Sydney

The Best Breakfast Spots In Sydney

Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

In Sydney, breakfast is not just another meal, it’s a social institution. Weekends are reserved for smashed avo toasts, bottomless mimosas, and good times with friends, while weekdays are spent lining up for a drop of the best coffee beans in the city, and early work meetings over fresh oven-baked pastries. 

That’s not all. Sydney’s breakfast scene is diverse and oh so good. You have your classic eggs benny, acai bowls, and bacon and egg rolls, but our multicultural playground has also opened opportunities to Mediterranean breakfasts, American fare, and European delights. 

MORE: The 20 Best Restaurants In Sydney Right Now

From Western Sydney to Bronte, here, best breakfasts Sydney has to offer.

Now is the time to serve the service industry. We’ve opened up Thrillist Serves to the hospitality industry to add their venues and help promote their offering at a time they need it most. If you own a restaurant or café, or know someone who does, flick them this link to get signed up. And while you’re at it, visit the link, and order takeaway (and/or merch!) directly from some of your favourite venues.

best breakfast sydney loulou

Loulou

Milsons Point
Whether you need to pick up a fresh croissant for breakfast at home or are craving a Paris Brest, Loulou is the friendly neighbourhood French boulangerie to satisfy all your cravings. Here, the delicious aroma of take-home artisanal baguettes, croissants, batards, and baked sweets spill from the boulangerie all day, just like in Paris. Head baker Brendon Woodward and his team bake four times a day to ensure even if you pop in after work, there’s fresh bread. The pastries are legendary—some of the best in the city. Don’t forget to stop by the bistro next door for a long lunch or romantic dinner.

best breakfast sydney kahii
Photo: KWH Photography

Kahii

CBD
Kahii is the city’s much-loved Japanese-inspired cafe and kissaten by day, that now also transforms into a cosy wine bar by night with a specially curated menu from Executive chef Taka Teramoto of newly one-hatted Kuro. Kahii is one of the very few specialist coffee places in the CBD offering coffee until 5 pm (Tues-Sat) which is ideal for those roaming around after the 3 pm slump when most cafes are closed.

best breakfast sydney the charles
Photo: @thecharles.sydney

The Charles Bar

CBD
This all-day dining café and bar à vin begins with coffee and breakfast and ends with late-night snacks, cocktails, and wines by the glass. Channelling the charm of Europe, The Charles Bar, offers a casual atmosphere to enjoy freshly baked croissants and pastries and an extensive menu for elevated brunch classics. Expect duck eggs and toasted brioche soldiers topped with optional caviar and eggs Arlington with house crumpets. In the afternoon, pick from the roving dessert trolley, that’s layered with house-baked cakes, desserts, and petit fours delivered tableside. 

best breakfast sydney
Photo: Nikki To

Odd Culture

Newtown
Odd Culture Newtown is the new kid on the block, who until now only served dinner. Their new breakfast service is a far cry from your usual cafe offering with no smashed avo in sight. The dedicated chefs will be making as many ingredients as possible in house including the ‘Odd Cultured’ butter, bacon, ricotta and other soft cheeses, jams and the warm smoked trout. You can grab a table out on the street or a seat at the large open windows that look out onto King Street. For more casual breakfast, there is ‘sourdough toast with ‘Odd Cultured’ butter and jam. The bacon butty is a staff favourite, and the blood pancake with fried egg and chilli maple is a must-try.

breakfast on marble table
Photo Courtesy of The Mayflower

The Mayflower

Darlinghurst
Peach hues, floral murals, onyx tables and a hanging floral display are just the beginning of Darlinghurst’s newest cafe. The former art deco florist front shop serves refined dishes, including caviar and truffle, but at average Sydney prices. No wonder people are lining up around the block for a seat. Fan favourites include the truffle Croque Monsieur, Mayflower Roll and Ocean Trout Gravlax. You can also pay $22 for a few shaves of truffle on any dish you choose. 
Book here

