But First, Brunch: The Best Brunch Cafés to Visit in Sydney

Brunch is an institution in Sydney, and if you’re going to take part, you’ll want to do it right. Whether it’s classic eggs Benedict, muesli topped with seasonal produce, stacks of picture-perfect pancakes or the quintessential cup of coffee, no other city does it like Sydney. If you’re stopping by and want to get a (literal) taste of Sydney’s vibrant café and brunch culture, place these establishments at the top of your list.

Frontrunners in conscious consumption, Three Blue Ducks uses local and ethically farmed products in their dishes for brunch that you can indulge in, guilt-free! With an outlet located nearby Bronte beach, enjoy a hearty bowl of coconut porridge or a generous serving of avocado, poached eggs and pepita dukkah on toasted sourdough before you head off to enjoy the sun and surf.

If you love simplicity, you’ll absolutely adore the dark minimalist interiors of Edition Coffee Roasters. Situated near Darling Drive, Haymarket, the café draws inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian cuisine for a unique and eclectic menu –– spiced eggs with puffed grains and kombu rice? Say no more. Coffee connoisseurs will also be pleased to know they serve excellent coffee, roasted in-house.

You’ve definitely heard of eggs on toast, but what about crumbed eggs on toast? This industrial-chic café  in Surry Hills serves up some of the most unforgettable, oozy crumbed eggs and other brunch delights like buttermilk fried chicken on a waffle, and oat, quinoa and linseed porridge. For your caffeine fix, they offer an array of coffee from different roasters that are sure to perk you up for the day.

Swing by Surry Hills and stop for brunch at this boutique micro roastery with a passion for coffee that runs deep. The team travels around the world to select, purchase and import coffee beans. You can even watch them roasting beans in the café, ensuring a quality cuppa each time. They also serve amazing Central and South American inspired brunch offerings like Honduran baleada - a flavourful dish featuring pinto beans, mex truffle, smoked cheese, fermented salsa and scrambled eggs in a soft flour tortilla - as well as classics like avo on rye.

With outlets at Bondi beach, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, Bills is an icon in Sydney with a history spanning two decades and a reputation for serving fresh, no-nonsense and absolutely delicious breakfast dishes. Here you can dig into freshly baked goods like brioche rolls filled with chilli fried eggs, rocket and spiced mango chutney, or decadent ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter. One word –– legendary.

With a focus on wholefoods and organic ingredients, Bread & Circus in Alexandria is the perfect brunch spot for those who keep health and wellbeing front of mind. Its menu has plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, featuring comforting brunch dishes like rainy day toast doused in organic honey-thyme-cinnamon butter, and breakfast bowls that contain ayurvedic sprouted mung dal and biodynamic yoghurt butter.

Located by the famous Bondi Beach, Porch & Parlour is a great place to grab brunch before heading to the beach to catch the perfect wave. The food is fresh, the music is on point, and the vibes are always good. Top it off with a kimchi toastie and a side of halloumi and wilted greens, or a sinful smash ‘n’ hash featuring potato rosti, poached eggs and bacon. Ahh, perfect.

A favourite amongst locals in the Chippendale area, Brickfields is a café and bakery with some of the most heavenly loaves and pastries to take home or enjoy fresh out of the oven. It is renowned for serving several varieties of sourdough bread, available for your choosing. If you aren’t in a rush, stay and indulge in toast with fig and walnut, charred eggplant sandwiches, and braised green beans with dill and feta atop a slice of toasted sourdough.

Boon Café is a cosy little café in Haymarket tucked inside a grocery store with a Thai and Western menu. We would recommend going all out with the Big Boon Breakfast, Boon Café’s spin on the usual Aussie-style Big Breakfast which includes a tasting tray of congee, skewered pork, baked eggs, organic bacon, avocado, mushrooms and sourdough. On colder days, you’ll relish the extra comforting congee (insider tip –– try the crab congee with shiitake mushrooms!).

A literal mecca for roasters, brewers and lovers of coffee alike, Mecca Alexandria is a café and roastery along Bourke Road. Pair a smooth, full-bodied cup of joe with a side of coffee cured salmon or poached eggs on toast for the ultimate brunch. If you’re around on a Saturday morning, sign yourself up for the coffee tasting session for an ultra-caffeinated experience.

Perched on the waterside, The Boathouse Balmoral overlooks the stunning Balmoral beach. Those looking for gluten-free options are in luck, with a range of delicious options including the mushroom and poached Eggs with potato rosti, roast tomato and salsa verde or the smoked salmon fritters with caviar, crème fraîche, zucchini and poached eggs. End your meal on a sweet note with buttermilk scones.

Koku Culture Café is one of those brunch spots you just can’t pass up if you find yourself near Ashfield. The café’s menu boasts an unbeatable selection of Japanese-inspired dishes such as smashed avocado on thick cut Japanese milk toast, and the fluffy-as-a-cloud brulee matcha souffle pancake.

If you’re heading to the world-famous Manly beach for the day, make sure to drop by The Pantry Manly. Located on the edge of the beach, you’ll be treated to panoramic seaside views and an amazing breakfast menu including warm buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream, and smashed avocado, ricotta and perfect poached eggs on toast.

One of Sydney’s best hidden gems for brunch, the Flying Bear Café is located on a wharf in Kirribilli. With a stunning vantage point of the cove, it is a favourite amongst the locals and unsurprisingly a well-kept secret. Here you can indulge in hearty brunch items such as beer battered fish and chips, spanner crab linguine and whole roast cauliflower with a spot of tea on the side.