Sydney is a city known for its cafe culture; from pouring incredible flat whites to avocado and feta on sourdough, the cafes here will forever change your standards on brunch. Since there are endless cafes scattered throughout the city, you may be slightly overwhelmed with choice. Below is a list of my favourite cafes in Sydney after eating my way through the city for two weeks.

1. Cafe Mint

My favourite non-western cafe was Cafe Mint; an all-day tiny yet welcoming Middle Eastern spot in Surry Hills. I fell in love with the Baked Eggs with Chackchouka (AUD$15.90); a North African dish of eggs baked with onion and tomato (be sure to add the feta and eggplant), and za’atar toast to soak everything up. If you prefer eating outside, Cafe Mint only has two small tables, so try to go at an off-peak time.

Cafe Mint
579 Crown Street
Surry Hills

2. Lumiere Cafe & Patisserie

Lumiere Cafe & Patisserie was my favourite western brunch spot while in Sydney that I just so happened to stumble upon. There is plenty of outdoor seating and the cafe is bright and open. If you like a slightly sweeter brunch, the melted provolone cheese, maple bacon, roast pumpkin, homemade bacon jam, and two poached eggs on soy & linseed bread (AUD$19) not only is your perfect #eggporn Instagram snap, but it was incredibly delicious and filling.

Lumiere Cafe & Patisserie 
425 Bourke Street
Surry Hills

3. Pioik Bakery

Nestled on Harris Street in Pyrmont is where you’ll find Pioik Bakery, specializing in Egyptian breakfast and baked goods, as well as other popular bakery favourites. The brunch menu is short, but the must-order dish is their Egyptian Breakfast (AUD$13) consisting of a soft boiled egg, shanklish, tomato, parsley, and coriander with manoush bread. On your way out be sure to grab a dangerously good almond sugar-dusted croissant.

Pioik Bakery
176-178 Harris Street
Pyrmont 

4. Porch and Parlour

Porch and Parlour is a well-known cafe in Bondi with a rustic feel to the restaurant and a fitting laid-back vibe. The menu offers your typical Australian healthy brunch fare, so naturally, I went for the least healthy option, the B.E.R.T.A: bacon, egg, rocket, tomato, and aioli sandwich (AUD$16). The grilled haloumi salad (AUD$20) is also a good choice if you would rather not be carrying a food baby around on the beach.

Porch and Parlour 
17-18/110 Ramsgate Ave.
Bondi

5. The Boathouse

The vibe at The Boathouse in Shelly Beach, Manly is fantastic; open-concept, plenty of outdoor seating, and decor to really suit their location just steps from the beach. I think I may have liked this brunch spot more because of its location as opposed to the food, but I do think it’s worth checking out. I ordered the avocado, tomato, and feta on sourdough (AUD$18) which was massive and satisfying, save for the burnt edges.

The Boathouse 
1 Marine Parade 
Manly (Shelly Beach)