The Best Cafes in Paddington for an Instant Caffeine Hit

Weaving through the leafy streets of Paddington, it’s almost impossible to resist the chic boutiques, gorgeous galleries and array of trendy neighbourhood eateries. Tucked between the city and the beach, this stylish suburb has a laid-back village vibe, with friendly vendors that remember your name.

Be lured by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and delicious gourmet goodies – these Paddington cafes are a treat for the senses.

Whether you want to grab-and-go or stay for brunch, we’ve handpicked the best cafes in Paddington for your next morning, lunchtime or afternoon coffee fix.

Padre

Padre serves some of the best coffee in the game. Be sure to set aside some time on your first visit, with the concept store home to a brew bar, a retail section to make your brew at home, and pastries from the best bakeries around Sydney to accompany your latte.

241 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Juniper Cafe

We love a cafe that does an all-day breakfast (think organic acai bowl, overnight oats and truffle salmon scramble) and Juniper does just that. If you’re in the mood for something off their lunch offering, check out their epic burger and burritos menu – you won’t be disappointed. 

225 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Bake Bar

As per their name, Bake Bar are the pros of bread and pastry.

Baking everything in-house, you’ll be spoiled for choice with their huge menu that covers all the classics like bread, pastries, croissants, pies, cakes and gluten-free options. 

They also serve a seasonal menu that heroes European and Mediterranean-influenced dishes like shakshuka, brekkie rolls, pasta, sandwiches, salads and soups. As for the coffee, they use Gusto Espresso Bar, so you know it’s going to be oh-so-satisfying.  

226 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Barbetta

Opened by the brothers behind Cipri Italian, Barbetta is an all-day hotspot serving Italian cuisine and hospitality. Whether it’s a casual breakfast, mid-morning coffee, afternoon bite or a delectable dinner, there is always something tasty to be devoured.

Start your day on a delicious note and order the blueberry ricotta pancakes with maple syrup and almond flakes. Come lunchtime, stick to the cafe’s signatures: the lasagne and bombe (Italian doughnut) and enjoy the laidback vibes.

2 Elizabeth Street, Paddington

Jackies Cafe 

If you score a seat in Jackie’s sunny courtyard, you’re off to a stellar start. Sitting on the stylish strip of Glenmore Road, the cafe is a Paddington institution.

Jackies serves a mix of Australian and Japanese dishes and locals love the parmesan scrambled eggs, green nourish bowl packed with veggies and crusty sourdough sandwiches.

Inside, the sushi bar serves fresh rolls and sashimi and is the place to see-and-be-seen after dark.

1C Glenmore Road, Paddington

Cafe Fiveways

It doesn’t get more quintessentially Paddington than its iconic Five Ways intersection, and upon this well-known landmark, you’ll find the appropriately named Cafe Fiveways.

Grab a sun-drenched table out the front and people watch as you tuck into their homemade fare like muffins, sausage rolls, quiche, pastries, and top-shelf coffee. 

2A Heeley Street, Paddington

Sonder 

The cafes we go back to time and time again are the ones that feel like home. And that’s exactly why we like Sonder. The team took over a terrace house to make it their own, with colourful floor-to-ceiling murals, mismatched furniture, flowers, mellow music, and sun-soaked outdoor areas.

Go regularly, and the staff will lead you to your favourite nook. Once you’re settled, feast on the corn fritters or try the savoury French toast.

227 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Berkelouw Cafe 1812

Nothing beats curling up with a book and a cuppa, and when you throw a delicious dish into the mix, that’s a win! Part of the beloved Berkelouw bookstore, Cafe 1812 is as cosy as it gets, particularly come winter.

This unique cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, inspired by the European salons where creatives would meet to chat, drink and workshop their ideas. Grab a book and a buddy, and do the same over a toastie or cheese platter.

19 Oxford Street, Paddington

Morris Cafe

Morris Cafe is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. The menu of sandwiches, salads and smoothies is brimming with beautiful, wholesome ingredients: think fresh veggies, lean meats, nuts, seeds and herbs.

Start your day with coffee and the vegan breakfast bowl, then loop back for a green goddess sambo at lunch. Oh, and bring your furry friend along – Morris is dog-friendly!

33 Albion Avenue, Paddington

Ampersand

Housed inside a two-story cafe and bookshop sprawling onto an open terrace, Ampersand serves exceptional coffee and breakfast dishes that won’t disappoint.

Lunch is also notable with mouthwatering sambos, pies, and salad on offer while the book selection is varied with the opportunity to find a good read – a chance always worth taking.

78 Oxford Street, Paddington 

If you loved our round-up of the best cafes in Paddington, you need to check out our list of the best cafe openings of the year as well as the best cafes in Bondi.