In the heart of Strand Arcade, Gumption usually has a line of people as if on a pilgrimage happily waiting on a cup of the best coffee in Sydney CBD. The owner (who also founded Coffee Alchemy in Marrickville), is an award-winning roaster, and it shows in the quality of coffee as well as the many brewing methods on offer. When it’s your turn to order, ask for an espresso. Velvety-smooth with a thick crema on top, it’s incredible.

On King Street, Skittle Lane boasts Instagram-worthy interiors. Its two shiny La Marzocco coffee machines pump out the café’s house blend: a full-bodied, balanced espresso with notes of cocoa and vanilla. For the filter fiends, there's a pour-over bar showcasing a selection of single origins. Founded in 2015 by Jodie Foster and Dean Wooding, Skittle Lane isn't just a coffee joint; it's a passion project marrying quality beans, iconic design, and top-notch hospitality.

With a decade of expertise, Industry Beans is the quiet powerhouse behind some of the best coffee in Sydney CBD. Founded by the coffee-savvy Simmons brothers, their original spot in Fitzroy became a coffee haven in 2013. Now, with seven venues stretching across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Industry Beans is Australia's largest independent specialty coffee roaster.

Down a laneway in Circular Quay, Cabrito Coffee Traders is a hole-in-the-wall café serving up flawless cups of coffee. It roasts its own silky-smooth, rich blend in-house (called Milk Man), and offers single origin beans from guest roasters. It doesn’t matter what blend you order; you can expect it to be full-bodied, delicious, and packs a punch. If you’re peckish, nab a table in the industrial-chic space.

For those hunting the best coffee in Sydney CBD, head to Klink, an oasis on the ground floor of the Gaffa Gallery. It'll be your go-to, especially if you like your cup of joe to be robust and seriously strong. This haunt’s house blend comes courtesy of Golden Cobra, and it’s a rich, syrupy roast that’s dark and delicious. Whether you're leisurely soaking in the gallery vibes or sprinting through your day, Klink's got you covered with its grab-and-go takeaway window.

Originally just a blend for coffee-loving brothers-in-law, Paul and Russell (aka Pablo and Rusty), the brand quickly outgrew its Porter Street roots and expanded, opening cafes and roasteries. With a mission to use business as a force for good, Pablo & Rusty's is undoubtedly the best coffee in Sydney CBD.

Nestled in Sydney CBD, Edition stands as the go-to for those who appreciate the nuanced world of coffee. Renowned for steering clear of blends, Edition Coffee Roasters is all about the diverse tales told by single origin beans. Sourced from distant corners of the world, each green bean undergoes omni-roasting, revealing a spectrum of fruit-forward, tea-like, and lighter roast profiles.

ASLAN Coffee Roasters in The Rocks offers a truly unique coffee experience rooted in a deep passion for Indonesian coffee. Since 2009, they have been roasting their beans with care, and a cup of coffee here captures the bold and interesting flavours of the Indonesian Archipelago. Their commitment to quality is evident in every cup, with beans roasted to perfection and served after resting for optimal flavour.

Devon‘s motto is simple: they give extra love to every cup of coffee. This buzzing spot in Barangaroo serves its own house blend of coffee, roasted with its signature extra love. While it’s a fine dining restaurant, it fuses casual cafe culture with its delicious coffee. Pop in for a quick takeaway or linger longer and enjoy a tasty lunch from their fresh and inventive menu. Our top pick would be their truffle egg sanga.