Neutral Bay’s most exciting cafes to try now
Are you ready to get back into dining out? Restaurants and cafes are able to welcome patrons again and Sydney is embracing the return to one of our collective favourite pastimes.
Some local favourites unfortunately closed their doors during 2020 and 2021, but new arrivals are worth investigating. They each have something unique to offer and highlight the fact that Sydney is still a multicultural city with outstanding chefs who are eager to explore flavours and cuisines.
Here’s a mix of old and new favourite cafes in Neutral Bay.
5 Loaves 2 Fish
Located on Grosvenor Street, 5L2F (5 Loaves 2 Fish) serves some of the highest quality wholesome food, whether it be breakfast, brunch, lunch or a midday snack. Open from first thing in the morning, this cafe specialises in specialty coffee but also has an array of incredible food options such as white truffle scrambled eggs, granola and muesli for breakfast as well as fresh lunch options including California poke bowls, green bowls and spicy prawn tacos. Owned by Andrew and Lynny, the team at 5 Loaves always greet you with a smile. A must for brunch!
1/17 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay, 5l2f.com.au
Home by Cornhill
Reviews praise the excellent coffee and polite staff at this venue, which serves British cafe food alongside Sri Lankan specialties. Opened in early 2022, locals are invited to try refined comfort food, with a focus on quality, flavour and consistency. The menu is diverse, with roti as well as bacon and egg rolls.
Home by Cornhill, 48 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay, Homebycornhill
Against the Grind
Clean flavours and quality ingredients are on offer at cafe/deli Against the Grind, which you’ll find on Young Street.
Freshly baked focaccia and made-to-order paninis are on the menu, and you can pick up some of the highest quality pantry goods, from sauces and spices to pasta and dried porcini mushrooms.
Drop by for lunch, arrange a charcuterie box for a special occasion or try the weekends-only ‘Brekky Fried Rice’; a Chinese-style fried rice with Lap Cheong (Chinese cured sausage), peas, avocado, eggs sunny side up and a soy glaze.
Against the Grind, 9 Young Street, Neutral Bay, atgneutralbay.com
At Neutral
A clean, sleek design and great sunny location on Rangers Road brings you quality coffee and another diverse range of menu options.
Check out this venue’s Instagram and you’ll see beautifully presented dishes, including gluten free and vegan coconut Sago Pudding with Acai Sorbet, Caramelised banana, seasonal fruit, house granola + citrus coyo. The baristas like to get creative with their coffee art and they don’t skimp on quality, with the flavour being described as “perfect” online.
At Neutral, 9 Rangers Road, Neutral Bay
Chaos
The Chaos website reminds customers that “contrary to our name, at Chaos we consistently deliver organised, impeccable service.”
Breakfast is a highlight here, with a huge number of options, every meal made fresh to order and ingredients sourced from markets and local suppliers. Drop by for lunch and you can expect anything from a traditional burger to a slow-cooked lamb salad.
Chaos has been situated in the heart of Neutral Bay for over 20 years, and proudly claims to officially be part of the scenery. Located on Military Road, the venue’s space is bright and open, with plenty of seating outside and ample parking.
Chaos Cafe, 573 Military Road, Neutral Bay, chaoscafe.com.au
Thelma & Louise
Pop down to the waterfront on Hayes Street and you’ll find a welcoming Neutral Bay cafe that caters to every appetite.
The menu mixes classic Mediterranean flavours with a modern touch. The staff themselves recommend the famous berry and ricotta crepes, the Mediterranean lamb mince with zaatar bread and tahini, and the seafood linguine with fresh tomato and basil.
This venue has the added bonus of beautiful water views, a welcome change for many of us after those long months of lockdowns.
Thelma and Louise, 1 Hayes Street, Neutral Bay, thelmaandlouise.com.au
Have you tried any of these places? Are there any we have missed? Be sure to let us know your latest discovery – we are always happy to hear about good food and coffee!
