The coffee and cafe culture in Sydney has boomed over the last few years. Locals and visitors alike are now spoiled by a way of life that’s all about enjoying coffee in the trendiest of places. Coffee brewers and roasters have risen to the challenge of standing out.
Through socially minded economic sourcing, they’re making sure to support their customers and communities by taking a climate-first approach. Sydney’s vibrant coffee shops are helping protect farmers while also showcasing their flavours to the world. From walk-up bars to fully immersive experiences, these are the top cafes in Sydney.
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Kingswood Coffee
Speciality roasts made in-house for the perfect cup
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Kingswood Coffee opened in 2014 in the Central Business District of Sydney. This speciality coffee bar prides itself on roasting their own coffee beans in-house. They also sell beans in-store and online and even supply coffee to other select cafes across Australia.
Coffee lovers can purchase Kingswood Coffee blends online as well as browse through other coffee-brewing accessories such as drippers. They’ve now expanded to 3 different locations for you to visit, all offering delicious pastry items from local bakeries, which are the perfect accompaniment to any drink on the menu.
Location: World Square, 395 Pitt St., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: +61 (0)4 4777 7567
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Normcore Coffee Roasters
Where 'Damn good coffee' is the standard
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The name Normcore is a combination of ‘Normal’ and ‘Hardcore’. This represents the robust, can-do attitude that Normcore Coffee Roasters have every day to meet the coffee needs of their community. Their motto, ‘Damn good coffee’, is what they aim to serve you in their cafes.
Opening in 2016, Normcore started with just a handful of coffee professionals and has now grown to supplying their signature beans to coffee shops all over Australia. They also hold training for baristas to improve their coffee-making skills, host their own awards, and frequently participate in different coffee competitions across Australia. Their logo features the platypus, which is uniquely native to Australia.
Location: 209 Castlereagh St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 2pm
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Gumption by Coffee Alchemy
Gumption steeped in every cup
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Just like their name states, it takes a little bit of gumption in every step these coffee experts take to provide you with a high-quality experience. From the land that’s carefully picked to grow speciality coffee to the baristas that serve the perfect cup, Gumption by Coffee Alchemy makes sure to go above and beyond.
You can rest easy knowing that Gumption only purchases fair trade coffee. They also ensure they maintain close relationships with farmers, supporting them as an essential part of the Coffee Alchemy family. Check out their online store for coffee goodies such as cups, magazines, and different Gumption blends.
Location: Shop 11, The Strand Arcade, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 8.30 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 11am to 3 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9516 1997
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Mecca Coffee
Speciality coffee flavours inspired by farmers
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Mecca Coffee started in 2005 when the owners set out to find the answers to questions we now feel are commonplace in cafe culture, such as 'Where did the roast come from?' or 'How was it grown?' When they found that the origins of coffee were often murky or hard to trace, they set out to change the game around brews and make an ethical impact in the coffee community.
Mecca Coffee works directly with farmers in Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Mexico, to name a few. They create unique blends, showcasing the life and culture of each place. Explore their delicious selection knowing that sustainability is at the forefront of everything Mecca Coffee does. You can even purchase their signature blends on their website along with other branded merchandise.
Location: 67 King St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 6 am to 3 pm
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Room Ten
Grab a cup of coffee and a delicious bite
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Located in the Potts Point neighbourhood, this cafe is the perfect spot for coffee and a bite to eat. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee to go, or looking for a new breakfast place, you won’t be disappointed choosing Room Ten.
Along with handcrafted coffee and espresso beverages, Room Ten also boasts a full menu with breakfast and lunch options, like the rejuvenating kale and lentil salad. Their smashed avocado toast is a favourite among the locals. Room Ten also features a refreshing almond cold brew with maple and cinnamon.
Location: 10 Llankelly Place, Potts Point New South Wales 2011, Australia
Open: Monday–Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 7251 8025
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Artificer Coffee
A sophisticated coffee bar and roastery
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Artificer Coffee can be found in the Surry Hills area and has a traditional Joper roaster located in the cafe. Artificer Coffee roasts their own beans in-house and you know each cup has been brewed to perfection. They have an innovative stand-up bar, allowing you to get an up close and personal view of their coffees being made.
Blends here change with the seasons, so you know that only the best and freshest grounds are used for their coffee. Artificer Coffee has partnered with Grumpy Donuts, meaning a tempting selection of treats is available to complement their coffees.
Location: 547 Bourke St., Surrey Hills, Sydney, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 1 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm
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Single O Surry Hills
Surry Hills’s local cafe
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Originally known as Single Origin Roasters, this local cafe now goes by Single O Surry Hills. They have been sourcing socially and environmentally sound coffee beans from around the world for the last 18 years.
This cafe prides itself on not just serving delicious coffee to the community but also on the impact they are making in the world. With their 'No Death to Coffee' initiative, they have raised funds to fight climate change. You can go on a round-the-world tasting journey of unique and exotic flavourings or even purchase these roasts online to enjoy them at home.
Location: 60-64 Reservoir St., Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 3.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9211 0665
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Reuben Hills
Coffee and food from around the world
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A micro-roastery nestled in Surry Hills, Reuben Hills produces unique blends for not only their cafe, but other cafes around Australia. They’ve travelled around the world to meet with coffee farmers and have created a seasonal coffee and food menu that showcases their commitment to variety and sustainability.
Their food menu is brimming with flavours from around the globe and only offers the freshest ingredients. Reuben Hills offers both classic coffees and their own funky blends, as well as coffee-free options, such as a Nutella Hot Chocolate and a Ginger Turmeric Latte.
Location: 61 Albion St., Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30 am to 4 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9211 5556
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Grounds of Alexandria
An immersive coffee shop experience
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The Grounds of Alexandria is no ordinary cafe. The space has been transformed to house immersive art and events such as ‘Disney at the Grounds’ and an interactive dinosaur show.
Both locals and those visiting Australia love this spot for the many events and activities that are held here. Along with great coffee, The Grounds of Alexandria also houses a full restaurant. You can even enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Make sure to check out their calendar for upcoming events.
Location: Building 7a, 2 Huntley St., Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia
Open: Monday–Thursday from 7 am to 9 pm, Friday from 7 am to 9.30 pm, Saturday 7.30 am to 9.30 pm, Sunday 7.30 am to 9 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9699 2225
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Ona Sydney
Coffee made by champions
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Founded by former Olympic handball player Sasa Sestic in his garage, Ona Sydney has grown to 5 different spaces across Australia. Sestic’s goal was to create the best and most sustainable coffee in the world. He’s certainly on his way. Partnering with Project Origin, Ona Sydney sources only the best ethically grown green beans for their cafes.
Their baristas have also won numerous awards and championships. You know you’re in the best hands when getting a cup of coffee here.
Location: 140 Marrickville Rd., Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7.30 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 4pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 6162 3321
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