7 Of The Best Cronulla Cafes To Try Now

The ultimate guide to the best cafes in Cronulla, the beach-chic suburb in the Sutherland Shire.

The best of Cronulla’s cafes offer a range of diverse experiences, from toes-in-the-sand ristrettos at sunrise to a long brunch that turns into lunch. There’s been a quiet shift in the Sutherland Shire locale over the past few decades and the suburb is now known for more than its perennial good looks and lifestyle.

the bustling esplanade in Cronulla filled with crowds of people — Start your day right with a walk along Cronulla Esplanade followed by breakfast.

Many young people who upped sticks to travel have returned to the Shire, finding their rhythm and adding impetus to the area by opening new bars, cafes, boutiques and restaurants (we’ve got 13 of the best restaurants listed here). Whether you’re in the mood for smashed avo on toast, eggs cooked your way, or pancakes with perfect views, here are some of the best cafes to enjoy them at in Cronulla.

1. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

The Nun’s Pool is one of the Shire’s OGs. The beautiful sunny space remains an exciting spot to brunch or lunch decades after it first opened. The light-filled restaurant was given a facelift by local lass Sonya Kritzler, of Kritzler+LInk, who has given it a more contemporary feel. The eatery is only open for breakfast and lunch and is popular for weddings and special occasions. Get the Nuns Spicy Big Boy burger, or the chilli fried eggs with roasted chilli, charred corn and goat’s cheese. The eatery is located toward the end of the South Cronulla peninsula, away from the main hub.

Best for: Chilli fried eggs. Drool.
Address: 103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla.

2. Grind Espresso

Cronulla’s cult cafe Grind is the one most locals would take visitors to in order to show off the suburb’s specialty caffeine credentials. The latest incarnation of Richard Calabro’s award-winning cafe is the kind of place where you can down an espresso at the bar, or pause over the communal countertop near the footpath to froth over your latte art. The cafe has all the gear – AeroPresses, siphons etc. – and single O beans on rotation.

Best for: Double espressos and a croissant.
Address: 14-16/2 Surf Rd, Cronulla

a cup of coffee at Grind Espresso — Get your caffeine fix at Grind Espresso.

3. Blackwood Cronulla

Blackwood has been a hit since opening its doors in a graffiti-clad lane in 2017. Chef Rob Lechowicz spent the best part of a decade working in Michelin-starred restaurants before returning to the Sutherland Shire to open the cafe. These days, Blackwood Cronulla is considered one of Sydney’s best places for brunch. Design firm Luchetti Krelle is behind the somewhat Brutalist interiors, which have been softened with pastel hues, timber tones and moody lighting. It’s mobbed by locals and in-the-know weekenders for its coffee and dishes like truffled chilli scrambled eggs.

Best for: Truffled chilli scrambled eggs.
Address: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla

Blackwood Cronulla is an atmospheric place with sheer mauve curtains and concrete floors — Blackwood Cronulla is a comfortable place to linger over breakfast or brunch.

4. Next Door

The little sister eatery to Sealevel is literally next door to the landmark seafood restaurant. Next Door is run by the next-gen members of the Allouche family who grew up waiting tables at Sealevel. and is a popular place to enjoy brunch, lunch or an early wine-down dinner. Next Door has views of local surf break, The Alley, and for that reason is popular with young surfers who converge here post-surf on Sundays to listen to live music and down cocktails. There’s no better place to get a sense of Cronulla’s laidback seaside holiday village vibe than over a plate of crumbed flathead tacos and char-grilled octopus.

Best for: Getting the gang together for a Sunday brunch that turns into a session.
Address: 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla

Eggs and avocado on toast and a cup of coffee — Enjoy eggs on sourdough and specialty coffee at Next Door Cronulla.

5. Sixsmith Cronulla

Any cafe that ranks on a list of Australia’s best cheese toasties is worthy of inclusion in a round-up of Cronulla’s best cafes. Sixsmith Cafe is the little neighbourhood cafe that could. It’s where you see local Shoes surfers such as Johnno and Fez waxing lyrical about the latest Sandshoes Boardrider’s comp. Or members of the Jellybeans swimming group warming up over rounds of coffee. The pet-friendly cafe is located on the South Cronulla peninsula, away from all the crazy summer crowds and chaos. There are take-home meals in the fridge and a pantry of gourmet items to pick up for a beach picnic.

Best for: Sausage rolls and cheese toasties.
Address: 143-145 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

a plate of scones and jams in a rustic garden setting — Sixsmith Cafe in Cronulla sources much of its produce from the garden.

6. HAM

HAM is an acronym for the names of brothers and owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas. Although it’s not the new kid on the block, HAM is one of the best as testified by its enduring popularity. Trendy new apartment blocks surround the cafe where the clientele ranges from former stars of The Bachelor, and Big Brother, to past and present NRL legends. Pick up some cheeses from the cabinet, or fresh paninis. Scoop up a pastry to enjoy with coffee. All in a truly pleasurable environment. Oh, and ask for a Freddo. It’s like an espresso martini without liquor.

Best for: Frothing on a Freddo and a panini. Grab a loaf of Infinity sourdough to go.
Address: Shop 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla

7. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

Pilgrim’s won hearts in Cronulla from the get-go when it gave some love to a tired old Art Deco building and transformed it into an enchanting place to eat. Basically, Pilgrim’s is legendary in vegetarian circles all the way down to the South Coast thanks to the chefs who love to carve up vegetarian dishes in good-sized portions. It’s more bona fide boho than Om Shanti chic. The meat-free Mexican nights are also a must from Thursday-Saturday for both vegetarians and carnivores. Licensed for wine only.

Best for: Bliss Burger for breakfast or brunch.
Address: 97 Gerrale St, Cronulla

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

7 of the best cafes in Cronulla to start your day right