If you are in Sydney, and are looking to find the best cafes in town, look no further! Here are some great places to grab a cup of coffee or an afternoon snack.
Gumption by Coffee Alchemy
Gumption by Coffee Alchemy is a newly opened coffee stand in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. In addition to serving good coffee, the shop offers fancy decor and reasonably priced drinks. The best part is it’s located in the Strand Arcade, home to boutique businesses in Sydney.
This isn’t the first time Coffee Alchemy has set up shop overseas, but it is the first time it has done so in the United States. The company is based in Sydney, and was founded by Clare Lim, Hazel de los Reyes and a few other coffee connoisseurs. Previously, the trio had co-owned and operated Micro Coffee in Sydney. Now they are branching out to the Big Apple and bringing their roastery cafe and specialty coffee to Manhattan.
For now, the flagship store in Barangaroo is the only location in the City of Angels, but the owners are currently on the hunt for new locations in the city. Originally, the store was slated to open in April, but a hiccup with the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily derailed plans.
Jet Bar Caffe
For over 19 years, the Jet Bar Caffe has been serving Sydneysiders a delicious latte and a few other treats. This cafe has a small but attentive staff and a beautiful cosy atmosphere. It is located at the Town Hall end of the iconic Queen Victoria Building. If you are looking for a spot to get some work done and a good cup of coffee, this is a great choice.
The cafe is open 24 hours. There is an all-day menu, including katsu burgers and a good selection of breakfast dishes. You can take a seat at a communal table or at a private table.
Some of the best food on the menu at the Jet Bar Caffe is the breakfast rice with stewed rhubarb. Other highlights include the bacon and egg roll and the haloumi salad.
You can also get a nice pizza or a takeaway. A fresh juice bar is available. Their wine list is great. They also have a vegan food menu.
Another cafe that’s worth a visit is the Kit Tran Cafe. It has an excellent cafe menu and has plenty of natural light.
Humble Bakery
The Humble Bakery is a renowned Sydney bakery/cafe. They offer an array of freshly baked goods, including cakes, sandwiches, and toasties. This venue is open throughout the day and is perfect for a quick meal or treat after a day on the beach.
Humble Bakery in Sydney is run by the same team behind the popular WyNo X Bodega. Humble is a tribute to the Copenhagen bakery Hart Bageri.
Humble is a cafe that specialises in the classics. Their finger buns and buttery croissants have quickly become a Sydney favourite. You can find their finger buns in the new Quay Quarter Lanes dining precinct.
Aside from its tasty cakes, Humble also offers five different types of sandwiches. One of their most popular is the Brussel sprout roll. It’s filled with roasted brussel sprouts, roasted beetroot, roasted mushroom pate, and smoked bacon.
Humble is also famous for its pink piped finger buns. These are topped with bright pink icing.
Humble is also the home of the delicious torta pascualina. This Argentinean pie is filled with ricotta and served with watermelon.
Artificer
Artificer is a coffee only cafe located in Surry Hills, NSW. This establishment has a minimalist design and a well thought out menu. It is a good place to start your day or wind down after a long day of work. Located in a quiet street in the heart of Surry Hills, this establishment has an enviable location.
The small shop is outfitted with a state-of-the-art silver Synesso espresso machine and an executive brass counter. They even have environmentally conscious reusable cups. In addition, they have an impressively large brew bar at the centre of the shop floor.
Although the cafe isn’t large, it does have a steady stream of customers. They are also open for breakfast and lunch. To top it all off, the staff is attentive and friendly. For the coffee lover, this is a top choice.
Artificer has been around since December of last year, so you might not have had the opportunity to sample its coffee. There is also a selection of kombucha and soy milk to choose from. If you’re after brunch, you’ll find it at one of several Surry Hills cafes.
Matinee
The Matinee Cafe in Sydney’s inner west is a great place to stop for a brew. Designed by uber-stylish interior designer Luchetti Krelle, it boasts eye-catching interiors and a plethora of brunch delights.
