Too late for breakfast? Too soon for lunch? Or do you just want breakfast food for lunch? Yeah that sounds about right. Brunch out in Sydney is the perfect hangover soother (definitely not scientifically proven) or just a cool pastime to get out and absorb the local culture. We’ve picked our favourite spots to brunch at in and around Sydney!
Excelsior Jones
While out in the Western suburb of Ashfield, it’s almost compulsory to visit Excelsior Jones. Despite sitting around mostly residential buildings this diner takes you to deep Japan and right back to Sydney in a single mouthful. The Momofuku bowl is a celebration of Japanese health foods in a single serving; while the toasties are typically loaded with meat.
Address: 139A Queen Street, Ashfield
Phone: (02) 9799 3240
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm
Kepos Street Kitchen
Award-winning chef, Michael Rantissi serves up modern Israeli breakfast right here on the corners of Redfern. After your obligatory shakshuka don’t be surprised if you take home a jar of olives as they look so divine. Oh and if the mood takes you there, the wine list reads like a tribute to some of Europe’s best vineyards.
Address: 96 Kepos Street, Redfern
Phone: (02) 9319 3919
Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am – 3 pm
Social Hideout
Outwardly facing as a ‘pretty café’ the Social Hideout is certainly insta-worthy with its vibrant colour scheme and equally as eye-catching food. This is perhaps defined by the large purple milkshakes or even the pink taro hotcakes. Although, pretty much everything on the menu is luminous – making it a decent first or second date spot if you want some good social media content.
Address: 2a/20 Victoria Road, Parramatta
Phone: (02) 8677 52266
Hours: Monday – Friday 6 am – 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.30 am – 3 pm
Cornersmith
Cornersmith isn’t just a great spot for coffee and food, but a decent place to better your skills in the kitchen. The cooking school isn’t just about making delicious food but how to do so sustainably! If that’s not your thing however you can enjoy the seasonal menu which changes, but remains awesome!
Address: 88 View Street, Annandale
Phone: (02) 8084 8144
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am- 2 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am- 2 pm
Went to See The Gypsy
It’s another example of how industrial spaces can be re-utilised and given a new life. Went to See the Gypsy is takes breakfast and coffee by the hands and promptly gives it a frim shake. The salted pistachio espressos are experimental but don’t half get your engine running in the morning.
Address: Shop 1, 76 Mitchell Road Alexandria
Phone: (02) 9319 2826
Hours: Wednesday- Friday 7 am – 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Bills
Bill Granger couldn’t predict the influence his first brunch spot on Bondi beach would have when he opened it up in 1993. Now a fledgling brand with outlets all across Sydney and some as far away as Seoul, Tokyo, and London – it’s truly spreading the Australian culture. The original store here continues to celebrate good portions for breakfast and refreshing plates for those sun-drenched beach days.
Address: 79 Hall Street, Bondi
Phone: 02 8412 0700
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.30 am – 10 pm
Benzin
Taking its name from the German word for fuel, Benzin is serving up the food to keep you going throughout the day. If that’s the fresh acai bowl with granola or the infamous Benzin eggs; you can relax in this suburban brunch spot knowing you’ll be set for the day.
Address: 1/242 New Line Road, Dural
Phone: (02) 9653 9370
Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 4 pm, Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Oceans
As if you needed a reason to visit the beautiful Northern beaches in Sydney; but Oceans in Narrabeen is one anyway. The rich wood tables complement the jazzy polished walls; while the food does more than match the spirit. Given you can see the shores breaking from your table; there’s plenty of seafood to go around – yet the ‘Oceans Lot’ is arguably the main event as a gorge-friendly option.
Address: Corner Ocean Road & Malcolm Street, Narrabeen
Phone: (02) 9970 6262
Hours: Monday 6 am – 3 pm, Tuesday- Friday 6 am – 7.30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7 am – 7.30 pm
Nour
If you want an indulgent brunch or dinner, then you should look no further, or Nour further than Nour. (Seriously though, this place is great). Upscaled Lebanese food takes centre stage as the restaurant takes a friendly approach to an otherwise unknown cuisine. Eggs cooked in multiple ways can be washed down with various cocktails served in teapots and other unusual receptacles.
