Single O Surry Hills Review 2026: Sydney's Iconic Coffee & Brunch Spot
Experience Single O, a cherished Surry Hills gem, famous for its exceptional coffee and must-try banana bread. Plan your perfect Sydney cafe visit for 2026!
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Experience Single O, a cherished Surry Hills gem, famous for its exceptional coffee and must-try banana bread. Plan your perfect Sydney cafe visit for 2026!
Australia Sydney's Top 3 Coffee: Single O Surry Hills Cafe & Eatery
Planning a trip to Sydney, Australia in 2026? Then a coffee tour of what locals and travelers alike consider the city's top cafes is an absolute must! While the term "Sydney's Top 3 Coffee" is particularly popular among Korean visitors, these spots are genuinely beloved by everyone. After my fantastic visit to Campos Coffee in Newtown, I made my way to Single O in Surry Hills. Here's my detailed review of this local hotspot, covering everything from their famous banana bread and menu to what to expect with waiting times.
Single O: A Sydney Coffee Icon
60/64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Brunch cafes are an integral part of the Sydney experience. The "Top 3 Coffee" spots often mentioned include Campos Coffee in Newtown, Single O tucked away in a Surry Hills lane, and Gumption Coffee in Sydney City. Each offers a unique vibe and exceptional brews.
✅ Getting to Single O is super easy – it's just a 5-minute walk from Central Station, so you don't even need public transport!
✅ Operating Hours: Weekdays 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Weekends 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
With four coffee grinders in action, it's clear that Single O takes its coffee seriously, offering a wide range including single-origin and decaf options. They even have a 'Tap On Bar' featuring six different coffee varieties. Among Sydney's top coffee spots, Single O definitely impressed me the most with its dedication to the craft.
📌 Fun fact: Single O coffee beans are also used at Bills, another popular brunch spot, and you can find them in many other cafes beyond their flagship location.
Waiting at Single O, Surry Hills
Weekdays & Weekends
Popular cafes in Surry Hills, like Single O, often have a wait, whether it's a weekday or weekend. Keep in mind they don't take reservations.
When I visited on a weekday around 11:00 AM, the wait was only about 10 minutes. There was an open indoor table, but I opted to wait a little longer for a spot outside to soak up the ambiance.
When you arrive, just stand near the entrance. A staff member with a waiting list will come by. Simply tell them your name, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating, and how many are in your party. Then, just relax and wait for your turn.
There's comfortable wall seating perfect for waiting or for those grabbing a coffee to-go who want a quick spot to enjoy their drink.
Single O: Tables & Atmosphere
Nestled on a quiet street in Surry Hills, Single O boasts a truly lovely atmosphere.
On a beautiful day, the outdoor standing bar was bustling with patrons, creating a wonderfully free-spirited cafe vibe.
They even have window bar tables, perfect for solo travelers looking for a comfortable spot without feeling out of place.
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces have a fantastic ambiance. Inside, you'll find bar-style seating, as well as tables for four and larger groups.
Single O Brunch Menu
When visiting Single O, many international guests often gravitate towards the "Avo Smashed" (avocado toast), but you'll also find a selection of classic Australian brunch dishes that locals adore.
I had plans for lunch at Reuben Hills later, so I kept it simple with just coffee and banana bread. If you're visiting Australia, I highly recommend trying banana bread at any cafe you go to – it's a staple!
A regular-sized Flat White will set you back about ~$4 USD, and the banana bread is around ~$9 USD. Yes, the banana bread might seem a little pricey, but it's a signature item, so I figured it was worth a try!
The banana bread, topped with house-made espresso butter, was surprisingly delicious. I've had banana bread countless times, but Single O's special butter truly made it stand out from the rest.
Ordering my coffee "Extra Hot" allowed me to savor my Flat White slowly, keeping it warm for longer. The unique handle-less cup for the Flat White also added to Single O's distinct identity, which I found quite charming.
Single O Coffee Beans
If you're looking for a coffee bean souvenir from Sydney, it's good to know that while Campos coffee beans can be found at the Sydney Airport duty-free, Single O coffee is not available there.
So, if you taste their coffee and love it, I recommend buying their beans (the Collider blend is a great choice!) directly from the cafe before you head to the airport.
Overall Review
Single O in Surry Hills has been a beloved spot for both locals and tourists for over a decade, and I was so curious to experience it myself. True to its reputation as one of Sydney's top coffee destinations, the coffee was absolutely delicious.
The coffee here is far superior to other places that might only be popular with certain tourist groups (like Tika for Korean visitors), and the staff were incredibly friendly. While there were certainly fellow travelers, the cafe was clearly packed with loyal local customers too!
For that quintessential hip Surry Hills vibe and truly delicious banana bread, Single O is a strong recommendation! I didn't try their other brunch items this time, but I'm definitely adding the Avo Smashed to my list for my next visit.
If you're searching for an amazing cafe in Sydney, make sure to check out Single O in Surry Hills – one of the city's true coffee gems!
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Sydney Brunch Cafe Recommendation: Aslan Coffee & Flat White
📍 Single O
60/64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia
It is a 5-minute walk from Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. The operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends.
The Single O store does not accept reservations, so you will need to wait in line at the venue. Simply give your name, your preference for outdoor or indoor seating, and the number of people in your party to the staff at the entrance, and wait for your turn.
The banana bread topped with house-made espresso butter is $13. A regular-sized flat white is sold for $6.50.
Single O coffee beans are not sold at the Sydney Airport duty-free shop. If you wish to purchase their coffee beans, we recommend buying them directly at the Surry Hills store.
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