The Best Cafés in Balmain for a Weekend Brunch Date

We absolutely love Balmain, with her rich sandstone and jacaranda, winding laneways, heritage homes and bustling boutiques.

And, although the parking situation is truly a nightmare at times, Balmain is always at the top of our list when it comes to choosing somewhere to have brunch in Sydney.

Culturally diverse, this foodie precinct will have you choosing between the likes of Italian-American breakfasts and Middle Eastern-inspired lunches.

To help you whittle down your final edit, we’ve narrowed down the best cafés in Balmain well worth a weekend pit stop. 

Little M

Any regular on the inner-west coffee scene will agree with us on this: Little M is where to go for a fine cup of Joe. A cosy hole-in-the-wall café on Darling Street, it’s the second location by Rozelle’s resident coffee connoisseurs, Little Marionette.

As pretty as it is petite, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in top-notch brews made with house-roasted beans and tasty treats (the sandwiches are divine).

Each coffee is made with passion and attention to detail — and usually topped with a gram-worthy design.

296 Darling Street, Balmain

café d'Yvoire

Homey and ever so chic, the whimsical vine-adorned façade beckons you into this bright and welcoming café.

The folks behind café d'Yvoire serve up an impressive fare with a generous array of sweet and savoury all-day breakfast dishes, indulgent lunch bites and tasty drinks.

As much for the solo paper reader as it is for Sunday catch-ups, they've got the chill neighbourhood vibe nailed, down to a tee.

4/189 Darling Street, Balmain

Kafeine

The name says it all really – Kafeine is a reliable morning pit stop serving ONA coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

This lively Darling Street café is best known for its extensive and diverse all-day menu, which also has a great selection of Aussie brunch faves. 

260 Darling Street, Balmain

Euforia Espresso

With a rustic façade full of character and impressive views of the Harbour Bridge, Euforia is the ultimate hidden hangout for locals.

This humble yet trendy café is loved for their breakfast and lunch menu as well as their dedication to great coffee, making it a top contender for one of the best cafés in Balmain.

58 Darling Street, Balmain East 

Contessa Balmain

On Darling Street's epic foodie trail, Contessa Balmain serves up Italian-American cuisine within their cool, exposed brick café.

With coffee from The Grounds Coffee Roastery, breakfast and lunch draw a crowd every day of the week into their vibrant space.

Shops 371A & 371B Darling Street, Balmain 

Bertoni

Since 2004, brothers Bert and Tony - hence 'Bertoni' - have been serving simple Italian meals full of flavour and love, proudly inspired by their Italian heritage.

Their flagship Balmain store has been serving loyal customers for more than a decade, with the street out the front often buzzing with a small crowd awaiting their morning coffee fix.

281 Darling Street, Balmain

Le Caféier

Darling Street's Le Caféier has made its mark as one of the best cafés in Balmain thanks to great coffee and hearty breakfast options.

At lunch, the menu turns wholesome with a range of protein-heavy salads keeping those on their white stools pleasantly surprised - and light.

314-322 Darling Street, Balmain

Loving our edit of the best cafés in Balmain and looking for more things to do in the Inner West? Add the best cafes in Newtown to your foodie hit list, along with our favourite places to eat in Marrickville.