Breakfasts in Sydney
Sydney, the state capital of New South Wales, is indeed the place to go for some of the world’s best brunches. Infamous for their true blue-blooded coffee, here’s 10 cafes handpicked by the Klook Team to prove Sydney is truly the breakfast capital of the world.
1. Grab a cup of nitro cold brew at Mecca Alexandria
If you love coffee and have never heard of Mecca, then you need to do some serious reflection! Mecca has a couple of stores, but their latest addition Mecca Alexandria is a true stunner.
Located in an industrial warehouse down the street, the interior will blow you away. Sunshine filters in through glass panels, washing over the aged brass and mid-century inspired furnishings. The trippy monochrome tiling and whitewashed bricks also make this the perfect Instagram post to kickstart your Sydney travels!
Enough with the impeccable interior because the menu at Mecca doesn’t make life any easier for us – you’ll literally want to order everything. We understand that jeans aren’t really expandable at the waist area so here are our recommendations!
Be sure to order the Beef Brisket (AU$18 = US$14.40), so tender your spoon can cut right through. Likewise, their upcycled Bacon and Eggs (AU$12=US$9.60) with choko, onion jam and dill mayonnaise is no disappointment as well. Pair that with a cup of their signature Darkhorse Blend (with hints of peach, chocolate and wine) or jazz it up with a glass of their Nitro Cold Brew (AU$6=US$4.80); a sparkling, nitrogen-charged coffee with a frothy beer foam, yum!
Mecca Alexandria
Address: 26 Bourke Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 3.00pm | Sat – Sun 8.00am – 3.30pm
We know how excited you are to share your perfect #OOTD shot against Mecca Alexandria’s whitewashed brick wall, so remember to stay connected by getting a Pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM Card for 24/7 internet connection at an affordable price!
2. It’s time for a Bondi party at The Bucket List
This A-list cafe is a must-visit when you’re in Sydney. Whether it’s summer or winter, their menu is a total knockout!
The Bucket List has 3 dining areas, each decorated with their own colourful decor. In fact, we can’t seem to get enough of the vibrant hues of primary colours that will look absolutely stunning on our Instagram feed.
The Bucket List has long been famous for its Beer and Prawn Buckets (AU$40 = US$32) on Sundays but this place also serves up one of the best Fish N Chips (AU$28 = US$22.40) in town! Fresh New Zealand Hake fillet is deep fried in a perfectly crisp beer batter and served alongside a bunch of chips and dollop of good ol’ tartare sauce. Be sure to get a couple of mojitos to jazz up your meal.
Chef Tom Walton insists on only using local and sustainable produce with all its seafood sourced from the Australian and NZ waters, local farmer’s free-range meat and feta cheese from Hunter Valley amongst the many. With such heavy emphasis on fresh and high quality produce, i’m sure you can imagine the wonderful flavours of their dishes #salivating
The Bucket List
Address: Bondi Pavilion, Shop 1, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Sydney NSW 2026, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Tues 11.00am – 5.00pm | Wed – Sun 11.00am – 12 midnight
Be sure to spend some time at the iconic Bondi Beach to experience its fine sand and beautiful waters. If you’re there in October and November, you’ll want to catch the “Sculpture by the Sea” outdoor exhibition of sand sculptures along the 2km coastal walk.
3. Say Itadakimasu at Oratnek
Taking up an old converted terrace house, Oratnek is a quaint cafe opened by Bill’s former head Chef Kentaro Takayama. Notice something interesting? Oratnek is actually Kentaro’s name spelled backwards!
Take a seat in the patio and watch chefs come out to pick herbs like chives, parsley and mint. You can even do a little herb picking yourself if you feel your dish needs more oomph! Oratnek’s interior filled with small wooden tables and pastel mint coffee cups is mainly industrial-chic with a Japanese influence.
Breakfast options don’t veer off too far from Sydney staples with our favourite Mushroom on Toast (AU$13 = US$10.41) with a kick of sweet and salty miso. Looking for something lighter? Get yourself a White Chocolate and Green Tea muffin (AU$5 = US$4.00) and you’ll never look elsewhere for the perfect muffin.
Lunch takes a major Japanese twist, for AU$10 (US$8.01) you should try the Monster Katsu Sambo – thick pork cutlet between slices of toast (with the crusts off), fresh cabbage, Japanese barbeque sauce and mustard, yum! #supervalueformoney
Oratnek
Address: 4 Pitt Street, Redfern, New South Wales 2016
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 4.00pm | Sat – Sun 8.00am – 4.00pm
4. ‘Gram your drink at The Vogue Cafe
Belonging to powerhouse sibling trio Matthew, Sarah and Brendan Aouad, The Vogue Cafe is as trendy as it gets. The interior decor reminds us of the retro-chic style reminiscent of a French cafe with homely wooden furniture. Moreover, they serve the most Instagrammable drinks in town!
