Sydney's top outdoor cafes

The Grounds of Alexandria

Location: Alexandria
Great for: Photo backdrops, space for the kids to run around and lots of eatery options.

Described as a "cafe, restaurant & bar, garden, bakery and patisserie, coffee roastery, animal farm, florist, markets and more," The Grounds at Alexandria is a one-stop shop. Let the kids roam around The Grounds Garden, which features fresh flowers and farm animals, or relax with friends for lunch or dinner at The Potting Shed. 

The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria

The Greens North Sydney

Location: North Sydney
Great for: Lawn bowls, live music and fire pits.

For similar vibes north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out The Greens North Sydney. Set in leafy St Leonards Park, fuel up for your game of lawn bowls over lunch with a cold beer in hand or enjoy cocktails with dinner next to a fire pit on the patio.

The Greens North Sydney, North Sydney - Credit: The Greens North Sydney

La Renaissance

Location: The Rocks
Great for: A coffee in one of the most historic suburbs in Sydney.

La Renaissance serves up French pastries, cakes, desserts and macarons that are simply mouthwatering. It's no surprise co-owner Jean Michel Raynaud has been inducted into Relais Desserts—the world's most exclusive French Patisserie association. Sit in their leafy back courtyard or people watch out front of this cute cafe.

La Renaissance - Credit: La Renaissance

The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Location: Manly
Best for: Beachside eats every day.

With its breezy coastal vibe and prime waterfront perch on Shelly Beach, The Boathouse is a Manly favourite for sun-soaked brunches and seaside sips. Expect fresh Aussie fare with a seafood slant, relaxed walk-in dining, and views that stretch all the way to the horizon.

The Boathouse, Shelly Beach - Credit: The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Outfield

Location: Ashfield
Best for: Fuelling up after a visit to the park.

This parkside cafe, aptly named Outfield, feels like an extension of a friend’s backyard. With a picnic-appropriate menu that includes takeaway picnic hampers, borrow a blanket and settle on a patch of grass among the locals. Popular orders include their kimchi egg and cheese toastie, and the zucchini and pecorino waffle.

Outfield Cafe, Ashfield

Flying Bear Cafe

Location: Kirribilli
Great for: Delicious dishes on the dock with wonderful views to match.

Flying Bear Cafe in Kirribilli sits a bit hidden on the wharf at the Sydney Flying Squadron. Enjoy water views whilst you chow down their signature eggs benny for brunch or tuck into a green bowl during lunch. 

Flying Bear Cafe, Kirribilli - Credit: Leigh Griffiths

Three Blue Ducks

Location: Rosebery
Great for: Those fuelled by friends, family and sustainable food.

A little oasis tucked into the industrial backstreets of Rosebery, Three Blue Ducks champions local produce. Built on strong foundations of mateship and ethical food, the menu is constantly rotating to make use of what's fresh and in season, from fire roasted eggplant to slow cooked lamb shoulder serves with red chimichurri.

Three Blue Ducks Cafe, Rosebery

Girdlers

Location: Dee Why
Great for: A massive menu of goodies made with care in the Northern Beaches.

With a focus on honest food and friendly service, the crew at Girdlers specialise in healthy meals including acai bowls and buckwheat crepes. Much of the menu is gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar-free so everyone can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch. Located across from Dee Why Beach, there are five other locations spread throughout the Northern Beaches in Avalon, Manly, Narrabeen, Castle Hill and Warringah Mall.

Girdlers Cafe, Dee Why

The Lookout

Location: Elizabeth Bay
Best for: Sunny wooden deck with water views.

Overlooking Elizabeth Bay Marina, The Lookout brews coffee as good as the view. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the sun-drenched deck to watch boats cruise by as you tuck into dukkah egg, poke bowls, and bacon burgers.

The Lookout cafe, Elizabeth Bay

Cafe Sydney

Location: Circular Quay
Best for: Rooftop location with spectacular harbour views.

Capturing the essence of Sydney from its amazing location on the rooftop of Customs House, Cafe Sydney offers a menu as delicious as its spectacular harbour views. Sit in the outdoor terrace while you feast on their seasonal a la carte menu inspired by fresh Australian ingredients.

Cafe Sydney, Sydney

Tommy’s Cafe

Location: Vineyard
Great for: Pastries in the morning and ice cream in the arvo.

Modern café dining meets rustic charm at Tommy’s Cafe at The Vineyard. Kids can explore the playground while parents enjoy coffee and brunch at the picnic tables on the lawn.

Tommy's Cafe, Vineyard - Credit: Tommy's Cafe

Next Door

Location: Cronulla
Best for: An indulgent brunch listening to the lapping waves of the ocean.

Neighbouring North Cronulla Beach, Next Door's head chef follows the philosophy that you should only serve what you love to make to your friend, and the menu certainly reflects this mantra. From ‘eggs your way’ to flathead fish tacos, it’s impossible to order wrong.

Next Door, Cronulla

The Waterfront Cafe and General Store

Location: Church Point
Best for: Water views and extensive menu.

Share mezze plates, antipasto boards, and mixed seafood platters on the deck at The Waterfront Cafe and General Store. Located at scenic Church Point surrounded by water, tree-filled banks and boats, soak in the views over a drink or two.

The Waterfront Cafe and General Store, Church Point

Sappho Books, Cafe and Bar

Location: Glebe
Best for: Cosy garden cafe with vegan wines.

Not only is Sappho an excellent second-hand bookshop but it treats customers to a wonderful cafe by day, and a wine bar at night. Serving fresh and delicious dishes with many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, this garden courtyard cafe also hosts live music nights with a predominantly vegan wine list.

Sappho Books, Cafe and Bar, Glebe - Credit: Sappho Books, Cafe and Bar

4 Doors Down

Location: The Rocks
Great for: People watching and pastries.

This fully licensed spot delivers comfort with character. 4 Doors Down's leafy back courtyard is perfect for a quiet brunch, while the front tables offer prime people-watching near Circular Quay. Don't forget to drop by for a pint in the evening.

4 Doors Down, The Rocks - Credit: Anna Kucera

Percy Plunkett

Location: Penrith
Great for: Cosy vibes in a renovated heritage cottage.

Sit on the veranda or in the white-picket-fence garden as you munch on breakfast or lunch at Percy Plunkett. This wheelchair accessible serves up everything from birria lamb toasties to fairy bread. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.

Percy Plunkett, Penrith - Credit: Percy Plunkett

Art Cafe

Location: Campbelltown
Great for: Idyllic garden setting in arts precinct.

Located within the Campbelltown Arts Centre, enjoy your meal in the serene landscape of the surrounding Japanese Gardens. A tranquil oasis, Art Café is known for its outstanding house blend coffee.

Art Cafe, Campbelltown - Credit: Art Cafe