The Best Cronulla Cafes To Try Now | Australian Traveller

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

Your go-to guide to the best cafes in Cronulla includes everything from early-morning coffees steps from the sand to relaxed brunch spots that stretch into lunch. Once known mainly for its surf and scenery, Cronulla’s cafes now deliver serious food, killer coffee and all-day appeal, making the beachside suburb a standout destination for locals and visitors chasing the best cafes in Cronulla.

Many young people who upped sticks to travel have returned to the Shire, opening new bars, cafes, boutiques and restaurants (we’ve got 18 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.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Grind Espresso
Hidden gem: Shelly Park Shop
Casual eats: Barefoot on the Beach
Best views: The Pines
Best outdoor dining: HAM

1. Duke’s Providore

drinks and sandwiches at Fred’s Providore, Cronulla — Duke’s Providore whips up top-notch sangas.

Make that Italian hot honey sandwich a priority at Duke’s Providore (formerly known as Fred’s Providore), the cafe I keep coming back to in Cronulla. The sanga sees two slabs of focaccia stuffed with salami, prosciutto, mortadella, nduja, heirloom tomato, Vannella stracciatella, basil and guindillas. And it haunts my dreams when I’m trying to avoid carbs. If you’re more of a granola gal or sausage and egg muffin man then Duke’s daytime menu kicks off at 7am. Grab Duke’s PLT (poached chicken, lettuce and tomato) to go and make a pledge to return to Duke’s After Hours; it’s one of the best restaurants for date night in Cronulla.

Cuisine: NY-style deli

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: It’s giving New York’s East Village.

Location:  109 Cronulla St, Cronulla

2. Pippis

an outdoor dining setup with colourful umbrellas at Pippis Cronulla — Pippis Cronulla boasts lovely water views.

You don’t want to hit the snooze button and miss breakfast when you’re meeting your mates at Pippis. Pippis Cronulla makes for some excellent people-watching and is one of the breakfast spots in Cronulla for those waterfront views. Arrive by dinghy to the cafe overlooking the marina in Gunnamatta Bay to start your day right with Eggs Your Way or Fluffy Pancakes. The buzzy spot was recently awarded its liquor license so look beyond the bounty of breakfast dishes towards lunch so you can justify that Bloody Mary or glass of bubbles. The seafood linguine is sensational.

Cuisine:  Mod Mediterranean

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic and beach-chic

Location:  2 Tonkin St, Cronulla

3. The Pines

beach views at The Pines Cronulla — Enjoy lunch by the beach. (Image: The Pines)

You can see the surfers bobbing in the sun-dappled ocean mere metres from your table at The Pines. It’s one of many reasons The Pines is such a gem. As well as being treated to glittering waterfront views, the breakfast here is one of the best on offer in the Shire. Head chef Nicholas Sum worked in close collaboration with founder James Metcalfe to finesse the offering, which gives you the feeling of being on holiday even if you live here. Push the boat out with The Pines Breakfast Burger. Or keep it simple with zucchini and sweetcorn fritters. The restaurant seats 140.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location:  Unit 1/8-18 Kingsway, Cronulla

4. Blackwood Cronulla

brunch at Blackwood Pantry Cronulla — Blackwood Pantry offers classic Sydney brunch bites.

Blackwood Pantry has been a hit since opening its doors down 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, it’s 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, sheer pink curtains, 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 and sugo and burrata pasta.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant and sophisticated

Location: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla

5. HAM

breakfast with coffee at HAM Cronulla — Kickstart your morning with a Modern Greek breakfast. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

HAM is named for brothers and owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas. Although it’s not the new kid on the block, HAM remains one of the best, evident by its enduring popularity. Trendy new apartment blocks surround the cafe where the clientele ranges from former stars of The Bachelor to past and present NRL legends. Pick up some fresh paninis. Scoop up a pastry to enjoy with coffee. Grab a loaf of Infinity sourdough to go. All in a truly pleasurable environment. Oh, and ask for a Freddo; it’s like an espresso martini without booze. Arrange a return visit to sister venue Homer Rogue Taverna.

Cuisine: Modern Greek

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location:  Shop 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla

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6. Nudo Cafe

Cronulla commuters who run on tight timetables remain grateful for the trackside location of Nudo Cafe. But the location of the cafe – housed in the heritage-listed Cronulla Train Station – is not the main reason for its success. Nudo is a top spot for surfers chasing a wave at first light, tradies grabbing breakfast on the fly and city-bound office workers who need a pick-me-up. But it’s the banh mi – one of the best in Cronulla – and the DIY salad bowls and B&E rolls that the business model is built around.

Cuisine: Modern Vietnamese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location:  Shop 4, 141R-151R Cronulla St, Cronulla

7. Grind Espresso

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

Cronulla’s cult cafe Grind is where most locals take visitors 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.

Cuisine: Classic cafe fare

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location: 14-16/2 Surf Rd, Cronulla

8. Next Door

dining at Next Door Cronulla — Next Door Cronulla serves up contemporary Australian brunch plates.

The little sister eatery to Sealevel is literally next door to this local institution. 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.

Cuisine:  Contemporary Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location: 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla

9. Sixsmith Cronulla

a cup of coffee at Sixsmith Cronulla — Sixsmith pours delicious brews.

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.

Cuisine:  Classic cafe fare like sausage rolls and mushroom toasties.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location:  143-145 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

10. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

an alfresco breakfast meal at Pilgrim’s Cronulla — Pull up a chair at Pilgrim’s Cronulla for breakfast. (Image: Demi Spaccavento)

Pilgrim’s won hearts when it gave some love to a tired old Art Deco building and transformed it into an enchanting place to eat. And while Pilgrim’s recently moved to a new spot a couple of hundred metres up the road, it’s still drawing vegos in their droves for its plant-based cuisine in good-sized portions. Go to a morning yoga class at South Cronulla, before donning your Om Shanti chic for coffee at Pilgrim’s (from 6am). Order the Bliss Burger for breakfast or brunch.

Cuisine:  Vegetarian cuisine

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Generally, it’s a jandal-friendly vibe

Location: 3 Surf Road, Cronulla

11. Barefoot on the Beach

Want to tap into the Cronulla zeitgeist? Head to Barefoot on the Beach where you’re guaranteed encounters with the many regulars who favour the early mornings. Open from sunrise, the cafe is popular with everyone from dog walkers to Shark Island Psycho Swimmers (SIPS) who arrive, still salty, after their morning loop around Shark Island. Join them under the fringed umbrellas for acai bowls and a strong brew. The menu is built around nourishing dishes like salmon bagels with cream cheese, capers and dill and comes with breathtaking views.

Cuisine:  Nourishing cafe fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic, toes-in-the-sand, salty-hair don’t care kind of attitude.

Location:  30 Gerrale St Cronulla, South Cronulla Beach complex

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12. Shelly Park Shop

a mural of a whale by @annabellelouisethomas on a wall inside Shelly Park Shop — A whale mural by @annabellelouisethomas. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

The ocean cures all. So says the mural of a whale by @annabellelouisethomas that graces one of the walls at Shelly Park Shop. I’d have to agree. My sons went to Cronulla South Public School and this corner cafe was where we stopped on our way to Shelly Park rock pool every Friday. It’s so damn wholesome it hurts. The menu at Shelly Park Shop has been reworked by owner Kim (ex-Nun’s Pool) and it’s still a popular hang for CSPS community. You’ll find hungry grommets from Sandshoes Boardriders inhaling protein bowls. Families picking up food to go for the park. And tradies defying stereotypes and tucking into salads.

Cuisine: Contemporary cafe fare

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Old-school milk bar energy

Location: 117 Ewos Parade, Sydney

13. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

dining at The Nun’s Pool, Cronulla — The light-filled restaurant is a perfect spot for special occasions. (Image: The Nun’s Pool)

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. Years after the light-filled restaurant was given a facelift by local lass Sonya Kritzler, of Kritzler+LInk, it feels elegant and up to the minute. The eatery is only open for breakfast and lunch and is popular for weddings and special occasions. Get the Nuns Spicy Breakfast, or the chilli scrambled eggs with charred corn and feta. The eatery is toward the end of South Cronulla peninsula, away from the main hub.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Light, bright and buzzy

Location:  103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

14. Bianchini’s Eloura Beach

sunset views at Bianchini’s Eloura Beach — Sip on sunset drinks after a swim. (Image: Bianchini’s Eloura Beach)

Any closer to the ocean and you’d be in it at Bianchini’s Elouera Beach. Set right above the sand and sea, this Elouera institution attracts a steady stream of locals who funnel in before or after a swim. When there’s a swell running, you can sit outside with the wind-whipped spray sending the salty air to season your smashed avo on toast. The Turkish eggs showered with dukkah spice are another great option. Sit outside to enjoy watching the crashing waves after your morning surf. The cafe welcomes walk-ins only.

Cuisine:  Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Beachy and breezy

Location:  80 Mitchell Road, Cronulla

15. Loaf

Feel the heartbeat of Cronulla at Loaf, one of the most popular cafes in Cronulla for sangas that will seduce the most carb-averse crowds. Maybe it’s the way the girls behind the counter seem to stuff extra ham and cheddar into your hambo sando. Or the fact there’s a hamper’s worth of adventurous loaded-up pun-tastic options like the Beefs Knees, Bacon me Crazy or Chick Magnet. At Australian Traveller, we also love the nostalgic menu dedicated to old-school jaffles, which guarantee a big fat hit of dopamine. Enjoy an iced matcha on a hot day or a Whitehorse coffee for the win in winter.

Cuisine:  Sangas and jaffles and salads

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Low-key and laid-back.

Location:  89 Cronulla St, Cronulla

16. Rushi

coffee and matcha drinks with sweet treats at Rushi — Enjoy your coffee or matcha with sweet treats. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

Replay your Cronulla to Kurnell ride with your MAMIL mates at Rushi while refuelling on Rushi Sushi or the signature Black Sesame Porridge. It’s no longer enough to say you’ve ‘been there and done that’ about Cronulla, as there are so many new and noteworthy things to do. Rushi is owned by long-time locals Harry and Mario Kapoulas (of HAM cafe) and brekkie is a must. The onigiri breakfast plate is a thing of beauty at Rushi, where the menu skews Japanese. Savour a meal at one of the outdoor tables and then order your coffee to go to enjoy in your KeepCup down by the sea.

Cuisine: Japanese-Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Freewheeling

Location:  2/25-35 Kingsway, Cronulla

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

A local’s guide to the best cafes in Cronulla to start your day right

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

The shortlist

1. Duke’s Providore

2. Pippis

3. The Pines

4. Blackwood Cronulla

5. HAM

6. Nudo Cafe

7. Grind Espresso

8. Next Door

9. Sixsmith Cronulla

10. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

11. Barefoot on the Beach

12. Shelly Park Shop

13. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

14. Bianchini’s Eloura Beach

15. Loaf

16. Rushi

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Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.