The Best Cronulla Cafes To Try Now | Australian Traveller

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

Your go-to guide to the best cafes in Cronulla includes everything from early-morning coffees steps from the sand to relaxed brunch spots that stretch into lunch. Once known mainly for its surf and scenery, Cronulla’s cafes now deliver serious food, killer coffee and all-day appeal, making the beachside suburb a standout destination for locals and visitors chasing the best cafes in Cronulla.

Many young people who upped sticks to travel have returned to the Shire, opening new bars, cafes, boutiques and restaurants (we’ve got 18 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.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Grind Espresso
Hidden gem: Shelly Park Shop
Casual eats: Barefoot on the Beach
Best views: The Pines
Best outdoor dining: HAM

1. Duke’s Providore

drinks and sandwiches at Fred’s Providore, Cronulla — Duke’s Providore whips up top-notch sangas.

Make that Italian hot honey sandwich a priority at Duke’s Providore (formerly known as Fred’s Providore), the cafe I keep coming back to in Cronulla. The sanga sees two slabs of focaccia stuffed with salami, prosciutto, mortadella, nduja, heirloom tomato, Vannella stracciatella, basil and guindillas. And it haunts my dreams when I’m trying to avoid carbs. If you’re more of a granola gal or sausage and egg muffin man then Duke’s daytime menu kicks off at 7am. Grab Duke’s PLT (poached chicken, lettuce and tomato) to go and make a pledge to return to Duke’s After Hours; it’s one of the best restaurants for date night in Cronulla.

Cuisine: NY-style deli

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: It’s giving New York’s East Village.

Location:  109 Cronulla St, Cronulla

2. Pippis

an outdoor dining setup with colourful umbrellas at Pippis Cronulla — Pippis Cronulla boasts lovely water views.

You don’t want to hit the snooze button and miss breakfast when you’re meeting your mates at Pippis. Pippis Cronulla makes for some excellent people-watching and is one of the breakfast spots in Cronulla for those waterfront views. Arrive by dinghy to the cafe overlooking the marina in Gunnamatta Bay to start your day right with Eggs Your Way or Fluffy Pancakes. The buzzy spot was recently awarded its liquor license so look beyond the bounty of breakfast dishes towards lunch so you can justify that Bloody Mary or glass of bubbles. The seafood linguine is sensational.

Cuisine:  Mod Mediterranean

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic and beach-chic

Location:  2 Tonkin St, Cronulla

3. The Pines

beach views at The Pines Cronulla — Enjoy lunch by the beach. (Image: The Pines)

You can see the surfers bobbing in the sun-dappled ocean mere metres from your table at The Pines. It’s one of many reasons The Pines is such a gem. As well as being treated to glittering waterfront views, the breakfast here is one of the best on offer in the Shire. Head chef Nicholas Sum worked in close collaboration with founder James Metcalfe to finesse the offering, which gives you the feeling of being on holiday even if you live here. Push the boat out with The Pines Breakfast Burger. Or keep it simple with zucchini and sweetcorn fritters. The restaurant seats 140.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location:  Unit 1/8-18 Kingsway, Cronulla

4. Blackwood Cronulla

brunch at Blackwood Pantry Cronulla — Blackwood Pantry offers classic Sydney brunch bites.

Blackwood Pantry has been a hit since opening its doors down 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, it’s 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, sheer pink curtains, 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 and sugo and burrata pasta.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant and sophisticated

Location: 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla

5. HAM

breakfast with coffee at HAM Cronulla — Kickstart your morning with a Modern Greek breakfast. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

HAM is named for brothers and owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas. Although it’s not the new kid on the block, HAM remains one of the best, evident by its enduring popularity. Trendy new apartment blocks surround the cafe where the clientele ranges from former stars of The Bachelor to past and present NRL legends. Pick up some fresh paninis. Scoop up a pastry to enjoy with coffee. Grab a loaf of Infinity sourdough to go. All in a truly pleasurable environment. Oh, and ask for a Freddo; it’s like an espresso martini without booze. Arrange a return visit to sister venue Homer Rogue Taverna.

