Sydney arguably popularised the modern “brunch cafe” internationally — smashed avo, specialty coffee and considered plating trace back partly to this city’s cafe scene. A few names have earned genuine, lasting reputations rather than a passing trend.
Established Names
Bills — Bill Granger’s original Darlinghurst cafe is widely credited with popularising ricotta hotcakes and the modern Australian brunch format that spread internationally. It remains a benchmark for the style it helped create.
The Grounds of Alexandria — part cafe, part garden, part small farm, The Grounds turned breakfast into a destination in its own right, and remains one of Sydney’s most visited brunch spots.
Reuben Hills in Surry Hills built its reputation on specialty coffee alongside a Latin American-influenced breakfast menu, and has run for well over a decade as an Inner City favourite.
What Makes Sydney Breakfast Different
Compared to many cities, Sydney’s cafe culture leans heavily on specialty coffee (rather than diner-style drip coffee) and considered, often vegetable-forward plates rather than heavy fry-ups — a style that’s since spread to cafes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did smashed avocado on toast originate?
It’s widely associated with Sydney’s cafe scene, particularly Bills, which helped popularise the modern brunch format internationally.
What is The Grounds of Alexandria?
A large cafe and garden precinct in Alexandria that combines dining with a small farm setting — one of Sydney’s most visited brunch destinations.
