Sweet treats in Sydney
As cities go, Sydney is pretty sweet. As people go, Sydney siders are some of the sweetest ones you’ll ever meet. Why not enjoy something sweet with sweet people in a sweet city? From humble, just-beyond-the-corner-of-your-eye cafes to well-known, popular ones – here’s a list of ten Sydney desert cafes you wish you could be in right now!
1. Pancakes on The Rocks
If you’re anything like me and you love breakfast foods, Pancakes on the Rocks is for you. In this busy, two-story cafe-restaurant, you’ll find pancakes with seafood, Thai style chicken, potato au gratin and so many more combinations that might not sound good but tastes oh so yum. If you’d prefer the more desert-like option, you can get chocolate, vanilla, banana and all sorts of berry-flavoured pancakes. I mean, breakfast as dinner? Yes please!
They also serve gourmet pizza, steaks, salads and other breakfast combos that you’re sure to find something you like! Matching the lively spirit of The Rocks and Circular Quay, this place (by place I mean heaven) is perfect for friends, dates, and families – absolutely anyone for any occasion. The best part is, they’re open 24 hours, 7 days a week which means breakfast food for breakfast, breakfast food for lunch and breakfast food for dinner.
Be careful though, I’ve yet to see this fine eatery empty or without a line and rightfully so because it’s definitely worth the wait. Some say that it’s a little bit expensive but if you see just how much they give and just how good each bite tastes, you’ll know it was well worth it!
Personal Favourite: Thai Chicken Pancake
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: here.
2. The Corner Café (Princess Coco Chocolaterie)
When you’re in need of an inner pamper session, that is, a spa for your soul and stomach, The Corner Café is the one for you. It used to be called Princess Coco Chocolaterie but I guess the owners realised that non-Cocos and men can be royal-teas (haha get it?) too. But the change of name doesn’t mean they’ve also changed their regal atmosphere!
Here, you’ll be sipping teas and hot chocolate, enjoying cakes and dining on some of Sydney’s best sweets all in the comfort of your purple and gold velvet throne. The aromatic air is hinted with the flavours of the pastries; the intimate atmosphere is set by the upbeat yet relaxing tunes overhead and the fancy decorations top it all off to make up the magnificent experience that is this café.
It doesn’t matter if you’re here on your own or with someone, this is peaceful café is welcomes your studies, your friendly chats and your romantic endeavours. You’ll be able to reconnect with yourself and with others through their delightful deserts! Finally a café that embraces your excellence in the form of edibles!
Personal Favourite: Earl Grey Hot Chocolate
Address: Shop 124, 158-166 Day Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: Here.
3. My Sweet Memory
Man Crush Monday? Pfft, who needs an MCM when you can have MSM: My Sweet Memory! This stylish yet humble little café mainly attracts young crowds but caters to everyone. Whether you’re here on a first date, a well overdue catch up session with a friend, tea with nana or a quick business bite on your break, this picture-perfect place celebrates any and all relationships, even the one with yourself!
Actually, this may be one of the few cafes I’m comfortable hitting up alone. You’ll be surprised at how peaceful your mind can get when the vibrant atmosphere welcomes you but doesn’t force you to join in. With a balanced atmosphere of intimacy and comfort, a fun café like this could never be awkward! The vintage decorations are a treat on your eyes while you enjoy the edible treats of cakes, waffles and pies!
On top of all the sweetness, this café sells adorable stationery that match their well-decorated interior! Savoury sweets and stylish stationaries, you just can’t go wrong with a combination like that!
Personal Favourite: MSM Signature Waffles (Chocolate) with an Iced Chai Latte
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: Here.
4. Adriano Zumbo Pâtissier
Do you believe in love at first bite? If not, Adriano Zumbo’s magic may convince you otherwise. This self-titled establishment has somehow turned an intangible concept into a tangible one, and not just that, but a tasty one. I’m talking about his Zumbarons; his sweet and colourful mini-sandwiches of flavourful happiness.
You will literally be holding happiness in your hands. Each bite into his perfect confectioneries (perfectioneries!) is like a celebration in your mouth! Adriano also does cakes and brownies, both of which are just as delightful, delicious and decorated as his macarons. They almost look too good to eat because you just don’t want to destroy such a mouth-watering masterpiece, but of course you do anyway. Adriano’s deserts can be enjoyed by anyone and are perfect for a little snack, teatime nibbles and picnic deserts.
Personal Favourites: Caramel Au Beurre Salé and Pancake & Maple Syrup
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: Here.
5. Four Frogs Creperie
From the moment you step into the Four Frog Creperie, you’re greeted with their eccentric energy. The colourful atmosphere welcomes you; the quirky décor invites you to take a seat and the friendly staff will certainly see to your care.
Whether it’s for a sweet bite after the movies at the Ritz or a quick desert after dinner at one of Randwick’s finest restaurants, this vibrant desert café is a great venue for absolutely anyone. If the friendly buzz is just a little too buzzing, you can grab a crepe to go and enjoy it at Coogee beach or Centennial Park. You won’t be cheated of the size and you get to relish it in your choice of comfort! To phrase it in short, sweet and simple terms: Four Frogs, five stars. Make sure to give it a go!
