Our Favorite Coffee Shops in Sydney (July 2025 Edition)

We spent a month in Sydney, Australia, in July 2025. A month was more than enough time to explore the city, get to know different neighborhoods, and immerse ourselves in the local culture. One thing that truly surprised us was how deeply coffee culture runs in Sydney (I’ve heard Melbourne is even more obsessed).

Before coming to Sydney, I had actually quit coffee. But after living there for a few weeks, I fell right back into the habit—there’s just no escaping it. Coffee shops are everywhere, and you’ll see people holding takeaway cups on nearly every street corner. It’s constant temptation.

We stayed in the CBD, so we made it our mission to try as many highly rated coffee shops as we could. Here’s our personal ranking of the best coffee shops in Sydney.

(Oh, before we start, flat white is the most popular coffee in Sydney. Before I visited Sydney, I had never heard of it. After, I was hooked.)

Contents

• 1. Toby's Estate (Chippendale)
• 2. Influsion on Clarence (Serving Danes Coffee)
• 3. Gumption by Coffee Alchemy (The Strand Arcade)
• 4. Industry Beans York St
• 5. (tied) Stitch Coffee (inside the QVB)
• 5. (tied) Skittle Lane Coffee
• Interesting Things about Coffee in Sydney

1. Toby's Estate (Chippendale)

Toby’s Estate takes the top spot without question. Toby's Estate, specifically their Chippendale flagship location, was recently awarded the prestigious "World's Best Coffee Shop" title at the inaugural World's 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala in Madrid.

Some people say they’re overhyped because they’ve won so many awards, but honestly—they deserve every bit of praise. Their Woolloomooloo blend is incredibly smooth and rich, with zero bitterness or acidity. Everything is in perfect balance, and there’s even a subtle umami note that makes it unforgettable.

My single origin (Tinamit Cooperative, Guatemala) flat white coffee from Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters in Chippendale

You can buy their beans on-site, and we brought a bag of the Woolloomooloo roast back to the U.S. The day we finished it was a sad one—there’s nothing quite like it here.

If we learned one thing from Toby’s Estate, it’s this: instead of hopping from one random café to another, look for award-winning roasters—you’ll have a much better chance of finding truly exceptional coffee.

We also ordered a sourdough bread with jam, peanut butter, salted butter, and Vegemite (left to right) - our first time trying Vegemite!

This is our favorite coffee shop in Sydney. Honestly, nothing else came close.

2. Influsion on Clarence (Serving Danes Coffee)

Infusion on Clarence is a small, humble café serving Danes Coffee. Don’t let the modest setting fool you—the coffee is outstanding.

We ordered a flat white and a piccolo from Influsion on Clarence

Danes Coffee is often called one of the best in the world, with some people even ranking it above Toby’s Estate. The company’s headquarters and main roastery are outside the city, and they’re known for offering excellent coffee-making classes. Unfortunately, all the classes were fully booked before we left—our biggest coffee regret of the trip.

3. Gumption by Coffee Alchemy (The Strand Arcade)

Gumption is tucked away inside The Strand Arcade—a smaller, elegant shopping arcade reminiscent of the Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

Flat white from Gumption by Coffee Alchemy

The café itself is small but always bustling, with customers often standing in line waiting for their orders. The coffee is smooth and well-balanced, though not quite as rich as Toby’s Estate. Still, it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re exploring The Strand.

4. Industry Beans York St

Industry Beans York Street is a bright, modern café with a clean and minimalist design.

Flat white for me and piccolo coffee for my husband from Industry Beans York St

Their coffee is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. They also roast their own beans, so it’s a great place to pick up a bag to take home.

5. (tied) Stitch Coffee (inside the QVB)

Stitch Coffee is located inside the historic Queen Victoria Building, which makes it an easy stop while sightseeing or shopping.

Flat white from Stitch Coffee

Their flat white is smooth and pleasant, but lighter in flavor and less distinctive compared to Toby’s Estate. A solid choice, but it didn’t leave a strong impression.

5. (tied) Skittle Lane Coffee

Skittle Lane Coffee is a small café on a side street called Skittle Lane (yes, that’s the actual street name—it always reminded me of the candy).

Flat white from Skittle Lane Coffee

They roast their own beans, and their flat white is smooth and light, similar to Stitch Coffee. One small difference: their cup size is a bit smaller than what most Sydney cafés serve.

Interesting Things about Coffee in Sydney

• Coffee is everywhere in Sydney
• Flat white is the most popular coffee in Sydney. Piccolo is the second most popular coffee.
• Coffee shops also serve food, as another big selling point, such as sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.