The Best Cafes in the Sutherland Shire

If you’re looking for beach-front fun, sumptuous brunch fare and cafes that take their coffee very seriously, Sutherland Shire is the destination for you.

From carefully constructed vegetarian fare to Japanese-inspired breakfasts, in Sydney’s hottest new foodie mecca, you’ll find the kind of eateries that people travel from the other side of town for (even north siders have been known to make the trek). So, when the weekend rolls around and all things point to brunch, this edit of the best cafes in the Sutherland Shire is guaranteed to impress.

Rushi

Hidden inside a bike shop in Cronulla, Rushi is a Japanese-inspired fusion café perfect for those who are all into starting the day with a steaming bowl of miso soup and an equally piping hot cup of coffee. 

Think Miso Egg Sandwiches, King Oyster Mushroom Fritters and Prawn & Katsu Salad with miso yuzu prawns. The vibrancy of the menu spills over into the urban interiors, where an open kitchen, touches of greenery and tightly knit tables help create a vibey space.

Sitchu Tip: The coconut matcha is what you want to accompany you for your Saturday morning esplenade walk. 

Shop 2/25-35 Kingsway, Cronulla

Jack Gray

An interior design lover's dream, stepping into this chic cafe come wine bar is like being transported into the pages of your favourite style magazine. For the AM crowd, Jack Gray’s sleek textured walls and neutral colour palette set the scene for perfectly poured lattes and technicoloured plates brimming with delicious whole foods and brunch favourites.

Gourmet deli rolls and superfood salads are served alongside a lengthy assortment of seasonally driven classics like Canadian French toast, overnight oats and the millennial's go-to breakfast, a tongue-in-cheek iteration of the classic avo on toast. For the wine-inclined, stop by on a Friday or Saturday night after 6pm for tapas, vino, and creative cocktails.

110 Grays Point Road, Grays Point

7th Heaven 

If you like your food as colourful and aesthetic as it is delicious, this is the brunch spot for you. 7th Heaven caters to a vast array of dietaries and even offers vegan bacon, eggs and meats. Their menu is packed with gems that are both healthy and indulgent, depending on your mood. 

The beverage list is a joy to peruse with fresh juices, coffee, alternative lattes, smoothies and teas. As for the interiors, they're as charming and cheerful as the food itself. 

Sitchu Tip: The Taro Pancakes have a bit of a cult following. Once you take a bite you'll know exactly why! 

Kirrawee and Sutherland 

The Press

The Press may be small, but it has some serious street cred among the locals, who swear by them not only for the coffee but also for the vegetarian meals that are packed with wholesome goodness. Smoothies and fresh juice are also on the menu, so whether you perch yourself on one of the stools or grab it to go, you’ll be in for a real treat. 

Sitchu Tip: One glance into The Press' display cabinet will reveal mounds of doughy pockets. People travel far and wide for these bad boys so be sure to score yourself a few. The Spinach & Lemon is our favourite. Don't make the mistake of just ordering one or you'll be kicking yourself all the way home! 

123 Cronulla Street, Cronulla

KIN

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Shire’s main drags, you’ll find KIN nestled amongst the leafy streets of Burraneer. Open seven days a week, you’re always welcome to pop by for a lazy brunch or lunch and cocktails. Everything at KIN is presented with precision and care from the minimalist neutral interiors to the perfectly plated dishes. You’ll find all your usual suspects alongside a handful of unique takes including blue swimmer crab cakes and lemon ricotta toast.

2/145-149 Woolooware Road, Burraneer

West End Espresso

West End Espresso is a small but mighty operation. Primely positioned opposite Jannali train station, the friendly folk at this locally loved cafe churn out countless cups of heart-starting Reuben Hills Brew coffee and nourishing breakfast plates that double down on decadence.

If you can bag yourself a table, pair your morning coffee with the likes of loaded breakfast burritos, golden toasted ciabattas and wholesome buddha bowls. Featuring custom-made wooden furniture and almost entirely repurposed furnishings, the fit-out is equal parts conscious and cool.

Sitchu Tip: The Breaky Roll is not your average. Chewy ciabatta, boiled eggs, provolone, ham off the bone, onion relish and aioli combine to make one heavenly sandwich.

Shop 2/3 Jannali Avenue, Jannali 

HAM

This family-run deli and cafe is a Shire institution. HAM is perfectly positioned just minutes from the beach making it the ideal stop on your esplanade meander. Seating spills out onto the sunny corner pavement whilst greenery and minimalist interiors create a relaxed ambience for those choosing to dine indoors. Serving up ONA coffee, fresh juices and a Greek-inspired brunch menu, the fare is always top-notch. The deli plate, yeeros and variety of bowls are delicious but it's the Portuguese toast that we keep coming back for.

Shop 3/17 Gerrale Street, Cronulla

Our Father

Another stunner rocking some seriously sleek interiors, this warm and welcoming corner cafe is a well-loved meeting place for locals. Adored for its consistently tasty brews and modern dishes, Our Father is the perfect spot for a lazy brunch or a coffee and snack on the run.

