Cafes
South Dowling Sandwiches
Sometimes all you want for lunch is a sandwich and this is when South Dowling Sandwiches comes into their own. They offer a great range of hearty, gourmet sandwiches and tasty salads in a buzzy setting with streetside tables.
377 S Dowling St, Darlinghurst
Casper’s Cafe
Located in the Oxford Village, Casper’s Cafe is the perfect place to set you up for the day. Set within a casual and relaxed environment, their fabulous menu of breakfast and brunch items always come out beautifully plated.
Oxford Village, Shop 3/181 Riley St, Darlinghurst
Sandoitchi
They might be small in size, but the tiny Japanese eatery of Sandoitchi Darlinghurst is a hip and buzzy venue that prides itself on dishing up some of the best breakfast, lunch and coffee you will find in the whole of Sydney.
3/113-115 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Tags: Japanese
Already Awesome
Already Awesome is, well frankly, awesome! A relaxed and friendly neighbourhood cafe that offers a safe space for the LGBTQIA community, this Darlinghurst institution serves up great food, banging tunes and excellent vibes.
320B Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Tags: Korean
Bake Bar
Striving to be the best bakery in Sydney, Bake Bar offers a fantastic range of handcrafted artisanal bread & other baked goods, which they make in-house every day. Their menu also includes great coffee, delicious brekkie bowls.
3/320-324B Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Infinity Bakery
A stalwart in Darlinghurst, the Infinity Bakery has been serving a lovely selection of stoneground breads and pastries to the hungry locals since 1997. Situated on Victoria Street they are known for their friendly service.
6/274 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Tropicana Caffe
Famous for being the venue where the world’s largest independent film festival was established, the Tropicana Caffe is popular for its simple breakfasts, delicious fresh focaccia, sumptuous Italian meals and excellent coffee.
227 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Mrs Palmer Sandwich
There are sandwiches and then there are huge, monster sandwiches! And that is exactly what is on offer at Mrs Palmer Sandwich. Serving up massive sambos on hand-cut freshly baked bread, from a quaint hole-in-the-wall venue.
81 Stanley St, Darlinghurst
Stop Valve
Tucked away in an old storage unit on a car park on Riley Street, Stop Valve Darlinghurst can be hard to find. But its well worth the exploration. Showcasing rad street art, the venue serves up great food and exceptional coffee.
70 Riley St, Darlinghurst
Stranger Espresso
Of all the cafes in Darlinghurst, Stranger Espresso is known for having one of the best atmospheres. Contained within a relaxed setting and run by friendly staff, the venue dishes up terrific coffee and a very tasty food menu.
1/66 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst
Don’t Doughnuts
Presenting dangerously addicting doughnuts, Don’t Doughnuts Darlinghurst is much loved among locals. Known for their signature sourdough-brioches, their delicious hybrid dough makes the perfect sweet treat!
324 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Bills
A bright, breezy cafe in the heart of Liverpool Street, Bills Darlinghurst is a lively, convivial & homely cafe with long communal tables. Well known for their delightful ricotta hotcakes, they also offer a great range of baked goods.
433 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Fragrance Coffee
A terrific little corner cafe with a distinctly rustic feel, Fragrance Coffee is a real gem. They only have a couple of tables, and their food menu is more on the quick bite side, but their coffee is amazing and very cheap for Sydney.
191 Crown St, Darlinghurst
Jamie’s Kitchen
Jamie’s Kitchen is a contemporary espresso bar and stylish brunch cafe that is located within the Kirketon Hotel. Priding themselves in offering outstanding food that is artfully plated, their service is nothing short of brilliant.
229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
Darlo Deli
Offering up a delicious selection of made to order sandwiches Darlo Deli Darlinghurst is a popular venue on Victoria Street. Presenting a menu of design-your-own salads they also serve great coffee, juices & smoothies.
277 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Bloodhound Espresso
Located on the corner of Palmer and Liverpool Streets, Bloodhound Espresso is a friendly and honest cafe that champions Australian cuisine. Their burgers are renowned for being among the best you can get in Darlinghurst.
