Top 10 Breakfast Cafes in Sydney

Discover the best morning culinary experiences in Australia's harbor city

Explore Cafes

Sydney's Top 10 Breakfast Spots

From harbor views to hidden gems, these cafes serve the best morning meals in Sydney

The Grounds of Alexandria café with garden seating and fresh breakfast

1. The Grounds of Alexandria

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.

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Bills cafe with their famous scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes

2. Bills

Surry 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.

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Brewtown Newtown industrial chic interior with specialty coffee and cronuts

3. Brewtown Newtown

Newtown

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.

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Kepos Street Kitchen Middle Eastern breakfast spread with shakshuka and labneh

4. Kepos Street Kitchen

Redfern

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.

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Three Blue Ducks restaurant with farm-to-table breakfast and ocean views

5. Three Blue Ducks

Bronte

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.

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Single Origin Roasters specialty coffee preparation and breakfast plate

6. Single Origin Roasters

Surry 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.

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Speedos Cafe colorful health-focused breakfast bowls with beach views

7. Speedos Cafe

Bondi 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.

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Bourke Street Bakery artisanal pastries and coffee display

8. Bourke Street Bakery

Surry 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.

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Room Ten small cozy cafe with exceptional coffee and breakfast plates

9. Room Ten

Potts 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.

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Circa Espresso vintage cafe with middle eastern inspired breakfast

10. Circa Espresso

Parramatta

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.

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Our Mission

People enjoying breakfast at Sydney cafe with harbor view

Our 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.

The History of Sydney's Breakfast Scene

1980s

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.

Traditional Australian breakfast from the 1980s

1990s

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.

Bill Granger's iconic cafe in the 1990s

2000s

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.

Early avocado toast trend in Sydney cafes

2010s

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.

Instagram-friendly colorful breakfast bowl with local ingredients

Present Day

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.

Modern sustainable breakfast cafe with diverse menu options

Customer Stories

Real experiences from breakfast enthusiasts who've explored our recommended cafes

Emma, a food blogger smiling with coffee

"As a food blogger who's traveled the world, I can confidently say Sydney's breakfast scene is unparalleled. Following this guide, I discovered The Grounds of Alexandria, which completely blew me away. The garden setting, the attention to detail in every dish, and the spectacular coffee made it a highlight of my Australia trip. I've since recommended it to all my followers!"

Emma Taylor

Food Blogger from London

James, a local Sydney resident with avocado toast

"As a Sydney local for 20 years, I thought I knew all the best breakfast spots until I found this guide. Room Ten was completely off my radar despite being just a few blocks from my apartment! Their baked eggs changed my weekend routine, and I've become a regular. Sometimes you need an expert perspective to discover hidden gems in your own backyard."

James Wilson

Sydney Local & Finance Professional

The Johnson family enjoying breakfast at a Sydney cafe

"Finding family-friendly breakfast spots that still offer great food can be challenging. This guide helped us discover Speedos Cafe, which was perfect for our family vacation. The kids loved the colorful smoothie bowls, while my husband and I appreciated the quality coffee and healthy options. The beachside location meant we could let the kids play after breakfast. It made our Sydney morning memorable!"

The Johnson Family

Visitors from Melbourne

Sydney Breakfast Resources

Helpful links to enhance your breakfast adventures in Sydney

Sydney Food Festival event

Sydney Food Festival

Annual celebration of Sydney's culinary scene, featuring special breakfast events and chef demonstrations.

Learn More
Sydney Coffee Guide publication

Sydney Coffee Guide

Comprehensive guide to the best coffee roasters and cafes across all Sydney neighborhoods.

Explore Guide
Sydney Farmers Markets

Sydney Farmers Markets

Find local markets where many top cafes source their ingredients and where you can enjoy breakfast treats.

Find Markets
Food Photography Workshop

Food Photography Workshops

Learn how to capture beautiful images of your breakfast experiences with professional photographers.

Join Workshop

Breakfast Masterclasses

Join our online sessions with Sydney's top breakfast chefs and baristas

Barista demonstrating latte art techniques

The Art of Specialty Coffee

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.

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Chef demonstrating sourdough bread making techniques

Sourdough Secrets

First 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.

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Chef preparing Middle Eastern breakfast dishes

Middle Eastern Breakfast Feast

Last 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.

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Upcoming Breakfast Events

Special morning gatherings and food festivals in Sydney

15 MAR

Sydney Breakfast Festival

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.

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22 APR

Farm-to-Table Breakfast Tour

Hawkesbury 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.

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08 MAY

Global Breakfast Culture Series

Museum 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.

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Contact Us

Have questions about Sydney's breakfast scene? We're here to help!

Get in Touch

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.

+61 2 8765 4321

120 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

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