Where to find the best cafes in Parramatta

With bold murals painted on the walls and a laneway location, Circa Espresso will remind you of Melbourne but this hole-in-the-wall cafe is a much loved Parramatta haunt and it’s still drawing in the daily brunch crowds 12 years after opening.

Owner Aykut Sayan is inspired by his Turkish heritage and classical French cooking, and you can certainly taste it on the menu.

The signature Ottoman eggs are a must-try featuring two poached free-range eggs topped with crumbed eggplant, garlic labneh, burnt chilli, sage butter and fried leeks. It comes with delicious house-made focaccia. For a cross between sweet and savoury, with a hint of naughty, go for the crispy sourdough waffles which feature ricotta, truffle honey, fresh figs, walnuts and olive oil. Brunch classics in a rustic-chic spot is perfect for every weekend.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Ottoman eggs ($26)

Lil Miss Collins is like a little spot of sunshine in the city. Step into this farmhouse-themed cafe or, better yet, sit in its outdoor area for your daily fix of vitamin D.

This café was built using recycled farmhouse wood and sports one of the homiest vibes around, with overhanging plants, idyllic pastel paintwork and colourful cushions.

You can start with a house blend or single-origin coffee and then order the Mediterranean breakfast which comes with your choice of Lebanese sausages or falafel, scrambled eggs, za’atar spiced pita and fried cauliflower. Or opt for the grilled eggplant and halloumi stack with poached egg on a bed of spicy hollandaise with a side of incredibly good toasted garlic loaf.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mediterranean breakfast bowl ($23.90)

At Mëraki Merchants, in a tiny corner of a residential block, you’ll find all the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean as well as a mean double espresso.

If you’re already well caffeinated, go for the Egyptian iced tea made with dried hibiscus or a golden turmeric latte with house-made almond milk.

On the food side, avocado toast is made next level with a combination of feta and dukkah but the real crowd-pleaser is the Sultan’s jaffle. Made with sliced cheese, sujuk (Middle Eastern spicy sausage) and Kalamata olives topped with housemade smoky capsicum relish, it’s a winner.

Also know that every morning freshly baked Middle Eastern-influenced cookies, sweets and cakes arrive at the counter, but you will have to be quick to snap them up as they go fast.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Sultan’s jaffle ($12)

If you’re in the mood to indulge, head over to XS Espresso. Just like the name suggests, it’s known for taking things to excess so expect outrageously indulgent plates here.

The menu is extensive, and as far as brunch options go, one of the most ordered dishes is the XS Stack which features poached eggs, halloumi, grilled tomato and avocado on sourdough sprinkled with za’atar.

Or take breakfast to the next level with Truffle benedict which sees poached eggs doused in truffle oil, served with thick-cut Vienna toast and a choice of ham, bacon, sujuk, salmon or halloumi.

For sweet tooths, the XS Surprise shake is something to go ga ga over. A Nutella and Crunchie shake topped with fairy floss, white chocolate sprinkles, waffle cone and a Kinder surprise. The Waffle sandwich also comes supersized, filled with Nutella and Belgian chocolate, strawberries, M&Ms, crushed Crunchies and vanilla crumble, all served with ice cream. Expect a food coma!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Truffle benedict ($19)

Quite possibly the Social Hideout is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paramatta as well as one of the prettiest cafes in Sydney. It can be easy to forget that the weekend crowds aren’t all here for the pink cushions, neon sign and sea of pink flowers draping the walls.

Some of them are surely here for the food! The signature dish is the Taro hotcakes, where soft hotcakes are paired with pink pitaya, mango cubes, berries and black sesame ice cream. The perfect balance of sweet and creamy without being overwhelming, this dish is topped with a dramatic purple flower that is totally ‘gram-worthy.

Another dish well worth a selfie is the decadent Szechuan fried chicken served with saffron mac n cheese, caramelised bacon, dukkah and waffles. Adventurous and delicious food that makes great pictures. What’s not to love?

Dish Cult’s top pick: Taro hotcakes ($22.90)