It has all the usual suspects, including an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, as well as an all-day happy hour. Located on the corner of Addison Road and Green Street, it’s one of the most attractive eateries in the area.
The aforementioned brunch is a real treat, featuring everything from classics like eggs benedict and a meaty pork shoulder rubbed with coffee to the tastiest dukkah roast sweet potato salad imaginable. There’s also an old-school milk bar homage aplenty. If you’re hankering after a caffeine fix, don’t miss the spritely latte.
While the Matinee Cafe may be the pint-sized sibling of its counterparts, it certainly lives up to its billing as the best place to have coffee. Besides offering an all-day menu, Matinee Coffee also serves a slew of vegan and vegetarian dishes. You can even order a meal at your desk using a service called Uber Eats.
Pasadena in Church Point
When you’re looking for an excellent spot for brunch or dinner, a Sydney cafe can provide a unique experience. Many of these establishments feature well-executed menus and innovative drinks, while others boast gorgeous fit-outs from recognisable interior designers. With a range of dining options to choose from, you can explore historic parts of the city and experience unique environments.
Pasadena on Pittwater is a great spot for a breakfast or lunch. The restaurant offers a wide variety of cuisine and a professional waitstaff to cater to your every need. It’s an ideal spot for a casual or romantic meal.
Another option is to visit Church Point Waterfront Store & Cafe. This cafe is located on the waterfront and has an outdoor deck with panoramic views of the Pittwater. On weekends, you can enjoy live music. They serve a full seafood platter.
If you’re not interested in a meal, you can also enjoy coffee and milk tea at Home Brewed Bar. You can have a specialty coffee, such as an espresso pom-tonic infused with grenadine, or a 20-hour cold brew. To finish your meal, try one of their sweet treats.
The Bower Manly
If you are looking for a place to eat in Manly, The Bower Manly Cafe is a great choice. Not only does the restaurant serve great food, but it offers an incredible alfresco dining experience.
The restaurant serves a number of unique dishes. It’s worth checking out the Banana Pancakes, which come with crispy bacon and a fresh banana. Or you can opt for a Gluten Free Salmon Skewer or even a Mango Shake.
In addition to serving a wide variety of healthy choices, the Pure Wholefoods cafe has a friendly and welcoming environment. And the coffee is a standout. They use coffee from the Reuben Hills in NSW, as well as muffins from Luxe.
Another place to eat in Manly is Fika, which specializes in Scandinavian cuisine. They also have an impressive wine list.
Manly is also home to a number of great cafes. Hemingway’s Cafe is a great brunch spot, and you can also enjoy a drink at Donny’s Bar.
For something more substantial, the Manly Greenhouse is a popular choice. Their menu features wood-fired pizzas, and their cocktails are smart. You can even get a glass of wine on tap.
Lox in a Box
Lox in a Box is a new Jewish deli in Bondi. The owners took inspiration from traditional Jewish delis to bring bagels and deli feeds to Sydney.
They’ve got a great variety of bagels to choose from. Choose from a classic lox bagel, or go for something more unique. You can also opt for a vegetarian stack.
They also have a take-home package for a more budget-friendly way to try their deli. Their take-home packs include a bagel and schmear, along with 20 sides. These include egg mayo, chopped liver, tuna dip, hummus, taramasalata, and a cucumber salad.
For lunch, you can order from their menu of cured fish, such as salmon or tuna, and a selection of kosher pickles. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you can count on a satisfying lox experience.
Lox in a Box has a few locations around Sydney. One is in Bondi, while another is on Curlewis Street. It’s a small shop with a few benches outside. There’s also a cafe inside.
During brunch, you can go for the classic lox bagel, with a slice of tomato, onions, dill, capers, and a herb schmear. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can opt for the LP Reuben bagel, which is hearty and filling.
