two large steely silver La Marzocco coffee machines pump out espresso, which are the exact right way to kick start your morning: rich, gentle and very well made. 

Time Out tip: If you're after a big breakfast, go elsewhere, but they do whip up things on (and in between) toasted sourdough bread.

Address: 40 King St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $5-$7.50 for a coffee, plus a snack