best breakfast sydney
Photo: @heartcafebondi

Heart Cafe

Bondi
Bondi’s first social enterprise café, Heart Café, offers guests delicious, fresh food and coffee served with a smile at a beachside setting. A new menu by Chef Pascale Rose (formerly of Byron Bay’s The Bay Leaf and St. Elmo) features modern Australian cuisine with highlights including the popular Heart Breakfast Bowl, Slow Cooked Persian Lamb, Fetta, Pomegranate and Heart Seared Salmon. Fresh seasonal produce includes vegetables and herbs grown in Wayside’s own Bondi Beach garden features across the menu. More than good food and great coffee, Heart Café aims to create a community, culture, and an opportunity to give back. Profits from Heart Cafe go directly back into Wayside Chapel’s Wingspan Project to continue to transform the lives of young people. For employees, Heart Café gives a long term paid opportunity to build pathways to future employment. 
Book here.

Cafe with plants
Photo Courtesy of acre Artarmon

Acre Artarmon

Artarmon
This one is for all the home improvement, plant parents, and interior designers out there. Yes, we are talking about Acre Artarmon, a new 2000 square metre cafe destination in Artarmon’s Home HQ. The light-filled space reads more like a greenhouse than a restaurant, but its focus is on farm-to-table dining and outdoor terraces bring a fresh perspective to breakfast and brunch. Try the Italian restaurant for brunch or pick up fresh baked goods including country-style pies and sausage rolls. The kid’s playground, chicken coop, worm farm, and surrounding greenery keeps the experience organic. 
Book here

MORE: 10 Sydney Brunch Dishes You Need To Try

Mediterranean dishes on table
Photo Courtesy of Shuk

Shuk

Bondi, Chatswood and Elizabeth Bay
The food at Shuk is similar to what you would get growing up in Israel, with a twist created by owners, Yoni Kalfus, Erez Beker, Ariel Hefer and Chef German Sanchez. Expect shakshuka, including a vegan option, cilbir bagel, teff pancakes, and a Middle Eastern tartine with babaganoush, avocado, smoked almonds, feta, and more. Don’t forget your side of falafel. There are three locations: Bondi, Chatswood, and Elizabeth Bay. You can also pick up fresh bakery items from the locations, in case you want to try your own Middle Eastern breakfast at home. 
Book here

breakfast bowl
Photo By Alana Dimou

Single O Surry Hills

Surry Hills
Single O was a pioneer in Sydney’s coffee movement and still remains one of the best drops of espresso in the city. Their specialty coffee is beloved by Sydneysiders, they even started a shop of which coffee fanatics can buy the blends and opt-in for a coffee subscription. As for breakfast, Single O Surry Hills is packed with diners munching on epic banh mi rolls, avocado toasts and a range of other creative dishes, including the mothership bowl, filled with nutritious goodness. 
Book here

Avocado toast and poached egg
Photo By Nikki To

Three Blue Ducks

Bronte and Roseberry
Masterchef favourite, Andy Allen’s Three Blue Ducks is all about the no-fuss way. Ingredients are local and ethically farmed, each location pays respect to its area, whether it’s an 80-acre farm in Byron Bay or the new intimate farm-to-table establishment in the snowy mountains. For those local to Sydney, the Bronte location offers their famous homemade vegemite with a side of the sea breeze. Other options include muesli, a bacon and egg roll with chilli jam, corn fritters, and black sausage with scrambled eggs and red currant jam.
Book here 

Bowery Lane

CBD
Bowery Lane sits centre stage in the CBD, which makes it a popular choice for office workers and corporate lunches. Beware of the suits. Breakfast is either a quick grab n go or a sit down for the pancakes with rhubarb compote and mascarpone, eggs benedict, or the chorizo, manchego omelette with crispy leeks and chilli oil. The atmosphere is great too with an industrial-chic fit-out resembling a New York loft. 
Book here

Bills Bondi

Bondi
No list is complete without mentioning the person who popularised the great smashed avo toasts. Yes, we’re talking about Bill Granger and his iconic breakfast joint, Bills in Bondi. For the sweet tooth in your life, you can’t go past the ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter. Of course, you can try the avocado toast which is served on toasted rye and comes with an optional poached egg. There are big breakfasts and plates on the menu too. The elegant dining room, clad in marble and soft tones, works for the breakfast crowd as much as it does for the dinner service. 
Book here

