The Associate Espresso Bar
The Associate Espresso Bar is a charming hidden gem in Sydney, serving exceptional Toby's Estate coffee alongside delicious bagels, homemade pastries, and tasty breakfast options. Nestled between Sydney Place and Circular Quay, this minimalist café stands out for its friendly service, affordable prices, and consistently great coffee that keeps locals coming back daily.
Specialties:
2 months ago
The halloumi & egg bagel was yummy. I got also oat latte which was amazing. Also plus note was that they had heaters so it wasn’t too cold to sit outside.
Edited 4 months ago
Recently I discovered a new cafe while walking on the way to work, another new coffee shop at the back of Sydney Pl on Pitt street. The associate some how stands out from the rest, from the all black minimalist exterior to the off form concrete menu wall captured my attention as a designer. Review 07.05.2025: After going around the corner and trying kingswood coffee several times in the past few weeks and coming back to Associate espresso, you can really tell how bad the coffee tastes now. There has been several change in barista’s and the coffee doesn’t taste good anymore. I hope they find a better barista that has passion and love in making coffee rather than just pumping out coffee. The associate use Toby’s estate coffee beans and together with a good barista you can expect a good quality coffee. I actually enjoyed the coffee over the newly opened Kingswood coffee, and it’s also the cheapest cup of coffee you will find at circular quay ($4.2 small, $4.7 large). The cafe offers a good variety of food & drink options, whether you choose breakfast, morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea there’s pastries, soup, toast, muffins, bagels, cookies, cakes, sweets and most importantly coffee.
4 months ago
Great place for coffee near Circular Quay. Staff are super polite and friendly. Good range of bagels, which you can choose your preferred sauce for. Also a good variety of sweet treats, croissants, cookies and muffins. Amazingly priced as well. I think you'd struggle to find a bagel with fillings for $11.50 or a croissant for $6.50 in this part of Sydney
Explore other coffee shops
Diggy Doo's Coffee
Diggy Doo's Coffee is a hidden gem tucked away in Sydney's CBD, requiring a bit of exploration to find but well worth the journey. This specialty coffee haven offers exceptional brews from around the world, with knowledgeable baristas who are passionate about sharing their coffee expertise in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Beyond their outstanding coffee selection, they feature rotating food collaborations and a cozy, chemistry lab-like space that creates a unique community vibe for coffee enthusiasts.
Specialties:
Picco_leo
Picco_leo is a charming coffee shop tucked away in a Sydney laneway, renowned for its exceptional pastries and friendly service. Their signature custard tarts and buttery croissants consistently earn rave reviews, while the expertly crafted coffee keeps locals coming back daily. With a warm atmosphere and staff who remember your name, it's become a beloved CBD gem for everything from morning caffeine fixes to indulgent mid-day treats.
Specialties:
June's Cafe Wynyard
June's Cafe Wynyard, nestled in Sydney's CBD, is a charming hole-in-the-wall spot known for exceptional coffee and freshly made sandwiches that locals rave about. The bright yellow café offers limited seating along the wall, making it perfect for a quick takeaway lunch or morning coffee fix, while the friendly staff and eco-friendly packaging add to its appeal.
Specialties:
Joe Black X
Joe Black X is a hole-in-the-wall coffee spot in Sydney that has developed a cult following, often with queues of customers waiting outside. While known for their excellent coffee (particularly their mochas made with real chocolate) and homemade banana bread, the café offers mixed experiences with some customers praising their zaatar wraps and friendly service while others report inconsistent quality and occasionally disappointing interactions with staff.
Specialties:
The Grounds of the City
The Grounds of the City is a charming vintage-inspired café nestled in Australia, offering a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors to another era. Known for exceptional service, the venue serves outstanding coffee, delicious meals, and exquisite desserts that consistently impress, making it perfect for special occasions or casual dining experiences.
Specialties:
Workshop Espresso
Workshop Espresso, a bustling hole-in-the-wall café near Sydney's Town Hall, serves consistently excellent coffee using their special Toby's Estate blend. Known for their exceptional matcha creations and quick, friendly service, this cozy spot offers the perfect grab-and-go coffee experience with limited seating for those who want to pause and watch the city buzz by.
Specialties:
Normcore Coffee
Normcore Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster in Sydney, Australia that serves exceptional, expertly-crafted coffee with rich, balanced flavors. Known for their freshly roasted beans and friendly service, they offer a cozy atmosphere where coffee enthusiasts can enjoy everything from perfect espressos to unique single-origin pour-overs alongside simple, delicious food options.
Specialties:
Kingswood Coffee - World Square
Kingswood Coffee - World Square in Sydney is a beloved specialty coffee shop serving exceptional, house-roasted brews that locals and tourists rave about. Known for their perfectly crafted flat whites, smooth long blacks, and high-quality matcha, this small yet efficient café also offers their signature drinks in innovative reusable jars. Despite its mall location, the outstanding coffee quality and friendly, efficient service make it a standout destination in Sydney's CBD.