7 Of The Best Cronulla Cafes To Try Now

The ultimate guide to the best cafes in Cronulla, the beach-chic suburb in the Sutherland Shire.

The best of Cronulla’s cafes offer a range of diverse experiences, from toes-in-the-sand ristrettos at sunrise to a long brunch that turns into lunch. There’s been a quiet shift in the Sutherland Shire locale over the past few decades and the suburb is now known for more than its perennial good looks and lifestyle.

the bustling esplanade in Cronulla filled with crowds of people — Start your day right with a walk along Cronulla Esplanade followed by breakfast.

Many young people who upped sticks to travel have returned to the Shire, finding their rhythm and adding impetus to the area by opening new bars, cafes, boutiques and restaurants (we’ve got 13 of the best restaurants listed here). Whether you’re in the mood for smashed avo on toast, eggs cooked your way, or pancakes with perfect views, here are some of the best cafes to enjoy them at in Cronulla.

1. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

The Nun’s Pool is one of the Shire’s OGs. The beautiful sunny space remains an exciting spot to brunch or lunch decades after it first opened. The light-filled restaurant was given a facelift by local lass Sonya Kritzler, of Kritzler+LInk, who has given it a more contemporary feel. The eatery is only open for breakfast and lunch and is popular for weddings and special occasions. Get the Nuns Spicy Big Boy burger, or the chilli fried eggs with roasted chilli, charred corn and goat’s cheese. The eatery is located toward the end of the South Cronulla peninsula, away from the main hub.

Best for: Chilli fried eggs. Drool.
Address: 103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla.

2. Grind Espresso

Cronulla’s cult cafe Grind is the one most locals would take visitors to in order to show off the suburb’s specialty caffeine credentials. The latest incarnation of Richard Calabro’s award-winning cafe is the kind of place where you can down an espresso at the bar, or pause over the communal countertop near the footpath to froth over your latte art. The cafe has all the gear – AeroPresses, siphons etc. – and single O beans on rotation.

Best for: Double espressos and a croissant.
Address: 14-16/2 Surf Rd, Cronulla

a cup of coffee at Grind Espresso — Get your caffeine fix at Grind Espresso.

3. Blackwood Cronulla

Blackwood has been a hit since opening its doors in a graffiti-clad lane in 2017. Chef Rob Lechowicz spent the best part of a decade working in Michelin-starred restaurants before returning to the Sutherland Shire to open the cafe. These days, Blackwood Cronulla is considered one of Sydney’s best places for brunch. Design firm Luchetti Krelle is behind the somewhat Brutalist interiors, which have been softened with pastel hues, timber tones and moody lighting. It’s mobbed by locals and in-the-know weekenders for its coffee and dishes like truffled chilli scrambled eggs.

Best for: Truffled chilli scrambled eggs.
Address: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla

Blackwood Cronulla is an atmospheric place with sheer mauve curtains and concrete floors — Blackwood Cronulla is a comfortable place to linger over breakfast or brunch.

4. Next Door

The little sister eatery to Sealevel is literally next door to the landmark seafood restaurant. Next Door is run by the next-gen members of the Allouche family who grew up waiting tables at Sealevel. and is a popular place to enjoy brunch, lunch or an early wine-down dinner. Next Door has views of local surf break, The Alley, and for that reason is popular with young surfers who converge here post-surf on Sundays to listen to live music and down cocktails. There’s no better place to get a sense of Cronulla’s laidback seaside holiday village vibe than over a plate of crumbed flathead tacos and char-grilled octopus.

Best for: Getting the gang together for a Sunday brunch that turns into a session.
Address: 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla

Eggs and avocado on toast and a cup of coffee — Enjoy eggs on sourdough and specialty coffee at Next Door Cronulla.

5. Sixsmith Cronulla

Any cafe that ranks on a list of Australia’s best cheese toasties is worthy of inclusion in a round-up of Cronulla’s best cafes. Sixsmith Cafe is the little neighbourhood cafe that could. It’s where you see local Shoes surfers such as Johnno and Fez waxing lyrical about the latest Sandshoes Boardrider’s comp. Or members of the Jellybeans swimming group warming up over rounds of coffee. The pet-friendly cafe is located on the South Cronulla peninsula, away from all the crazy summer crowds and chaos. There are take-home meals in the fridge and a pantry of gourmet items to pick up for a beach picnic.

Best for: Sausage rolls and cheese toasties.
Address: 143-145 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

a plate of scones and jams in a rustic garden setting — Sixsmith Cafe in Cronulla sources much of its produce from the garden.

6. HAM

HAM is an acronym for the names of brothers and owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas. Although it’s not the new kid on the block, HAM is one of the best as testified by its enduring popularity. Trendy new apartment blocks surround the cafe where the clientele ranges from former stars of The Bachelor, and Big Brother, to past and present NRL legends. Pick up some cheeses from the cabinet, or fresh paninis. Scoop up a pastry to enjoy with coffee. All in a truly pleasurable environment. Oh, and ask for a Freddo. It’s like an espresso martini without liquor.

Best for: Frothing on a Freddo and a panini. Grab a loaf of Infinity sourdough to go.
Address: Shop 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla

7. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

Pilgrim’s won hearts in Cronulla from the get-go when it gave some love to a tired old Art Deco building and transformed it into an enchanting place to eat. Basically, Pilgrim’s is legendary in vegetarian circles all the way down to the South Coast thanks to the chefs who love to carve up vegetarian dishes in good-sized portions. It’s more bona fide boho than Om Shanti chic. The meat-free Mexican nights are also a must from Thursday-Saturday for both vegetarians and carnivores. Licensed for wine only.

Best for: Bliss Burger for breakfast or brunch.
Address: 97 Gerrale St, Cronulla

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

7 of the best cafes in Cronulla to start your day right