Start the morning strong with the sweetcorn fritters with chilli fried eggs, go traditional with an egg and bacon roll, or grab a moreish salmon bagel for takeaway. You really can’t go wrong here.

182 Burraneer Bay Road, Burraneer

Eliette

Located across from the newly renovated Sutherland Entertainment Centre, you’ll find this sunny cafe. Serving up top-tier coffee from their takeaway window, you’re also welcome to settle into one of the many tables and chairs lining the pavement. Perfect for a morning breaky catch-up or as a pit stop after the Saturday Sutherland Farmers Markets, Eliette keep things sweet and simple with a petite menu designed to deliver. You’ll find all your breaky staples alongside bowls, salads and sandwiches come lunch.

Shop 10/23-27 Eton Street, Sutherland

We Are Flour (Image Credit: Steven Woodburn) 

We Are Flour

Wherever you are in Sydney, We Are Flour is worth the drive. Nestled amongst suburban Caringbah South, this bakery and dough room churns out fresh goodies on the daily. The light-filled space boasts some seriously lush minimalist interiors whilst the sunny pavement is the perfect place to sip on top-notch coffee and sprinkle yourself in pastry crumbs. Don't leave without a piping hot cinnamon scroll from the tray in the window.

277 Willarong Road, Caringbah South

Loaf 

For lovers of sandwiches in all forms. Loaf is undoubtedly one of the Sutherland Shire's best cafes with the line out the door to prove it. Their coffee is consistently excellent and their sandwiches are made just the way we like them - thick-cut bread and allll the fillings. Swing by of a morning for a traditional jaffle or pop in at lunchtime Loaf's iconic The Grass is Greener sambo - packed with falafel, avocado, herbed hommus, pickles, cucumber, alfalfa and greens with sweet chilli. 

89 Cronulla Street, Cronulla 

The Boatshed Wornora

Ideally located on a pristine tributary of the Woronora River, The Boatshed offers up some delightful views alongside its breakfast and lunch menu. Swing by for a smoothie or settle in for a modern Aussie meal. If you’re celebrating, opt for the Boatshed Platter - a 3-tier tower of pancakes, waffles, halloumi, mushrooms, avocado, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, bacon and plenty of accoutrements.

Sitchu Tip: If you fancy a splash of adventure, head out for a paddle before you settle in to refuel. Wornora Boasthed has kayaks and canoes to hire which you can paddle down the peaceful river for your daily dose of nature. Best of all, both the cafe and the hire are pup-friendly! 

131 Prince Edward Park Road, Woronora

Next Door

Blurring the lines between cafe, restaurant and bar, Next Door is the latest offering from the Allouche Family. It sits next door to their flagship venue, Sealevel Restaurant, but Next Door is more casual, yet equally stylish. The brunch menu is modern Australian and pairs beautifully with either a wine or cocktail. As for the view, Cronulla Beach is just stunning. 

4/6 Kingsway, Cronulla

Blackwood

So popular that it now has a second outpost in Bondi, Blackwood is a local favourite for a reason. Down a quiet laneway, it's the perfect spot for a morning coffee through to a Saturday morning brunch. Each dish is impeccably presented and champions seasonal flavours. Their Truffled Chill Scrambled Eggs, Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcakes and Chilli Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich are enduring favourites. Plenty of outdoor seating make this cafe an ideal spot if your doggo is tagging along. 

5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla 

Left Bower

With an elevated reimagining of the neighbourhood diners of yesteryear, mouth-watering brunch plates are guaranteed at this retro-inspired cafe. Committed to its aesthetic, Left Bower is a love letter to the 80s, from the bright orange accents and mismatched vintage crockery to the cosy crocheted blankets peppered along its alfresco seating. 

A little less kitsch is the menu that will transport you back to the present day. Feast on the likes of lemon ricotta pancakes, slow-cooked brisket tacos and the heavenly BLAT. Pro tip: Add a poached egg for the ultimate brekkie indulgence.

Shop 3/45 Adelong Street, Sutherland

Hendrix Coffee Co

Decadent baked sweets, tantalising toasties and specialty coffee brews, Hendrix Coffee Co is loved for its warm service and down-to-earth vibe. Caffeinating regulars with hyperlocal espresso from Sample Coffee, this humble coffee shop takes a simple concept and does it very, very well. Lattes aside, the food offering keeps it tight yet tasty with easy, grab-and-go bites that are impossible to resist.

While the team is bagging up your order, be sure to check out their fast-growing retail pantry which is brimming with unique and hard-to-find gourmet goodies from Sydney and beyond.

1/150 Cronulla Street, Cronulla     

Loved our roundup of the best cafes in the Sutherland Shire? Check out our must try Restaurants in the Sutherland Shire and our favourite Waterside Dining Spots in Sydney.