Discover the best morning culinary experiences in Australia's harbor city
Explore CafesFrom harbor views to hidden gems, these cafes serve the best morning meals in Sydney
Alexandria
Set in a former industrial precinct, The Grounds offers a farm-to-table experience in a lush garden setting. Their signature breakfast includes freshly baked sourdough, farm eggs, and organic produce grown on-site. The coffee, roasted in-house, is consistently rated among Sydney's best. Visitors can enjoy the animal garden and weekend markets after their meal. The wait can be long on weekends, but the atmosphere makes it worthwhile.
Book a TableSurry Hills
Bills is synonymous with breakfast in Sydney, thanks to chef Bill Granger's legendary scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter. The Surry Hills location offers a bright, airy space perfect for a leisurely morning meal. Their coffee is consistently excellent, complementing the simple yet refined breakfast menu. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Expect a queue on weekends, but the wait is well worth it.
Book a TableNewtown
Housed in a converted warehouse, Brewtown Newtown combines industrial chic with serious coffee expertise. Their breakfast menu features creative twists on classics, like the miso-glazed salmon with poached eggs. Don't miss their famous "brewnuts" – a Sydney take on the cronut craze. The multi-level space includes a retail area selling specialty coffee equipment. The cafe prioritizes ethically sourced ingredients and offers excellent options for various dietary requirements.
Book a TableRedfern
Chef Michael Rantissi brings his Israeli heritage to this beloved cafe, creating Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast dishes that have earned a loyal following. The shakshuka (eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce) is the signature dish, but don't overlook the housemade labneh with za'atar. The bright, welcoming space fills quickly, especially on weekends. Their freshly baked goods, including the date and halva bread, make perfect take-home treats after your meal.
Book a TableBronte
Started by a group of surfer friends, Three Blue Ducks combines a relaxed beachside vibe with serious culinary credentials. Their breakfast menu emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, with standouts like the corn fritters with guacamole and bacon. The cafe maintains its own kitchen garden and sources additional produce from nearby farms. Their commitment to ethical eating extends to their coffee, which is fair trade and organic. The location near Bronte Beach makes it perfect for a post-breakfast coastal walk.
Book a TableSurry Hills
As the name suggests, this is first and foremost a coffee destination, with beans sourced from individual farms worldwide and roasted in-house. The breakfast menu is equally impressive, featuring classics executed with precision. Their avocado toast, topped with feta, lemon, and chili, has a devoted following. The compact space fills quickly with coffee aficionados and food lovers alike. During summer, their cold brew coffee is some of the best in the city.
Book a TableBondi Beach
With prime views of Bondi Beach, Speedos has become famous for its photogenic, health-focused breakfast creations. Their "Blue Bowl" açaí smoothie and Caramelized Banana Pancakes frequently appear on Instagram feeds worldwide. Beyond being camera-friendly, the food delivers on taste and nutrition, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The bright, airy space maximizes the stunning beach outlook. It's particularly popular with the post-workout crowd from Bondi's fitness scene.
Book a TableSurry Hills
This artisanal bakery has achieved cult status in Sydney for its phenomenal pastries and bread. While technically more bakery than cafe, it's a breakfast institution. The ginger brulee tart and pork and fennel sausage rolls are legendary. Coffee is taken seriously, with beans from carefully selected roasters. The original Surry Hills location is tiny, with most patrons taking their goods to enjoy in nearby parks. Their sourdough bread, made with a 25-year-old starter, is worth taking home.
Book a TablePotts Point
Despite its tiny footprint, Room Ten delivers huge flavors in its carefully crafted breakfast menu. The baked eggs with sourdough are a standout, while the coffee rivals Sydney's best. The intimate space creates a convivial atmosphere where conversations between tables are common. Located in the stylish Potts Point neighborhood, it attracts a mix of locals and visitors in the know. The efficient, friendly service manages to make everyone feel welcome despite the limited space.
Book a TableParramatta
Bringing specialty coffee and innovative breakfast dishes to Western Sydney, Circa has developed a dedicated following. The Ottoman Eggs – poached eggs with crumbed eggplant, garlic labneh, and burnt chili butter – exemplify their creative approach to breakfast. The cafe's interior features recycled timber and vintage details, creating a warm, inviting space. The coffee program is one of Sydney's most serious, with beans from top roasters and meticulous preparation methods. Their housemade preserves and pickles feature throughout the menu.
Book a TableOur mission at Sydney Breakfast Guide is to celebrate and promote the vibrant breakfast culture that has become a hallmark of Sydney's culinary identity. We believe breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day—it's an experience that brings people together, showcases local produce, and reflects the multicultural influences that make Sydney's food scene unique.
We are committed to highlighting cafes that prioritize quality, sustainability, and innovation while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that makes Sydney's cafe culture special. Through careful research, countless taste tests, and conversations with chefs, baristas, and fellow breakfast enthusiasts, we curate listings that represent the best morning dining experiences across the harbor city.
