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

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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

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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

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.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

Your ultimate guide to the best bottomless brunches in Sydney

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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

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

AI Prompt

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

Your ultimate guide to the best bottomless brunches in Sydney

Transport NSW says Sydney ferries will not be free after all

Sydney’s best NYE view can cost $208 a night – if you win a ballot

You don’t have to run 42 kilometres to get a Berry donut this weekend

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar