16 Excellent Surry Hills Cafes To Try Now

The dynamic cafe culture in Surry Hills sees both classic brunch favourites and eclectic, experimental breakfast dishes thrive.

Sydney embraces mornings wholeheartedly, and there’s no better place to start the day than with the vibrant and thriving cafe culture in trendy Surry Hills. While the Surry Hills restaurant scene transforms the area by night, there’s something for everyone here in the mornings too – you’ll find bustling cafes overspilling onto footpaths, friendly banter with baristas who have serious coffee knowledge, and an artsy and industrial atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors eagerly coming back for more. Whether you like a macchiato when you get up with the sun, or prefer long lazy brunches that begin at midday, the cafe scene here has got a wealth of options for you. Read on for our suggestions.

1. A.P Bakery

Best for: freshly baked bread and pastries in a sunny rooftop urban oasis.
Price: $-$$

To find A.P. Bakery , head through the ground floor of Paramount House and up the elevator to the rooftop, where you’ll be met with views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and an energetic and cosmopolitan vibe. In the impressive bakery you’ll find bread, pastries, cakes and pies made with the freshest, sustainable, high-quality goods.

On the breakfast menu we recommend the hot pocket, a gruyere, asiago and cheddar blend with onion, tomato and mustard melted into a pizza bianca pocket, as well as the LP’s smoked brisket bagel, served with potato chips. There’s simply too many baked treats to choose from, so rather than panic, it’s best to accept you’ll need to take a selection away with you. It gets busy, so be prepared for lines out the door if you arrive after 11 am on the weekend.

Address: A.P Bakery, L2/80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

2. Reuben Hills

Best for: excellent coffee and South American-inspired food.
Price: $$

Reuben Hills turns 12 this year, and the boutique specialty roastery has been sharing their passion and enthusiasm for coffee in Surry Hills since day one. Their all-day brunch menu is inspired by trips to Central and South America, and Africa, and is updated regularly to reflect local seasonal produce. As well as roasting their beans onsite, Reuben Hills proudly supports its coffee producers and believes in industry sustainability and accountability. And, as a bonus, they’re dog-friendly!

The cafe interior of Reuben Hills in Surry Hills, Sydney — Reuben Hills has been serving its boutique specialty coffee for over a decade.

Address: Reuben Hills, 61 Albion St, Surry Hills

3. Sticky Fingers

Best for: Asian fusion brunch options and quality coffee.
Price: $$

Sticky Fingers love what they do, and are dedicated to creating excellent experiences for their Surry Hills customers that go above and beyond expectations. They do this by bringing together a lively city atmosphere, consistent service that makes each customer feel known, and a unique menu that infuses modern classics with an Asian twist.

food and drinks on the table at Sticky Fingers, Surry Hills — The cafe infuses an Asian twist into all its creations.

Signature menu items include the super green bowl, pulled beef benedict and chilli momo (Nepalese dumplings). The coffee tastes as good as the food, with Marrickville’s golden Cobra beans on offer.

a close-up of food on the plate with coffee on the table at Sticky Fingers, Surry Hills — Decadent breakfast favourites also feature on the menu.

Address: Sticky Fingers, 23 Pelican St, Surry Hills

4. Paramount Coffee Project

Best for: interesting seasonal, local food in a striking setting.
Price: $$

The striking high ceilings, airy light-filled space and sleek wooden tables give Surry Hills’ Paramount Coffee Project cafe an elegance that makes you want to linger over your coffee and take it all in.

the cafe interior at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Nab a spot inside the light-filled space at Paramount Coffee Project.

When it first opened in 2013, the plan had been to create a place to showcase high-quality coffee; the team delivered on this goal, with local and international roasters rotated regularly.

a glass of coffee shake at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Try Paramount’s signature creamy coffee shake.

There’s a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients, including favourites like crumbed eggs on toast and fried chicken waffles.

a close-up shot of waffles on a plate at Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills — Breakfasts don’t come heartier than Paramount’s fried chicken waffles.

While service is quick, be warned that it may be a long wait for a table: best to arrive early.

Paramount Coffee Project's crumbed eggs — The crumbed eggs are a real crowd-pleaser.

Address: Paramount Coffee Project, 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

5. Bills

Best for: classic Australian brunch dishes.
Price: $$

Looking for Bills on Surry Hills’ Crown Street ? The bustling crowd waiting out front will let you know that you’ve arrived. Bills is synonymous with simple, fresh and delicious dishes that embody Australian cuisine, and customers flock for the brunch classics like fluffy ricotta hotcakes, corn fritters, and creamy scrambled eggs.

