The best cafés to work from in Sydney
The 10 coffee shops in Sydney that are best for working on a laptop, led by Starbucks York Street, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection and Dymocks Sydney.
Ranked by work score: Wi‑Fi, power, seating, hours, what reviews say about laptops and noise, and who recommends working there. One branch per chain.
01Starbucks York Street
café11-31 York Street★ 3.9Wi‑FiWork 100
Welcoming coffeehouse with handcrafted coffee, espresso & tea, plus breakfast, lunch & pastries.
02Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
café169 Castlereagh Street★ 4Wi‑FiWork 90
Castlereagh Boutique Hotel is an art deco building in Sydney's CBD with characterful period decor that reviewers describe as well-maintained and atmospheric. The hotel has a restaurant and two bars; one bar hosts live jazz and theme dinners.
03Dymocks Sydney
café424-430 George Street★ 4.6Work 85
Dymocks Sydney is a large bookstore spread across two levels in a 1930s art deco building on George Street. Reviewers praise the extensive selection, well-organized layout, and gift section. The store also has a café serving coffee and toasted sandwiches.
04Glider Cafe
café197 Victoria Street★ 4.5Wi‑FiWork 85
Glider Cafe is a small, casual breakfast and lunch spot in Potts Point that draws regular customers with a strong menu and good coffee. It has limited seating inside and more covered tables near the entrance, plus street-side tables for outdoor dining.
05Gumption by Coffee Alchemy
caféShop 11, The Strand Arcade, 412-414 George Street, Sydney★ 4.3PowerWork 82
06Cafe Sydney
café31 Alfred Street★ 4.5Work 80
A rooftop restaurant with sweeping harbour views serving Modern Australian cuisine and cocktails.
07Hole in the Wall: Sandwich Factory
café229 Macquarie Street★ 4.5PowerWork 77
Hole in the Wall is a tiny sandwich shop on Macquarie Street in Sydney's CBD serving handmade breakfast, sandwiches, salads and coffee. The space itself is minimal, literally a hole in the wall inside the building, but reviewers consistently praise the food quality and value.
08Sydney BMW
café65 Craigend Street★ 4.4Work 75
Sydney BMW is a car dealership in Rushcutters Bay with a modern showroom. The space includes a waiting area with complimentary barista coffee and snacks, and visitors mention friendly, patient staff across sales and service.
09Little Bishop espresso bar
café269 Victoria Street★ 4.9Work 72
Little Bishop is a neighbourhood espresso bar on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst. Reviewers consistently praise the coffee and the friendly, attentive staff who know regulars by name.
10Berkelouw Paddington
café19 Oxford Street★ 4.6Work 70
Berkelouw Paddington is a large bookstore on Oxford Street combining new and second-hand books with a café upstairs called 1812. The space has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere filled with browsing customers and readers. Staff are noted as helpful and friendly.