Foodies and coffee snobs will agree: the inner-west has some serious contenders for the best cafes in Sydney. Thanks to new eateries popping up next to established spots, the café scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are our top picks for eating your way around the inner-west. Enjoy!

1. 30 Llewellyn St __ Marrickville
West Juliett
When a café has people lining up on the weekend, you know it’s good – and this neighbourhood gem lives up to the hype. The space has a rustic, homely vibe, thanks to the large communal table in the middle and friendly chatter. As for the food, it’s mostly Mediterranean, with a focus on fresh produce and next-level detail.

2. 17 Fowler St __ Camperdown
Store Espresso
With a location in two of the inner-west’s most bustling suburbs, Store Espresso keeps locals well-fed and caffeinated wherever they may be. Both spaces serve up Mediterranean dishes featuring lots of organic produce. The house coffee blend hits the spot, and goes well with any of the baked treats in the display window.

3. 33 Bridge St __ Erskineville
Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery
Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery are just as known for their hearty, all-day breakfast and lunch menus, as they are for the donut topped milkshakes and nutella treats. The offering is varied, with plenty of options for those who want to ‘eat cleanly’, and for those who are in ‘treat yourself’ mode.

4. 512 King St __ Newtown
Either Or
A concept store and café in one, Either Or is quintessentially Newtown, and foodies flock to it on King Street. The space oozes cool thanks to its pared-back décor, carefree soundtrack and Nordic-Scandi menu. It’s divided into four sections: breakfast, salads, sweets and smorrebrods.

5. 43 Erskineville Rd __ Erskineville
Fleetwood Macchiato
Its amazing name aside, Fleetwood Macchiato is a small, cosy café where almost everything is made in-house: think yoghurts, cakes, pickles, preserves, sodas and condiments. The modern Australian menu shines a spotlight on flavours and textures, and they have earned fans from all over.

6. 340 Stanmore Rd__ Petersham
Daisy’s Milkbar
For a hit of nostalgia, head to Daisy’s Milk Bar. Everything is old-school, from the colourful booths to the menu listing all kinds of childhood treats, including knickerbockers, rocky road and jaffles. To keep the theme going, wash your food down with Milo or a creaming soda spider.

7. 6-8 O’Connell St __ Newtown
Brewtown
If you’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Brewtown before, go immediately. The roastery, cafe and bakery… trust us, it’s all good! With Eastern and Northern outposts, the Newtown hub just off King Street caters to locals getting their morning coffee and freelancers needing a work spot with an all-day menu.

8. 7/332 Darling St __ Balmain
The Hunter Works
Located just off Darling Street, this charming courtyard café is impressive in more ways than one. Firstly, they source all ingredients from The Cook’s Co-Op, meaning the food is local and the menu changes with each visit. Secondly, The Hunter Works aims for zero waste – and any waste goes to a community garden for compost.

9. 291 Annandale St __ Annandale
Revolver
Located in a restored 1890s corner store, the café has a relaxed, hipster feel and a menu that’s made to be mulled over. This local favourite focuses on free-range, organic and locally sourced (where possible) produce, and the results are as delicious as they are ideal for anyone with dietary requirements.