SHUK Surry Hills

Around Surry Hills, this one is known as much for breakfast as for baking. SHUK Surry Hills is a bakery and cafe with relaxed outdoor seating, and the sourdough is a big part of its reputation. It's part of a small Sydney group with other locations, but locals treat the Surry Hills spot as its own neighbourhood hangout.

The breakfast menu does a lot of the work here. Shakshuka comes up constantly, and there's a clearly marked vegan version for anyone avoiding eggs. The bacon and egg roll has a name for being generously sized, and the chicken shawarma salad has its own regulars. Wraps and a chicken schnitzel in challah get a nod too. On the pastry side, we've heard the almond croissant is the one to grab: flaky, with a well-balanced filling. The rugelach is more of a mixed story, and one local found it a touch dry, so you might lean towards the croissants instead.

Coffee is a draw in itself. People rate it among the better cups in the area, and the matcha latte has a following of its own. The baristas are mentioned warmly by name, and the staff in general get consistent praise for being friendly and welcoming. A small convenience-style corner is attached, handy if you're grabbing something on the go.

You can dine in, take away, or have it delivered, and they also do catering. Ordering at the table by QR code is an option. The trade is steady, but quieter mid-morning, so that's a calmer time to settle in. There's a weekend surcharge, and one visitor found the iced drinks pricey, so it's smart to glance at the menu before you order.

SHUK opens every day of the week, starting early and wrapping up in the afternoon, though it's worth checking the hours before heading in. There's free street parking nearby, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. For a bakery in Surry Hills that doubles as a good breakfast stop, this is a solid pick.