Best Coffee in the Shire

It is a well accepted truth that coffee sits securely beside the avocado as a staple in many Australians diet. The obsession with the bean has never been higher, with so many expert local roasters and baristas elevating the science of a good coffee into an art form. Cafes across the country are constantly innovating and vying to stand out amongst the myriad of coffee pros. The Shire is no exception, with award winning baristas and unique blends serving the perfect cup of joe, it is quite the task to find the best coffee in the area. To make things a little easier, follow our coffee trail for some of the best caffeine hits across Sydney’s South.

Blackfish Cafe + Grill - Como

For coffee with a view, Blackfish Cafe and Grill doesn’t fail to disappoint. Set along Georges river, sip on your caffeine hit whilst relaxing on the sunny deck. For sunrise lovers, be the first customer of the day on the weekend from 7am and watch the sun spill over the waters of Como. Come for the views but stay for the brunch, with a menu fit for a king, serving delights such as strawberry and ricotta pancakes or decadent eggs benedict.

The Laneway - Caringbah

The Laneway is so much more than your regular coffee joint. For starters, they understand that sometimes you don’t have time to wait for that takeaway cup, that is why they developed a nifty app to pre order your coffee. If you prefer your coffee with company, bring along your pooch thanks to the ‘dogs allowed’ policy. And if coffee isn’t quite hitting the spot, relax in their beer garden and take advantage of their range of alcoholic delights such as a cheeky Aperol Spritz.

Finesse Eatery + Espresso Bar - Sylvania

When the temperatures are warm, head to Finesse for a fresh cold brew on tap, the latest addition to their varied drinks menu. If you are looking to brighten up your regular order, take a sip of their beetroot or matcha latte, the vibrant purple and green drinks will have you feeling healthy all day long. Fancy a nibble alongside your beverage? Finesse offer a range of freshly baked muffins for those sweet and savoury cravings.

The Nun’s Pool - Cronulla

This breezy Cronulla cafe is sure to have you feeling spoilt for choice. The beach style decor comes with a menu filled with a mouth watering variety of drinks. From Paul Bassette signature coffee beans, fragrant Turkish Iced Tea to the aromatic fruity blends of T2 teas, your thirst is sure to be quenched. When your stomach starts rumbling, gorge on mediterranean staples such as grilled halloumi, zucchini fritters, almond hummus, mint yoghurt and pitta.

The Ugly Cook - Sylvania Waters

The Ugly Cook cafe, nestled between Tom Ugly’s bridge and Captain Cook’s bridge, is the perfect hang out for weekend coffee and catch ups. Serving an all day breakfast menu and Ruby Little beans, with a smile - be sure to keep an eye out for some expert latte art and cute crumbly cookies.

Home Speciality Coffee - Kirrawee

The clue is in the name, the guys at Home Speciality Coffee are true pros. From sticky chais to golden tumeric infused lattes, the range of caffeine fixes is sure to please even the pickiest of coffee lovers. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the crowd favourite ‘Scouts Honour’, a blend of local roasters Three Pence 20% chocolate, warm milk, persian chocolate, fairy floss and a giant toasted marshmallow, perfect for when the temperature begins to cool. Their food menu is also stacked with crowd pleasers, featuring filled bagels, jaffles, cinnamon stacked pancakes and plenty more.

Howling Forest, Kirawee

This local hangout, conveniently located near the train station serves fresh White Horse Espresso beans in rapid succession - a necessary skill when the bustling weekend crowds arrive. The decor gives the Howling Forest a unique sense of style, with a shrine to the Amazon, covering one wall with leafy wallpaper and a trickling waterfall projected on the interior. Tuck into banoffee buttermilk pancakes at an outdoor table and watch the world go by. Can’t make it to Kirawee? After the success of their Kirawee location, owners Chand and Ange have opened a second cafe!

Heart and Soul - Cronulla

Hidden away in a quiet street, Heart and Soul cafe surprises and delights not just their avid vegan visitors. This Cronulla jaunt has a never ending drinks menu stocked with smoothies, tumeric infused teas and protein packed blends.Combined with a location just a stone's throw away from the beach, an eclectic food menu of bright bowls, wraps and toasties, this low key eatery is a firm favourite amongst all who visit.

Cafe Di Casa - Gymea

As soon as you step over the threshold at Cafe Di Casa you are welcomed with a warm smile and an aromatic smell of fresh coffee. This simple family owned business takes their service seriously to ensure you keep coming back for more. Pair your expertly made caffeine hit with a technicolour Acai bowl, packed with goodness and flavour.

Barefoot on the Beach - Cronulla

Another cafe that gives it all away in the name. Barefoot on the beach is as close to a coastal cafe as you can get without sitting on the sand. Simplicity is key here, with perfectly brewed Toby Estate coffees, matched with a variety of pastries and wraps. Grab your coffee to go and people watch along the esplanade - Barefoot on the Beach really has one of the best views in town.

Grind Espresso - Cronulla

On your quest for the perfect cup of joe, don’t forget local favourite – Grind Espresso. With two locations to pick from, Cronulla or their newer spot, Carringbah, you have to include this one on your coffee trail. Come to Grind for the expertly made coffee and friendly service, stay until the sun goes down for local live music. It won’t be long before you are chanting their infamous motto, uttered by die hard patrons – I’d rather be at Grind.

White Horse Coffee- Sutherland
A coffee hit list wouldn’t be complete without award winning bean connoisseurs, White Horse Espresso. Established by Matty Sprem and former Grand Barista champion, Dom Majdandzic, it is safe to say these guys certainly know a thing or two about coffee. If you haven’t visited their own Sutherland cafe, you may still recognise the bean brand as these guys special roasts have been popping up all over the Shire, and for good reason.