Address: 45 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Phone: 02 9331 3413
Hours: Sunday 10 am – 2.30 pm
Fika Swedish Kitchen
This Nordic bakery makes it a point to tell you they don’t just bake the desserts, but they make everything from scratch. That means forming every meatball, bludgeoning the lingonberries for various dips, and of course, hand-rolling the dough for their bread. You can’t argue with them either, the food tastes fresh and delicious here at Fika.
Address: 58 Market Lane, Manly
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm
Three Blue Ducks
The Three Ducks was founded by five best friends who wanted to share their culinary experiences with sustainable practice. Three Blue Ducks were founded on these ethical considerations and has since grown beyond its initial Sydney reach with branches now in Brisbane and Melbourne too! Swing by to see what the seasonal menu offers, but you can’t go wrong with the black rice and coconut porridge!
Address: The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale
Phone: (02) 6190 8966
Hours: Monday- Wednesday 7.30 am – 3.00 pm, Thursday – Sunday 7:30am – 7:30p,
Goodfields Eatery
Goodfields Eatery boasts an outrageously lavish and gorgeous menu with something for everyone, perfect if your friends or family are fussy eaters. That means you can have a steak, avocado on toast and a seared tuna salad all turn up to your table at the same time – as the menu is the same all day.
Address: Shop 4/5 Lindfield Avenue, Lindfield
Phone: (02) 9415 6716
Hours: Monday- Sunday 6 am – 5 pm
Fratelli Paradiso
Authentic Italian fare is served up here at Fratelli Paradiso but in a casual manner; inviting all to enjoy such pleasures. The pasta dishes are rich and varied; with variations including chicken, fish, and even dry-aged rib-eye steak. The Italian cheeseboard however is revered as an absolute classic.
Address: Bakery 12-16 Challis Avenue, Potts Point
Phone: (02) 9063 8180
Hours: Tuesday- Thursday 5 pm- late, Friday & Saturday 12 pm- late
Lox Stock and Barrel
Just a few metres away from Bondi Beach, Lox Stock & Barrel has become a must-visit for those looking for a nosh before or after catching some rays by the sea. The lightly smoked trout sits well given the proximity to the ocean. Or if you’re in a dash to get home, you can pick up a ready-made meal to simply cook or reheat at home – including the popular Sri Lankan Beef curry.
Address: 140 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach
Phone: (02) 9300 0368
Hours: Monday- Thursday 7 am – 2.30 pm, Friday & Saturday 7 am- 9,30 pm, Sunday 7 am – 2.30 pm
Shuk
How does Israeli breakfast sound? Shuk might on the surface be just that, but is described as a collaboration of creatives trying to find their way together in the culinary world. If you don’t buy that, however, they still make a fabulous shakshuka and some marvellous loaves of bread just down the road at the Shuk bakery.
Address: 2 Mitchell Street, North Bondi
Phone: 0423 199 859
Hours: Monday- Friday 6 am- 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 6 am- 5 pm
Single O
Single O has an unreserved and unapologetic approach to coffee. It needs to be socially responsible and as a by-product; delicious. This ethical stance has led to a cult following among its supporters. While the whole menu should be devoured over time, we recommend the Amato Pork toastie which is delicious from the first to the last bite.
Address: 60- 64 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 9211 0655
Hours: Monday – Friday 6.30 am – 4 pm, Saturday 7.30 am – 3 pm, Sunday 8 am – 3 pm
Lankan Filling Station
Sri Lankan cuisine is celebrated here in a casual fashion. The space is small, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment – yet they do tuck a table or two away for walk-ins. There’s an obligation to try the hopper dishes as it is their specialty, although you could go to one of the revered monthly crab curry banquet events.
