Stranger Espresso

shop2/84-90 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
+61 401 354 034
$$$ Cafe
(135 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Hidden in the heart of Darlinghurst, Stranger Espresso is a charming café that effortlessly blends a welcoming atmosphere with an exceptional culinary experience. Located at shop 2/84-90 McLachlan Ave, this delightful spot invites you to step in as a stranger and leave feeling like part of the family.

As you walk through the door, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops you, promising a delightful treat waiting just for you. The café has earned its reputation as the best coffee spot in Darlinghurst, with patrons raving about their consistently brilliant brews. Whether you're treating yourself to a perfectly crafted espresso or a velvety flat white, each sip is a celebration of flavor.

But the offerings at Stranger Espresso go beyond just fantastic coffee. The menu is a delightful mix of satisfying breakfast options that cater to every palate. Indulge in their fried eggs with ripe tomatoes, smoky Persian feta, and creamy avocado for a flavorful start to your day. Or, as a review from satisfied customer Nicholas Atgemis shares, don't miss out on their scrumptious burger or the extraordinary house-made croissants that are sure to win your heart. And if you’re in for something sweet, the chocolate chip cookie is an experience all on its own—what Nicholas described as “unbelievable.”

The ambiance at Stranger Espresso is nothing short of inviting. With ample sunlight flooding in and a cozy layout, it’s the ideal spot for an intimate breakfast or a relaxed coffee break. The friendly, attentive staff make you feel like a regular, knowing just how to start your day with a friendly smile and a personal touch. JaeSung Lee noted how the welcoming vibe made their morning coffee experience exceptionally pleasant. You can sense the camaraderie between the staff and their customers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

As highlighted by E23K131 M, what keeps patrons returning isn’t just the excellent food and coffee but the sense of community fostered by the incredible team behind the counter. They take the time to connect with each customer, creating a space that feels like a neighborhood gathering spot rather than just a café.

If you’re in Darlinghurst, don’t miss making Stranger Espresso a part of your day. Whether you're grabbing a quick caffeine fix or settling in for a leisurely breakfast, this café is a little gem that guarantees delightful surprises and a warm welcome! With encouraging reviews from locals and newcomers alike, you will undoubtedly leave as a friend!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

06:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

06:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

06:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

06:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

06:30 AM - 03:00 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

07:30 AM - 01:00 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 01:30 PM

135 Reviews
Nicholas Atgemis

02 Oct 2025

What a great breakfast we had. A really nice spot that’s not too large, which makes it just perfect for a small intimate breakfast. My daughter had a burger and I had fried eggs with tomato and Persian feta and avocado. Also, excellent coffee, excellent food, excellent service and what a chocolate chip cookie it was. Unbelievable.

Liam Deering

18 Sep 2025

Best coffee in darlinghurst with friendly staff and good food. Recommended the sausage rolls or egg and bacon roll always great.

E23K131 M

14 Sep 2025

You may indeed walk in as a stranger…however after ordering your first coffee here you will feel anything but. Consistently brilliant coffee, excellent food and phenomenal atmosphere. Independent of all these incredible things it’s the team behind the counter that keep you coming back - They make you feel like close friends that are keen to see you start the day with a spring in your step.

JaeSung Lee

02 Sep 2025

Went for a quick coffee this morning, never been there before. Friendly staff, great coffee, and the housemade croissants were delicious!

Jeremy Shannon Allen

29 Jun 2025

Nice cafe, sunny and bright, friendly attentive staff who seem to know all their regulars. The food’s good, coffee’s good, we thoroughly enjoyed breakfast. I generally don’t like paying $5 for extra bacon BUT you definitely get your money’s worth here. Definitely worth another visit!

Geoff Denman

24 Jun 2025

We are coffee snobs from Melbourne but have found the coffee better than just about anything down south. Seriously good. The diners are mainly locals and regulars who give the place a warmth and happy vibe. The menu is not super large but each item is carefully chosen and perfectly prepared. The owners are true professionals who know their craft well. Come for the warm and relaxed atmosphere and food but most of all come for the amazing coffee.

Jeremy Cox

12 Jun 2025

Absolutely wonderful local spot I discovered on my recent 44 night stay in Darlinghurst for work. I walked in a stranger, but after my first visit I was warmly welcomed as a friend every single time. I'd stop in on my morning walk down to Rushcutters Bay to fuss other people's dogs, and grab a top notch Stranger coffee and their bacon mini quiches became a daily addiction. I took all my colleagues and visitors here too, and everyone loved it. As a Kiwi Melburnian great coffee, good food and friendly service are hugely important to me, and Stranger nails all of these every single visit.

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