The leafy suburbs just north of the Harbour Bridge have a thriving cafe scene. There are family-friendly options by the water where the baristas know your name as well as hip eateries with the polished industrial look and a serious attitude towards specialty coffee. Here’s the pick of the bunch.
It feels like summer year round at this cafe overlooking the beach. Early morning, it’s the spot to meet for mums in activewear and prams, and turns into long-lunch territory by late afternoon with bottles of rose dotting each table. They sell posies of bright flowers out the front. 2 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088 http://www.theboathousebb.com.au/
Tucked under the bridge you’ll find a neon-lit, industrial-looking cafe serving specialty coffee. Perfect for cyclists, there are ample racks for your 10-speed and even a bike mechanic who can give you a tune-up to go with your espresso. Top marks go to a harissa-spiced veggie sanga for only $12. 10 Middlemiss St, Lavender Bay NSW 2060 https://baytenespresso.com.au/
Filter, pour over, batch brew – whatever your coffee obsession, The Roots can cater for it. With single origin beans rotating weekly, you can really nerd out and learn what you like. They make everything from scratch, with hearty salad bowls with toppings of fried chicken or hot-smoked salmon and beans to take home. 2E Plaza 7 &, 8/2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060 http://therootsespresso.com.au/
This charming cafe on a wharf hangs right over the water so looking out the window, all you see is blue. With raw wood panelling and hanging plants, the interior is almost as pretty as the view. Food is Instagram-friendly, with top picks berry waffles and rich bacon-and-egg rolls. Coffee is from Canberra roaster ONA. Kirribilli Commuter Wharf, 1/2 Holbrook Ave, Kirribilli NSW 2061 http://www.celsiuscoffeeco.com.au/
Eggs Benedict with pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles and mustard hollandaise on rye with melted Swiss cheese. Need we say more? Cafe staples are lifted beyond the ordinary here, with burgers being their specialty. Polished concrete and outdoor seating making a pleasant place to kill a few hours. 100 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag NSW 2068 https://www.facebook.com/backnforthcc
Look for the VB sign out the front of this family-run cafe, full of individual touches that give it a genuine warmth. A caffeine-molecule artwork is a nod to the co-owner’s former career as a scientist and perhaps inspires the baristas, who take a rigorous approach to caffeine extraction (with beans from Gabriel Coffee). There are healthy options on the menu like acai smoothie bowls and poached chicken salads. 8 Carter St, Cammeray NSW 2062 https://www.facebook.com/thealchemistespresso/
If you love Japanese food so much you want to eat it for breakfast too, this is the cafe for you. Udon, ramen and dengaku toast (eggplant, avocado, cucumber and red miso on sourdough) will have you questioning why you’ve been eating smashed avo all your life. 2/34 Burton St, Kirribilli NSW 2061 https://www.facebook.com/coolmaccafe/
Recycled furniture, plenty of greenery and a dog-friendly attitude make this laid-back cafe a favourite among locals. Food is simply done and well-priced, with coffee from Three Pence Roasters. Young families will appreciate the fenced-off play area. 61A Bay Rd, Waverton NSW 2060 https://www.facebook.com/botanicagcafe/
There aren’t many venues left in Sydney that are open 24 hours and although the menu is somewhat dated, the novelty of eating a burger at 9am or pancakes at 3am is pretty fun. From early-rising mums to students doing all-nighters, everyone’s welcome here. Shop 1/164 Military Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 https://www.maisys24.com.au/
