Sydney or Melbourne? Every time I meet people in Australia it’s one of the first questions they ask. Which city do you prefer? There’s clearly a friendly competition going on here.
Before this trip I thought the answer would be Melbourne. For the only reason that you hear so much about its amazing coffee and food scene. But actually… I’m more of a Sydney person. I absolutely loved it! And the food and coffee? Well, I’m no expert, but there weren’t enough hours in a day to try all the amazing places that I stumbled upon in Sydney.
So for your next visit to Sydney, I put together this guide with 10 of my favorite places for coffee or brunch (preferably both).
Local Mbassy (Ultimo)
Not sure what’s more popular at the Local Mbassy: taking photos of the painting on the wall or the red velvet pancakes. Both are pretty amazing.
Address: 310 Wattle Street
Paramount Coffee Project (Surry Hills)
Located in the art deco Paramount House building, the Paramount Coffee Project is a beautiful café and the place to go for excellent coffee in Surry Hills.
Address: 80 Commonwealth Street
Reuben Hills (Surry Hills)
Reuben Hils is one of the most popular brunch spots in Surry Hills. Try the soft baked eggs with ham.
Address: 61 Albion Street
Bills (Darlinghurst)
In London we know this restaurant as Granger & Co, but in Sydney where you’ll find Bill Granger’s first restaurant it’s still simply ‘Bills’. It’s not easy to pick a favorite on the menu as everything is so delicious. The ricotta hotcakes are definitely a must, but since I have them in London all the time I opted for the corn fritters this time. Incredible!
Address: 433 Liverpool Street
Edition Coffee Roasters (Darlinghurst)
Loved the simple white ‘Scandinavian’ interior of Edition Coffee Roasters! I only had an excellent coffee here, but they’re also known for their great brunches with Scandinavia – Japan fusion dishes
Address: 265 Liverpool Street
Little Evie (Redfern)
The hotel where I was staying (The Old Clare) insisted that I would try the brunch at Little Evie. Well, if I have to… And I get it know. It’s such a friendly and nice looking place, plus the food was terrific. I’ve had a lot of avo-toasts on this trip, but this was one of the best.
Address: 688 Bourke Street
Three Williams (Redfern)
Another one that was recommended to me: Three Williams. Loved this place! Absolutely try the ‘Duck Narnie’, it was delicious.
Address: 613a Elizabeth Street
The Grounds of Alexandria (Alexandria)
It’s not easy to describe The Grounds of Alexandria. There is a restaurant where you can have a great brunch, but it’s so much more. Unfortunately not very central, but it’s worth the trip.
Address: 7a/2 Huntley Street
3 Blue Ducks (Alexandria)
And while you’re in Alexandria, make sure to check out design and lifestyle store Koskela. You’ll want to buy everything. Since I’m traveling with a suitcase that can’t take much more, I wasn’t allowed to buy anything, but I could try their cool café from ‘3 Blue Ducks’.
Address: 1/85 Dunning Avenue
Porch & Parlour (Bondi)
If you follow some people from Sydney (or who’ve been to Sydney) on Instagram then you’ve probably seen a photo of Porch & Parlour at some point. The place to be for coffee and/or food when you’re visiting Bondi Beach.
Address: 17-18/110 Ramsgate Avenue
It’s too bad that Sydney is literally on the other side of the world for me, otherwise I would love to make this an annual visit. But there will definitely be a next time! So if you have any tips, let me know.
