With the Flat White being known as our “greatest culinary export”, it is no secret that Australians love coffee.
Greek and Italian immigrants played a huge role in shaping Australia’s unique and vibrant coffee culture. They introduced cafes that combined modern technology, British-style menus and a good dose of style, making them a popular place to meet and hang out with friends.
With Melbourne having the biggest Greek population outside of Greece, it’s no surprise that it righteously claims the crown as the coffee capital. However, the bustling city of Sydney might just be next in line for the throne. From heaps of cute hole-in-the-wall cafes to big-brand coffee roasters and caffeine-fuelled institutions, there are plenty of iconic coffee spots in Sydney to check out when you’re next in the Harbour City. Here are some of our faves.
Lox Stock and Barrel – Bondi
At Lox Stock and Barrel, making coffee truly becomes an art form. Whether you’d like to experiment with fancy barista specials like the creamy mushroom latte, or prefer a simple cappuccino, you’ll be amazed by the rich and unique taste of their coffee. The cafe’s secret is their old-school piston coffee machine, that the barista operates manually with a lever. Besides great coffee, Lox Stock and Barrel serves hearty European dishes with a modern twist. Favourites are the traditional onion bagels with chopped liver, pickles and egg or a light Fattoush salad topped with nuts and za’atar.
Social Brew Cafe – Pyrmont
If you have ever been to Pyrmont, you certainly know about Social Brew Cafe. It is the centre of the village, the hub where all locals gather for coffee and one of the best known cafes in all of Sydney. As it has been voted as the best coffee shop in the city by TripAdvisor, get ready for delicious brews and brunch. From sweet pastries to mouthwatering breaky classics like smashed avo and plenty of great lunch options, the menu doesn’t disappoint! And the best part? You get to bring your dog to the pet-friendly cafe!
Cottage Point Kiosk and Boat Hire – Cottage Point
If you’re planning on spending a day in Ku Ring-Gai Chase National Park exploring its hidden beaches and lush forests, Cottage Point Kiosk and Boat Hire is the perfect spot for you. Built in 1918, it is one of the oldest riverside cottages in the area and now home to both a cosy cafe and a boat hire. After a morning cruising on Cowan Creek on one of the affordable rental vessels, enjoy a generous lunch at the outdoor venue accompanied by a delicious cup of coffee. Weekends and public holidays can get pretty busy here, so don’t forget to book a table in advance!
Dymocks Cafe – CBD
Nestled in the historic Dymocks on George Street, this cafe is the perfect place for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. Its warm and inviting atmosphere offers a calm escape from the bustling CBD and a great spot for your lunch break or a breather during an extensive shopping spree. After picking your next read, come upstairs to sit at one of the tables overlooking the book store and have a delicious cuppa while starting the first chapter. When hungry, get a tasty omelette with smoked salmon for breakfast or try the savoury crepes with lamb kofta and tabouli.
Fika – Manly
This European cafe brings the Swedish fika (“coffee break”) to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With mouthwatering baked goods and amazing brews, it has been a local favourite since its opening in 2013. Now, more than a decade later, you can find Fika in three different Sydney locations, including the original cafe and a bakery in Manly, as well as a sub branch in Bondi. Handmade Swedish food and fresh dishes are what makes Fika a favourite amongst locals, but the kitchen isn’t the only reason why the cafe attracts so many customers. Fika is more than just a place to eat and drink coffee. It’s a place where cultures meet and European traditions are brought to Australia. Come to the yearly Eurovision watch party, celebrate the North European holiday of St Lucy’s Day here or spend Midsummer eating, singing and dancing around the maypole like a real Swede.
Deluca Coffee – Marrickville
Deluca does not only supply cafes all around Sydney with high-quality roasts, but also sells its own coffee at their warehouse in Marrickville. Here, you can watch the coffee-making process up close from roasting the beans in the back to serving the finished drink. Tastes from all around the world are brought together with the different Deluca blends. Especially the Sweet Spot Blend is a favourite among many regulars here, which is a mix of beans from Colombia and Ethiopia with notes of milk chocolate, red apple and lychee. Ask for a Sweet Spot iced long black for the perfect-balanced cold brew that will give you energy for the rest of the day.
Classic Coffee – Avalon Beach
Parked on South Avalon Headland overlooking the beach, this cafe truck might be the most beautiful of all of Sydney’s coffee spots. At 6am, get your daily dose of caffeine and some yummy breakfast bites from Classic Coffee and watch the spectacular sunrise on top of the grassy cliff tops right next to the truck. Or, when the swell is huge, come here to get the best glimpse of the surfers that dare to catch 9 ft waves on the shallow reef called Little Avalon or the south end of the beach. For both locals living on the tip of Sydney’s northern peninsula and those seeking a weekend getaway on the Beaches, Classic Coffee is certainly a highlight and an experience that is more than just a quick coffee run.
Keen to know even more iconic coffee spots in Sydney and beyond? Checkout this guide on the best roasters and cafes in all of Australia.
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