The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia, are known for their stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and of course, their thriving cafe scene. With its laid-back atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings, the Eastern Suburbs offer a plethora of delightful cafes for locals and visitors alike. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top cafes in the area, each with its own unique charm and culinary delights.
Lox Stock and Barrel is a deli cafe that focuses on offering healthy and delicious food made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their approach is influenced by the idea of a traditional delicatessen, where food is simple, prepared with care, and cooked from the heart. While the food has Jewish origins, it’s inspired by local produce and balanced eating.
The cafe emphasises a “farm to plate” philosophy, making everything from scratch, including their chewy bagels, pickles, and house-made pastrami. They offer a variety of options, from classic Jewish-style dishes like chopped liver on sweet onion bagels to lighter fare like fresh salads and sustainable fish sandwiches.
Their commitment to quality extends to their coffee, which is hand-extracted using a manual piston coffee machine. Lox Stock and Barrel, located in Bondi Beach, has been serving its European-style deli diner since 2013, rooted in the memories of Jewish comfort food brought by immigrants. They take pride in their artisanal techniques, daily smoking of fish and meat, and crafting of pickles and preserves in-house.
Their goal is to treat their guests like friends and their staff like family, offering food and drinks that reflect their passion and personal tastes.
Porch and Parlour, Bondi Beach
Porch & Parlour began in 2010 as a homey gathering spot in Bondi, combining good food, coffee, art, music, and a love for the community. Initially, it was a place for friends to enjoy wine, guitars, and artistic creations. Over time, it evolved into a popular venue, maintaining its local charm despite gaining national and international recognition.
In 2012, Porch and Parlour relocated closer to the beach, offering a Mediterranean-inspired interior with a beachy vibe. They serve food all day, including breakfast with dishes like green pea pancakes and hash browns, followed by a lunch menu featuring salads, burgers, and sandwiches. In the evening, they offer a share-style menu with options like ceviche, gnocchi, and lamb shoulder.
Porch and Parlour is known for its wine selection, primarily Australian bottles, complemented by a few international choices. The cafe also serves coffee, juices, and cocktails. In recent years, they have expanded their offerings to include wine and cocktails with cheese, snacks, and bar food on weekends.
The cafe’s atmosphere is described as rustic yet trendy, with a coastal feel. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, where crowds gather for its beautiful beachside location, delicious food, and inviting ambiance. Despite the wait times, it remains a beloved local hangout in Bondi Beach.
Ruby’s Diner, Waverley
Ruby’s Diner in Waverley is a renowned Eastern Suburbs establishment known for its organic, health-conscious, and globally influenced cuisine. The diner features a tattoo-style mural, adding to its charm and character. It’s a popular spot for locals, especially on Sundays for brunch.
Ruby’s has been a Waverley institution for over a decade, offering gourmet coffee and a seasonal menu focused on healthy dining. The cafe’s interior is adorned with murals, and it provides both indoor and streetside seating.
For coffee enthusiasts, Ruby’s offers a variety of options, including Single Origin coffee on tap and specialty filter methods like Aeropress, syphon, and cold drip black with lime and vanilla syrup. The all-day breakfast menu includes dishes like French toast with honey ricotta and creamy scrambled eggs with asparagus and smokey tomato relish, a local favourite. Lunch options feature Asian-inspired dishes such as lemongrass chicken salad with chilli jam and pecan pie for dessert.
Ed Devlin manages Ruby’s Diner, and the youthful staff provide attentive service, happily recommending their favourite menu items to patrons.
Harry’s Bondi, Bondi Beach
Harry’s, located in North Bondi near iconic Bondi Beach, has evolved from a humble hole-in-the-wall cafe into a beloved community icon since 1997. With a spacious interior and ample outdoor seating, it’s a family-friendly venue catering to large groups. Their menu focuses on using nutritious local produce and conventional ingredients to create approachable and fresh versions of classic brunch dishes.
In 2015, Harry’s Espresso transformed into Harry’s Bar & Dining when owners Harry Lambropoulos and Chris Karvelas acquired the adjacent laundromat. They aimed to create a family-friendly space with options for those seeking sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free choices.
The menu, crafted by Chef Bryan O’Callaghan, features dishes like cider-cured ocean trout with coddled eggs, blueberry and ricotta hotcakes, and quinoa and feta fritters on fattoush salad. Lunch options include burgers and salads. Harry’s also offers a variety of beverages, including kombucha, house-made ginger beer, fresh smoothies, and coffee made using cold-drip or V60 filter methods.
Their striking Synesso espresso machine and stylish interior, designed by Tina Cha at Guru Projects, make Harry’s a popular destination. The cafe’s expansion into an ethical kiosk and bar has been well-received by its loyal following, with both coffee and brunch options garnering praise.
bills, Bondi Beach
Bill’s, located in Bondi Beach, is a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Bill Granger, known for opening eateries in various international locations. This Australian outpost offers a bright and communal atmosphere with seating both indoors and on one of the lively streets of Bondi.
Bill Granger’s menu features iconic dishes like creamy scrambled eggs, ricotta hotcakes, and corn fritters. These classics have gained worldwide popularity and are a must-try. The breakfast menu also includes muesli and various toast dishes.
For lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include vibrant salads, burgers, and seafood, often with subtle Asian influences. Some standout dishes include tea-smoked trout salad, fish curry, spicy pork belly, and Japanese-style steak.
At Bill’s, you can enjoy beverages like Bloody Mary, white peach Bellini, custom espresso blends from Single O, and house-made lemonade from early morning. Expect a wait for a table, even with 100 seats, as it’s a popular spot, especially for weekend brunch. Bill’s in Bondi Beach is a great place to experience Bill Granger’s breezy and influential style of Australian cafe culture.
Shuk, North Bondi
Shuk is a cafe and bakery located in North Bondi, Australia, inspired by the Israeli marketplace known as “The Shuk.” Owned by Yoni Kalfus, the cafe offers a fusion of Israeli, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and local Australian cuisine. The menu reflects the changing trends in Israeli food, with a twist on traditional dishes.
Shuk’s signature dish is the family-sized shakshuka, consisting of baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, served with freshly baked bread for dipping. Other notable items include the teff pancake made with Ethiopian teff flour, ricotta, sweet dukkah, maple, apple and pear compote, halva, berries, and crushed pistachios.
In addition to their diverse menu, Shuk also offers a range of pastries and bread baked on-site daily, making it a great spot for takeaway pastries and coffee. The cafe captures the bustling and communal atmosphere of an Israeli marketplace.
The restaurant is known for its gluten-free options and provides a relaxed indoor and outdoor dining experience. Overall, Shuk offers a taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East in the heart of Bondi, just a short walk from the beach.
The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney offer a diverse range of cafes that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a beach lover, health enthusiast, or simply looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, these cafes have something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Eastern Suburbs, be sure to explore these top cafes for a memorable culinary experience.