Best Coffee in Sydney CBD: Top Cafes for a Coffee Break
Sydney is a coffee lover's dream. Not sure where to start? Here's where to find the best coffee in Sydney's CBD.
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. These are our favourite cafes serving up the best coffee in Sydney CBD...
Mecca
Mecca has been navigating the complex coffee landscape since 2005, sourcing beans with a dedication that is more than just 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.
67 King Street, Sydney
Skittle Lane
King Street's Skittle Lane boasts two shiny La Marzocco coffee machines that pump out the cafe’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.
40 King Street, Sydney
Cabrito Coffee Traders
Down a laneway in Circular Quay, Cabrito Coffee Traders is a hole-in-the-wall cafe 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 and delicious. 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 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 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
The Q on Harris
The Q on Harris roasts only the best beans personally sourced from Indonesia. They're huge on traceability so they'll be able to tell you exactly where your beans have come from. Swing by for a quick brew or pop into the cosy brick-lined cafe decked out with fairy lights and greenery.
597 Harris Street, Ultimo
Outta Coffee
A true hole in the wall (but with seating!), Outta Coffee is sleek and simple in both their aesthetic and offering. They specialise in showcasing microroasters the world over, so you're always assured of a touch of education with each cup. Details are on point down to the sugar and they also make a mean matcha!
17 Valentine Street, Haymarket
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.
Various Locations
Kingswood Coffee
Tucked down one of Sydney Place's fun alleyways, you'll find Kingswood Coffee. You'll know you're in the right place when you catch the well-deserved line snaking out the front. But not to worry. These guys know what they're doing so they'll have your morning brew in your hands in no time. They've got filter and cold drip if that's your thing and also make a top-tier hot choccy and chai if you're steering clear of caffeine.
5 Underwood 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 more 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.
