I’ve been a repeat customer, and it never fails to impress. The food is consistently excellent, the menu detailed, well thought out and extensive. No matter what you order, the quality is there. Breakfast, lunch, dessert or just tea (not a coffee drinker) and cake - it always delivers (I don’t even have much of a sweet tooth)! The location and setting is a real highlight - particularly if you are a people-watcher. Dining on the mezzanine, surrounded by a great bookstore, gives a great atmosphere - a true booklover’s paradise. Waiting for a table is usually quite quick, though on holidays it can be busy. Portions are generous and good value for money; even simple dishes like an omelette, a chicken toastie or raisin toast far exceed expectations. The service is speedy and friendly - a highlight. I have tried a range of dishes over time - and everything has been delicious. Tip: the first couple of booths near the entrance are quite small, so it’s worth asking for another seat if possible. All up, this is a brilliant, slightly hidden gem in the city with a great vibe, excellent food, generous servings and a unique setting. I’ll be back, again and again.
Overview
Dymocks Cafe, located on the mezzanine level at 428 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, is a delightful spot for anyone seeking a cozy atmosphere and a delicious meal in the heart of Sydney. Nestled within the iconic Dymocks Bookstore, the cafe has become a popular hangout for book lovers and foodies alike. If you’re ever strolling along George Street, it's the perfect place to take a break, grab a coffee, and indulge in some tasty treats.
As soon as you step inside, the atmosphere greets you with a warm, inviting vibe. The space is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating, plenty of natural light, and bookshelves stocked with a range of reading materials. Whether you’re catching up with friends or working on your latest project, Dymocks Cafe offers the perfect ambiance to unwind and focus.
The menu at Dymocks Cafe is a true reflection of the cafe's ethos-simple yet satisfying. You’ll find a selection of fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, all made with high-quality ingredients. The food is crafted to complement the relaxed environment, with a focus on wholesome, hearty meals that cater to various dietary preferences.
One of the standout dishes at Dymocks Cafe is their signature avocado toast, topped with a perfectly poached egg. It’s a classic that never disappoints, offering the right balance of flavor and texture. For those with a sweet tooth, the cafe also serves an assortment of freshly baked pastries and cakes, including their famous lemon meringue tart that has quickly gained a loyal following. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll crave after just one bite.
Of course, no visit to a cafe would be complete without a cup of coffee, and Dymocks Cafe doesn’t skimp on quality. Their baristas are skilled, crafting expertly brewed coffees that range from smooth flat whites to rich espressos. The cafe also offers a variety of teas, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter beverage. Each drink is made to order, ensuring freshness in every sip.
The location itself is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the best of what Sydney has to offer. Situated in the bustling area of George Street, Dymocks Cafe is conveniently located near many attractions, making it an excellent spot for a mid-shopping break or a place to relax before heading out to explore more of the city. The area is filled with plenty of shops, theaters, and other local landmarks, so you can easily make a day of it.
Customer reviews highlight the cafe’s friendly and efficient service, with many noting the welcoming nature of the staff. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re always treated like a valued guest. This attention to detail and customer care has helped build a loyal base of patrons who return time and time again for both the food and the overall experience.
A visit to Dymocks Cafe also offers something for those who appreciate a more tranquil setting. While it can get busy, especially during peak hours, it has a surprisingly calm vibe compared to other cafes in the area. It’s the perfect retreat if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney for a bit while enjoying a delicious meal or refreshing beverage.
In addition to its great food and drinks, Dymocks Cafe is a perfect spot for those who love books. The cafe is located in the famous Dymocks Bookstore, one of Sydney’s oldest and most cherished bookshops. This connection makes it a great place for book lovers to sip their coffee while browsing through a wide range of books across genres. It’s an experience that combines the joy of reading with the pleasure of enjoying a well-made cup of coffee.
Whether you're popping in for a quick lunch or planning to spend the afternoon enjoying a coffee and a good book, Dymocks Cafe offers a unique experience that stands out in Sydney’s vibrant cafe scene. It’s a place that feels both timeless and contemporary, offering comfort, great food, and exceptional service every time you visit. If you find yourself near George Street, be sure to stop by for a relaxing and memorable cafe experience.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great tea selectionPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo dining âś“ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Healthy options âś“ Quick bite âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ Family friendlyPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kidsPhotos
Location
Reviews
This cafe is an experience on its own, situated on the first level, ironicly past the cooking books. We have been here previously, so came again for lunch today. We had the Beef Piroshki, the Chicken Dumplings, mug of Flat White coffee, Tiramisu Iced Latte (didn't taste.much like Tiramisu), finishing off with a Biscoff cake with icecream! We rolled down the stairs contentedly once we were finished . The waitstaff in our area were both friendly and very attentive. We had our table cleaned before we sat down. The table was clean and not at all sticky, like some lesser establishments. Unfortunately, the toilets (located near Australian History) were out of order. Thanks Dymocks Cafe!
Amazing place! I bought some books and visited a nearby cafe. They served beautiful, salads and pies. The menu and cuisine were great, and everything tasted wonderful. The service was also fantastic. Just a friendly reminder: please make sure to leave by 5 pm, as the place is closing down at that time.
We’re never expecting this level of delicious food in this book store. Where we don’t really have to wait, the seated area is bit small to be honest. We order a ricotta cheese cake and brunch here. The cheeses cake is really creamy and amazing. Brunch also good. Can’t love this place more. If u are here alone or with family would be anyway a good choice to have a coffee or a lunch break.
Dymocks Café is our favourite place to go in Sydney CBD, I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been there. They offer a wide range of comfort food that takes me straight back to my Eastern European childhood. The borsch tastes just like my grandma used to make, and my favourites are the beef goulash, pirozhki with cabbage, and the vanilla slice (the best in the city!). I also love that they regularly update the menu with new dishes while keeping their signature meals consistently delicious.
My mother in law brought me here for lunch. She had the Salmon Croissant and I had the Ham and Cheese Croissant. We also took home some tirimisu and a slice of orange cake. Lunch was delicious as was the tirimisu. The orange cake, however, was very dry and crumbly. Service was polite and attentive. Food came out at a somewhat reasonable time, considering they were only croissants. Would come again. Menu as of this date provided.