When it comes to brunch, the citizens of Australia’s east coast are veterans of the craft.
If there’s one thing that Sydney siders know, it’s how to relax and enjoy a great feed on a lazy Sunday morning.
Brunch may just be the official meal time of the harbour city, perfect for our laid-back yet passionate love of food.
But what we require from brunch has evolved beyond a good smashed avo.
We want location, plates and interiors fit for our Instagrams, we want great coffee and atmosphere to boot.
So, to make it a little easier for you, we’ve rounded up the top 15 marie claire-approved Sydney brunch spots to hightail it over to this weekend.
Totti’s
Location: Bondi and CBD
A favourite of the fashion crowd. The wood-fired bread and burrata are a can’t-miss combo, and the wine list is also pretty hard to beat. Amazing for share plates that’ll keep everyone happy.
Bill’s
Location: Darlinghurst, Bondi Beach, Surry Hills
With interiors that are straight out of your Pinterest feed, Bill’s is a must-visit for the complete Sydney brunch experience. Famous for its sweet ricotta hotcakes, this institution has a cult following amongst trendy Sydney-siders and has most likely shown up on your Instagram feed more than once. A chic yet laid-back setting in a prime location means that queues are inevitable so get in early to nab a good seat.
Hot tip: Order a peach bellini (or two).
Bread & Circus
Location: Alexandria
Who knew that healthy food could be so hearty and delicious?
Featuring a daily changing menu of flavoursome meals and an extensive selection of teas, this eclectic joint delivers on all levels.
With splashes of pink interior and pot plants all around, Bread & Circus really packs on the charm.
Our tip? Get in early if you want a table. Thanks to countless rave reviews, it’s no longer Alexandria’s best kept secret.
Three Williams’ Café
Location: Redfern
The effortlessly cool Three Williams Café is tucked away in Redfern’s leafy William St. Its entrance is bare but just look for the congregation of hungry hipsters waiting in line for a table each morning!
Fitted with concrete, sky-high ceilings and exposed brick interiors, this warehouse-style venue is the industrial chic space of your dreams. The simple setting is just the backdrop, however, to a mouth-wateringly indulgent menu that even features a separate section of truffle-based dishes.
Porch and Parlour
Location: North Bondi
For more casual digs, look towards the beach. With unrivalled vistas, Bondi’s beachfront café scene is bustling and brunch is always in high demand. Porch and Parlour are a go-to for post-swim eats and coffee in a rustic, open space.
Try the famous green pea pancake with poached egg, whipped feta, homemade relish and avocado to understand the hype, or opt for the cinnamon bun French toast with blueberry compote and lemon cream cheese to indulge in something sweeter.
Barbetta
Location: Paddington
Give your brunch a Roman makeover at this family-owned gem in Paddington. With an avo toast that is smothered in buffalo mozzarella and basil, their menu offers an Italian twist that you never knew you needed.
Enjoy a morning spritz or an espresso with a biscotti on the side to satisfy the European nostalgia.
Three Blue Ducks
Location: Bronte
Born from a mutual love of ethical food and no-frills cooking, Three Blue Ducks is a Bronte staple started by three mates who have expanded their popular menus to Byron Bay and Queensland.
With every meal made with ethically sourced ingredients, sustainability never tasted so good…
Cornersmith
Location: Marrickville, Annandale
For a wholesome feed that you can feel good about, stop by Marrickville’s Cornersmith café. This cosy space is a rustic vision, complete with a menu that changes seasonally and is inspired by fresh produce and waste minimisation. Providing nourishing meals topped with a multitude of unique relishes and pickled vegetables (all made on site), it’s no wonder that this humble café has been a hit, even opening a second location in Annandale.
Cornersmith are also famous for the workshops that they offer, covering everything from pickling 101 to home brewing.
Kepos Street Kitchen
Location: Redfern
Middle-Eastern flavours are reinvented with a Mediterranean twist at Kepos St Kitchen. With his rich and unique dishes, chef and owner Michael Rantissi has endeavoured to recreate some of his boyhood favourites to share with the world.
Packing punch with flavour and a vibrant atmosphere, this Redfern eatery is perfect for when the standard eggs benny just isn’t cutting it anymore. Adding green tahini and steamed leek to the classic, the Kepos benedict is just one of the distinctive twists offered, the Turkish Espresso Martini is another.
Brunch spots are a dime-a-dozen so keep an eye out for the bright yellow entrance next time you feel like taking a food journey.
Bert’s
Location: Newport
Boasting luxe Insta-worthy interiors, this place oozes casual chic in a prime spot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Here you’ll find the freshest seafood, decadent pasta dishes and a well-crafted cocktail menu to enjoy while looking out at the expansive bay views.
After brunch, head downstairs to The Newport bar to keep the festivities going.
The Grounds of Alexandria
Location: Alexandria
It’s not often that you can enjoy the company of piglets and goats while feasting on chocolate-filled doughnuts and freshly baked pastries. Responsible for putting Alexandria on the map, The Grounds is arguably the most Instagrammed establishment in Sydney.
A whimsical escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this beautifully designed space is an idyllic excursion for weekend brunch. With multiple eateries within the site, there’s plenty to try and something for everyone.
Indigo
Location: Double Bay
This is the all-round crowd pleaser, ideal for groups who can’t seem to decide where to dine. Providing generous portions, an extensive menu and quick, hospitable service, Indigo is a one-stop shop for brunch.
Nestled in the picturesque streets of Double Bay, the upscale café has both indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy modern Australian fare.
The Boat House
Location: Shelly Beach, Manly
This chain is always situated in locations so beautiful that they host about as many weddings as they do Sunday brunch sessions.
Just a short, scenic walk from Manly’s main Corso, The Boat House is situated almost directly on Shelly Beach.
The food doesn’t fall short of the location, either. Large slabs of flatbreads are topped with salmon and caviar while caramelised onion and basil add a touch of sophistication to the humble sausage sandwich.
Throw in a glass of rosé sangria for the ultimate beachside brunch.
Devon Cafe
Location: Surry Hills, Barangaroo, North Sydney
Bringing the delicacy of fine dining to casual brunch food, Devon cafe has quickly become a go-to for any true foodie.
In case you haven’t already been persuaded by photos all over your grid, then make sure you grab a Japanese Omelette sando. Yes, it is s delicious as it sounds.
Excelsior Jones
Location: Ashfield
A crowd-please if there ever was one. Not only is the coffee incredible, but the huge menu is actually interesting and delicious.
Did we mention they serve killer desserts too?
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Location: CBD
The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park’s iconic Grand Sunday Brunch is back! From October 6, 2024, and on the first Sunday of every month, indulge in what’s regarded as the city’s most luxurious buffet-style brunch. You’ll have freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, tiger prawns and poached mussels and clams, alongside classically Asian and European dishes, vegetarian and vegan stations, and an artisinal cheese counter. Leave room for dessert: there’s a cascading chocolate fountain, pecan tarts, triple chocolate cake and tiramisu. To top it all off, there’s bottomless Chandon Spritz and house red and white wine.
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