Ham sandwich
Photo Courtesy of Cavalier 2.0

Cavalier 2.0

St Leonards
Sometimes breakfast is quick and comes in the form of a gigantic, gooey, multilayered sandwich. Where can you get one? At Cavalier 2.0 in St Leonards. They use thick-cut rye, loads of ham (we mean layers upon layers), and gooey Australian cheddar cheese to make their jaffles and sandwiches. The octopus salad on rye sourdough is also worth a try if you’re feeling adventurous. As for the sweets, the truffle cheesecake always sells out and is only served by the slice. Get in quick. 
Book here

eggs benedict
Photo Courtesy of Quick Brown Fox Eatery

Quick Brown Fox Eatery

Pyrmont
Did someone say bottomless brunch? The only difference, bottomless brunch is every day at the Quick Brown Fox Eatery. It’s $30 for bottomless mimosas or you can level up to bottomless Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini for $40 per person. Just add it to any of the all-day menu options they have including the grilled halloumi, banoffee pie waffles, and mushroom toastie—just to name a few. 
Book here

Brewtown

Newtown
What rhymes with Newtown? Brewtown, of course. This popular neighbourhood cafe slings specialty coffee every day and a food menu reflective of Australian brunch culture. Bistro-style breakfast includes the classics: eggs benny, bacon and egg roll on a milk bun and some twists on breakfast favourites, including a breakfast roll with Scottish sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs or a halloumi panini. Upstairs, you will find baked bread, a selection of pastries, cakes, cinnamon scrolls, and other artisan goods. 
Book here

Calibrate

Roseville
This trendy whole in the wall cafe is mere steps from the Roseville train station, yet is not your average small street cafe. Instead, Calibrate focuses on specialty coffee and quality food. During weekdays, locals are lined up outside, waiting for orders or a seat at the beloved spot. The food is simple but executed well. Expect to find thick-cut sourdough toast with a choice of spread, crispy bacon and fried egg roll with tomato relish and chai spiced banana loaf. You can pick up a ginger and turmeric cleansing soda or a caffeine fix. The choice is yours.
Book here

Bakery and baker
Photo Courtesy of Brickfields

Brickfields

Chippendale and Marrickville
For those seeking good bread, the kind you want to dip in olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar, then Brickfields should be on your list. Here, you can pick up a loaf of sourdough, rye, and other specialty bread, while you savour a bacon sandwich. But this is no ordinary bacon roll, it comes with manchego, pickled cucumber, aioli & cavolo nero. Other popular breakfast items include the quiche with a side salad, a classic toasted croissant, and any of the gooey melts they have.
Book here

food on table
Photo by Jenny @see.taste.do

Percy Plunkett

Penrith
There’s a reason people drive an hour for a seat at this popular cafe. It’s the deep dish pancake, or is it the lamb eggs benedict? There are so many reasons to visit this small neighbourhood cafe in Western Sydney. Inside the heritage-listed cottage, you will find millennial pink and a floral display. As for the menu, dive into a cornflake crumbed chicken burger or take on the BBQ plate, with 24 hours slow cooked BBQ style brisket, grilled chorizo, pickled onions, chips, and more. Healthy options include the Percy’s Garden Bowl which is a local favourite and comes with sweet potato falafel, pumpkin, avocado, cucumber, and tahini dressing drizzled on top. 
Book here

smashed avocado toast
Photo By Karina Arora

Paramount Coffee Project

Surry Hills
This industrial-chic cafe, with high ceilings and natural light, turns out creative diner-style -food and specialty coffee. You will find beans from local and international roasters, along with Paramount Coffee’s own brew. On the food menu, there’s a variety of dishes from savoury to sweet and healthy. The burnt fig muesli is a crowd-pleaser, however, if you’re looking to wrap your hands around something scrumptious and a little bit naughty, the fried chicken burger with soy mayo and lotus root chips should satisfy the craving. 
Book here