Personal Favourite: Chocolate & Banana Crepe
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: Here.
6. Lindt Chocolate Cafe
If there ever was a place of warmth, hope and deliciousness, Lindt Chocolate Café is it. Despite the tragic events of December 2014, you’ll be welcomed with friendly smiles, aromatic desserts and a spirited atmosphere as you enter this chocolate kingdom. What makes this possible is the support and love the staff members of Lindt all across Australia have shown to move on positively from the tragedy.
I personally was extremely uneasy about coming here a month after its reopening, but as soon as I stepped in my worries disappeared. I saw a group of friends laughing away over cakes, families laughing at their young one’s chocolate-covered grin, couples rejoicing in their choice of company and deserts and employees sharing their enthusiasm for what they do. There is absolutely no room for sadness here, only a community of chocolate-loving hearts working together to shed a positive light on what happened.
Lindt Chocolate Café truly celebrates the memories of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson and embraces their passion for quality chocolate.
Personal Favourite: Signature Hot Chocolate
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: Here.
7. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
If the love of your life isn’t Adriano, then it might well be Max Brenner. Don’t know him? Well, he may be the only strange, bald man you want to accept chocolate from. Max Brenner is actually a combined name of Max Fitchman and Oded Brenner, the two founders of this great chocolate bar.
You might think, “well, you’re bound to get bored of the menu if everything is chocolate covered, dipped and flavoured” but the truth is, you don’t. The richness, quality and variety of deserts will absolutely stun you. Sure they’ve all got a bit of chocolate in them but the delicious mystery lies in the question: how can one ingredient bring about infinite flavours (and happiness)? While you try to solve this flavourful puzzle, you’ll notice that the mystery has somehow seeped into the air.
The atmosphere in this chocolate café is always so smooth and electric, as though everyone was in on a happy, little secret not knowing that they were all cherishing a different one. This is perfect for dates, friendly catch-ups and family desert, basically for any occasion. Max Brenner celebrates chocolate and he does it with style, quality and hopefully with you!
Personal Favourite: Banana Praline Crêpes with an American Marshmallow (hot chocolate)
Address: Click here for list of outlets
Website: Here.
8. The Sweet Spot
There really isn’t a better fitting name for this place because it genuinely defines, hits, and is The Sweet Spot. This patisserie is ideal for groups, especially families with children. It’ll fix any bad mood too, especially now that we’re coming close to winter. Just because the weather’s gloomy doesn’t mean you have to be! Enjoying a nice, warm cup of tea along with one of their cakes is sure to cheer you up.
Personally, The Sweet Spot has saved me from so many of my “down” days during my first few months in Sydney. Being homesick sucks but the quaint, homey aura of this place always cheered me up. It was like the whole place was giving me a giant, atmospheric hug. Sure, I’d still miss home afterwards but I’d be reminded to enjoy as much of Sydney as I can so that when my family visits me, I’d know just how to show them a good time!
Pleasant, delightful and inviting, when you’re at The Sweet Spot, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
Personal Favourite: Chocolate Profiterole
Address: 1/18 Perouse Road, Randwick NSW 2031
Website: Here.
9. Chambers Fine Coffee
From Tumblr-esque cutlery to a movie-like set up, Chambers Fine Coffee is the corner café you almost want to keep a secret. At most, you’d want to share it with your closest friends because you don’t want this sacred sanctuary to be ruined by the chaotic buzz other cafes might have. Those in-the-know with this petite finding will how calming it can be; a quiet day for a bite or a lazy classic for a friendly catch up.
The fragrance of coffee and the hushed, frantic air from all the orders give life to the place without disrupting its quaint nature – giving this café a little taste of “home”. What makes this café eccentric yet a must-know is that it brings you the same peaceful ease you get when listening to and maybe even watching the rain from the comfort of your own bed. Add a cup of coffee or a red velvet gateau to that mix and you’ve got yourself a little nook you wouldn’t want to leave!
Personal Favourite: Iced Green Tea Latte (have it blended!)
Address: 10/7 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138
Website: Here.
10. One Six Nine Cafe
You know in movies where the main character goes into a café and asks for “the usual”? Well, One Six Nine Café is exactly that kind of place. This little gem of a place is one that people might miss but once found; it’ll be too precious to ever miss again. It’s an ideal venue for on-the-go customers so if you need a a peaceful breakfast to set you up for a long day’s work or a quick bite before or after the gym – this is the place to go.
It also works as a peaceful escape from all the other café’s hustles and bustles, you’ll definitely get some undisturbed solo time (sometimes that’s all you need!). In a way, this probably isn’t the best place for large group gatherings but if you’re looking for a casual hang out spot for two, you’ve come to just the right place! From all day breakfasts to filling lunches, from healthy treats to sugary sweats, you’re sure to find something you like in this tiny treasure!
Personal Favourite: Breakfast Trifle
Address: 169 Alison Road, Randwick NSW 2031
Website: Here.
For all the sweet-tooths in Sydney
If you ever feel guilty checking out these ten sweeteries (sweet eateries), remember the famous words of Bill Watterson: “I’m not a vegetarian! I’m a dessertarian!” and treat yourself! If there are any desert cafes that other dessertarians might like, let us know in the comments! Dessertarians unite!