Our guide aims to connect food lovers with exceptional breakfast venues, support local businesses that contribute to Sydney's reputation as a global culinary destination, and document the evolving breakfast landscape for both residents and visitors. We update our recommendations regularly to reflect new openings, menu changes, and shifting trends in the breakfast scene.
Sydney's breakfast scene was dominated by traditional Australian fare—eggs, bacon, toast, and simple coffee. Most cafes were utilitarian rather than destinations in themselves. International influences were limited, reflecting a more insular Australia. The flat white, now a global coffee staple, was beginning to gain popularity in Australian cafes during this period.
Bill Granger opened his first cafe in Darlinghurst in 1993, revolutionizing Sydney's breakfast culture with his famous scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes. This period saw the beginning of Sydney's obsession with specialty coffee, with an increased focus on bean origin and brewing methods. Italian and Mediterranean influences began to appear on breakfast menus, reflecting changing immigration patterns.
The 2000s witnessed a surge in cafe culture, with breakfast becoming a legitimate dining experience rather than just a necessary meal. Avocado toast emerged as the iconic dish of the decade. Sydney cafes began to develop distinct personalities, with interior design becoming as important as the food. Barista competitions elevated coffee-making to an art form, with Sydney baristas gaining international recognition.
The farm-to-table movement took hold, with cafes emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Middle Eastern and Asian influences became prominent, diversifying breakfast beyond European traditions. Social media transformed the breakfast experience, with photogenic dishes designed for Instagram. Health-focused options expanded, with plant-based and gluten-free choices becoming mainstream rather than specialty items.
Today, Sydney's breakfast scene is globally recognized for its innovation, quality, and diversity. Sustainability has become a central concern, with cafes actively reducing waste and carbon footprints. Hybrid concepts blur the lines between cafe, bakery, and retail. Despite global trends, distinctly Australian elements remain central to Sydney's breakfast identity. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated takeaway options and outdoor dining, changing how Sydney enjoys its breakfast culture.
Helpful links to enhance your breakfast adventures in Sydney
Annual celebration of Sydney's culinary scene, featuring special breakfast events and chef demonstrations.
Learn MoreComprehensive guide to the best coffee roasters and cafes across all Sydney neighborhoods.
Explore GuideFind local markets where many top cafes source their ingredients and where you can enjoy breakfast treats.
Find MarketsLearn how to capture beautiful images of your breakfast experiences with professional photographers.
Join WorkshopJoin our online sessions with Sydney's top breakfast chefs and baristas
Every Tuesday, 9:00 AM AEST
Learn brewing techniques and latte art from award-winning Sydney baristas. This weekly session covers everything from bean selection to extraction methods and milk texturing. Participants receive a sample of specialty beans to practice with at home. The interactive format allows for real-time questions and personalized feedback.
Register NowFirst Saturday monthly, 8:30 AM AEST
Perfect your home bread baking with guidance from Bourke Street Bakery's master bakers. This monthly masterclass covers creating and maintaining a sourdough starter, dough preparation, and baking techniques. The session includes a detailed recipe booklet and troubleshooting guide. Participants are encouraged to share their baking results in the follow-up community forum.
Register NowLast Sunday monthly, 10:00 AM AEST
Learn to create vibrant Middle Eastern breakfast dishes with Chef Michael from Kepos Street Kitchen. This comprehensive workshop covers shakshuka, housemade labneh, and freshly baked pita bread. The session explores the cultural significance of Middle Eastern breakfast traditions and spice combinations. Participants receive a digital spice guide with recommended suppliers.
Register NowSpecial morning gatherings and food festivals in Sydney
Circular Quay
A celebration of morning cuisine featuring over 30 of Sydney's top breakfast cafes offering tasting portions of their signature dishes. Live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, specialty coffee competitions, and artisanal food market stalls will run throughout the day. Special harbor breakfast cruises depart hourly, combining sightseeing with a floating breakfast experience.
Get TicketsHawkesbury Region
A guided day trip to the farms that supply Sydney's best breakfast cafes. Visit egg producers, dairy farms, and organic vegetable growers, ending with a spectacular breakfast feast prepared by The Grounds of Alexandria team using produce gathered during the tour. Transportation provided from central Sydney, with expert agricultural guides explaining sustainable farming practices throughout the journey.
Book TourMuseum of Contemporary Art
A weekly exhibition exploring breakfast traditions from around the world, with rotating featured countries. Each Thursday features tastings, cultural presentations, and chef talks focusing on a different national breakfast tradition. The series examines how migration has shaped Sydney's diverse breakfast scene, with special attention to Indigenous Australian morning food practices and their contemporary interpretations.
View ScheduleHave questions about Sydney's breakfast scene? We're here to help!
Whether you're seeking personalized cafe recommendations, want to suggest a venue for our list, or are interested in our breakfast events and masterclasses, we'd love to hear from you.