15 Of The Best Paddington Cafes

Renowned for its fashion and culture, Paddington offers leisurely brunch spots, freshly baked goods and specialty coffee that will keep you wanting more.

Elegant Paddington seamlessly blends historic charm with modern flair. Nestled close to the Sydney CBD, Paddington’s tree-lined streets and beautifully restored Victorian terrace houses achieve the perfect balance between bustling and peaceful. There’s plenty to see, and more importantly, to eat: browse through Paddington Markets that are on every Saturday from 10am to 4pm, pop into one of the many chic boutiques, book a table at one of Sydney’s best restaurants, Saint Peter, for delicious seafood, or cafe hop along Paddington’s excellent cafes. Whatever brings you into the suburb, the excellent coffee and cafe scene will see you stay a little longer. Read on for our suggestions for where to eat.

1. Jackies

Best for: light, al-fresco dining space offering Australian and Japanese food.
Price: $-$$

Located in the heart of the Intersection, Paddington, Jackies cafe has been an institution on the cafe scene since the late 1990s. All-day breakfast is served in the sunny outdoor courtyard, offering the classics and plates like lobster scrambled eggs. The lunch menu is a mix of gyoza, sushi, salads and sandwiches. A wide selection of drinks is available, ranging from coffee, juices, shakes, kombucha, cocktails and wine.

the exterior of Jackies cafe in the shopping district in Paddington — Pop by Jackies for a delicious brunch. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1C Glenmore Road, Paddington

2. Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Best for: cosying up in a bookstore, enjoying fresh food and good coffee.
Price: $$

You’ll find Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore on bustling Oxford Street, and if in doubt, follow the trail of book lovers making a direct beeline for three levels of new and second-hand books. The tables nestled into cosy nooks and crannies on each level give a Parisian vibe, and diners are invited to lose themselves in the pages of a book with a coffee (and baked treat) in hand. Expect Little Marionette coffee beans, and the chai, bircher muesli, granola and juices are made fresh on-site. For breakfast, you’ll find things like smokey house baked beans and Turkish-inspired labneh eggs, with salads and burgers rounding out the lunch menu.

Address: 78 Oxford Street, Paddington

3. Funkis Köket Café

Price: $
Best for: cosy Scandinavian vibes with plenty of outdoor seating.

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Scandinavia right in the heart of Paddington, head for the charming Funkis Köket Café . With a beautiful indoor aesthetic and sunny garden courtyard, it’s the perfect place to indulge your senses with an irresistible Kanelbullar – cinnamon bun – to embrace the Swedish coffee break tradition of “fika", paired with one of their Allpress coffees.

a spread of breakfast menu with coffee on the table at Funkis Köket café, Paddington — Embrace a Scandinavian start to the day with breakfast at Köket.

Beyond the tempting baked treats (you’ll also find vanilla and cardamom buns too), the cafe offers a seasonal salad selection, and brunch dishes like Skagen-inspired salmon, and granola. The cafe adjoins Funkis, a Scandinavian design and lifestyle store, so pop in for a spot of shopping afterwards.

the exterior of Funkis Köket café, Paddington — Köket adjoins Funkis, a Scandinavian design and lifestyle store.

Address: Funkis Köket cafe, 202 Oxford St, Paddington

4. MORRIS

Best for: when you need a menu that has something for everyone.
Price: $

The owners at MORRIS are keen to share their love for food and coffee with Paddington. Morris has an all-day menu featuring the classics, and dishes like bruschetta stracciatella and hot salmon toasties. While it’s not often you see hot milo on the drinks menu, you’ll also find a range of smoothies, shakes and juices alongside the coffee. With tables out the front that spill into the shady, green street, Morris Cafe is the perfect spot to casually enjoy your meal while the world slowly goes by.

Address: 33 Albion Ave, Paddington

5. Barbetta

Best for: classic Italian food in a nostalgic setting.
Price: $$

If you’re craving hearty Italian for breakfast, lunch and dinner; fancy moving onto a pasta workshop, and then want to bring Italian wares home afterwards, Barbetta is the place to be.

