The Best Brunch Spots in Newtown, Sydney
Brewtown
This café-cum-bakery-cum-roaster is a Newtown staple. With three locations across Sydney, Brewtown is synonymous with fresh, delicious fare and perfectly roasted beans. Launched in 2013, Brewtown is all about natural goodness, so plan to be impressed. For coffee aficionados, note: All the best home brewing equipment can be bought in-store too!
Brewtown. 6-8 O’Connell Street. Newtown. Sydney. Australia. (02) 9519 2920
Black Star Pastry
Nearly a decade old, this boutique patisserie has received much press and critical acclaim for its adventurous approach to the art of pastry and its indisputable quality. All about the old-style way, founder of Black Star Pastry, Christopher Thé, still believes in hand-making each creation with love and dedication, something which shines through in presentation and taste — no flavourings, dyes or anything unnatural is used in his recipes. Survey says: This Newtown award-winning brunch spot is not to be missed.
Black Star Pastry. 277 Australia Street. Newtown. Australia. (02) 9557 8656
Café Shenkin
Fusing contemporary Australian brunch fare with middle eastern influences, Café Shenkin has rightfully earned its stripes in the Newtown brunch scene for offering indisputably incredible fusion dishes that look just as good as they taste. It’s very reasonably priced too, with all brunch dishes falling below the $20 mark. Shenkin also boasts a variety options for all sorts of diets, including vegetarian and gluten free.
Cafe Shenkin. 129 Enmore Road. Sydney. Australia. (02) 9519 7463
Rising Sun Workshop
In 2015, Rising Sun Workshop was born. A social enterprise that is Sydney’s first communal motorcycle workshop and café. As a completely holistic business model, each coffee purchased, or pastry enjoyed, feeds back into the workshop space, elevating the community and collaborative elements on which this business is based. In 2013, the three founders — Adrian, Heleana and Dan — launched a crowd-funding campaign that would raise them $40,000 in order to help get the business off the ground and launch the most unique business in the locale, not to mention doing one of the best Japanese-inspired brunches in town.
The Vintage Café
Enjoy a comfort European bistro brunch in this rustic café with locations in Newtown and The Rocks. Drawing influences from Spanish, Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine The Vintage Café supports brunch favourites such as a Spanish omelette and eggs Benedict whilst also offering a wide selection of gluten free and veggie options. Think fresh-squeezed juices and organic teas by day, a rich tapas menu dominates by night, making this one of Newtown’s most coveted spots to eat.
Vargabar Espresso
Situated just off the busy and bustling King Steet, Vargabar Espresso has been a local institution for over 15 years. As a Newtown favourite, this café tries to achieve complete synergy between the four crucial pillars of any brunch spot: killer coffee, super friendly service, delicious food and people-watching perfection. Dishes not to be missed include the breakfast burrito and ‘Lil Beaut’ stack, both of which are under 16 bucks.
Hoochie Mamma
Located in the heart of Newtown, Hoochie Mamma has become a classic with its European-inspired fare, freshly baked pastries, locally sourced products and emphasis on free-range and organic where possible. With indoor and outdoor seating for over 100, this joint can also be hired as a venue for private events. Crowd favourites include the breakfast bowls and brekkie bruschetta. Tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options are on offer too, and all at a very affordable price.
Hoochie Mamma. 156 Missenden Road. Newtown. Australia. (02) 9557 9444
Funky Monkey Café
Funky Monkey is Newtown’s much needed simple and to the point greasy spoon café. Casual, tasty and chill, this spot is a favourite to locals and tourists alike with its relaxed approach to brunch-style dining. Featuring a hearty menu with everything from bacon and eggs to BLTs, this super affordable brunch spot fills a much-needed gap in the Newtown market, that being the need for simple, delicious and fresh café nosh (minus the side order of super-alt and trendy).
The Wolf and Honey Bee
This street corner café in Newtown has been commended for its simple approach to quality fare. Launched in 2011 by Conal O’Neil, The Wolf and Honey Bee offers simple staples like avocado toast with a creative flare, such as Meredith marinated goat’s cheese and dehydrated ancho chili. Half portions are available (with a $2 charge) as is a kids menu, plus there are veggie and gluten-free options galore.
Either OR
This Newtown brunch spot meets concept store meets arts space takes ‘on-trend’ to new heights boasting an industrial interior to die for. Showcasing work by local designers while also exhibiting artwork, this creative space serves up some of the finest coffee in Newtown and a seasonal, health-conscious menu which will not disappoint.
512 King Street. Newtown. Australia. (02) 9557 7790