Iris & June comes from Kiwi owners with a knack for good ingredients and good humour. Sandwiches, flat whites, and iced drinks are their game, and they’ve got fast service and friendly small chat. There’s a quiet, work-friendly corner too, if you need to catch a meeting or catch up on emails. It’s easy to drop by and settle in—simple, good, honest, and warm.
The English Rose is a quaint tea room right near the Abbey. Think cream tea, full English breakfasts, and homemade cakes all at prices that feel kind. They do afternoon tea, casual brunch, or an early start. Coffee is reliable, and the décor is pretty enough for a photo. It’s calm, welcoming, and cozy: a nice place to linger, take photos, or start your day right before exploring Westminster’s wonders.
A staple of Fitzrovia’s coffee scene, Kaffeine brings Australian polish to every drink. Using Square Mile beans, their espresso-driven menu pairs beautifully with brunch-level fare. Inside feels Scandinavian-influenced yet lived-in; benches outside suit people‑watchers and switchboard‑chats alike.
An elevated all‑day café with tasty clarity. They do breakfast, lunch, fresh pastries, and coffee with purpose. Turkish eggs shine alongside sourdough toast and expertly poured flat whites. It’s small but buzzing. Expect cosy tables and a vibe that’s both everyday and slightly special.
LUMI is a bright brunch haven wrapped in industrial style. Their Creole chicken waffles, French toast, curly fries, and fresh orange juice are brunch showstoppers matched with attentive service. It’s the right side of energetic and relaxed, and its upbeat but chill vibe suits families or groups. Great for brunch that follows a morning market spree.
Urban Baristas offers outdoor seating and a varied menu, making it more than just a coffee stop. Think Turkish eggs, eggs Benedict, sandwiches and reliably good flat whites. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back without being too casual. It’s great for meeting classmates over brunch or getting through some study with a proper espresso in hand.
Café Society brings a touch of brightness with its terrace seating and sunny mood. The coffee is good, and the menu features homemade cakes and savoury brunch options. Their salmon and avocado sandwich is a particular favourite among students. The staff are warm and helpful, and the space encourages you to stay a while.
Sonder is the kind of place that perfectly reflects Paddington’s mix of art and comfort. The interior has a bit of a gallery vibe, and the menu mixes classic brunch staples with more eclectic options like rhubarb toasties. The coffee is reliably good, and the seating out front makes it an ideal perch for people watching around Five Ways.
Four Six Eight is known for its creative comfort food and plant-filled aesthetic. With noodle soups and pork belly sharing menu space with baked porridge and strong espresso, it’s a playful but grounded spot for brunch. The staff are easygoing and helpful, and the little garden vibe brings a nice dose of calm to the Oxford Street bustle.
Coral Coffee serves up bright bowls, like their morning smoothie and smoked salmon options, paired with solid espresso. Its outdoor tables soak in street life, offering a relaxed corner perfect for coffee talk or quiet reading. With thoughtful seasonal dishes including plant-based options, it stands out for freshness and friendly service, and locals seem to always find a seat.
A local favorite tucked on Forbes Street, The Rusty Rabbit blends hearty brunch staples and modern coffee service. Pancakes, corn fritters, and fresh juices mingle under warm lighting and casual chatter. Its relaxed pace makes it ideal for lingering after early gallery visits or before heading back into Darlinghurst’s buzzing weekend pulse.
This café roasts its beans on Burton Street, offering a back-to-basics café experience with character. Think strong lattes and brownie sides, with exposed brick interiors perfect for catching up or tapping on a notebook. It’s simple, welcoming, and tells its own story, so the mornings here feel unhurried in the best way.
On Stanley Street, this café lives up to its name with nourishing breakfast wraps and juice blends in a breezy, leafy spot. Outdoor tables give you a front-row seat to passing Darlinghurst life. Service is warm, and the menu strikes a balance between healthy and indulgent, making it a trusted choice for weekend brunch or morning coffee runs.
Casper’s is the dependable all-rounder: big breakfasts, solid flat whites, and a relaxed vibe that spills over into a stack of free newspapers. It hits the sweet spot for those mornings when you need a hearty meal and a good cuppa to kick-start your day and give you time before you step back into the city hustle.
Tucked into a quiet lane near the main beach, Fika brings Scandinavian comfort to Manly. This light-filled spot is renowned for its fresh, home-style dishes, including Swedish meatballs and Skagen toast. The coffee is smooth, and the service is warm — perfect for a peaceful solo breakfast or a catch-up with friends. It’s a little slice of Nordic charm in a seaside suburb.
Showbox has become a go-to for its rotating single-origin brews, hearty breakfast plates, and buzzing, slightly edgy feel. The space is compact but always full of energy, with locals grabbing their daily caffeine fix or digging into dishes like lamb hash or baked eggs. If you like your coffee strong and your breakfast interesting, this one’s for you.
