Local Matters: The Best Cafés in Marrickville for Coffee and Brunch

Sydney’s café scene is multi-layered and multi-cultural, and if there’s one suburb that highlights this – it's Marrickville. Marrickville is a microcosm of cool that reflects the city's depth and diversity and boasts plenty of trendy eateries to explore. Serving up cuisines from all corners of the globe – foodies can go from late-morning coffee to Middle Eastern mezze quicker than you can slice a sourdough. Marrickville's food and drink hub is the epitome of café cool, with a strong focus on local produce, suppliers, and a cherished sense of community.

When it comes to picking the top spots, Marrickville doesn't play games. Lucky for you, we've done the homework and have curated the best of the best Marrickville cafes. Whether you're a seasoned local or a café-hopping explorer, this suburb's coffee joints are where you'll find the essence of Sydney's caffeinated soul. Scroll on!

Valentina’s

It’s official, Marrickville (and all of Sydney for that matter) has a massive crush on Valentina’s, the inner west’s beloved all-day diner. Their breakfast game is next level – biscuits and gravy, short stack pancakes with butter and maple syrup, or take the plunge into the American dream with a slice of pie and a snickerdoodle. Come 11 am, the lunch menu unleashes delights like fried mortadella sandwiches and fried chicken biscuits. It's a casual affair with serious flavour – Valentina’s is the epitome of Marrickville's relaxed charm and indisputably ranks among the best cafes in the area.

132 Livingstone Road, Marrickville

Goodwood Bakeshop

If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that there’s always room for more croissants in Sydney. And Goodwood Bakeshop in Marrickville is making some seriously impressive croissants. Since they opened, locals cannot stop raving about their chocolate croissants and the sourdough so make sure you plot this pitstop in your brunch itinerary; otherwise, you're missing out on one of the best cafes in Marrickville.

Make the most of your visit and take home their other goodies: cookies, cakes, and Deluca coffee. Just get there as early as you can because their pastries often sell out so fast.

297 Marrickville Road, Marrickville

Matinee Coffee

Matinee stands out with its 80-seat spacious setup decked out as a retro-styled cafe, where they nail the sweet spot between cool and approachable in the Marrickville cafe scene. Its plush interiors offer a nostalgic vibe, a fun backdrop to its all-day and lunch menus that bring a modern twist to Middle Eastern cuisine—or whatever you fancy for brunch! And when the clock strikes noon, the coffee takes a backseat and makes way for wine and beer. It's the best cafe in Marrickville for casual catch-ups and hangs with your best mates.

23-29 Addison Road, Marrickville

White Rabbit 

Combining the joy of bakery goodies and your daily loaf with that of a sit-in cafe, White Rabbit brings the best of both worlds to the fore. Picture this: Sonoma and Goose Bakery treats accompanying your morning brew, starting as early as 6:30 am. Beyond the early-morning pick-me-ups, White Rabbit also lets you settle in their cafe if you're in search of a leisurely brunch experience. Their decadent hot breaky lineup has a myriad of options to satisfy your cravings. This spot is a haven for your vegetarian and vegan friends as a thoughtful array of plant-based choices are also on offer.

30 Llewellyn Street, Marrickville 

Roastville Coffee

Roastville in Marrickville is a local staple, not just for its all-day menu but for its quintessential Inner West charm. The industrial-chic vibe is practically an ode to the area's laid-back style, with bottle-green subway tiles and hanging ferns softening the space. Tackling the menu, the karaage chicken burger or banana hotcakes hit the spot, but the real star is the C4 smoothie – a caffeinated concoction of coffee, cacao, coconut, banana, and coconut water, earning a solid 10/10. With its spartan yet flavorful offerings, Roastville effortlessly secures its place among the best cafes in Marrickville.

157 Victoria Road, Marrickville

Double Tap Coffee

Family-owned Double Tap coffee excels in simplicity, standing tall among the best cafes in Marrickville. A brainchild of owner Daniel Karaconji, the cafe not only serves up good coffee but also boasts an unpretentious yet stellar menu that caters to locals' cravings for inexpensive, high-quality food. Dive into the unfussy yet delicious pastrami Reuben, loaded with Swiss cheese, beef pastrami, pickles, and house-pickled cabbage, or opt for the open toast featuring avocado, ricotta, and house-roasted capsicum, perfectly paired with your morning brew.

They're tucked away in a back alley, so if you spot a large mural on the wall, you're in the right place.

54-56 Smith Street, Marrickville

Warren & Holt

In Marrickville's café scene, Warren & Holt effortlessly nails organic food in a sleek setting, earning its spot among the best cafes in the neighbourhood. It is a haven for locals seeking a mindful, allergen-friendly, and vegan-friendly experience. The accommodating team at Warren & Holt embodies a genuine dedication to ethically sourced ingredients, and this commitment echoes through every nutritious dish on their thoughtfully curated menu. Whether you are in for a guilt-free breakfast or ducking in for a satisfying lunch, Warren & Holt's no-frills approach to quality will have you hooked and coming back for more.

