Best Cafes in Sydney CBD
Looking for the best cafes in Sydney CBD? We've gathered 18 standout spots in this corner of Sydney, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Sydney CBD has its own character, and the cafes here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
Australia takes its coffee seriously, and Sydney is no exception — think flat whites pulled to order, single-origin beans and a brunch culture that runs all morning. The spots below range from tucked-away specialty roasters to all-day cafes worth a slow weekend visit.
18 spots in Sydney CBD
Industry Beans York St
$$An elevated brunch menu, plus cold brew, single origin & blended coffee, in a minimalist eatery.
La Famiglia Cafe
Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Skittle Lane
$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Oh!Matcha
$Modern Japanese tearoom serving creative fast food like green tea lattes and tonkatsu hot dogs.
The Rocks Cafe
$$Casual eatery offering staples such as burgers, salads & pasta in a restored 19th-century market.
The Grounds of The City
$$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Coffee Pitt
$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Gumption by Coffee Alchemy
$Tiny, busy cafe with high chairs outside, for single origin espressos and lattes, plus beans to go.
Cross Eatery
$$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Matcha-Ya
Dessert Spots in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Hills Bros Cafe
$$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Black Star Pastry Sydney CBD
$$Bakeries in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Pablo & Rusty's Sydney CBD
$$Stylish, light-filled cafe serving single origin espressos, plus creative breakfasts and lunches.
Regiment specialty coffee
$$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Kahii
$$Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
Marlowe's Way
$$Laneway cafe/bar with murals by local artists, offering snacks, house-blend coffee and craft beer.
The Walrus Sydney CBD
$$Modern, light-filled cafe serving hearty breakfast & lunch classics alongside coffee, beer & wine.
Bellucci Dessert Cafe
$$Specialty chocolates, desserts & savoury dishes in a smart cafe with a relaxed feel.
More in Sydney CBD
Cafes in other Sydney suburbs
Cafes in Sydney CBD — FAQs
What are the best cafes in Sydney CBD?+
The cafes in Sydney CBD listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many cafes are there in Sydney CBD?+
We currently feature 18 cafes in Sydney CBD, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Sydney CBD in Sydney?+
Sydney CBD is one of Sydney's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
What's the coffee culture like in Sydney?+
Specialty coffee is the norm rather than the exception — most cafes roast or source quality beans and turn out espresso-based drinks like the flat white, long black and piccolo. Brunch is a weekend institution, so expect queues at the most popular spots mid-morning.