Bills' fluffy ricotta hotcakes — Treat yourself to Bills’ fluffy ricotta hotcakes. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Big Italian windows, dreamy filtering sunlight and pops of green throughout, make Bills the perfect place to gather with friends to tuck into crowd favourites while drinking a Single O coffee (or passion fruit bellini).

Address: Bills, 355 Crown St, Surry Hills

6. Neighbourhood

Best for: consistently excellent coffee.
Price: $

A short wander up from Central station in Surry Hills and you’ll find blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Neighbourhood, the hole-in-the-wall cafe that knows coffee back to front.

Baristas at Neighbourhood cafe in Surry Hills — The baristas at Neighbourhood serve consistently excellent coffee.

The space may be small, but the coffee is outstanding. With only a few seats out front, we recommend grabbing a take-away coffee and daily baked treat, and heading across to a bench in Prince Alfred Park to savour the moment.

A cup of coffee served at Neighbourhood cafe in Surry Hills — The coffee here is outstanding.

Address: 16 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills

7. Kentaro

Best for: enjoy a Japanese fusion menu whilst seated in a quiet, leafy street.
Price: $-$$

Located on leafy Bourke Street and tucked away from the frenetic energy of the main hub of Surry Hills, Kentaro embraces a more relaxed atmosphere with a rustic, industrial look. Kentaro’s menu embodies Japanese fusion, and while you’ll recognise some menu favourites like the katsu sandwich from big sister cafe, Cafe Oratnek, you’ll also fall in love with the matcha French toast and Japanese poutine. Chef Kenny’s mantra of ‘make it fresh today, make it fresh tomorrow’ means that all food is prepared fresh.

Address: Cafe Kentaro, 616 Bourke St, Surry Hills

8. Single O

Best for: single-origin coffee and brunch classics with a twist.
Price: $$

Single O in Surry Hills changed Sydney’s coffee scene when it first opened in 2003, and this passionate coffee stalwart has been a crowd favourite ever since.

the Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — It’s the cafe that single-handedly changed Sydney’s coffee scene. (Image: Tom Ferguson)

People flock for the single-origin coffee, yes, as well as their tasty seasonal breakfast and lunch menu. Stop by Sideshow, their specialty brew bar next door, for their espresso of the week.

getting coffee on tap at Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — Stop by the brew bar on the block at Single O.

Already planning your next coffee on your way out their door? Why not sign up for their coffee subscription? An added bonus? Their commitment to sustainable practices means they’re on track to be certified by Bcorp.

a person holding a cup of coffee at Single O Cafe in Surry Hills — Single O is a go-to spot for a coffee run in Sydney. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Address: Single O, 60/64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills

9. Soul Deli

Best for: Korean-inspired brunch at a funky cafe-deli.
Price: $$

Soul Deli’s catch cry is that they’re all about ‘bold flavours and big smiles’, and they sure do deliver with their Korean deli, shop and cafe. Located inside the Adge Hotel in Surry Hills, Soul Deli brings the fun vibes and a splash of colour.

As well as breakfast favourites, the menu showcases a clear Korean influence with smashed avo and white kimchi, Korean chicken porridge and a range of Soul bowls. There’s an extensive drinks menu of coffee, teas, special lattes and sodas – and don’t forget to pick up a tasty Korean donut.

Address: Soul Deli, 1/212 Riley St, Surry Hills

10. Malika Bakehouse

Best for: lingering over a Turkish breakfast.
Price: $-$$

A cheerful pop of colour first greets you when you walk through the door of Malika Bakehouse in Surry Hills, followed by an equally cheerful greeting by the friendly staff. Owners Efe Topuzlu and Ozgur Sefkatli want to make sure their customers are able to embrace the ritual of breakfast, and it’s not hard with a delicious menu to choose from.

an array of food on the table at Malika Bakehouse — You’ve got plenty to choose from on the menu. (Image: Katje Ford)

Think Turkish breakfast, baklava, menemen, tahini granola, with a range of borek on offer. There’s plenty of seating too, both inside and out of the pavement. ‘Malika’ is Turkish for ‘queen’ which makes sense, because the food here really is fit for the royal court.

people dining outside Malika Bakehouse — Malika Bakehouse is a sunny Surry Hills hot spot. (Image: Katje Ford)

Address: Malika Bakehouse, 515 Crown St, Surry Hills

11. Shift Eatery

Best for: Vegan cafe/deli with outdoor seating.
Price: $-$$

Shift Eatery’s name comes from their desire to make the shift to trying and eating vegan food as seamless as possible. At Shift, you’ll find both a shop and deli, with the option to eat outside. Everything on the menu is vegan, and gluten-free bread is available at no extra cost. Expect an all-day breakfast, toasties, fresh bowls and salads.

a close-up shot of a salad bowl on the table at Shift Eatery, Surry Hills — A tasty salad bowl from Shift Eatery just hits the spot.

