12.21.2009

Cruisin' Cafes: Sydney, Australia

G’day mate! Darlings, is it wrong that my initial reason for wanting to visit Sydney, Australia was for the sheer fact that I have always wanted to rise and shine to the perennial shouts of “G’day mate!” each morning without being looked upon as if I were some sort of loon? That, of course, was before I was treated to a view of the Sydney CBD and Sydney Opera House at dusk. Even through a mere photograph, the twinkling sight alone led me to realize that there was so much more to “the Harbour City” than truly meets the eye. A glamorous locale rich with culture, brimming with beauty, and home to countless shopping Mecca’s which cater to an abundance of personalities and lifestyles. Hence the reason why I simply can’t help but believe that it is obviously a lovely location for canvassing charming cafes!

Bar Coluzzi Pardon the pun, but it can’t be helped – to put it bluntly, Darlinghurst’s Bar Coluzzi will knock you out; and not just because it is the brainchild of a boxer of the fifties who moonlighted as a barista when he wasn’t slinging punches!

A staple of Williams Street since 1957, Bar Coluzzi does not simply attempt to channel a retro vintage vibe in its ambiance; it simply oozes such traits courtesy of the fact that it has been a latte-making landmark since that very era! Opened by Roman-born Luigi Coluzzi during the height of change in the world, Bar Coluzzi was founded with the hopes of bringing a dash of Italia to sunny Sydney via fresh coffee. Decades later, the teeny tiny hole in the wall is still a one-stop shop for revelers looking to rendezvous with elegant espressos, heavenly hot cocoas, tantalizing teas, and dreamy desserts. The pristine white walls are trimmed in red and adorned with boxing memorabilia and photographs snapped ring-side; while Alice in Wonderland-sized chairs spill out onto the Victoria Street sidewalk where Bar Coluzzi rests – an ideal location for soaking up the Sydney sunshine on a lazy Sunday morning. Don’t miss the raisin toast – dip it into your rich espresso for a mind-blowing experience! 322 Victoria St., Darlinghurst NSW 2010.

Bourke Street Bakery There is no need to so much as attempt to deny it; the truth of the matter is that there is no better complement to a piping mug of hot chocolate or steaming cup of coffee than a pastry that is sure to pack on the pounds yet leave you in a state of bliss for at least a few moments. Hence the reason why Surry Hills’ Bourke Street Bakery is destined to make you willingly wait in line for upwards of an hour, if need be, for a pint-sized brush with euphoria.

Inside a trio of small tables sit scrunched side by side, a virtual arm’s length away from patisserie cases holding fresh-baked sourdough bread, chocolate tarts, and croissants drizzled with chocolate sauce, in addition to full-fledged meals of quiches and pies; while out on the footpath a handful of sidewalk seating prime for people watching is proffered to visitors, providing an optimal opportunity for taking a load off after a full day of shopping and shooting the breeze while sipping and savoring a variety of seasonal flavors. Come prepared for both eye and nose candy – the pastries are too pretty to resist, while the scent of chocolate, vanilla, spices, and coffee mingling together will transport you to another time and place…you’ve been warned, kittens! 633 Bourke St., Surry Hills NSW 2010.

Mecca Espresso You know me, never one to ignore a location with a citified, metropolitan environment – and that is precisely what King Street’s Mecca Espresso doles out; in addition to mesmerizing macchiatos, sweet soy lattes, and creamy cappuccinos, of course.

Mecca Espresso is one of those urbane getaways that serve as a staycation for locals, a vacation for out of towners. The moment you step inside you are welcomed by slightly dim lighting, modernistic espresso machines, sleek yet simple hues, and a shiny hardwood floor tinged with red – all of which converge with one another to produce a very jazzy effect; not unlike a place you could imagine finding Ella Fitzgerald crooning within. But soulful sounds are not the musical choice du jour; the harmonies heard inside Mecca Espresso are of the passing cars and traffic – a delightful soundtrack for someone who enjoys the hustle and bustle of the city. Between the amusing banter shared between staff and customers alike, the ambrosial atmosphere, and the stunning designs etched in the foam topping your desired drink, it’s impossible not to think of Mecca Espresso as a home away from home. One that always smells of mouth-watering, fresh-baked chocolate brownies! 67 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Which of these Sydney cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.
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58 comments

Leah said...

