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

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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

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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

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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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