Sydney’s CBD has several long and pedestrian packed streets that link Circular Quay to the other end of town. Clarence Street isn't one of them. At around one kilometre long it's easy to navigate on foot. And, within this short distance there’s no shortage of good cafés. So get your walking shoes on and enjoy a caffeine crawl through our top five Clarence Street picks.
Klink Handmade Espresso
281 Clarence Street, Sydney
Open Monday-Friday 7am - 4pm
0415 118 505
Blink and you’ll miss Klink. It’s a cosy hole-in-the wall serving lovingly prepared single origin coffees and simple, wholesome food. Sit inside and feel part Gaffa galleries, home to miniture rooms that were former jail cells of the ex-police station. Or grab a take-away coffee and commit to coming back for a weekday brunch.
Nook Urban Fresh Bar
4/83 Clarence Street, Sydney
+61 2 9299 5050
Open Monday-Friday 6.30am - 4.30pm
Its convenience for CBD workers commuting via Wynyard station makes Nook Urban Fresh Bar a popular spot. As the name suggests this café is all about fresh produce turned into a host of healthy temptations – order a salad, soup or sandwich or quench your thirst with a freshly squeezed juice.
Zeitgiest Cuisine
153 Clarence Street (entry via Kent Street), Sydney
0430 818 842
Open Monday-Friday 7am - 4pm
The menu at Zeigiest Cuisine is described as ‘nutritionally positive, environmentally conscious and high vibrational’. This translates to yummy plant based food, perfect for gluten free, paleo, vegan and vegetarian diets. Activated almonds? Of course, they’re one of many superfoods on offer. And yes they do coffee too.
The Cross Eatery
155 Clarence Street Sydney
+61 2 9279 4280
Open daily 7am - 4pm
Owner Marcelo Soto brings with him years of experience as a barista at Mecca. So of course the coffee is top notch. But what about the food? Seasonal & local produce. Tick. Meat from Feather & Bone and sourdough bread from Brickfields. Tick. All-day breakfast. Big tick. Go hungry, leave very satisfied.
Vella Nero
3/259 Clarence Street Sydney
+61 2 9268 0755
Open Monday-Friday 7am-4pm
When the single origin of the day, Brazil Datera, is described as ‘beautifully balanced, with a mild nutty flavour’, any doubts in the minds of new customers are quickly washed away. The beans are even roasted on site. But don’t stop at the coffee here – let homemade sausage rolls tempt you too.
