The Best Cafés 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 patrons that remember your name.

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

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

Padre

Joining the caffeinated fun at Five Ways, Padre has set up shop in Paddington, serving locals with some of the best coffee in the game.

While the delicious beans have been available in cafés for some time, this is the first Padre café to open its doors in Sydney, following on from huge success in Melbourne and Noosa.

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 Café

Nestled in the heart of Paddington, Juniper is a hidden gem that locals turn to time and time again.

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

225 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Bake Bar

Opening last year, Bake Bar has quickly made a name for itself as one of Paddington's best cafes. As per their name, these guys are the pros of all things 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 up 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 up Italian cuisine and hospitality. Whether it’s a casual breakfast, mid-morning coffee, or afternoon bite, there is something fresh and delectable to be devoured.

To kick off your day on a delicious note, order the ‘carbonara Australiana’: scrambled eggs on sourdough with lashings of pecorino, black pepper and crispy bacon. Come lunchtime, stick to the café’s signatures: the lasagne and bombe (Italian doughnut) and enjoy the laidback vibes at one of the best cafés in Paddington.

2 Elizabeth Street, Paddington

Köket

A slice of Sweden in Sydney, Köket is – in a word – lovely. Stock up on gorgeous homewares, clothes and accessories at Funkis, and then stroll outside to the café, which sits in the store’s backyard.

Inspired by Scandinavian cuisine, the café serves up an organic menu of Skagen (open-faced sandwiches), baked eggs, muesli and meat dishes. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the kanelbulle (cinnamon bun).

202 Oxford Street, Paddington

Jackies Paddington

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 Paddington café is an institution.

Jackies serves up a mix of Australian and Japanese dishes and locals love the parmesan scrambled eggs, green veggie bowl and crusty sourdough sandwiches.

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

1C Glenmore Road, Paddington

Café 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 Café 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 cafés 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 and made 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 right to your favourite nook. Once you’re settled, feast on the corn fritters or try the savoury French toast.

227 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Berkelouw Café 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, Café 1812 is as cosy as it gets, making it one of the best cafés in Paddington, particularly come winter.

This unique cafés serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and was 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

Ampersand

Housed inside a two-story cafe and bookshop that sprawls 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 

Morris Café

Morris café is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. The menu is made up of sandwiches, salads and smoothies 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. 

33 Albion Avenue, Paddington

If you loved our round-up of the best cafés in Paddington, then you need to check out our list of the best café openings of the year as well as the best cafés in the neighbouring suburb of  Bondi.