Banoffee ricotta pancakes at Barbetta in Paddington — Pasta dishes reign supreme at night but banoffee ricotta pancakes steal the show at breakfast. (Image: Nikki To)

With an open space that is bustling and welcoming, the hardest breakfast decision is deciding on whether you want sweet or savoury, with choices like banoffee ricotta pancakes and carbonara Australiana – soft scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, ricotta and pecorino. The lunch menu covers all the favourites, from rigatoni al ragu di wagyu, to polpette – homemade pork and veal meatballs.

the cafe interior of Barbetta, Paddington — Discover a taste of Italy in the heart of Paddington. (Image: Nikki To)

Address: 2 Elizabeth St, Paddington

6. Daily Greens

Best for: grabbing a fresh juice and healthy green bowl.
Price: $

Daily Greens embodies the philosophy of ‘Grow, Harvest, Serve’ with its commitment to fresh food and zero waste. Head here if you’re hankering for a delicious, healthy meal – as well as the breakfast menu, there’s a range of seasonal sandwiches and salad bowls, with the option to ‘build-your-own’.

a spread of food on the table at Daily Greens, Paddington — Enjoy a vibrant feast at Daily Greens. (Image: Luisa Brimble)

It’s not every day that you find a tree inside the back of a cafe, head inside and you’ll notice that the sun-drenched glass room has been built around it. You’ll also find outdoor seating out front, and a relaxing, leafy courtyard rounding out the seating out the back: a perfect city escape.

Address: 2/16 Glenmore Road, Paddington

7. Bake Bar

Best for: artisan bread and baked treats paired with a lazy morning coffee.
Price: $

A staple on Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs bakery scene, Bake Bar can be found just off Paddington’s Five Ways intersection. This classic artisan bakery has a range of bread, from sourdough, l’ancienne loaves and baguettes, as well as an extensive offering of baking goods ranging from scones to muffins, scrolls, danishes and croissants.

Bake Bar in Paddington — The artisan bakery serves up a range of delicious breakfast options.

There’s outdoor street seating if you choose to eat in, with an extensive rotating summer and winter menu serving the classics like shakshuka, salads and burgers. While you’re there, you may as well grab a few pastries to fuel a wander through Paddington’s boutiques – your future self will thank you.

people dining outside Bake Bar, Paddington — Stock up on pastries and bread for the week ahead while you’re there.

Address: 226 Glenmore Rd, Paddington

8. Cafe Fiveways

Best for: big brekky out in the sun, people-watching.
Price: $

Cafe Fiveways is perched right off the iconic intersection, and the outdoor seating out front is the perfect spot for people-watching in the sun. It’s an all-day menu, with favourites like a big brekky, burgers, salads and pasta, and a kids’ menu available. There’s fresh juice and coffee on offer, and they’re fully licensed too.

Cafes and shopfronts along the Five Ways, Paddington — Settle in for a morning of people-watching and delicious eats. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2A Heeley Street, Paddington

9. Padre

Best for: a coffee sensory experience of the taste buds.
Price: $

Padre means business when it comes to coffee, which is excellent news for Paddington. The popular Melbourne-based coffee roaster opened the doors to its first Sydney concept store in June 2023 and has been an oasis for coffee newbies and enthusiasts alike ever since.

the cafe exterior at Padre Paddington — Padre Paddington is a taste of Melbourne’s best brew in Sydney.

Inside you’ll find a glossy espresso bar, featuring a hot filter and cold brew, a spot to buy signature blends and coffee equipment, and importantly, tasty baked treats available that have been freshly sourced from local Sydney bakeries.

a staff at Padre Paddington handing out a cup of coffee — Coffee and baked treats are the order of the day at Padre.

