16 Excellent Surry Hills Cafes To Try Now

The dynamic cafe culture in Surry Hills sees both classic brunch favourites and eclectic, experimental breakfast dishes thrive.

Sydney embraces mornings wholeheartedly, and there’s no better place to start the day than with the vibrant and thriving cafe culture in trendy Surry Hills. While the Surry Hills restaurant scene transforms the area by night, there’s something for everyone here in the mornings too – you’ll find bustling cafes overspilling onto footpaths, friendly banter with baristas who have serious coffee knowledge, and an artsy and industrial atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors eagerly coming back for more. Whether you like a macchiato when you get up with the sun, or prefer long lazy brunches that begin at midday, the cafe scene here has got a wealth of options for you. Read on for our suggestions.

1. A.P Bakery

Best for: freshly baked bread and pastries in a sunny rooftop urban oasis.
Price: $-$$

To find A.P. Bakery , head through the ground floor of Paramount House and up the elevator to the rooftop, where you’ll be met with views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and an energetic and cosmopolitan vibe. In the impressive bakery you’ll find bread, pastries, cakes and pies made with the freshest, sustainable, high-quality goods.

On the breakfast menu we recommend the hot pocket, a gruyere, asiago and cheddar blend with onion, tomato and mustard melted into a pizza bianca pocket, as well as the LP’s smoked brisket bagel, served with potato chips. There’s simply too many baked treats to choose from, so rather than panic, it’s best to accept you’ll need to take a selection away with you. It gets busy, so be prepared for lines out the door if you arrive after 11 am on the weekend.

Address: A.P Bakery, L2/80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

2. Reuben Hills

Best for: excellent coffee and South American-inspired food.
Price: $$

Reuben Hills turns 12 this year, and the boutique specialty roastery has been sharing their passion and enthusiasm for coffee in Surry Hills since day one. Their all-day brunch menu is inspired by trips to Central and South America, and Africa, and is updated regularly to reflect local seasonal produce. As well as roasting their beans onsite, Reuben Hills proudly supports its coffee producers and believes in industry sustainability and accountability. And, as a bonus, they’re dog-friendly!

The cafe interior of Reuben Hills in Surry Hills, Sydney — Reuben Hills has been serving its boutique specialty coffee for over a decade.

Address: Reuben Hills, 61 Albion St, Surry Hills

3. Sticky Fingers

Best for: Asian fusion brunch options and quality coffee.
Price: $$

Sticky Fingers love what they do, and are dedicated to creating excellent experiences for their Surry Hills customers that go above and beyond expectations. They do this by bringing together a lively city atmosphere, consistent service that makes each customer feel known, and a unique menu that infuses modern classics with an Asian twist.

food and drinks on the table at Sticky Fingers, Surry Hills — The cafe infuses an Asian twist into all its creations.

Signature menu items include the super green bowl, pulled beef benedict and chilli momo (Nepalese dumplings). The coffee tastes as good as the food, with Marrickville’s golden Cobra beans on offer.

a close-up of food on the plate with coffee on the table at Sticky Fingers, Surry Hills — Decadent breakfast favourites also feature on the menu.

Address: Sticky Fingers, 23 Pelican St, Surry Hills

4. Paramount Coffee Project

Best for: interesting seasonal, local food in a striking setting.
Price: $$

The striking high ceilings, airy light-filled space and sleek wooden tables give Surry Hills’ Paramount Coffee Project cafe an elegance that makes you want to linger over your coffee and take it all in.

the cafe interior at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Nab a spot inside the light-filled space at Paramount Coffee Project.

When it first opened in 2013, the plan had been to create a place to showcase high-quality coffee; the team delivered on this goal, with local and international roasters rotated regularly.

a glass of coffee shake at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Try Paramount’s signature creamy coffee shake.

There’s a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients, including favourites like crumbed eggs on toast and fried chicken waffles.

a close-up shot of waffles on a plate at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Breakfasts don’t come heartier than Paramount’s fried chicken waffles.

While service is quick, be warned that it may be a long wait for a table: best to arrive early.

Paramount Coffee Project's crumbed eggs — The crumbed eggs are a real crowd-pleaser.

Address: Paramount Coffee Project, 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

5. Bills

Best for: classic Australian brunch dishes.
Price: $$

Looking for Bills on Surry Hills’ Crown Street ? The bustling crowd waiting out front will let you know that you’ve arrived. Bills is synonymous with simple, fresh and delicious dishes that embody Australian cuisine, and customers flock for the brunch classics like fluffy ricotta hotcakes, corn fritters, and creamy scrambled eggs.