The milkshakes at Vogue Cafe will win the Miss Milkshake Universe title with its beautifully decorated mason jar and equally delicious milkshake! With a chocolate and hazelnut rimmed mason jar topped with an ice cream cone, colourful sprinkles and licorice bits, the infamous Nutella Thickshake (AU$9 = US$7.20) will keep you on the edge! If milkshakes aren’t your thing, fret not, get yourself a sugar-rimmed frappe in Peachy Mango (AU$8 = AU$6.40).
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If you’re up for more, try their killer cronuts topped with a gazillion toppings!
Klook Pro Tip: Getting to The Vogue Cafe takes a little bit of navigation but head towards the corridor on the left of Myer and you’ll be led out to the car park where she sits nicely as the last store.
The Vogue Cafe
Address: 109 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia, Level 2
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed 7.30am – 4.00pm | Thurs 7.30am – 6.00pm | Fri – Sat 7.30am – 4.00pm | Sun 8.30am – 5.00pm
5. Bespoke Teatime at The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar
Is it just us or is every aesthetically pleasing cafe in Sydney carved out from a warehouse??
In the same way, The Rabbit Hole founders transformed an old builders’ tool warehouse along the streets of Abercrombie into the most charming, delicate cafe. Stepping into The Rabbit Hole transports you to a whole other world with the cavernous space softened by hues of gold, oak and white elements. What is more, you’ll see a tea bag art (yes, real tea bags put together) and a handmade Japanese pottery bowl collection add style to the already-spectacular space.
The menu features a stunning 22 varieties of organic tea served in German Finum pots at special temperatures to produce fragrant cups of tea. Try the Banana Split Tea (AU$5 – US$3.20) where you’ll be amazed that it tastes just like the caramalised ends of a banana bread. Alternatively, we recommend the signature Chai Latte (AU$6 = US$4.80) as a companion to one of their delicate tea-infused shortbreads!
Surprise! The Rabbit Hole also serves up unique combinations of breakfast usuals. The Tea Marbled egg with Kimchi, Kale and Black Sesame (AU$13 = US$10.40) is a winning combination! A simple slice of toasted sourdough topped with chopped kimchi, soft kale, black sesame and a traditional Chinese Tea egg.
The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar
Address: 146 Abercrombie St, Redfern NSW 2016
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 8.00am – 4.00pm | Sun 9.00am – 4.00pm
6. Soak up 12th Century European vibes at Parlour Lane Roasters
Tucked away on the ground floor of QT Sydney lies Parlour Lane Roasters, a lavish Euro-style cafe-by-day and wine bar-by-night. In other words, the interior decor is elaborately gothic with artsy fartsy features such as headless Victorian-esque mannequins in glass displays.
Parlour Lane Roasters opens its doors earlier than most cafes, with its first coffee pushed out at 7.00am. Give the old-fashioned Reuben (AU$9 = US$7.20) a taste; corn beef and sauerkraut atop a brown rye roll with a dollop of sharp seedy mustard to seal the deal.
End of the night with a chill sesh at Parlour Lane Roasters because they serve up delicious bar snacks. Have a girls (or boys) night out with 8 types of Negronis (AU$14 = US$11.20) to choose from or a mug of icy cold Peroni (AU$7 = US$5.60) along with a Prosciutto Platter (AU$15 = US$12).
Parlour Lane Roasters
Address: Ground level, QT Hotel, 49 Market Street, Sydney
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 9.00pm | Sat 8.00am – 9.00pm | Sun 8.00am – Midnight
Are you always up for drinks with your mates? You should take the afternoon off and visit Hunter Valley; one of Australia’s major wine regions. Savour one of the best locally-produced wines and enjoy some peace and quiet in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Two Wongs make a right at Mr Wong
Mr Wong is a Cantonese restaurant decked out in the most gorgeous French-colonial, Shanghai-accented decor. With shelves of Chinese pottery, red fans, gold dragons and a beautiful Chinese lady painted on the exposed brick walls, there is no way you’re telling me this place doesn’t sound awesome.
When a restaurant invests in a room catered specially to dry its ducks, you know they are 200% committed to serving top quality roasts. We recommend an order of the Chinese Roast Duck (half AU$42 = US$33.60, full AU$84 = US$67.30) that’s cooked to perfection with a thin, crisp skin and succulent sweet meat!
If you’re a fan of crabs, you’ve got to empty your wallet for Mr Wong’s signature Mud Crab and Rock Lobsters served on a bed of salted chilli and green onions, or coated with a layer of Butter Black Pepper sauce, Singapore style!
For lunch, try the dim sum served in a myriad of colours that you will not mind burning a hole in your wallet for. Other must-try dim sum dishes include:
- Pork and Prawn Shu Mai (AU$12 = US$9.60)
- Prawn and Crispy Dough Rice Roll (AU$16 = US$12.80
- Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (AU$12 = US$9.60)
Mr Wong
Address: 3 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 11.00pm | Thurs – Fri 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight | Sat 10.30m – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight | Sun 10.30am – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 10.00pm
8. Food with a view at The Butler
You’ll find one of Sydney’s most unique rooftop bars along Victoria Street. The Butler is a cafe-cum-bar with French-inspired decor. Look out for gorgeous greens against crisp white decor and light oakwood.
