Harper’s Bazaar – August 2019
The 27 most instagrammable cafes in Sydney
Location: Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, Balmoral Beach, Patonga
With multiple locations scattered on beaches around Sydney, you’re guaranteed to have a scenic meal at any one of The Boathouse Group’s gorgeous locations. We recommend the original, at Sydney’s stunning Balmoral Beach.
Location: Vaucluse
This farm-to-fork restaurant in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is nothing short of spectacular. Luxurious, feminine interior design accents give the room a super-elegant feel, perfect for special occasion brunches or ‘treat yourself’ moments.
Location: Potts Point
A prime lunch and dinner spot thanks to its rooftop vistas, The Butler offers a shareable menu designed to be enjoyed amid the restaurant’s mint and peach-toned decor. And if the Sydney views don’t impress you, the very cool wallpaper will.
Location: Waterloo
With baby pink interiors like its name suggests, plus multicoloured beverage options and the prettiest pastel plates, this Waterloo hot spot is like one big photo opp. Serving up brunch seven days of the week, it’s the ideal place to sit back, relax and indulge in a red velvet latte (yes, that’s a thing).
Location: Chatswood and Warringah
This cafe-meets-garden is the definition of ‘urban oasis’ with its white wicker detailing, abundance of plants and pretty floral window seats. Despite both spots being located inside shopping centres, the decor transports you elsewhere and provides for the perfect mid-shopping coffee break.
Location: Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Bondi
A bona-fide Sydney institution, Bills is known just as much for its chic decor as it is its famous hotcakes. Check out any one of its three Sydney locations for the kind of interiors inspo you usually get in a magazine.
Location: Coogee
With pastel pink marble benchtops, an abundance of roses and pretty foliage and plenty of light wood accents, Rosie’s in Coogee feels like an easy, breezy, visually pleasing holiday from real life.
Location: CBD
With sky-high weddings and clean lines, this architectural CBD cafe is one for those who like their morning coffee with zero fuss and maximum style.
Location: Oatley
A homewares store housing a gorgeous, light-filled cafe, this design-focussed space is the perfect spot for an afternoon coffee and cake.
Location: Mona Vale
Enjoy your breakfast among fresh flowers and cosy homewares at this restored furniture shop-turned-florist-turned-cafe. The vibe is relaxed, comfortable and exceedingly well-decorated, leaving you feeling like your brunching at the home of a good friend with excellent taste in decor.
Location: Bondi
A teal coffee machine, rustic, sun-kissed outdoor benches and, of course, the effortlessly chic residents of Bondi Beach all contribute to this beachy neighbourhood go-to’s photogenic appeal. Stick around long enough and your breakfast can turn into a boozy brunch, courtesy of Porch & Parlour’s all-day cocktail menu.
Location: Manly
Opened in 2013, this Scandi cafe is a minimalist’s dream with its clean white, yellow and blue interior and aesthetically pleasing lolly counter. They even draw adorable Dala horses in their coffee foam!
Location: Alexandria
We’re almost certain you’ve already seen this all over your Instagram feed. Fresh salads, fruit platters and eggs with everything is the go-to here.
Location: North Bondi
With their jumbo dishes, fresh colourful food and the ideal Bondi view, this is the perfect post-dip breakfast.
Location: Surry Hills
With an innovative menu and a minimalist interior, this is a hidden gem in Surry Hills’ breakfast bracket situated just above the Golden Age cinema.
Location: Cronulla
If you’re headed south, make sure to stop past Zimzala. While the menu’s quality ingredients and innovative dishes are a huge attraction, it’s the view (literally situated a metre from the beach) that is the true highlight.
Location: Alexandria
The Grounds is a classic. If not for the farm animals or the country vibe, this is a must for their rich, comfort-food filled menu.
Location: Chippendale
If you want to feel as if you’re in Brooklyn, head to Brickfields for a hearty breakfast.
Location: Lavender Bay
With it’s modern industrial vibe, this is your new get-up-and-go breakfast spot.
Celsius Coffee Co.
Location: Kirribilli
If you want a harbourside feast that is literally situated above the water, Celsius Coffee Co. is going to become your new go-to.
The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar
Location: Redfern
For tea and interior design lovers, The Rabbit Hole is a hidden gem that will give you a truly lovely brunching experience.
Location: St Peters
For serious coffee lovers, head to St Peters for both a good brew and a dainty ‘gram.
Location: Woollahra
Chiswick ticks all the boxes: great food, divine table settings and a gorgeous location leads to an all-round great lunch experience.
Artificer Coffee Bar & Roaster
Location: Surry Hills
Another one for the serious coffee-devotees, Artificer know how to make a good brew. Even better, the Scandi-inspired, minimalist wooden decor is the perfect morning welcome.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Poolside Cafe
Location: Woolloomooloo
If you want a swim with your breakfast, head to the poolside cafe at Andrew (Boy) Charlton for the perfect sun-soaked feed.
Location: CBD
If you want a luxurious, 1920s-esque decor to start your day, head to Parlour Lane. Hot tip: the milkshakes are to die for.
Location: Woolwich
Another harbouside hot spot, the Deckhouse couples your breakfast with a view of the Harbour Bridge. In other words, countless ‘gram opportunities.