Located a little up the hill, The Roast Office is a hidden gem that feels more local than touristy. The café has a casual, welcoming feel and serves up solid brunch favourites with great coffee to match. It’s quieter than the beachfront spots, which makes it a good option for a slower-paced morning or a weekday work break.
Vini’s is a cozy, relaxed spot that feels like part of the neighborhood. Tucked just off Victoria Parade, it draws in regulars with its good coffee, friendly staff, and satisfying breakfast staples. Whether you’re in for a bacon and egg roll or a classic toastie, the service always comes with a smile. It’s a low-key gem that’s easy to come back to.
Located on Miller Street, Venn blends a community spirit with varied menu offerings. With comfortable seating and a wide breakfast and lunch menu—including bagels, pancakes, roti, and wraps—it works for coworker catch-ups or solo work sessions. Staff are attentive and efficient, and coffee is reliably good.
Situated on Pacific Highway, Cadenza Floral Café stands out thanks to colourful interiors and floral touches. They combine Korean-inspired bowls such as bulgogi or bibimbap with strong coffee in a sunny, relaxed corner. It’s a good choice for a mid‑morning break or a casual meeting by the window.
Single O is a laid‑back café known for its top‑notch coffee and creative brunch plates like corn fritters and chicken toasties. The warehouse‑style space is light and friendly, with outdoor seating that draws in weekend crowds. It’s the birthplace of the Café Milk Tap System and a favourite among locals who appreciate a single‑origin pour‑over or cold brew.
Set in a bright, open space flooded with natural light, Paramount Coffee Project blends dishes like chicken‑and‑waffles and baked eggs with quality coffee in a space that feels part gallery, part café. A collaboration born from specialty roasters and industry creatives, PCP brings a refined touch without losing its laid‑back charm. Whether you’re after cronuts or a BKE, this place nails it.
Reuben Hills is big on smoky and bold flavours. The long, narrow room is dark and moody with an industrial‑chic vibe that matches their specialty roast straight from the micro‑roaster upstairs. The menu travels globally but stays rootsy and rich, paired with solid coffee. It’s perfect for mates who love adventurous brunches and a café with character.
With lush laneway seating and an easy, neighborhood‑vibe feel, Dad and the Frog is a true local hangout. Brunch dishes like chorizo croquettes, kimchi eggs, and halloumi plates are bold and flavourful. The coffee is excellent, and the plant‑filled courtyard brings a calm atmosphere amidst the inner‑city buzz.
A sunny little cafe on Bourke Street, Cafe Kentaro serves Japanese‑Korean influenced food like omurice, katsu sandwiches, and crab omelette, along with matcha lattes and hojicha. The bright space reflects its fusion menu, which is colourful, fresh, and inviting. It’s a brunch date spot that feels different, perfect for mates who love clean lines and east‑meets‑west brunch creativity with a solid espresso or matcha.
Two Good Eggs is all about comfort brunch done well. Think perfectly poached eggs, buttermilk pancakes, crunchy croissants, generous breakfasts with homemade touches. Portions are big, flavours are classic, and prices are sensible. The coffee is reliable, and the staff are friendly. It’s exactly what you and your mates would want.
Factory Grind is known for its Tahini-spiced Turkish coffee and beautifully executed Turkish Eggs (Cilbir). The sunny courtyard and prompt, friendly service make it a stand‑out. Brunch dishes are healthy, vibrant, and designed for share‑style dining. When you want a lighter share‑plate brunch and a chat with mates under string lights, this is your place.
Soulmate offers a warm, spacious escape from King Street’s buzz, with an airy layout and long communal table. Their oat-milk cold brew and carefully prepared elixirs are standouts, while the breakfast burger or baked delicacies keep things indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re solo and need quiet space or want a relaxed catch-up, this friendly spot feels like a morning refuge.
If your idea of breakfast includes uplifting ingredients and intentional energy, Soul Brew hits the mark. Tucked off the main drag, this café brings Melbourne cool to Newtown with its clean interiors and focused menu. Think scrambled egg rolls, quality pastries and espresso that’s smooth yet vibrant.
One Another is a community-first café where homemade focaccias, egg rolls and gnocchi brunch dishes pair with solid brews. The relaxed, sunlit interior is perfect for brunch dates, creative work sessions or slow weekend mornings. Friendly service and vibrant, Instagrammable plates give this spot an extra layer of charm that feels genuinely grounded in Newtown’s supportive culture.
The Front Room feels like one of Newtown’s hidden gems. Known for its standout acai bowls, halloumi toast, and expertly brewed coffee, this relaxed spot blends dessert-worthy smoothie bowls with espresso done right. It can get busy on weekends, but the easygoing atmosphere makes it well worth the visit.