There’s no better way to get the most out of your morning than with a great cafe.
Looking for a new spot to become your favourite local cafe? We’ve rounded up our top go-to’s for cafes in the CBD, unmatched in their ambiance, delicious food and of course, coffee.
Cross Eatery, Clarence Street
Despite finding its home in the lobby of an office tower, Cross Eatery is much more than a grab-and-go destination. This airy, open-plan cafe is flooded with natural light and lined with rows of light timber tables and bench seating, making it a favourite for client meetings over coffee. And when it comes to brewing the perfect cup, these guys have teamed up with Mecca Coffee as their beans of choice.
Find Cross Eatery at 155 Clarence Street, Sydney. .
Bowery Lane, O’Connell Street
Think you’ve stepped into a Manhattan coffee shop? Think again. Bowery Lane feels more late-night restaurant than a daytime cafe, which makes it a fantastic spot to take a client for an important meeting. Set in the heart of the CBD, this New-York inspired cafe and restaurant is the perfect spot to score a gourmet breakfast or delicious lunch. Sip your way through fresh juices and single-origin coffee or settle in for a leisurely long lunch.
Find Bowery Lane at 1 O’Connell Street Sydney.
Kitchen by Mike, Bent Street
For fresh, seasonal and wholesome eats served with care, you can’t go past Kitchen by Mike in the Sydney CBD. Expect simple, nourishing plates and re-imagined daytime favourites. For breakfast, you’ll be greeted with sourdough toast, handmade crumpets, bacon butty and more while lunch serves up an ever-changing buffet of seasonal salads, woodfired bread and your choice of protein.
Find Kitchen by Mike at 1 Bent Street, Sydney.
The Grounds of the City, George Street
Brunch lovers will be well acquainted with the iconic Alexandria outpost of The Grounds. But if you’re searching for a cafe in the heart of the city, The Grounds of the City is the next best thing. This Parisian-bistro-inspired cafe and restaurant exudes an era of old school charm. By day you’ll find coffee, brunch eats and pastries on the menu while by night this cafe serves up delicious cocktails, pasta, premium meats and so much more.
Find The Grounds of the City at 500 George Street, Sydney.
Mecca, King St
At this busy spot, Mecca is a local’s favourite for delicious coffee and the team takes coffee making seriously. Swing by for delicious seasonal eats, perfectly brewed coffee and even nab a bag of retail beans to take home. You can test all of Mecca’s roasts as espresso or filter, or sit down for a long lunch with sandwiches and salads on the menu.
Find Mecca at 67 King St, Sydney.
Industry Beans, York Street
Bringing a slice of Melbourne coffee culture to the Sydney CBD, Industry Bean’s York Street outpost is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Set inside one of the CBD’s stunning heritage buildings, expect classic brunch dishes (such as smashed avo, brekkie rolls, burgers and more) treated with a creative twist, along with delicious coffee roasted by the crew from Industry Beans.
Find Industry Beans Sydney at 38-40 York Street, Sydney.
Skittle Lane, King St
The crew from Skittle Lane have nailed the formula for a delicious coffee experience in the CBD. Tucked away on the lower end of King Street, this airy New-York inspired space is about as sleek as coffee shops come: expect a glossy black marble bar, minimalist light features and beautiful handmade ceramics. Grab a seat in the window, grab your favourite brew and a serve of avo toast and get your day off to a great start.
Find Skittle Lane at 40 King St, Sydney.
Devon Cafe, Barangaroo
Fine dining and casual cafe eats collide at Devon Cafe’s latest Barangaroo outpost. Set in the thriving Barangaroo precinct, this cafe delivers elevated brunch-inspired dishes for those with a taste for something different. Swing by for an indulgent brekkie of ‘Shrooms on Toast’ or a Japanese-inspired ‘Egg Sando’, or visit for a lavish lunch of Mentaio Pasta (a squid ink pasta with Mentaiko sauce, prawns, mussels and caviar), Wagyu steak or even a gourmet sambo loaded with grilled chicken, portobello mushroom katsu and so much more.
Find Devon Cafe at Shop 19, 200 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo.
Hills Bros Cafe, Martin Place
In a luxe marble foyer in Martin Place, you’ll find a destination for coffee lovers and brunch fiends alike. Hills Bros might be on the smaller side of the cafe spectrum but it certainly packs a flavourful punch. Expect a curated menu of eats infused with flavours from around the globe, including warm Brown Rice Congee, smashed avo, Mexican-inspired tacos and more. Plus, with specialty coffee brews from Reuben Hills, you’re guaranteed to score a delicious coffee, too.
Find Hills Bros at 5 Martin Place, Sydney.