1/230-232 Palmer St, Darlinghurst
Organic Bread Bar
The Organic Bread Bar is an irresistible organic cafe that straddles the corner of Boundary and Liverpool Street. Offering a menu that is split between breakfast and lunch selections, this popular bakery has a terrific atmosphere.
354 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
The Rusty Rabbit
Boasting a food menu that includes a fantastic all-day breakfast, as well as delicious pancakes, burgers and excellent coffee, The Rusty Rabbit is a stylish and cosy cafe that features a rustic decor of exposed brick walls.
252 Forbes St, Darlinghurst
A Brewer’s Tale
An intimate cafe that offers a relaxed dining experience, A Brewer’s Tale is a popular venue on Burton Street. Known for its outstanding coffee, they offer a sumptuous menu with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
112B Burton St, Darlinghurst
Latteria
Found within Morgans Boutique Hotel, the Latteria is a pleasant, child-friendly cafe with good outdoor seating. They offer a fabulous range of pastries and other healthier options like salads, along with excellent coffee and juices.
2/304 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Fable Coffee
Inspired by their connections with local suppliers, Fable Coffee Darlinghurst are all about sustainability. They offer seriously good single-origin coffee, as well as a delicious menu of tasty dishes made with the freshest of produce.
1/128 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
The Little Bishop
The Little Bishop Darlinghurst is known for being one of the friendliest cafes in town. A cute and intimate Espresso bar, it serves up delicious coffee and impeccable light meals in a charming, contemporary and laid-back setting.
269 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
The Bunker
Located within a hip, semi-basement style venue, The Bunker Darlinghurst serves up a delightful menu of rustic, home-style meals. Created with an emphasis on fresh & organic produce, the decor includes rough-hewn tables.
399 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Bloody Mary’s Gazebo
Bloody Mary’s Gazebo is a cafe and bar located in the heart of Potts Point. They have a large outdoor seating area which is perfect to have a bite to eat from their extensive cafe menu, and then follow that up with one of their signature Bloody Mary cocktail drinks.
2 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Potts Point
La Farmacia
La Farmacia is a Darlinghurst Mexican restaurant that offers dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery. The food is authentic and delicious – perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date. La Farmacia’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best Mexican cuisine in Sydney.
81 Stanley St, Darlinghurst
Tags: Mexican
169 Darlinghurst
Presented by the people who brought Tatler nightclub, 169 Darlinghurst is a stylish cafe that offers fantastic coffee and all-day dining. They are well known for their wonderful breakfast spread & terrific bottomless brunch.
169 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
Ruby Lane
Looking for a spot to brunch? After a sleep-in following an exciting Manly night, wander down to Ruby Lane for a shot of coffee, a dose of sunshine and a bowl of superfood yum. They take brunch seriously here, with items such as Smash N Mash, Ruby Bircher and a serious eggs bene. With a sunny outdoor deck, large indoor booths and a menu styled around sustainability, freshness and goodness, you might just end up staying all day.
200 Pittwater Rd, Manly
Sliderz Cafe Manly
After a session of wet and wild fun at Manly SurfNSlide, slide round to Sliders for a energising drink and a snack to keep you (and the kids) going all afternoon. With all the usual poolside vittles on the menu – burgers, chips, fresh fruit bowls and all kinds of salads – the spacious and shady outdoor and indoor seating at Sliders will let you recharge before you hit the waterslides again.
Cnr Commonwealt Pde and West Esp, Manly
Little Legends
Some people say that this is the best café in the universe. This funky hole-in-the-wall joint in Rialto Lane – just a flip-flop toss from the beach – has specialty coffee, and artisan “little bites” such as poached eggs (free range, of course) on toast, and bowls of granola goodness. Perfect for a post-surf fill up or a mid-afternoon top up. If the place is unattended, the staff are probably surfing!