Why not try the vegan salmon bagel, with house-made tomato lox with nori and cream cheese, or the meetball sub with vegan meatballs, house-made marinara sauce and vegan parmesan cheese? The excellent coffee is by Byron Bay’s Marvell St Coffee Roasters.

a carrot banh mi sandwich on a plate — Be sure to try their version of a carrot banh mi sandwich.

Address: Shift Eatery, 4/241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

12. Lode Pies and Pastries

Best for: mouth-watering pastries and pies that melt in your mouth.
Price: $-$$

Stepping inside Lode Pies and Pastries in Surry Hills is a delight for the senses, where the delectable aroma of high-end freshly baked inventive creations meets a dreamy soft colour palette of pinks and greys.

This isn’t your average bakery – food here is a work of art. Using only the very best ingredients, Lode embraces a fresh approach to viennoiserie and the craft of layering butter and dough to deliver refined and elegant products.

While it’s a small space, there’s outdoor seating available. Lode’s popularity means things often sell out – we suggest getting there before midday to ensure you’re able to grab your favourites.

Address: Lode Pies and Pastries, 487 Crown St, Surry Hills

13. Meet Mica

Best for: innovative, delicious brunch choices with a Japanese influence.

Price: $$

Meet Mica was voted in the top 20 cafes in Sydney by the Good Food Guide in 2018 and 2019, and it is easy to see why. This light-filled, welcoming cafe serves interesting and delicious dishes that pack a punch.

Think about ordering the matcha French lava toast with condensed milk, the signature lobster congee, or one of the bento boxes. They also have a special menu for more brunch options.

Meet Mica’s thorough drinks menu features excellent coffee, as well as house iced tea and Japanese lattes.

Address: Meet Mica, 5/492-500 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills

14. Berto’s Espresso

Best for: cafe street seating to people-watch over a classic brunch.

Price: $-$$

With sunny vibes and minimalist decor, friendly service, and tables on the street, Berto’s Espresso in Surry Hills is where to go for a relaxed and casual brunch. The welcoming atmosphere pairs well with the smooth coffee on offer. Expect brunch favourites, sandwiches and salads. Keep an eye out for the weekly special, where you’ll find tasty plates like smoked salmon Florentine and miso mushroom.

Address: Berto’s Espresso, 536 Crown St, Surry Hills

15. Four Ate Five

Best for: friendly service and satisfying Middle Eastern meals.

Price: $-$$

At Four Ate Five , you’ll find a casual, homely feel with a strong sense of community – the walls feature art by local Surry Hills artists.

Breakfast dish at Four Ate Five — Taste your way around the Middle Eastern-inspired menu at Four Ate Five.

Head here if you’re hankering for a Middle East-influenced menu, think shakshuka and makhlama, beef kofta and healthy salads. Grab a Single O coffee and a seat outside to embrace the local atmosphere.

Exterior of Four Ate Five — The lively Four Ate Five cafe is a local hangout for a reason.

Address: Four Ate Five, 485 Crown St, Surry Hills

16. Blacksmith

Best for: classic brunch favourites in a well-designed space.

Price: $-$$

The first thing you’ll notice at Blacksmith in Surry Hills is their commitment to embodying the blacksmith aesthetic – it feels like you’re stepping straight into a smithy workshop. With metal-framed windows, dark studded timber tables and hanging chains, you almost expect a blacksmith to wander by.

With an all-day breakfast menu, you’ll find a range of brunch favourites on offer that are made fresh onsite.

Address: Blacksmith, 116 Chalmers St, Surry Hills

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

16 excellent Surry Hills cafes to try now

The dynamic cafe culture in Surry Hills sees both classic brunch favourites and eclectic, experimental breakfast dishes thrive.

1. A.P Bakery

2. Reuben Hills

3. Sticky Fingers

4. Paramount Coffee Project

5. Bills

6. Neighbourhood

7. Kentaro

8. Single O

9. Soul Deli

10. Malika Bakehouse

11. Shift Eatery

12. Lode Pies and Pastries

13. Meet Mica

14. Berto’s Espresso

15. Four Ate Five

16. Blacksmith

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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

2. Super Full Moon Hike

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

4. New Moon Hike

5. Thredbo River Track

6. Merritts Nature Track

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience