Behind a low-key roller door is vegetarian cafe par excellence, which also does epic pasta dinners. Sustainable and made on-site is the ethos here, and the cabinet is loaded with sandwiches and doughnuts to takeaway.

The acclaimed Canberra roaster has opened a cafe unlike anything in Sydney. Hit one of three distinct coffee experience bars for filter, espresso or specialty drinks. Then stay for the bumper all-day menu of fancy rolls and bowls.

Mock meat, incredible toasties and crisp-fried tempeh burgers worth trekking for.

A neighbourhood cafe serving decent coffee, quality sandwiches and cakes made by the owner’s mum.

There are fine-dining chefs in the kitchen, but this colourful inner-west cafe channels Sydney’s classic milk bars.

An organic wholefoods eatery suited to sensitive diets.

This old garage is about consistently good coffee and community vibes.

Where vegans come first, but bacon is still a thing.

Every Marrickville local has visited this spacious warehouse conversion at least once.

An institutional espresso bar and roastery.

This cafe brings innovative twists to Sydney's biggest food trends.

A cute corner hub.

Deluca Marrickville takes its coffee seriously – so seriously, you'll just find coffee and nothing else. And just like the menu, the cafe space is minimalist: clean lines, natural timber and plenty of natural light.

This unassuming cafe adds some considerable repute to the postcode for which it is named.

From the team behind Grumpy Donuts, this sophisticated American-style cafe serves the kind of fuss-free food you’d find in a New York or LA diner. Think pancake stacks, fried chicken sangas and plenty of filter coffee.

A seasonable, flexible and locally sourced menu is the biggest drawcard for Illi Hill.

The Sydney roastery brings it all together under one expansive roof. Enter this industrial space for a neat cafe, roastery and training space where the aspiring barista can participate in tasting experiences, coffee-making classes and more.

The first dine-in venue from Bondi’s Lox in a Box is serving Sydney’s first bagel high tea. Head to the old old Cornersmith site to try it – or maybe some hot salt beef on rye, or a stellar brisket burrito.

Best brunch on Marrickville Road? This corner cafe is a hot contender. Come for plussed-up brekkies by a Quay-trained chef, pandan custard buns and a strong iced drinks offering.

Tita isn’t your typical Filipino carinderia. Hit this cafe and bakery for brekkie muffins stacked with egg and longganisa sausage; classic Filipino breakfasts of garlic fried rice, egg and adobo; and ube soft serve ice-cream.

Hit this breezy cafe-bakery for a monthly rotation of baked treats, from croissants to cookies. For lunch, you can’t go past the hefty focaccia sangas.

Superfreak’s head-turning fit-out makes it a contender for Sydney’s best-looking cafe. But there’s plenty more to love – including a fresh, homely menu and a vinyl soundtrack.