Lox Stock and Barrell

Bondi

There’s no doubt, Australian food is influenced by other cuisines. American cuisines have become widely popular over the last few years and this includes an iconic breakfasts staple: a bagel. Although in true Aussie fashion, we tend to lean to the healthier side of life. The smoked lox at this New York-style deli is chewy and delightful. You can choose from a Reuben style bagel to avocado or chopped liver. There is also a breakfast menu filled with yummy options such as the brioche french toast, zucchini omelette and a healthy bircher. 
Book here

Saga

Newtown
Enmore road is no stranger to packed cafes and restaurants, but Saga seems to draw in a crowd every weekend. The cosy establishment is laid back and features showstopping cakes from Hartsyard ex-pastry chef, Andy Bowdy. Here, Bowdy indulges his diners with mini versions of his cakes including the Anzac-biscuit-style granola with honey rosemary yoghurt, white peach jam, and tiramisu. All pastries are made in house, so you will have to go and see what they have available that day. They also have a menu dedicated to sandwiches; the Brekkie Sanga, the Alex B, with herb crumbed eggplant, and the Shaz, with smoked salmon, herb and lemon cream cheese, pickled fennel on an everything bagel. 
Book here

Two Chaps

Marrickville
This cafe in Marrickville opened during a time when vegan and vegetarian options were scarce in the city. Today, it thrives on locals indulging in Mediterranean salads and sandwiches. There’s not much to this cafe in terms of size. The fit-out was curated out of second-hand finds and their back to basics approach is admired. They make all their bread and pastry by hand using sustainable and organic flours. Sustainability is a major focus at Two Chaps. The menu changes, but expect to see things like kimchi and mushroom burger, chilli con jackfruit bowl, sourdough crumpets with orange labneh and coconut pancakes. 
Book here

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Sydney

All of the Sydney Food News You Need to Know

For all your Sydney food moments.

Family or friends having pizza party dinner. Flat-lay of people clinking glasses with red wine over rustic wooden table with various kinds of Italian pizza, top view. Fast food lunch, celebration (Family or friends having pizza party dinner. Flat-lay
Photo By Foxys_forest_manufacture/Getty Images

There’s plenty to celebrate this year, from new menus to restaurants throwing parties, bottomless brunches, and more.

Here, we have the latest on Sydney’s food news, from chefs taking over restaurants to limited-edition menus and feasts for all your friends to enjoy.

  • To celebrate World Gin Day, and for one week only, gin and food lovers can try nagashi-sōmen—translating to ‘flowing noodles’— which sees noodles sent down a bamboo chute for diners to collect with chopsticks. The one-off experience will be hosted at Kid Kyoto, where guests can enjoy their flowing noodles alongside a menu paired with delicious KI NO BI Gin cocktails. Purchase tickets here.
  • Tuck into a Fireball Burger
  • Feeling the cold? Fireball Whisky and Bar Luca have teamed up for the ultimate firey menu. Offered for a limited time only, head down to Bar Luca for $6 Fireball shots all day, a Fireball shot and cocktail on arrival, and an all-you-can-eat bites of the full “Blame Fireball” menu on Saturday, July 1. Book a spot here
  • For two nights only, on Tuesday the 20th and Tuesday 27th of June, Graeme Hunt, Head Chef of Sydney’s trending late-night bar and dining venue at Zaffi, will be stepping up to the kitchen at award-winning bar PS40. Pop-up guests can expect a mosaic of colourful Lebanese-inspired bar snacks paired with exclusive midweek sips made by the mastermind behind the experimental bar, Michael Chiem.
  • Fan of Cinderella? The Great Hall is transforming into The Royal Palace for an enchanting high tea from July 1-2. There will be dancing and fun, and then Cinderella will run out of the venue leaving behind her glass slipper—the search for the missing beauty will begin. Tickets for the Cinderella High Tea costs $80-85 and you can purchase them here.
  • Grill’d has dropped two new burgers, and they’re beyond anything we could have imagined. Taking inspiration from Mexico, Grilld’s two new burgers are a Zesty Mexi and Luxe Nacho Burger. The Zesty Mexi features a black bean pattie with corn chips, tasty cheese, slaw, jalapenos, and chipotle mayo mixed with green tomatillo lime salsa. For meat lovers, the Luxe Nacho Burger is the same as the Zesty Mexi, but with a premium Wagyu pattie.

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