When Aykut Sayan founded Parramatta’s crowd favourite Circa Espresso in 2010, he didn’t expect to “last more than three months.” Fortuitously, he was soon delighted to learn that people in the area had “a real interest in gastronomy and coffee.”

Circa’s beans are sourced from countries such as Columbia, Guatemala, and Kenya, and roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and consistency. The popular cafe is equally fastidious about its tea and brunch offerings, and for that, it has won hearts in Parramatta and beyond.

The city’s coffee lovers also flock to White Henry Cafe for its Blue Stag house blend. For a mindful experience, sip your coffee, and take a moment to evaluate your brew’s sweetness, tanginess, “weight” (rich or light?), and the aftertaste (strong or neutral?). According to White Henry’s estimation, its Blue Stag is almost symphonic in nature—beginning with a mellow chocolate flavour that segues into “notes of wild spice and sweet fruit” as the coffee matures.

Homage Specialty Coffee is known for its meticulous brewing, using high-quality beans to ensure perfect coffee. The menu features specialty coffees, including single-origin beans and expertly crafted espresso drinks. The cafe’s minimalist decor, with clean lines and natural materials, creates a serene, uncluttered environment. Despite this minimalist design, it exudes warmth and comfort, making it ideal for relaxing or catching up with friends.

To be a gracious visitor while in Parramatta, seek out the hidden gem Badmanner Thymes Espresso, so named because the owner, Scott Sang, considers it “bad manners” to walk by his cafe without dropping in. That aside, this popular cafe offers a wide range of expertly brewed espresso drinks and delicious pastries.

Get directions to Circa Espresso

Get directions to White Henry Cafe

Get directions to Homage Speciality Coffee

Get directions to Badmanner Thymes Espresso

As you discover Parramatta with your loved ones, especially if you have feisty little ones in tow, make time to rest and recharge at a family-friendly cafe.

A popular cafe with parents is Social Hideout for its relaxed vibes, outdoor seating, and, most important, great coffee and food. The cafe was set up by two friends who wanted customers to have a superb brunch experience while feeling right at home—in other words, the perfect place to “hide out.” Social Hideout’s coffee of choice is the socially responsible Campos Coffee, and its colourful and whimsical decor is appealing to both adults and kids.

Meanwhile, Lil Miss Collins offers a delightful cafe experience with its charming outdoor courtyard and dedicated play area for kids, complete with a mini slide and see-saw. Located near Jubilee Park, this cafe serves delicious coffee and vibrant, flavorful food that always hits the spot, making it the perfect place for families to relax while allowing kids to play and run around after a meal.

Get directions to Social Hideout
Get directions to Lil Miss Collins

Here’s a statistic to chew on: in Australia alone, about three billion takeaway cups and lids are disposed of every year—most of which are used only once. To help cut waste, Australian cafe owners who care about the environment and conscious consumption have banded together under the Responsible Cafes banner. For starters, they are offering small discounts for customers who bring their own mugs.

To join this green movement, visit the Responsible Cafes website to locate an environmentally friendly cafe near you. One such cafe is worth visiting is Darcy Street Project, which gives you a $0.50 discount if you bring your own mug. Here’s why you should visit them: by choosing their coffee, you not only satisfy your caffeine cravings but also fund initiatives that change the lives of people who need a boost. The social enterprise and espresso bar runs training programmes for youth-at-risk, Aboriginal Australians, refugees, the homeless, and aged workers, so that they may one day find fulfilling work in the cafe or a hospitality environment.

Get directions to Darcy Street Project