When in Australia, the thing people will always highly recommend is coffee. A cuppa is affordable and yet super delicious. However, oftentimes, people will overlook the fact that with your usual of cup joe, you’ll need something to snack on alongside it – probably something sweet.

We’ve narrowed down some places in Sydney you have to try if you’re looking to find a sweet snack to eat with your coffee or even if you’re simply craving something sugary and satisfying!

AQUA S

You may know this brand from when they appeared in Singapore, but they actually originated from Sydney. They pride themselves in their ever-changing flavours and their one signature – their Sea Salt soft-serve. It’s the most refreshing treat when the weather is simply sweltering. It helps that they’re simply a stone’s throw away from the train station!

If you’re into the whole #Instagrammable hype, try adding their ring of cotton candy and watch as your soft-serve gets engulfed by a cloud-like ring of cotton candy!

27/501 George Street
Regent Place Shopping Centre
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Nearest Station: Town Hall

BLACK STAR PASTRY

This particular world-famous bakery was the OG-creator of the extremely Instagrammable Strawberry Watermelon Cake. It was the cake that had catapulted them to fame and is now recognized everywhere, with many bakeries in Singapore recreating their own rendition of their signature creation.

Located in Sydney’s CBD, it’s an extremely accessible bakery that you can sit down and chill at while enjoying their beautiful and super scrumptious sweets. Other than their Strawberry Watermelon cake, look out for their Pistachio Lemon Zen Cake and their Chocolate Hazelnut Torte too!

500 George Street
The Galeries, Level 2
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am – 6.30pm
Thu: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Town Hall

BOURKE STREET BAKERY

This cosy bakery serves up some of the most phenomenal bakes. It may be a bit of a walk from the nearest train station but it’s definitely worth it. They are super famous for their Ginger Brulee Tarts but you should also check out their Passionfruit Meringue Tart and their freshly-baked croissants. Their Pain Au Chocolat is to-die for!

We would say it’s a must-visit for any first-timers in Sydney. They have quite a few branches but we found the one Surry Hills to be the most peaceful to enjoy their bakes in!

633 Bourke St
Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 7am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Central

Photo Credit: Instagram

BREWTOWN NEWTOWN

Brewtown Newtown is conveniently located in (yes, we know) Newtown, Sydney. It’s in a prime location for University students and tourists alike, so prepare for some bustling crowds. Nonetheless, it’s a great place for some good cuppas, brunch and a great sweet pastry.

From Belgian Waffles to their multi-flavoured Cronuts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We particularly enjoyed their Caramel Cronut – just imagine the buttery flavour and flaky texture of a croissant but in donut form!

6-8 O’Connell Street
Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Daily: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Macdonaldtown/Newtown

CRE ASION CAFE

If you’re a big matcha or green tea fan, this quaint and somewhat-hidden Japanese-run cafe will definitely interest you. On their menu are all Matcha-themed desserts and drinks – we would recommend you to try their Matcha Latte and Matcha Fondant.

As it’s in central Sydney, it’s also not too out of the way in case you were in the area sightseeing! The staff there are so polite and friendly too. Just note that they are quite small yet popular so you might not be able to get a seat so easily.

101/21 Alberta Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Museum

GELATO MESSINA

This is probably one of the most popular gelato shops in Sydney. Besides offering a variety of their signature flavours, the folks at Messina also constantly come up with new treats. Just think Apple Pie, Thai Milk Tea with Pandan Fudge and Yoghurt & Caramel! Even if it sounds funky, give it a try because they’re probably still amazing.

389 Crown Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

KOI DESSERT BAR

Probably one of the more upscale dessert places in Sydney, Koi Dessert Bar prides themselves in their beautiful polished dessert creations. These multi-coloured beauties sit in a glass case and come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and flavours. The range changes from time to time, involving seasonal ingredients and festive flavours, so whenever you visit, prepare to try something new!

46 Kensington Street
Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Central

MAPO GELATO

Winter, Summer, rain or shine, there is never a bad time for some good ol’ icy gelato. There’s just something about ice cream that’s always good, no matter what the weather or time is. Especially if you’re near Mapo Gelato.

We would like to think that Mapo is one of the best gelato shops in Sydney. Their gelato contains all-natural flavours coming from fruits, nuts and tea. It’s super smooth, creamy and packed full of flavour – really a must-try when you’re in Sydney!

123 King Street
Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Macdonaldtown

SHORT STOP COFFEE & DONUTS

After exploring Darling Harbour or Sydney’s Chinatown, you might walk around Darling Square. If you do, we’d recommend popping by Short Stop Coffee & Donuts. This humble store serves up some really delicious donuts that you will find yourself wolfing down. From Triple Matcha to Maple Bacon, their flavour range is super drool-worthy! Do stop by earlier to avoid any favourite flavours being sold out, though!

23 Barangaroo Avenue
Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Wynyard

Photo Credit: Instagram

SOHO ESPRESSO

If you fancy a coffee, a pastry or some healthy light bites, Soho Espresso might be a great place to hit up when in Sydney. Other than the usual croissants and cakes, they also stock some delicious “raw slices” which are made with vegan-friendly ingredients, often tasty and super healthy. If there’s a place that can combine “no-guilt” and “dessert”, we’ll be all about it for sure.

175 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 6.30am – 4pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: St. James/Martin Place

TINI ARTISAN BAKEHOUSE

If buttery croissants are your cup of tea, you can give TiNi Artisan Bakehouse a try! This bakery specializes in the classic French pastry and does it impeccably well – buttery, flaky and super crispy (all hallmarks of a great croissant).

Their most popular croissant is definitely their Pain Au Chocolat and its unique shape is quite eye-catching. It’s also generously filled with dark chocolate so almost every bite will have that hint of cocoa!

22 Kensington Street
Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Tue to Sun: 8am – 4pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Central

I want to share a list of eating places in Sydney that left a deep impression on me, but before that, I would like to present a prelude – Bourke Street Bakery.

It is a neighbourhood joint where locals meet their friends for coffee; or drop by to grab some pastries for breakfast next day. My experience at Bourke Street Bakery was mind-blowing. Everything that we had was so good. Lemon curd tart, croissant, chocolate tart, strawberry and vanilla brulee tart, flourless chocolate cake – wow!!

When you are visiting Sydney, a visit to Bourke Street Bakery should be on the top of your list of things to do. I would hop on a plane just to eat here.

The bakery serves simple, honest and delicious baked goods like strawberry & vanilla brulee tart (A$5), lemon curd tart (A$4.50), raspberry & chocolate mousse tart (A$4.80) and carrot cake (A$4.50).

On my first visit, I had a croissant and chocolate tart. They were so good that I went back again the following day. The croissant was beautiful: buttery, flaky and it goes perfectly well with a cup of hot coffee, or taken away as an afternoon snack while you stroll around Surry Hills.

I am going out on a limb to say that the chocolate tart here is one of the best that I’ve ever tasted. From the first bite I sank my teeth into the sinfully good chocolate tart, I knew this was the one that I’ve been looking for.

During the second visit, we had the lemon curd tart (also one of the best I’ve had), flourless chocolate cake (A$4.5), and two tarts. Everything was perfect.

“We must come back again soon.” I overheard this as two customers were leaving the place. I think it sums up everything you need to know about Bourke Street Bakery. It is definitely one of the best dessert places in Sydney.

Bourke Street Bakery
633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9699 1011