Address: 241A-241B Glenmore Rd, Paddington

10. Four Six Eight

Best for: classic, healthy meals in a modern setting.
Price: $

With friendly service, a cosy feel inside, and a tiny courtyard out the back, Paddington’s Four Six Eight is the place to go for a casual, relaxed meal.

a plate of food and drink at Four Six Eight, Paddington — Meals at Four Six Eight are colourful and comforting. (Image: Nikki To)

Husband and wife team, Cathy and Jacob Lo, have put together a tasty menu featuring a range of breakfast and lunch favourites to keep everyone happy. The beans are sourced from Pablo and Rusty, and organic tea from Rabbit Hole.

people dining at Four Six Eight cafe, Paddington — Four Six Eight cafe offers a bright and airy space or courtyard to dine in. (Image: Nikki To)

Address: 468 Oxford Street Paddington

11. Sonder

Best for: homely vibe with fresh food and good coffee.
Price: $-$$

Sonder’s cheerful yellow street umbrellas welcome you in from Paddington’s Five Ways intersection, and into the bright terrace building and courtyard out the back. The menu covers all the brunch classics, from ricotta hotcakes, shakshuka, bircher muesli and house-baked beans. There’s a range of drinks available too, from coffee to cocktails, milkshakes, smoothies and juices.

Address: 227 Glenmore Rd, Paddington

12. Paddington Alimentari

Best for: rustic Italian deli serving great coffee and a range of paninis.
Price: $-$$

For a slice of Italy, step into Paddington Alimentari , and be wowed by abundant deli counters that will serve all your antipasti desires. Originally established as an Italian delicatessen, you’ll now find a cafe, with limited seating, serving Allpress coffee, paninis and a range of fresh produce. With glass counters overflowing with baked treats and delicious food, be ready to take some to go so that you’ve got plenty of snacks for later in the day, too.

the Alimentari cafe in Paddington — Come by Alimentari for Allpress coffee and paninis. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2 Hopetoun St, Paddington

13. Omeio Artisanal Deli

Best for: a curated deli selection of local and international goods.
Price: $-$$

It’s hard to pick just one thing when you stop by Omeio , so come prepared to take home an assortment of tasty Mediterranean deli foods, baked treats and pantry essentials. Omeio considers itself a local purveyor of good food, featuring over 500 unique goods from skilled artisans who use high-quality ingredients. Think freshly baked portokalopita, spanakopita, delectable sandwiches and deli plates. Omeio’s has a strong sense of community, so take a seat on one of the crates out the front, or order one of their picnic boxes and head a few streets over to Paddington Reserve for a glorious picnic in the area.

Address: 1/31 MacDonald St, Paddington

14. Juniper

Best for: a local boutique cafe with fresh brunch favourites.
Price: $$

You’ll find Juniper , a friendly neighbourhood cafe, just off the iconic Five Ways intersection in Paddington. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff eager to be helpful. There’s an all-day breakfast on offer, as well as burgers, burritos and salads. On a sunny day, opt for a seat outside to watch the Paddington community go by.

a close-up of food at Juniper, Paddington — Consume healthy greens at Juniper.

Address: 225 Glenmore Rd, Paddington

15. Berkelouw Café 1812

Best for: a sophisticated cafe/wine bar to people-watch or sink into a book.
Price: $$

Berkelouw Café 1812 draws inspiration from the very first Berkelouw Books to open in Rotterdam, Holland, back in the year 1812. The visionary forebearer understood that books were a precious commodity, so wanted to establish a salon for communities to gather and discuss books and ideas over books and wine. Today, Cafe 1812 has created its own space to do just that: a cosy place to enjoy books with robust coffee and good food. The dark timber panelling and polished floorboards of this first-floor cafe evoke a salon-esque space, and it is the best spot to perch with a drink in hand to people-watch those passing by on the street below. There’s all day breakfast, as well as a lunch and dinner menu with an accompanying wine list.

Address: Level One, Berkelouw Books, 19 Oxford Street, Paddington

Discover the best cafes in Surry Hills

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

15 of the best Paddington cafes to indulge at