Bills' fluffy ricotta hotcakes — Treat yourself to Bills’ fluffy ricotta hotcakes. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Big Italian windows, dreamy filtering sunlight and pops of green throughout, make Bills the perfect place to gather with friends to tuck into crowd favourites while drinking a Single O coffee (or passion fruit bellini).

Address: Bills, 355 Crown St, Surry Hills

6. Neighbourhood

Best for: consistently excellent coffee.
Price: $

A short wander up from Central station in Surry Hills and you’ll find blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Neighbourhood, the hole-in-the-wall cafe that knows coffee back to front.

Baristas at Neighbourhood cafe in Surry Hills — The baristas at Neighbourhood serve consistently excellent coffee.

The space may be small, but the coffee is outstanding. With only a few seats out front, we recommend grabbing a take-away coffee and daily baked treat, and heading across to a bench in Prince Alfred Park to savour the moment.

A cup of coffee served at Neighbourhood cafe in Surry Hills — The coffee here is outstanding.

Address: 16 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills

7. Kentaro

Best for: enjoy a Japanese fusion menu whilst seated in a quiet, leafy street.
Price: $-$$

Located on leafy Bourke Street and tucked away from the frenetic energy of the main hub of Surry Hills, Kentaro embraces a more relaxed atmosphere with a rustic, industrial look. Kentaro’s menu embodies Japanese fusion, and while you’ll recognise some menu favourites like the katsu sandwich from big sister cafe, Cafe Oratnek, you’ll also fall in love with the matcha French toast and Japanese poutine. Chef Kenny’s mantra of ‘make it fresh today, make it fresh tomorrow’ means that all food is prepared fresh.

Address: Cafe Kentaro, 616 Bourke St, Surry Hills

8. Single O

Best for: single-origin coffee and brunch classics with a twist.
Price: $$

Single O in Surry Hills changed Sydney’s coffee scene when it first opened in 2003, and this passionate coffee stalwart has been a crowd favourite ever since.

the Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — It’s the cafe that single-handedly changed Sydney’s coffee scene. (Image: Tom Ferguson)

People flock for the single-origin coffee, yes, as well as their tasty seasonal breakfast and lunch menu. Stop by Sideshow, their specialty brew bar next door, for their espresso of the week.

getting coffee on tap at Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — Stop by the brew bar on the block at Single O.

Already planning your next coffee on your way out their door? Why not sign up for their coffee subscription? An added bonus? Their commitment to sustainable practices means they’re on track to be certified by Bcorp.

a person holding a cup of coffee at Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — Single O is a go-to spot for a coffee run in Sydney. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Address: Single O, 60/64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills

9. Soul Deli

Best for: Korean-inspired brunch at a funky cafe-deli.
Price: $$

Soul Deli’s catch cry is that they’re all about ‘bold flavours and big smiles’, and they sure do deliver with their Korean deli, shop and cafe. Located inside the Adge Hotel in Surry Hills, Soul Deli brings the fun vibes and a splash of colour.

As well as breakfast favourites, the menu showcases a clear Korean influence with smashed avo and white kimchi, Korean chicken porridge and a range of Soul bowls. There’s an extensive drinks menu of coffee, teas, special lattes and sodas – and don’t forget to pick up a tasty Korean donut.

Address: Soul Deli, 1/212 Riley St, Surry Hills

10. Malika Bakehouse

Best for: lingering over a Turkish breakfast.
Price: $-$$

A cheerful pop of colour first greets you when you walk through the door of Malika Bakehouse in Surry Hills, followed by an equally cheerful greeting by the friendly staff. Owners Efe Topuzlu and Ozgur Sefkatli want to make sure their customers are able to embrace the ritual of breakfast, and it’s not hard with a delicious menu to choose from.

an array of food on the table at Malika Bakehouse — You’ve got plenty to choose from on the menu. (Image: Katje Ford)

Think Turkish breakfast, baklava, menemen, tahini granola, with a range of borek on offer. There’s plenty of seating too, both inside and out of the pavement. ‘Malika’ is Turkish for ‘queen’ which makes sense, because the food here really is fit for the royal court.

people dining outside Malika Bakehouse — Malika Bakehouse is a sunny Surry Hills hot spot. (Image: Katje Ford)

Address: Malika Bakehouse, 515 Crown St, Surry Hills

11. Shift Eatery

Best for: Vegan cafe/deli with outdoor seating.
Price: $-$$

Shift Eatery’s name comes from their desire to make the shift to trying and eating vegan food as seamless as possible. At Shift, you’ll find both a shop and deli, with the option to eat outside. Everything on the menu is vegan, and gluten-free bread is available at no extra cost. Expect an all-day breakfast, toasties, fresh bowls and salads.

a close-up shot of a salad bowl on the table at Shift Eatery, Surry Hills — A tasty salad bowl from Shift Eatery just hits the spot.

