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. Fred’s Providore

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

Make that Italian hot honey sandwich a priority at 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 Fred’s daytime menu kicks off at 7am. Grab Fred’s PLT (poached chicken, lettuce and tomato) to go and make a pledge to return to Fred’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

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

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

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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. Fred’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

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Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife