Best Coffee in Sydney CBD: Top Cafés for a Coffee Break
With these hotspots serving up the best coffee in Sydney CBD, you can power walk your way to an excellent espresso.
What’s a morning without coffee? In a city of coffee snobs (guilty!), we have sky-high standards for our brews – and our baristas work their magic behind shiny espresso machines to meet them every single day. Whether you live in the CBD, commute there for work, or spend your weekends shopping up a storm, every Sydneysider needs a go-to coffee stop. From Circular Quay to Hyde Park and Haymarket, there are plenty of places for latte lovers and flat-white fans to choose from.
On your next coffee break, stroll over to one of our fave cafes serving up the best coffee in Sydney CBD. Some are tiny takeaway counters and some are sit-down spots, but they’ll all satisfy your caffeine craving.
Mecca
An icon on Sydney’s specialty coffee scene, Mecca is known for its brilliant beans. Since 2005, they've been navigating the complex coffee landscape, sourcing beans with a dedication that's more than just a sip deep. Their city location is sleek and buzzing every day of the week thanks to its single-origin blends, which they’ll brew however you like – think siphon, cold-drip, filter or espresso.
But what sets Mecca apart isn't just the beans; it's the commitment to transparency and quality. With a journey spanning long flights, road trips, and countless coffee dates, Mecca honours not just the flavour but the hardworking hands behind every cup.
67 King Street, Sydney
Skittle Lane
On King Street, Skittle Lane boasts Instagram-worthy interiors. Its two shiny La Marzocco coffee machines pump out the café’s house blend: a full-bodied, balanced espresso with notes of cocoa and vanilla. For the filter fiends, there's a pour-over bar showcasing a selection of single origins. Founded in 2015 by Jodie Foster and Dean Wooding, Skittle Lane isn't just a coffee joint; it's a passion project marrying quality beans, iconic design, and top-notch hospitality. The verdict? It's one of the best coffees in Sydney CBD.
40 King Street, Sydney
Cabrito Coffee Traders
Down a laneway in Circular Quay, Cabrito Coffee Traders is a hole-in-the-wall café serving up flawless cups of coffee. It roasts its own silky-smooth, rich blend in-house (called Milk Man), and offers single origin beans from guest roasters. It doesn’t matter what blend you order; you can expect it to be full-bodied, delicious, and packs a punch. If you’re peckish, nab a table in the industrial-chic space.
10-14 Bulletin Place, Sydney
Pablo & Rusty’s
Originally just a blend for coffee-loving brothers-in-law, Paul and Russell (aka Pablo and Rusty), the brand quickly outgrew its Porter Street roots and expanded, opening cafes and roasteries. With a mission to use business as a force for good, Pablo & Rusty's is undoubtedly the best coffee in Sydney CBD. In a prime position on Castlereagh Street, the specialty roaster brews hundreds of coffees every day, including the Trailblazer Blend, a bright, fragrant blend used for espressos and black coffees. If your taste buds sway towards milky delights, fear not, Pablo & Rusty's got that covered, too.
161 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Gumption by Alchemy
In the heart of Strand Arcade, Gumption usually has a line of people as if on a pilgrimage happily waiting on a cup of the best coffee in Sydney CBD. The owner (who also founded Coffee Alchemy in Marrickville), is an award-winning roaster, and it shows in the quality of coffee as well as the many brewing methods on offer. When it’s your turn to order, ask for an espresso. Velvety-smooth with a thick crema on top, it’s incredible.
The Strand Arcade, Shop 11, 412-414 George Street, Sydney
Klink
For those hunting the best coffee in Sydney CBD, head to Klink, an oasis on the ground floor of the Gaffa Gallery. It'll be your go-to, especially if you like your cup of joe to be robust and seriously strong. This haunt’s house blend comes courtesy of Golden Cobra, and it’s a rich, syrupy roast that’s dark and delicious. Whether you're leisurely soaking in the gallery vibes or sprinting through your day, Klink's got you covered with its grab-and-go takeaway window.
Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence Street, Sydney
Edition Coffee Roasters
Nestled in Sydney CBD, Edition stands as the go-to for those who appreciate the nuanced world of coffee. Renowned for steering clear of blends, Edition Coffee Roasters is all about the diverse tales told by single origin beans. Sourced from distant corners of the world, each green bean undergoes omni-roasting, revealing a spectrum of fruit-forward, tea-like, and lighter roast profiles. With a focus on care, precision, and connection, they are unwaveringly committed to microlot producers and the extraordinary stories behind each cup. In the realm of single origin, Edition shines as one of the best coffees in Sydney CBD.
Various Locations
Industry Beans
With a decade of expertise, Industry Beans is the quiet powerhouse behind some of the best coffee in Sydney CBD. Founded by the coffee-savvy Simmons brothers, their original spot in Fitzroy became a coffee haven in 2013. Now, with seven venues stretching across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Industry Beans is Australia's largest independent specialty coffee roaster. Each local venue, designed with the community in mind, shares the same commitment to consistently high-quality coffee, innovative brunch menus, and thoughtful service. If you're tired of your same old coffee, shake it up and order their famous Fitzroy iced coffee.
38-40 York Street, Sydney
St. Dreux
Named after Saint Dreux, a 12th-century French hermit and shepherd now revered as the patron saint of coffee and coffee houses, this haunt serves more than just a cup; it's a tribute to the rich history of coffee itself. St. Dreux, with its roots in crafting business relationships as robust as its brews, has become synonymous with one of the best coffee experiences in Sydney CBD. They champion three beans here for a sophisticated brew: Shepherd (light), Silver Bullet (medium) and Rainmaker (dark). If you're curious to know what you're drinking, don't worry as you'll be handed a card detailing everything you need to know about your coffee. Neat!
Shop 10, 151 Clarence Street, Sydney
The Walrus
Established in March 2017, The Walrus Café stands as a go-to choice for locals in the Sydney CBD coffee scene. Amidst the urban hustle, this hidden gem beckons brew aficionados with its Nordic-inspired interiors. Beyond the bean, they're a culinary haven serving all-day breakfasts, delightful pastries, gourmet lunches. It's a perfect spot for solo coffee contemplation or casual hangs with mates. Their brew, featuring Cleanskin Coffee, is a testament to why The Walrus has rightfully earned its status as one of the best coffees in Sydney CBD.
Shop 1/276 Pitt Street, Sydney
Loved our edit of where to find the best coffee in Sydney CBD? If you find yourself in the Inner City and are looking for some inspo, make sure to read our article on the best things to do in Sydney. From sightseeing and bar hopping to nature-loving and dining, there is so much to experience and explore.