Cuisine: Modern Greek

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location:  Shop 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla

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6. Nudo Cafe

Cronulla commuters who run on tight timetables remain grateful for the trackside location of Nudo Cafe. But the location of the cafe – housed in the heritage-listed Cronulla Train Station – is not the main reason for its success. Nudo is a top spot for surfers chasing a wave at first light, tradies grabbing breakfast on the fly and city-bound office workers who need a pick-me-up. But it’s the banh mi – one of the best in Cronulla – and the DIY salad bowls and B&E rolls that the business model is built around.

Cuisine: Modern Vietnamese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location:  Shop 4, 141R-151R Cronulla St, Cronulla

7. Grind Espresso

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

Cronulla’s cult cafe Grind is where most locals take visitors 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.

Cuisine: Classic cafe fare

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location: 14-16/2 Surf Rd, Cronulla

8. Next Door

dining at Next Door Cronulla — Next Door Cronulla serves up contemporary Australian brunch plates.

The little sister eatery to Sealevel is literally next door to this local institution. 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.

Cuisine:  Contemporary Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location: 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla

9. Sixsmith Cronulla

a cup of coffee at Sixsmith Cronulla — Sixsmith pours delicious brews.

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.

Cuisine:  Classic cafe fare like sausage rolls and mushroom toasties.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location:  143-145 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

10. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

an alfresco breakfast meal at Pilgrim’s Cronulla — Pull up a chair at Pilgrim’s Cronulla for breakfast. (Image: Demi Spaccavento)

Pilgrim’s won hearts when it gave some love to a tired old Art Deco building and transformed it into an enchanting place to eat. And while Pilgrim’s recently moved to a new spot a couple of hundred metres up the road, it’s still drawing vegos in their droves for its plant-based cuisine in good-sized portions. Go to a morning yoga class at South Cronulla, before donning your Om Shanti chic for coffee at Pilgrim’s (from 6am). Order the Bliss Burger for breakfast or brunch.

Cuisine:  Vegetarian cuisine

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Generally, it’s a jandal-friendly vibe

Location: 3 Surf Road, Cronulla

11. Barefoot on the Beach

Want to tap into the Cronulla zeitgeist? Head to Barefoot on the Beach where you’re guaranteed encounters with the many regulars who favour the early mornings. Open from sunrise, the cafe is popular with everyone from dog walkers to Shark Island Psycho Swimmers (SIPS) who arrive, still salty, after their morning loop around Shark Island. Join them under the fringed umbrellas for acai bowls and a strong brew. The menu is built around nourishing dishes like salmon bagels with cream cheese, capers and dill and comes with breathtaking views.

Cuisine:  Nourishing cafe fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Rustic, toes-in-the-sand, salty-hair don’t care kind of attitude.

Location:  30 Gerrale St Cronulla, South Cronulla Beach complex

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12. Shelly Park Shop

a mural of a whale by @annabellelouisethomas on a wall inside Shelly Park Shop — A whale mural by @annabellelouisethomas. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

The ocean cures all. So says the mural of a whale by @annabellelouisethomas that graces one of the walls at Shelly Park Shop. I’d have to agree. My sons went to Cronulla South Public School and this corner cafe was where we stopped on our way to Shelly Park rock pool every Friday. It’s so damn wholesome it hurts. The menu at Shelly Park Shop has been reworked by owner Kim (ex-Nun’s Pool) and it’s still a popular hang for CSPS community. You’ll find hungry grommets from Sandshoes Boardriders inhaling protein bowls. Families picking up food to go for the park. And tradies defying stereotypes and tucking into salads.

