Single O Surry Hills: Coffee with a Side of Cool

Tucked away on Reservoir Street in Surry Hills, Single O is where Sydney’s coffee revolution kicked off back in 2003. This place is a legend for its single-origin beans and Reservoir Brew, but it’s the creative buzz that hooks artists. The walls are decked out with art by locals like Brett Chan—think bold, colorful murals that scream Surry Hills’ gritty charm. Next door, their Sideshow brew bar is like a coffee lab, with pour-overs and cold drips served up with a bit of theatre.

You’ll spot creatives hunched over laptops or sketching in notebooks, fueled by seasonal dishes like miso-glazed eggplant or avo toast with native wattleseed. It’s a short stroll from Biennale venues like UNSW Galleries, so it’s perfect for a post-exhibit coffee. The vibe’s laid-back but electric, and the staff are always up for a yarn about coffee or art. Pro tip: grab a curbside seat at Sideshow to people-watch—Surry Hills is a show in itself.

The Grounds of Alexandria: A Whimsical Wonderland

Over in Alexandria, The Grounds of Alexandria is less a cafe and more a full-on experience. This sprawling spot’s got gardens, a petting zoo, and Instagram-famous installations that change with the seasons—think pink Christmas themes or enchanted forest setups. In 2026, expect Biennale-inspired art pop-ups, maybe murals by local talents like Fintan Magee, whose street art vibes with the Rememory theme. Their coffee, roasted at the new South Eveleigh Coffee Factory, is next-level—try the deconstructed mocha for a fancy twist.

The food’s just as creative, with dishes like lobster brandade on toast or ricotta hotcakes that look like art themselves. You’ll see artists snapping pics in the laneway or chilling at The Potting Shed, a fern-filled hideout with craft beers. It’s a trek from Biennale hubs like White Bay, but worth it for a half-day adventure. Just don’t go on weekends unless you love crowds—I made that mistake once and queued for ages!

Sample Coffee: Surry Hills’ Tiny Art Nook

Back in Surry Hills, Sample Coffee on Crown Street is a cupboard-sized gem that punches way above its weight. This place is a fave for coffee nerds and artists, thanks to its silky espressos and rotating art displays. Think works by locals like Aley Wild, whose nature-inspired pieces give the space a cozy, foresty feel. The miso cookie’s a cult classic—grab one while you check out the art or chat with baristas who know their beans like nobody’s business.

It’s a stone’s throw from Biennale venues like the Art Gallery of NSW, so it’s ace for a quick caffeine hit between exhibitions. The vibe’s intimate, with locals and creatives spilling onto the pavement tables. If you’re lucky, you might catch a pop-up exhibition or poetry reading—they happen randomly, and they’re always cool. Oh, and it get’s busy at peak hours, so aim for early mornings.

Paramount Coffee Project: Art Deco Meets Coffee Art

Also in Surry Hills, Paramount Coffee Project (PCP) is housed in the old Paramount Studios building, and mate, the Art Deco vibes are unreal. High ceilings, tiled counters, and plants galore make it feel like a creative hub. The walls often feature art by emerging Sydney talents—think abstract pieces by Cheryl McLean or vibrant prints by Amit Shimoni. Their coffee, from Seven Seeds, is top-notch, and the menu’s a wild mix of fried chicken waffles with maple bacon gravy or yuzu French toast.

Artists love it here for the communal tables and chill atmosphere—perfect for sketching or brainstorming. It’s close to Carriageworks, a Biennale venue, so you can hit a performance there, then swing by PCP for a post-show latte. The staff are legends, always happy to chat about the art or recommend a brew. Book a table if you’re with mates, coz it fills up quick!

Veneziano Coffee Roasters: Sleek and Artsy

Rounding out our Surry Hills crew, Veneziano Coffee Roasters on Bourke Street brings Melbourne’s coffee cred to Sydney. This sleek spot, with polished concrete and black metal accents, feels like an art studio crossed with a cafe. They host rotating exhibitions—maybe photography by local snapper Caitlin Chan during the Biennale—alongside their epic coffee board of single origins and blends. The filter coffee’s bottomless, so you can sip while you soak up the art.

The food’s simple but creative, like brioche with native finger lime or avo smash with dukkah. You’ll see creatives working on laptops or flipping through art zines at the communal table. It’s a short walk from the MCA’s Biennale exhibits, making it a solid pitstop. I reckon it’s best for a quiet arvo when you wanna feel inspired without the chaos of busier spots.