Bar Coluzzi because of it's retro vintage feel. I always prefer cafe with some old world charm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIKA... YOU ARE THE BEST! Big hugs!

Diane said...

yum yum yum!
i think that they all sound great. now you got me thirsty for some hot chocolate. thank goodness i brought some (and marshmallows!) along with me to work today. time for hot cocoa! MMMMM!
i hope you're having a fabulous birthday! :)

Unknown said...

I'd choose 'Mecca Espresso'! it sounds like a good vibe, and off one of those really busy streets, so say if you were doing a little shopping, and then dash into a really serene location, like this Espresso. Its sort of like a getaway, even though still being in that crazy place.
I actually want to work in a cafe when I'm older, I love meeting new people.

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday CAFEFASHIONISTAAAA, happy birthday to you. Hip hip, hoooray!

J'aime
www.tinominosquared.blogspot.com

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Happy birthday to you!

I would love to go to Sydney- some of my friends studied abroad there, and they loved it!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY B-DAY!!! lOVELY PHOTOS...SO YUMMY!!!

Chicago Chic said...

Hello Darling...I would definitely choose Bourke Street Bakery! I have the biggest sweet tooth, cannot resist sweets. This bakery/cafe sounds beyond amazing, and now I'm craving a pastry! :)

I need to tell you right back that I love you and your incredibly creative & witty writing, your informative posts, and your constant fun/inspiring fashion ideas! You are one of the very first blogs I visit each day....

xoxoxo
Rachel

ana said...

The first picture is so lovely!!! I'm gonna get right now a delicious cup of coffee...
have a nice week darling!

COCAMIA said...

Bar Coluzzi sounds and feels like my perfect hideaway...

Chicago Chic said...

PS....Happy Birthday, Love! xo

FASHION CHALET said...

Heart shaped marshmallows? Sounds like just what I need for my morning coffees. ;)


You're amazing! thank you!!

xx

Allegra said...

lovely pics! I feel like puting on lots of weight over the christmas holidays -.- but everything looks so delicious!

Melissa Blake said...

First I see Pretty Little Picture's blog about Australia and now this. Hmmm, could the universe be trying to tell me something here?

The Blonde Duck said...

The bakery. I'm all about the bakery.

Anonymous said...

Mmm cute photos! Love it <3

Couture Carrie said...

That bakery sounds amazing! I just gained weight reading this post! Yummmm!

xoxox,
CC

FASHION SNAG said...

Happy Birthday Erika! xoxo

Tights Lover said...

Great reviews. Bar Coluzzi sounds just great!

Mimi said...

Sydney seems like such a friendly and fun place to vacation. You cafe spots sound so cool! Great pictures.

M said...

Mecca Espresso sounds like the place for me. And someone whispered in my ear it's your birthday today: congratulations! Hope you're having a great day! xo

Tiffany Kadani said...

I'm craving a cup of thick hot chocolate now. And an Aussie accent.

Toothfairy said...

I'd love to go to sydney... Boyfriend is going to show me around in Australia when we get there... someday! He's lived in melbourne for 6 months or so...

loves

Sarah Whitney said...

I'd be happy to explore anyyy Sydney cafe!! I've always wanted to visit Australia :)

Jen said...

You always make me yearn for a cup of coffee with these posts... never mind the fact that I don't actually like coffee and can barely tolerate tea! :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm totally drooling lady. And I need some marshmallows STAT. I hope you are having a most fabulous special day lady!

chic femme said...

Hey, Erika. I would so love to try that last one it looks fabulous. And how cute it is that it's pink with a candy cane. :)

All Women Stalker said...

Eez your birthday? Happy birthday, love. :)

-meream

Anna Jane said...

Oh I just love Sydney. It's been a few years since I went but I had so much fun. May I also add those pictures literally made my mouthwater, what with the floating heart-shaped marshmallow and candy cane? yummm....

- Anna Jane xxx
(PixelatedBlonde.com)

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Those heart shaped marshmallows are so fabulous and yummy looking! All the more reason to visit that wonderful land down under! ;)

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Making my mouth water!!! I love these pictures and your explanations.

http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/

Style, She Wrote said...

Just found your blog - love love love it. Will check back soon. xo

Emily said...

Bourke Street Bakery sounds like my cup of tea! I am a sucker for pastries and sweets :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Well, first off, it's your birthday? I had no idea! So a very happy birthday to you! I hope it has been a great one! :)

As for these lovely cafes... The croissants at the Bourke Street Bakery sound absolutely delicious! I'm craving one now! I must visit there if I'm ever in Australia.

And that heart-shaped marshmallow is too cute!

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

G'day mate! I wish I had an Australian accent; everything would be just.. so much cooler! I can't even, remotely, strike an Australian accent.

And, that espresso? Ahhh. I want it!

Happy birthday!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Haha, loved your comment :)
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com

Nina said...

Sydney is one of the most liveliest cities I've ever been too! Everyone should go!

Happy birthday, Erika!

Nina

(Read that it was your special day in one of the comments.)

Jen Hsieh said...

i'm definitely drooling after looking at these pictures. and if all your commenters are correct...HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear :)

Anonymous said...

G'day to you too mate! And I agree I wanna go to Sydney just so I can say/hear others say that phrase hahahahaha.

And HOLD ON! It s you birthday?!?!?!?!?! HURRAY! I wish you the very best of days!!

Oh and another thing I just put hot water on the stove to make hot cocoa after reading this post lol

a cherry tree said...

Is it your birthday honey?! If so, Happy Birthday *and* Merry Christmas!

Oh, I am so overdue for a Sydney trip, you have me wishing I was going there soon :)

Heart shaped marshmellows = heaven!

<3 xxx

la petite fashionista said...

ah lets just jet off to sydney & do some shopping and cafe hop right now :)

Grumpy old man said...

Wow, those look so yummmiieee.
Great post!

Thank you ever so much for leaving a sweet comment on my last post, I am glad you liked it.

Hope you and yours will have a lovely and Merry Christmas!
Colin.

Angela said...

my friend just got back from Austrialia. she loved melbourn and sydney.

Unknown said...

Yum, yum, yummylicious!!!

Danielle @ Story of Style said...

These all look so tasty! Definitely one huge benefit of winter! The hot drinks. And that marshmallow is just too cute!

The F Word Online said...

ouu those look so yummy ! i want one right now, even though its 2 in the morning over here haha

xx lue

Amelia said...

Ooh, I love cafes. This is giving me a craving for seasonal drinks.

Midtown Girl said...

I'm totally going to ask my Australian besty if she has been to any of these sweet spots! You make it so easy to have a great time in different locales ;-)

Btw - your comments always make me smile & are some of my favs. You are such a darling AND I see that it was your birthday?!?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING ERIKA!!! Hope your bday was as FABULUSH as you are doll - wishing you a wonderful, amazing year!

XOXO
Amy

Sherin said...

I think a perfect Christmas would be to sit outside one of these coffee shops and just soak in the sun.
Bar Coluzzi sounds like such a dream place.

michelle_ said...

the one with the candy cane seems delicious !
enjoy your last few days of 2009 !
hope you havent wasted this year for nothing ;)
visit my blog + comment + follow !
GLISTERS AND BLISTERS. blogspot . com

Audrey Allure said...

those are such lovely photos, i'd go visit anyone to try anything they serve. haha

Rachel Scarlet said...

I'd prefer Mecca Espresso! Australia is 5 hours away from where I live by flight. Do drop by! Hope you had a wonderful birthday! xoxo :)

Keith said...

These all look fantastic. I'd love to check these all out. Cheers!

Claire said...

love the little hearts! XoXo :)

dee said...

You honestly find the cutest photos ever to accompany these posts!

Nikolett said...

You're making me SO thirsty for those delicious drinks! And I don't think you're a loon for wanting to say that ... I'll confess that I've wanted to live in England just so I can say, "Oy! Fancy a biscuit and tea?" :)

Style, via Tia said...

Happy Birthday Erika! I hope you had a fun day.

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

Definitely the Coluzzi!

diamondsinchampagne said...

So glad you loved Sydney, it's my home town... great city with great cafes!

glee said...

i felt hungry seeing these yummies. i think i'd love to check them all. ;)

WendyB said...

Everything looks so delicious.

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