7 Rialto Ln, Manly
Market Lane Cafe
Now this is a bit of Manly alright! If you want a decent feed, cooked to perfection with ingredients fresh from the markets, you can’t go wrong at the Market Café. Awesome local delicacies such as spinner crab omelette, and grilled halloumi sit cheek by jowl with those delectable faves such as maple granola with Greek yoghurt, and hummus on toast with avocado. Pour in an Allpress coffee or two and you are set up for the day!
Shop 9-11, 37 The Corso, Market Pl, Manly
Barrel One Coffee Roasters
The crew at Barrel One, at 40 East Esplanade, take their coffee seriously. Specialising in coffees from places such as Tanna Island in Vanuatu, and supporting sustainable coffee-growing practises, at Barrel One you can indulge your passion for coffee accompanied by a selection of dishes such as Ruben sandwiches, grilled cheese, avo on rye, or a Italian BMT. Saunter down for a coffee and take home some beans for later.
40 E Esplanade, Manly
Paolo’s Cafe
For “the best coffee outside Italy” take a stroll down to Paolo’s on Birkley Road. Bright and spacious, with shiny white tiles on the floor and greenery all around, this busy corner joint is a great hangout those late breakfasts that turn into late lunches. Try a milk shake or a hot chocolate, grab a scone or a ham and cheese toasty, or, if you are feeling a bit daring, sample the porchetta. You won’t be sorry. Ciao bella!
59 Birkley Rd, Manly
Showbox Coffee
This quiet, unassuming cafe, tucked away on Whistler Street, offers home-baked pastries, awesome cheese scones (crispy crust with a cayenne kick), and breakfast goodies such as peaches with creme and ricotta. With an eclectic, vintage-retro feel, and a revolving coffee menu, Snowbox feels like an urban hipster joint transplanted to the beach and taking the best bits from both.
19 Whistler St, Manly
The Roast Office
Located on historic Darley Road, the Roast Office serves up delicious coffee and great food in the old Manly Post Office building. With a rich local history on display, the very walls of the Roast Office ooze charm and authenticity. The big windows open onto the street and the old timber floors creak as you polish off one of the tasty meals on offer: everything from filled bread sticks to a philately of coloured fruits. Gets our stamp of approval!
37 Darley Rd, Manly
Bluewater Cafe
Located right on the water’s edge, this is the place to come for an early morning coffee hit, a midday snack or a sunset dining extravaganza. Lunches at the Bluewater feature oceanic and freshwater delicacies such as salted squid and grilled barramundi. Outdoor seating provides ample space for an early evening sauvignon blanc or three, and you can pop a seafood platter between the two you and settle in for the night.
28 S Steyne, Manly
Three Beans
Open early (6AM) seven days a week, the snappy blue and white decor and sidewalk tables at Three Beans invite you to linger over more than just one of their superb coffees. Their menu takes its inspiration from three sustainably-sourced types of beans: coffee beans, vanilla beans and mung beans. From salmon bruschetta to French toast and everything in between, Three Beans will sustain your body and your soul.
2A Darley Rd, Manly
96 Degrees
96 Degrees in Cronulla mall is a modern cafe serving perfectly brewed coffee from their exclusive in-house blend and top-quality breakfast and brunch dishes. Their vast menu offers something for everyone, from tender Wagyu steak sandwiches to nutritious vegan breakfasts to fluffy Nutella pancakes. Plus, their smoothies and cakes are delicious, which you can enjoy in the relaxed outdoor dining area.
4 / 15 Ocean Grove Avenue, Cronulla
Nulla Nulla Cafe
Nulla Nulla is your go-to beachside cafe for all-day dining in Cronulla. Their extensive breakfast menu features Eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, while their all-day offerings include a range of schnitzels, pizza, and many veggie options. Aside from high-quality food, the cafe boasts an attractive interior with colourful murals created by a local artist.
