Find six of Sydney’s best coffee spots in The Rocks
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly brewed coffee — rich, aromatic, and soul-warming. Australia’s vibrant coffee culture, shaped by its diverse migrant history, has made Sydney one of the world’s great café cities. And one of the best ways to experience it? Take a stroll down George Street and into the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, where you’ll find six standout coffee spots worth the detour.
ASLAN COFFEE ROASTERS
Bringing diverse, complex and bold flavours to The Rocks, ASLAN Coffee Roasters source their coffee beans solely from the Indonesian Archipelago – before roasting them locally in St Peters.
The islands of Indonesia have a reputation for some of the best coffee in the world, and after a visit to ASLAN, it’s not hard to see why. Taste the heavy body and sweet overall impression of coffee from Java (the origin of the coffee nickname), smooth and supple to the last drop. Sip slowly and let the notes of cocoa, tobacco, smoke, earth and cedar wood from Sumatran beans reveal themselves on your palate. Savour the nutty, warm spice notes of cinnamon or cardamom in a Sulawesi sip, with hints of black pepper waiting to be found.
The espresso bar at ASLAN showcases a house blend and single origin coffees on rotation, and coffees made using brewing methods such as batch brew, cold brew and nitro are also available.
BLACK & WHITE ESPRESSO
At its best, Australian cafe culture is simple, unpretentious, and downright delicious. The team at Black & White Espresso Bar know this, and strive to bring out the best of Australia’s renowned cafe culture in an experience that can make anyone feel immediately at home in one of the best coffee spots in Sydney.
Working with Single O roasters, the leaders of Australia’s third-generation coffee revolution, they serve Reservoir as their house blend as well as a host of single origins for blacks, espressos and filters.
Some (very) welcome additions to your coffee order are the Butterboy cookies, Tuga pastries and sweet & savoury croissants.
Add this little coffee spot to your list of things to do in Sydney and you will not be disappointed.
LA RENAISSANCE
SHUK
At Shuk, coffee is more than just a morning ritual — it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and savour the moment.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, Shuk serves up coffee with heart. Their baristas take pride in every pour, using expertly roasted beans to craft smooth, rich brews — whether you're after a velvety flat white, a bold espresso or something a little more adventurous.
It’s the perfect pairing to Shuk’s handmade pastries, bagels, and Middle Eastern favourites, all served in a warm, communal space that buzzes with the energy of locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're grabbing a quick takeaway or sitting down for a slow sip and a chat, Shuk offers more than great coffee, it’s a place where stories are shared and community comes first.
Step off George Street and into Shuk, where coffee, culture and connection come together beautifully.
THE DOSE CAFE
At The Dose, coffee is a craft honed over years. Their skilled baristas use high-quality single-origin beans to create everything from silky flat whites to refreshing cold brews. Each cup is a showcase of balance, depth, and consistency — made for those who appreciate a well-made brew.
Alongside your coffee, you’ll find a fresh, feel-good food offering: think vibrant salads, wholesome wraps, pastries and bagels, all made daily with seasonal ingredients. Whether you're fuelling up for the day or taking a mid-morning pause, The Dose delivers on both taste and experience.
With its relaxed vibe, friendly service and prime George Street location, The Dose blends the charm of The Rocks with a modern coffee culture ethos, making it a favourite for locals, visitors and city workers alike.
FORTUNE OF WAR BISTRO 1828
Located on George Street, this welcoming bistro serves expertly brewed coffee alongside a classic breakfast menu by executive chef Mark Williamson (ex-Bistro Moncur). Whether you're grabbing a takeaway on the go or settling in for a relaxed morning with full table service, Bistro 1828 offers a coffee experience that’s rich in both flavour and history.
THE FINE FOOD STORE
Tucked away in The Rocks’ oldest laneway, The Fine Food Store is a hidden gem and a bit of a local secret, beloved by its neighbours for over a decade. From cold-brewed to single origin espresso, The Fine Food Store prides itself on quality at every step, from sourcing and green bean buying to roasting and brewing.
All of the coffee here is roasted in-house, and with a rotating menu of single-origin brews, every day is different. Experiment with unique flavours and discover the story of each origin, guided by a seriously knowledgeable team of passionate baristas.
Stay a while and enjoy some very fine food with your brew, including the cult-favourite chilli con carne.
