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Coffee By the Sea

Enjoy your latte with a serve of sparkling ocean. Here are the cafes in Sydney set just near the water.

NSW is currently in lockdown due to Covid-19. Residents of Greater Sydney aren't permitted to travel more than five kilometres from their homes, or outside their local government areas, for exercise or recreation. Hospitality businesses are open for takeaway only.


Updated on 3 September 2021

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The Crabbe Hole
Cafe
The Crabbe Hole
A low-key cafe with pool and ocean views and a small menu, where standard coffees are double-shot.
MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah
Cafe
MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah
It's not by the sea, but this spot has near-unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour.
The Lookout
Cafe
The Lookout
Serving a classic brunch menu with lounges by the sea.
Pilu Kiosk
Cafe
Pilu Kiosk
The view out across the aqua blue of Freshwater beach is a winner no matter the time of year.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
Cafe
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
A sister of Palm Beach's Boathouse cafe; the views here are just as good.
Mosman Rowers
Restaurant
Mosman Rowers
Stand-up paddleboarding, jugs of cocktails, rosé on tap and views for days. And it's all set right on the water.
Harrys Bondi
Cafe
Harrys Bondi
A family-friendly spot that’s been looking after locals since 1997. The views might not be stellar, but this one of the best (and most lowkey) coffees you can get this close to Bondi Beach.
The Beach Shed
Cafe
The Beach Shed
So close to the water you can virtually swim to it.
Chapter One Coffee & Wine Room
Cafe
Chapter One Coffee & Wine Room
A cosy cafe churning out hot coffee and eggs. This is another one of Bondi's less hectic cafes – even though it's on Campbell Parade, there's a sense of calm here/
Cottage Point Inn
Restaurant
Cottage Point Inn
Go for lunch in the outdoor area, next to the blue-and-white boatshed.
Becker & Co.
Cafe
Becker & Co.
This spot is right on Avoca Beach. Seriously, if you got any closer you'd have wet feet. The coffee and food – by a hospo veteran – is just as nice as the view.
The Navy Bear
Cafe
The Navy Bear
The Bird & Bear group has applied its tried and true formula here to Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association’s (Ransa) boatshed – fully unlocking the space’s potential and the stunning harbour vistas that come with it. Visit for all day-coffee and breakfasts and lunches that cover all bases (yes, fish’n’chips is a menu mainstay).
Bathers’ Pavilion
Restaurant
Bathers’ Pavilion
This heritage-listed waterfront venue serves up French bistro classics. Grab a coffee from the quaint waterside kiosk.
Gusto on the Beach
Cafe
Gusto on the Beach
This little cafe in the South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club is serving coffee right on the sand.
Fika Swedish Kitchen
Cafe
Fika Swedish Kitchen
Sweet Swedish pastries perfect for a picnic on the beach.
Armchair Collective
Cafe
Armchair Collective
A furniture store and cafe just off Mona Vale Beach.
The Boathouse Balmoral Beach
Cafe
The Boathouse Balmoral Beach
Relaxed beachside dining at its best.

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