Address: Ground Floor/ 58 Riley Street, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 8542 9936
Hours: Tuesday- Friday 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 11 am- 10 pm, Sunday 11 am- 3 pm
Smalls Deli
Have sandwiches ever been this good? Small’s Deli transforms the lunchtime snack into a scrumptious and fresh treat with a great variety of paninis and baguettes loaded with fine cheese, meat and vegetables.
Address: 166 Victoria Street
Phone: (02) 8592 5597
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 7.30 am – 3 pm, Sunday 7.30 am – 2 pm
Reuben Hills
Up on Albion Street in Sunny Hills, Reuben Hills has quickly become one of the most popular spots to eat brunch in Sydney. There’s South American influences afoot with lamb tacos, baked eggs and a whole lot more. The coffee isn’t bad either, considering they roast a good percentage of it on site; making a great pitstop for your morning boost.
Address: 61 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 9211 5556
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 4 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.10 am- 4 pm
Dead Ringer
Dead Ringer is the perfect spot for a date or with your best mate to share a deep meaningful conversation with. This casual neighborhood restaurant champions sharing plates, including the set-sharer menu which features some delightful smoked salmon. If you’re in the mood for a tipple, then you can go no wrong here with a very well-stocked bar for great wines and cocktails.
Address: 413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 9046 8460
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 3 pm
The Grounds of Alexandria
The exposed-brick interior oozes class and sophistication across the entire building as lunch is taken to new levels at the Grounds of Alexandria. Choose from one of three on-site restaurants to eat at which will entice your tastebuds usually with aromatic flavours. The high tea bookings are a perfect gift for the lady of your life; or anyone else who likes high-end tea!
Address: Building 7a 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
Phone: (02) 9699 2225
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 8.30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7. 30 am – 8.30 pm
Room 10
This small café is an ideal spot for an informal early afternoon meal. The menu runs all day so even if you’re a little late you can still enjoy the breakfast rice after noon, or if you’re in the mood for meat; the slow-cooked brisket sandwich tends to lure in the casual diner.
Address: 10 Llankelly Place, Potts Point
Phone: 0432 445 342
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 7 am- 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 3 pm
Yellow
Never has a restaurant’s exterior been more befitting than Yellow. Vibrant yellow paint adorns the outside walls, just a pointer as to what you can expect inside, or is it? For Yellow is creating vegetarian/vegan fine dining is a reality with real flavour. The vegan six-course taster meu has made waves across Sydney for its heirloom tomato with chickpea miso. Be sure to book ahead as this place has become very popular and tables are hard to come by.
Address: 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point
Phone: (02) 9882 2344
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 6 pm- 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
Meet Gerard
Working directly with the local award-winning roasters, Coffee Alchemy; the guys in Alexandria at Meet Gerard are quick to point out their civic pride and champion produce from the vicinity. The bright interior compliments its corner placement and when the weather permits is a great place to sit out with your fruity granola bowl.
Address: 54 Henderson Road Alexandria
Phone: (02) 8021 7211
Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am- 4 pm
Kurumac
Translated from the Japanese for ‘Cool Mac’, Kurumac might look plain from the outside but is truly just paying homage to the West Tokyo cafes with its neat lines aesthetic. As you’d expect, there’s onigiri, soba noodles among other great Asian-inspired dishes. What you might not expect is that the speakers play exclusively jazz and hip-hop.
Address: 107 Addison Road, Marrickville
Phone: (02) 8593 9449
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3.30 pm
Blackwood Pantry
Down in the sun-soaked beaches of South Cronulla sits Blackwood Pantry and emphasizes the experience factor as they aim to treat everyone like their ‘best mates’. The food is great too with influences from European fare blended with the best from Australia, this will get you coming back for more.
Address: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla
Phone: (02) 9544 4857
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm
Looks like these have closed:
Efendy, Brickfields,
So they have been omitted.
Cavalier 2.0 – this is temporarily closed, if it re-opens I can write this one up for you another time.
