Having recently moved to the buzzing neighbourhood of Alexandria, I made it my mission to try as many of my new local cafes and restaurants as possible (as you do).
While there are still so many cafes that I’m yet to visit, I’ve compiled a list of some gems I’ve discovered over the past few months.
Cafes
Cooh
Cooh is a cafe/restaurant that I visited long before I moved to the area so was excited to discover that it is now only a short stroll away. Cooh has an extensive menu with a focus on wholesome, healthy and locally sourced food. If you’re going for breakfast their signature peanut butter latte is a must-try. The dinner menu has quite a strong Greek influence featuring a few of my all time favourite dishes… saganaki cheese with honey, smokey eggplant, spiced cauliflower and whipped feta dip.
Mecca Coffee
Mecca coffee has an industrial layout with friendly staff and quality coffee. They roast their own coffee beans (that’s when you know it’s a winner) and even make their almond milk in house. They also have a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes which are high on my to-try list.
Grumpy Barista
Grumpy Barista is my go-to for my morning piccolo. Their coffee is consistently good and they have a range of dairy-free milk alternatives including my #1 Milk Lab almond milk and Macamilk macadamia milk. If you’re after a bite to eat they also do a mean smashed avo.
Gypsy Espresso
Gypsy is another cafe that roast their own coffee beans (you may have seen them around as they supply to a number of cafes). Their team are so passionate about what they do – this is evident just from watching them make my morning cup of coffee. They have recently relocated into a bigger space so you can now dine in and enjoy you specialty Gypsy coffee alongside one of their simple yet delicious meals.
The Copper Mill
The Copper Mill kitchen & coffee house has something for everyone. Finding a cafe that caters to a large group can be a bit of a challenge with so many individual dietary requirements… Here you can find everything from a vegan brekky roll and an exceptionally tasty avo toast to a Peruvian pork belly roll and a good’ old fashion ham & cheese toastie. They also specify in the menu ‘MilkLab’ almond milk…which for my fellow almond milk drinkers you’ll know that’s a clear win.
Bread and Circus Wholefoods Canteen
Bread & circus is a bustling cafe located in the heart of Alexandria. It has a fun and fresh feel to it with its pink furnishings and abundance of greenery. This is another cafe I visited many years before moving to the area and one I’m thrilled to live close to. Their famous parmesan-not-so-scambled-eggs with truffle oil is next level good, as is their caramelised lemony banana pancakes if you feel like something a little indulgent.
Restaurants
RaRa Redfern
If you like ramen, then RaRa’s is a non-negotiable. If you’re vegetarian/vegan then there aren’t too many options but if you’re anything like me, you’ll just be grateful that they helped narrow it down. I tried the miso ramen noodles which let’s just say explained why their is always a queue to get in.
Pinos Vino e Cucina
Looking for a special occasion restaurant? Pinos provides the perfect place with its charming, old world European interiors, friendly and knowledgable staff, traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive selection of premium (and mostly organic) wine. You can sit at the bar, at a table or you can book their private dining area.
Potting Shed
Known as the Grounds of Alexandria by day and the Potting Shed by night, this renowned space in Alexandria is a local gem. The Potting Shed is known for its speciality cocktails, craft beer and delicious share plates which are enjoyed in a green, garden oasis. It is decked out with fairy lights which really adds to the atmosphere.
Kepos St Kitchen
Kepos St Kitchen is a Middle Eastern cafe/restaurant that has made quite an impression on the locals. It is known as one of the best places to eat in the neighbourhood. By day it is a buzzy cafe serving Mediterranean favourites such as pea and halloumi fritters, shakshuka and falafel and by night it is a sophisticated restaurant with a range of delicious share plates. They also have a great selection of cocktails if you’re in the mood to treat yourself.
Looking for more recommendations?
Check out our favourite restaurants in Sydney blog post!