75 Cronulla St, Cronulla
Barefoot on the Beach
Barefoot on the Beach Cafe sits right on the shoreline of South Cronulla beach, making it a popular spot to enjoy your morning coffee with a view. Alternatively, the beachside location and speedy service make it ideal for a takeaway picnic lunch. The family run cafe is renowned for its excellent coffee, but they also have a superb selection of fresh and healthy food, from bircher muesli to toasted sandwiches.
30 Gerrale St, Cronulla
Bianchini’s Espresso
Bianchini’s Espresso, a stone’s throw from South Cronulla beach, is your pit-stop for authentic Italian coffee, fueling you for your morning surf. They also have an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, combining Italian classics with Australian favourites. We recommend the mouth watering cinnamon toast or the halloumi breakfast burger.
80 Mitchell Rd, Cronulla
Heart & Soul Cafe
Heart & Soul Cafe in the centre of Cronulla is a relaxed vegan and vegetarian eatery, dishing up tasty food that is good for your body, mind, and soul. The small cafe has just a handful of tables. So if you’re lucky enough to get one, make the most of it by tasting as much of the organic, ayurvedically balanced menu as possible.
2 Ocean Grove Ave, Cronulla
Grind Espresso
The small, laneway coffee shop, Grind Espresso has been one of Cronulla’s most popular cafes for coffee and breakfast since 2002. The shop is kitted out with bar-style couches, traditional wood furniture and even a refurbished barrel for a unique coffee table. Whether you opt for an almond flat white and pistachio cookie or the Aussie favourite, smashed avocado, you can’t go wrong at Grind Espresso.
Shop 14-16/2 Surf Rd, Cronulla
Ham Harry & Mario
This family-run cafe and deli serve Greek inspired all-day breakfast dishes made with seasonal local produce. Ham also has a vast drinks menu, including many alternate lattes, juices and their Greek-style speciality frappe. The airy cafe has a lot of outdoor seating, making it a fab spot for your next weekend brunch.
3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla
Kafenio
All-day breakfast joint Kafenio is ideally situated between the north and south beaches, drawing in surfers and beach-goers needing a caffeine hit or hearty lunch. Along with high-quality coffee, Kafenio has nine toastie variations to choose from that are guaranteed to put a stop to your hunger pangs. Plus, the outdoor seating area is spacious, so you never feel rushed.
9/1-7 Cronulla St, Cronulla
Contento Cafe
The simple yet modern Contento Cafe by South Cronulla Beach is famed for its healthy Acai bowls and host of other Aussie brunch favourites like eggs benny and avocado and sweet potato fritters. Conveniently located right across from the beach, it’s an ideal place for a post-surf brekkie or a takeaway coffee for your morning walk.
1/45 Gerrale St, Cronulla
JOZO
At the juncture of Oxford Street and Lang Street, Jozo overlooks the luscious green space of Centennial Park in a building with over 100 years of history – indeed, there are seldom more beautiful and photogenic spots to drink coffee in Sydney. Breakfast and lunch are catered for with a deep menu headlined by the famous poke bowl. Friday nights allows the hard liquor flow as ‘Jazz Fridays’ start the party with a juicy cocktail selection during this weekly special.
495 Oxford St, Paddington
Tags: Cafe
Sonder Café
With an ever-changing single-origin option, Sonder is a place for coffee lovers. The intricacies of flavour combined with the floor-to-ceiling murals make it feel like home. The Australian-fusion kitchen rules out no option having cited Italian and Thai inspirations in their latest dishes.
227 Glenmore Rd, Paddington
Gusto
A quaint eatery in the east of Paddington, Gusto is spoiled for outdoor space to enjoy its international menu ranging from Italian loaves of bread, green salads and the occasional pan-Asian curry with Indonesian cuisine recently appearing on the menu.
226 Glenmore Rd, Paddington
Wild Sage
One of the hottest cafes in Barangaroo, Wild Sage offers up an excellent menu of contemporary Australian dishes. Based within a congenial and relaxed setting, it hosts all day dining, as well as share plates and drinks you can have until late.
Exchange Place, 3 Sussex St, Barangaroo
Tags: Modern Australian