Hidden gems: Northern Districts cafés and bakeries locals love
The leafy suburbs of Sydney's Northern Districts may be known for their family homes and peaceful streets, but they're also full of flavour if you know where to look.
From artisan bakeries to tucked-away espresso bars, these local favourites offer more than just great coffee and pastries, they bring personality, warmth and a strong sense of community.
Here’s your guide to the best hidden café and bakery gems worth exploring.
Why we love local: The charm of neighbourhood favourites
There’s something special about finding a café where the barista remembers your name or a bakery that still makes everything in-house, from scratch. These are the places where locals gather, where the pastries are still warm from the oven, and where the atmosphere feels like home.
Many of these businesses are family-run, independently owned, and passionate about offering something that stands out from the big chains.
Cafés to add to your must-visit list
Myrtle Street Grind (Normanhurst)
This hidden gem brings an urban vibe to the suburbs, serving up strong coffee, toasted bagels and sweet treats in a relaxed space just steps from Normanhurst station.
The Monday Morning Café (Thornleigh)
A charming, low-key favourite with consistently good coffee and fresh, house-made options, perfect for a quiet bite or a morning meeting.
Curl the Whisker Café (Thornleigh)
Quirky name, top-tier coffee. This spot is a favourite among locals for its friendly atmosphere, strong brews and vegan-friendly menu options.
Xpress Mezze Café (Westleigh)
A delightful fusion of café culture and Middle Eastern flair. Expect traditional Turkish pastries, strong coffee, and warm hospitality.
Bakeries worth discovering
Pottery Green Bakers (Turramurra)
Loved for their Vietnamese rolls, fresh-baked bread and flaky pastries, Pottery Green Bakers blends old-school bakery charm with delicious value-for-money eats.
Bunny Patisserie (Pennant Hills)
An Instagram favourite, Bunny Patisserie turns out picture-perfect cakes, pastel-coloured sweets and beautifully decorated desserts. It’s a visual (and edible) delight.
Dolcettini Patisserie (Dural)
This Italian-inspired bakery is worth the drive. Known for its cannoli, fruit tarts and artisan-style pastries, Dolcettini balances European technique with Australian flair.
Flour Shop (Turramurra)
Tucked away in a quiet pocket of the suburb, Flour Shop delivers top-quality bread, pastries and coffee in a homely setting. It’s the kind of place that quickly becomes part of your weekend routine.
Market Favourites
CE Foods (Turramurra Markets) This standout stall brings hand-crafted, gourmet meals and baked goods to the Turramurra Markets. Known for their quality ingredients and inventive flavours, CE Foods offers everything from baguettes, to sourdoughs and pizza bases in both the regular as well as gluten free varieties.
Paddy the Baker (Castle Hill Farmers Market) Offering authentic Irish breads and pastries, Paddy the Baker is a market favourite for soda bread, traditional scones, and hearty savoury options. Their handmade style and rich flavours are a crowd-pleaser every weekend.
Jam Tarte Fine Patisserie (Castle Hill Farmers Market) This elegant patisserie stall brings French flair to Castle Hill with handmade tarts, éclairs, and choux pastries. Perfectly balanced and beautifully presented, these treats are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Sweet Vegan (Turramurra Market) A popular plant-based patisserie stall at the Turramurra Markets, Sweet Vegan offers beautifully made vegan cakes, slices, cookies and pastries that surprise even the most committed carnivores.
Bitzamalta Bakehouse (Castle Hill Farmers Market) This Maltese-Australian bakery is a standout at the Castle Hill Farmers Market, offering unique traditional items like pastizzi, honey rings, and fig-filled pastries, all made with time-honoured recipes and a whole lot of heart.
La Tartine (Various markets, including Dural)
Specialising in traditional French-style breads, La Tartine is a market favourite offering crusty loaves, buttery pastries and beautiful fruit tarts.
Shepherd's Bakehouse (Castle Hill Farmers Market) A beloved family-run stall offering traditional sourdough, country-style loaves, and indulgent baked treats. Their commitment to quality and use of organic ingredients makes them a standout at the Castle Hill Farmers Market.
Plan your local coffee and croissant crawl
Not sure where to start? Try a mini food tour with friends or family:
- Morning: Grab a coffee from Myrtle Street Grind, then swing by Bunny Patisserie for something sweet.
- Lunch: Enjoy a midday bite at Xpress Mezze Café or Curl the Whisker Cafe
- Afternoon: Pick up a loaf or a pastry from Flour Shop or Dolcettini to take home.
- Weekend treat: Browse Castle Hill markets and fill a basket with artisan breads and pastries from stalls like Bitzamalta Bakehouse or Sweet Vegan.
Each of these stops offers something unique, from handcrafted croissants to perfectly brewed coffee, all served with a smile.
How to support your local favourites
Many of these cafés and bakeries rely on word of mouth and loyal neighbourhood support. You can help them thrive by leaving a kind review, sharing your experience on social media, or simply recommending them to a friend. Every bit counts in keeping our local gems alive and thriving.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area, these hidden gems are well worth discovering. Skip the franchise queues and reconnect with the flavour and charm of your own neighbourhood—one cup and croissant at a time.
Thinking of selling your Northern Districts home?
If you're considering selling your home in Sydney’s northern districts, get in touch with Page & Co. Our team understands what buyers are looking for and can help you present your property to maximise its value.
