Berkelouw Café 1812 - Paddington, Sydney

Berkelouw Café 1812 in Paddington offers a unique dining experience within Berkelouw Books Level One. The café provides a charming atmosphere in a licensed bookshop setting with retro decor. Serving a diverse range of café dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and delectable desserts, the menu caters to various tastes. In addition to their regular menu, they offer share plates and high tea, providing a delightful culinary experience. Guests can complement their meals with freshly brewed coffee, high-quality teas, or beverages from the licensed bar, which includes wine and craft beer selections.
Inspired by the European salon culture, Berkelouw Café 1812 pays homage to its literary heritage dating back to 1812 when the family’s first bookstore opened in Rotterdam, Holland. Six generations later, Café 1812 serves as a modern interpretation of a literary meeting place, located on the top floor of the company’s bookstore in Paddington. The café’s ambiance combines dark timber and clean lines with antiques, creating a modern yet distinctive setting for patrons to enjoy espresso and French toast in the morning or wine and a cheese plate in the evening.

The wine list, curated by family friend and winemaker Alex Retief, features boutique producers and selections from the Champagne region, enhancing the café’s appeal as a place for thinkers and talkers to gather and converse. Café 1812 invites guests to linger, browse the bookshelves, and immerse themselves in the literary atmosphere while enjoying delicious food and drinks. With its cozy and inviting environment surrounded by shelves filled with books, Berkelouw Café 1812 offers a memorable experience for both food and book enthusiasts alike.