Cuisine: Contemporary cafe fare

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Old-school milk bar energy

Location: 117 Ewos Parade, Sydney

13. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

dining at The Nun’s Pool, Cronulla — The light-filled restaurant is a perfect spot for special occasions. (Image: The Nun’s Pool)

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. Years after the light-filled restaurant was given a facelift by local lass Sonya Kritzler, of Kritzler+LInk, it feels elegant and up to the minute. The eatery is only open for breakfast and lunch and is popular for weddings and special occasions. Get the Nuns Spicy Breakfast, or the chilli scrambled eggs with charred corn and feta. The eatery is toward the end of South Cronulla peninsula, away from the main hub.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Light, bright and buzzy

Location:  103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla

14. Bianchini’s Eloura Beach

sunset views at Bianchini’s Eloura Beach — Sip on sunset drinks after a swim. (Image: Bianchini’s Eloura Beach)

Any closer to the ocean and you’d be in it at Bianchini’s Elouera Beach. Set right above the sand and sea, this Elouera institution attracts a steady stream of locals who funnel in before or after a swim. When there’s a swell running, you can sit outside with the wind-whipped spray sending the salty air to season your smashed avo on toast. The Turkish eggs showered with dukkah spice are another great option. Sit outside to enjoy watching the crashing waves after your morning surf. The cafe welcomes walk-ins only.

Cuisine:  Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Beachy and breezy

Location:  80 Mitchell Road, Cronulla

15. Loaf

Feel the heartbeat of Cronulla at Loaf, one of the most popular cafes in Cronulla for sangas that will seduce the most carb-averse crowds. Maybe it’s the way the girls behind the counter seem to stuff extra ham and cheddar into your hambo sando. Or the fact there’s a hamper’s worth of adventurous loaded-up pun-tastic options like the Beefs Knees, Bacon me Crazy or Chick Magnet. At Australian Traveller, we also love the nostalgic menu dedicated to old-school jaffles, which guarantee a big fat hit of dopamine. Enjoy an iced matcha on a hot day or a Whitehorse coffee for the win in winter.

Cuisine:  Sangas and jaffles and salads

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Low-key and laid-back.

Location:  89 Cronulla St, Cronulla

16. Rushi

coffee and matcha drinks with sweet treats at Rushi — Enjoy your coffee or matcha with sweet treats. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

Replay your Cronulla to Kurnell ride with your MAMIL mates at Rushi while refuelling on Rushi Sushi or the signature Black Sesame Porridge. It’s no longer enough to say you’ve ‘been there and done that’ about Cronulla, as there are so many new and noteworthy things to do. Rushi is owned by long-time locals Harry and Mario Kapoulas (of HAM cafe) and brekkie is a must. The onigiri breakfast plate is a thing of beauty at Rushi, where the menu skews Japanese. Savour a meal at one of the outdoor tables and then order your coffee to go to enjoy in your KeepCup down by the sea.

Cuisine: Japanese-Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Freewheeling

Location:  2/25-35 Kingsway, Cronulla

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.

A local’s guide to the best cafes in Cronulla to start your day right

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

The shortlist

1. Duke’s Providore

2. Pippis

3. The Pines

4. Blackwood Cronulla

5. HAM

6. Nudo Cafe

7. Grind Espresso

8. Next Door

9. Sixsmith Cronulla

10. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

11. Barefoot on the Beach

12. Shelly Park Shop

13. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

14. Bianchini’s Eloura Beach

15. Loaf

16. Rushi

The secret Sydney suite life: a luxury under-the-radar stay right on the harbour

The most breathtaking bush and coastal walks in Sydney

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This coastal hotel proves you don’t need to leave Sydney for a proper escape

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

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

The shortlist

1. Duke’s Providore

2. Pippis

3. The Pines

4. Blackwood Cronulla

5. HAM

AI Prompt

6. Nudo Cafe

7. Grind Espresso

8. Next Door

9. Sixsmith Cronulla

10. Pilgrim’s Cronulla

11. Barefoot on the Beach

12. Shelly Park Shop

13. Nun’s Pool, Cronulla

14. Bianchini’s Eloura Beach

15. Loaf

16. Rushi

The secret Sydney suite life: a luxury under-the-radar stay right on the harbour

The most breathtaking bush and coastal walks in Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney brings urban luxury to Darling Harbour

This coastal hotel proves you don’t need to leave Sydney for a proper escape

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast