The Best Cafes in Balmain for a Weekend Brunch Date

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

And, although the parking situation is 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 Italian-American breakfasts and Middle Eastern-inspired lunches.

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

Little M

Any regular on the inner-west coffee scene will agree: Little M is where to go for a fine cup of Joe. A cosy hole-in-the-wall cafe 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, and 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

cafe d'Yvoire

Homey and oozing with character, a whimsical vine-adorned façade beckons you into this bright and welcoming cafe.

The folks behind cafe d'Yvoire serve delicious 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 with the girls, they've got the chill neighbourhood vibe nailed, down to a tee.

4/189 Darling Street, Balmain

Kafeine

The name says it all – Kafeine is the reliable morning pit stop in Balmain serving ONA coffee and freshly squeezed juices daily.

This Darling Street cafe is best known for its extensive and diverse all-day menu, which also has a great selection of Aussie brunch faves like eggs benny and corn fritters.

260 Darling Street, Balmain

Euforia Espresso

With a rustic façade full of character and knockout views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Euforia is the hidden hangout for locals in the know.

This humble yet trendy cafe is loved for its breakfast and lunch menu, a dedication to great coffee and a laidback atmosphere, making it a top contender for one of the best cafes in Balmain.

58 Darling Street, Balmain East 

Contessa Balmain

Along Darling Street's foodie trail, Contessa Balmain serves Italian-American cuisine within their cool, exposed brick cafe.

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

Oh, and Contessa is fully licensed - anyone for a mimosa?

Shops 371A & 371B Darling Street, Balmain 

Bertoni

Since 2004, brothers Bert and Tony - or, 'Bertoni' - have been serving the people of Balmain simple Italian meals full of flavour and love, proudly inspired by their family's Italian heritage.

The flagship Balmain store has been around for loyal customers for over 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 cafes in Balmain thanks to great coffee and hearty breakfast options, and with no website or social media to stalk, you'll have to take our word for it!

At lunch, the menu turns healthy and wholesome with a range of protein-heavy salads that will keep you full til' dinner.

314/322 Darling Street, Balmain

Did you love our edit of the best cafes 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.