415 Illawarra Road, Marrickville 

Coffee Alchemy

Tucked away in Marrickville, Coffee Alchemy stands as a local favourite among the best cafes in the neighbourhood. Originally a wholesale coffee roaster, this popular spot opened its doors to the public, offering a range of roasts that consistently win over coffee connoisseurs. The cafe's charm lies in its exposed brickwork and minimalist decor, creating an unassuming yet inviting atmosphere. Beyond the aesthetics, Coffee Alchemy is a testament to quality coffee and friendly service, making it a reliable choice for those who appreciate a straightforward, top-notch brew in the heart of Marrickville's thriving cafe culture.

24 Addison Road, Marrickville 

ONA Sydney

In the heart of Marrickville, ONA is making waves as one of the best cafes in the neighbourhood. With four cafes in Canberra and now gracing Sydney with its coffee prowess, ONA's minimalist vibe in the industrial surroundings speaks volumes about their belief in less being more. As the roaster's first Sydney outpost, ONA not only delivers top-notch coffee every day but also satisfies foodie cravings with delicious pastries and toasties. It seamlessly blends industrial cool with culinary delights, making ONA a go-to spot for locals in the know, setting the bar high among the best cafes in Marrickville.

140 Marrickville Road, Marrickville

Two Chaps

Nestled discreetly in a garage, Two Chaps is a quiet revelation among the best cafes in Marrickville. This clandestine spot is not just about coffee; it's a testament to a made-from-scratch philosophy that extends from its delectable pastries to its innovative Mediterranean vegetarian menu. Every ingredient, every coffee bean – is sourced locally, creating an authentic and unparalleled experience for every visitor. Beyond the typical breakfast and lunch offerings, Two Chaps morphs seamlessly into an intimate dinner spot twice a week.

122 Chapel Street, Marrickville

Bourke Street Bakery

A stalwart in Sydney's cafe scene, Bourke Street Bakery consistently ranks at the top of lists featuring the best cafes in Marrickville. This provincial-style cafe is a bread lover's haven, offering a straightforward yet delightful array of decadent bread, pastries and sweet treats. Being a Sydney institution, Bourke Street Bakery has expanded its reach to 12 different locations, ensuring locals and visitors alike can savour their signature treats. As if that's not enough, they also offer master classes where you can learn the secrets to baking their best-selling sourdough bread.

2 Mitchell Street, Marrickville 

Agnes

A recent addition to the local scene, Agnes, has swiftly become one of the best cafes in Marrickville. Founded by John and Kathryn Stavropoulos, the brains behind West Juliett, Agnes brings a fresh breeze to the local scene. In a vibrant red-brick building, this charming spot offers exceptional White Horse coffee paired with a delightful menu featuring homemade focaccia, crisp salads, and tempting pastries. The team, with experience from various cafe faves around Sydney, elevates and brings a fresh take to the local cafe culture. At Agnes, they aim to be a hub where locals can eat delicious pastries, sip great coffee, and connect with their friends.

69 Meeks Road, Marrickville

Deluca

If you are a coffee fiend, Deluca is the best cafe in Marrickville for you. Founded by Lucas Georgiou, Deluca is a local darling for its dedication to serving top-notch brews every morning. Coffee pros man their minimalist and light-filled Marrickville outpost, and they are always more than happy to chat about the day's beans. After all, they have lovingly roasted and prepared them on-site for you. While the menu is pretty much a love letter to coffee (Read: Buy your coffee here and hop on another bakery for your croissant.), you can easily purchase their beans right in the cafe—they might even show you exactly how to brew it!

5-7 Denby Street, Marrickville

First Drop Marrickville

First Drop, a fixture with 20 years of Redfern charm, now graces Marrickville with its simple yet delectable offerings. The café, founded by Michael Savvakis and Christopher Hing, takes pride in its classic breakfast favourites while adding a fresh twist with bowls and deli-style sandwiches. The deli sandwich lineup is a feast, but our eyes are definitely fixed on their burrata bella sandwich! If you're not a big fan of creamy cheese, First Drop will treat you to a hefty selection of hearty salads, burgers, spanakopita, and more. Best cafes in Marrickville? First Drop is undoubtedly in the mix.

Shop 4 and 5/76A Edinburgh Road, Marrickville

Loved our edit of the best cafes in Marrickville and looking for more local foodie inspo? There is so much to taste and explore in the Inner West. Click through for Marrickville's best restaurants and the best restaurants in the Inner West.