What makes The Butler worthy of a visit is the breathtaking panoramic view you get of the entire Sydney city skyline when you grab a table on their al fresco garden terrace. Likewise, it is the perfect backdrop for an #OOTD. It is most beautiful during sunset as you sip on a snazzy cocktail and watch the sky make its way from clear azure to indigo as night falls.
Order the Boudin Noir Slider (AU$6 = US$4.80), made of grilled blood sausage, charred corn salsa and capsicum relish with gaufrettes on the side, interesting aye? The Grilled Duck Sausage and Duck Confit (AU$28 = US$22.40) is also a crowd-pleaser – duck sausage and duck confit sitting on a parsley puree, pickled beetroot, mint, pistachio and shaved celery!
In the same way, a lot of effort has gone into curating the different drinks. Choose from a wide variety of cocktail, martini and wine choices. Feeling daring? Try the Geoff Merrill 2007 Bush Vine Shariz, Grenache and Mourvedre from Mclauren Vale (AU$11 = US$8.80) as you look out into the skies of Sydney.
The Butler
Address: 123 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Tue 4.00pm – 12 midnight | Wed – Sat 12.00pm – 12 midnight | Sun 12.00pm – 10.00pm
The best way to see any city is, from the above! So take in the spectacular view of Sydney from the iconic Sydney Tower Eye where on a clear day, you’ll be able to spot the Blue Mountains as well.
9. A Quirky Mister belongs at The Rag Land
The front door of The Rag Land simply screams QUIRKY with its bright yellow store sign and a bare ironing board waiting for a companion. Take a couple steps in and you’ll notice this quaint cafe is filled with retro furnishings, local art and vintage wares that are mostly for sale. So yes, you may bring a little piece of The Rag Land home with you!
We immediately took a liking for the Spicy Smashed Eggs and Avocado on Toast (AU$8 = US$6.40) and Pork Belly and Egg Rolls (AU$8 = US$6.40) – absolutely divine. Gobble down your meal with a good cuppa coffee that The Rag Land does best – the classic latte brewed from their house beans, The Gold Cobra for AU$3.50 (US$2.80).
Granted you still have some tummy space, don’t forget to give the glass cabinet display some love by ordering muffins and cakes!
The Rag Land
Address: 129 Raglan St, Redfern NSW 2017, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 4.00pm | Sat 8.00am – 3.00pm | Sunday Closed
10. Coffee Addicts to report at the Paramount Coffee Project
The Paramount Coffee Project is a beautiful cafe with high ceilings, wide spaces and polished concrete. Located at Paramount House, this cafe is every bit the Instagrammer’s dream place.
Paramount Coffee Project carries out regular rotations of new beans and roasters sourced globally every 1.5 months. Therefore, if you’re a coffee junkie, race for a seat at the filter bar where you can watch the friendly staff artistically and skilfully brew you a cup of brilliant coffee on the convection stovetop.
All coffees need a sweet partner so why not order yourself a waffle? Our favourite combination involves a scoop of creamy peanut butter ice- cream with a generous drizzle of dulce de leche and a shower of crushed hazelnuts.
Paramount Coffee Project
Address: 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 4.00pm | Sat – Sun 7.30am – 4.00pm
Bonus! Brunch in a warehouse with a shady past at Bay Ten Espresso
If 10 brunch cafes aren’t enough for you, here’s one extra location to further whet your appetite. Just a few hundred metres from the sandstone pillars of Harbour Bridge, you’ll see several commercial garages lining Lavender Bay. Keep an eye out for a garage with a big number 10 on it and you’ll arrive at Bay Ten Espresso – an awesome cyclist-friendly cafe!
Bay Ten Espresso has an extremely interesting past. Drug peddlers once used the garage to store illegal drugs! The modern-industrial interior decor coupled with long metal tables, vintage palettes and even a metal shipping container
At any rate, order up a cup of their smooth and creamy Latte (AU$3.50 = US$2.80) to enjoy their house-blend sourced from White Horse Coffee. To truly enjoy and appreciate the full flavours of the brew, we recommend you take your coffee black, cold and served over a huge ice cube; Iced Black (AU$3.50 = US$2.80). For breakfast, you can look forward to an array of fresh hand-crafted sandwiches with all produce sourced from a small farm in Ingleside.
Bay Ten Espresso
Address: 10 Middlemiss St, Lavender Bay NSW 2060, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.00am – 3.00pm | Sat – Sun 8.00am – 3.00pm
Spruce up your breakfast by having it with an awesome partner…how about the iconic Koalas of Sydney? Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet in the Koala Encounters Rooftop Enclosure. Be sure to snap lots of photographs and give some love to these adorable creatures!
Is your tummy impatient for food now?
Isn’t Sydney a wonderful city to spend a week in! We mean, who can say no to such luscious-looking and delicious food?? As with all normal human body reactions to our gigantuan feasting appetites, our jeans will threaten to rip at its seams. So remember to get up and lose some of em’ calories to make space for more!
Check out what our Klook Travel Curator, Julia Lim got up to in Sydney here!
