The Brunch Culture in Sydney – Why It’s a Must-Try
Brunch in Sydney isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual. The late-morning affair captures the city’s spirit: casual yet elevated, health-focused yet indulgent. You’ll find menus stacked with sourdough toast, free-range eggs, acai bowls, and experimental takes on classic dishes, all complemented by some of the best coffee Australia has to offer.
What sets Sydney apart is the café’s dedication to quality—from locally sourced ingredients to expertly roasted beans. In fact, many Sydney cafes are known to roast their own blends, attracting coffee lovers from around the globe eager to experience brews made with the best coffee beans. If you’re in Sydney and skipping brunch, you’re missing out on a slice of its cultural heart.
Here are 3 standout cafes that define what it means to brunch in Sydney:
1)Bills – A Classic Favorite for Ricotta Hotcakes
Location: Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Bondi
You can’t talk about brunch in Sydney without mentioning Bills, the iconic café by Australian chef Bill Granger. Opened in 1993, Bills in Darlinghurst was one of the first cafes to transform Sydney’s brunch culture, and today, it continues to be a benchmark for the rest.
The café is globally famous for its ricotta hotcakes, creamy scrambled eggs, and corn fritters. But don’t overlook the coffee. Bills takes pride in offering smooth, rich espresso that complements its hearty brunch plates perfectly. Whether you’re sipping a flat white or a cold brew, you’ll taste some of the best coffee beans roasted to perfection.
With its light-filled interiors and a globally inspired menu, Bills makes you feel right at home while treating your taste buds to an upscale yet comforting experience.
2)The Grounds of Alexandria – Where Brunch Meets Aesthetic
Location: Alexandria
Walking into The Grounds of Alexandria feels like stepping into a fairytale garden. Housed in a former industrial precinct, this café-meets-event-space is a sensory feast. Think cobblestone paths, floral archways, live animals, market stalls, and food so photogenic it could star in a magazine spread.
Beyond its visual appeal, The Grounds is a serious player in Sydney’s coffee game. It sources the best coffee beans from around the globe and roasts them in-house. Coffee here is treated like art, with options ranging from nitro cold brews to creamy single-origin espressos.
When it comes to food, their avocado toast, fresh pastries, and breakfast boards offer a balanced combination of indulgence and nutrition. It’s the perfect place for families, dates, or anyone looking to enjoy brunch in an Instagram-worthy setting.
3)Cuckoo Callay – Bacon Lovers, Rejoice!
Location: Newtown and Surry Hills
Cuckoo Callay is the café for people who want fun, flavour, and flair with their brunch. Known for its quirky menu names and bacon-heavy dishes, it’s a cult favourite among locals.
Their legendary “Bacon Mac Daddy” and “Bacon All the Rules” put them on the map during their annual bacon festival—and they haven’t looked back since. Even if you’re not a pork fan, there are plenty of plant-based and gluten-free options to choose from.
Coffee lovers won’t be disappointed either. Cuckoo Callay takes its brew seriously, partnering with specialty roasters to bring you some of the best coffee in the Inner West. Their rotating menu of beans ensures something fresh and bold is always brewing.
Its vibrant design, fun-loving menu, and commitment to quality coffee make Cuckoo Callay one of the best brunch spots in Sydney with a true personality.
Other Noteworthy Mentions: 7 More of Sydney’s Best Cafes
While Bills, The Grounds, and Cuckoo Callay top the charts for brunch, Sydney’s café scene is overflowing with talent.
Here are 7 more that deserve a spot on your brunch bucket list:
· Single O (Surry Hills): Pioneers in specialty coffee with ethically sourced beans and a menu that changes with the seasons.
· Reuben Hills (Surry Hills): A café and micro-roastery known for experimental coffee blends and Latin-inspired brunch dishes.
· Paramount Coffee Project (Surry Hills): Minimalist design meets maximum flavour with rotating beans and inventive food pairings.
· Edition Roasters (Haymarket): Japanese-Scandinavian fusion in both food and interiors. Must-try for coffee purists.
· Mecca Coffee (Alexandria): A warehouse-style café with in-house roasting and some of the best brews in the city.
· Kurumac (Marrickville): A Japanese café with matcha lattes, teriyaki eggplant bowls, and thoughtfully brewed coffee.
· Blackwood Pantry (Cronulla): A beachside gem offering artisan coffee and a menu full of global flavours.
Each of these cafes highlights a unique aspect of Sydney’s diverse coffee scene—from rustic and earthy to sleek and modern, yet all united by a passion for the best coffee beans and exceptional service.
Final Thoughts on Sydney’s Top Brunch Cafes
Sydney’s café culture is a celebration of creativity, community, and caffeine. Whether you're chasing the fluffiest hotcakes at Bills, the aesthetic overload at The Grounds, or a cheeky bacon dish at Cuckoo Callay, one thing is certain—you’ll experience brunch at its best.
What ties all these cafés together is their unwavering commitment to serving the best coffee made from the best coffee beans. It's not just about the food or the setting—though both are stellar—but about delivering a complete experience that keeps you coming back for more.
If you’re planning a Sydney trip or even if you're a local looking for a new brunch fix, these 10 cafes promise memorable mornings and coffee worth waking up for.
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