Why not try the vegan salmon bagel, with house-made tomato lox with nori and cream cheese, or the meetball sub with vegan meatballs, house-made marinara sauce and vegan parmesan cheese? The excellent coffee is by Byron Bay’s Marvell St Coffee Roasters.

a carrot banh mi sandwich on a plate — Be sure to try their version of a carrot banh mi sandwich.

Address: Shift Eatery, 4/241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

12. Lode Pies and Pastries

Best for: mouth-watering pastries and pies that melt in your mouth.
Price: $-$$

Stepping inside Lode Pies and Pastries in Surry Hills is a delight for the senses, where the delectable aroma of high-end freshly baked inventive creations meets a dreamy soft colour palette of pinks and greys.

This isn’t your average bakery – food here is a work of art. Using only the very best ingredients, Lode embraces a fresh approach to viennoiserie and the craft of layering butter and dough to deliver refined and elegant products.

While it’s a small space, there’s outdoor seating available. Lode’s popularity means things often sell out – we suggest getting there before midday to ensure you’re able to grab your favourites.

Address: Lode Pies and Pastries, 487 Crown St, Surry Hills

13. Meet Mica

Best for: innovative, delicious brunch choices with a Japanese influence.

Price: $$

Meet Mica was voted in the top 20 cafes in Sydney by the Good Food Guide in 2018 and 2019, and it is easy to see why. This light-filled, welcoming cafe serves interesting and delicious dishes that pack a punch.

Think about ordering the matcha French lava toast with condensed milk, the signature lobster congee, or one of the bento boxes. They also have a special menu for more brunch options.

Meet Mica’s thorough drinks menu features excellent coffee, as well as house iced tea and Japanese lattes.

Address: Meet Mica, 5/492-500 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills

14. Berto’s Espresso

Best for: cafe street seating to people-watch over a classic brunch.

Price: $-$$

With sunny vibes and minimalist decor, friendly service, and tables on the street, Berto’s Espresso in Surry Hills is where to go for a relaxed and casual brunch. The welcoming atmosphere pairs well with the smooth coffee on offer. Expect brunch favourites, sandwiches and salads. Keep an eye out for the weekly special, where you’ll find tasty plates like smoked salmon Florentine and miso mushroom.

Address: Berto’s Espresso, 536 Crown St, Surry Hills

15. Four Ate Five

Best for: friendly service and satisfying Middle Eastern meals.

Price: $-$$

At Four Ate Five , you’ll find a casual, homely feel with a strong sense of community – the walls feature art by local Surry Hills artists.

Breakfast dish at Four Ate Five — Taste your way around the Middle Eastern-inspired menu at Four Ate Five.

Head here if you’re hankering for a Middle East-influenced menu, think shakshuka and makhlama, beef kofta and healthy salads. Grab a Single O coffee and a seat outside to embrace the local atmosphere.

Exterior of Four Ate Five — The lively Four Ate Five cafe is a local hangout for a reason.

Address: Four Ate Five, 485 Crown St, Surry Hills

16. Blacksmith

Best for: classic brunch favourites in a well-designed space.

Price: $-$$

The first thing you’ll notice at Blacksmith in Surry Hills is their commitment to embodying the blacksmith aesthetic – it feels like you’re stepping straight into a smithy workshop. With metal-framed windows, dark studded timber tables and hanging chains, you almost expect a blacksmith to wander by.

With an all-day breakfast menu, you’ll find a range of brunch favourites on offer that are made fresh onsite.

Address: Blacksmith, 116 Chalmers St, Surry Hills

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

16 excellent Surry Hills cafes to try now

The dynamic cafe culture in Surry Hills sees both classic brunch favourites and eclectic, experimental breakfast dishes thrive.

1. A.P Bakery

2. Reuben Hills

3. Sticky Fingers

4. Paramount Coffee Project

5. Bills

6. Neighbourhood

7. Kentaro

8. Single O

9. Soul Deli

10. Malika Bakehouse

11. Shift Eatery

12. Lode Pies and Pastries

13. Meet Mica

14. Berto’s Espresso

15. Four Ate Five

16. Blacksmith

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No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith