The best brunch: Redfern edition

Pulp’s very own lifestyle reporters are always on the prowl for a good brunch spot. The easy task is finding good cafes in Sydney because there is so much to offer. The hard part is recommending those cafes because where on earth do we begin!? As such we present the best brunch spots based on location. Today’s location is close to home: Redfern!

  1. Cafe Ella

Location: 274 Abercrombie St Darlington, NSW 2008

Tue-Sun:8am - 2pm

Conveniently located on the ‘Redfern Run’, Cafe Ella offers a cozy, home style environment to enjoy a hearty meal and escape from the pressures of university life. The cafe itself is a renovated home but much of the original characteristics have remained- you can wander upstairs to the second story where you’ll find original wooden floorboards and thrifted couches. 

The warmth of the environment extends to its menu. Cafe Ella offers bagels, ricotta pancakes and classic breakfast menu items Big Brekkie and BLAT. Their Lentil Stew is a signature item on the menu and is perfect for the coming cooler weather.

What’s most notable when gazing at the menu is how affordable everything is; an iced latte and croissant or a cappuccino and muesli will approximately cost under $10. A meal on the go from 7/11 may be $10, but are you able to sit and relax in Cafe’s Ella welcoming home? This is what makes Cafe Ella a stand out feature among inner-city cafes, which notoriously set you back as much as $30 for a beverage and meal.

Instagram: @cafe_ella

Cafe Ella brunch, pictured by @pons0810

Cafe Ella brunch, pictured by @pons0810

2. Three Williams

Location: 613A Elizabeth St, Redfern NSW 2016

7 days a week 7am-3pm

If Cafe Ella is the humble, Tuscan retreat, then Three William’s is the glamorous, New York party. As you enter the 285 square metre warehouse, you are met with stunning architectural designs boasting minimalism yet sophistication; leather bench seating, exposed brickwork and raw wood. 

Three Williams is fully licensed and open 7 days a week, it also takes bookings for both large and small groups. It is a huge step up from your regular brunch.

Their menu is seasonal but if you visit now we recommend trying the Guava French Toast ($20, pictured below) - guava custard, coffee bubbles, oreo and fruit salad over thick brioche french toast. Or the Soft Shell Crab Roll ($24) - asian slaw and avocado salsa with chipotle mayo and soft-shell crab over toasted milk bun and truffle potatoes. 

Instagram: @threewilliamscafe

Source: @threewilliamscafe

Source: @threewilliamscafe

3. Henry Lee’s Redfern

Location: Hart St, Redfern NSW 2016

7 days a week, 8am-3pm

Proudly boasting the most aesthetic cafe Instagram we have ever seen, Henry Lee’s menu tastes as good as it looks! The cafe dubs itself as a “concept cafe and collaborative space” and situated in the arts and culture hub of Redfern, who wouldn’t be inspired? The cafe hosts a spacious covered outdoor seating area, metal decor and original exposed brick - typical fashion of Redfern cafes it seems. But be prepared to wait in line if you go during weekend peak periods - this place is popular for good reason!

Our menu favourites include ‘The Henry’s Dream’ - avocado, cashew pesto with feta, poached eggs and dukkah, served on sourdough ($20) and ‘The Carny’ ($19) - crispy fried katsu chicken, cabbage daikon slaw on a milk bun with paprika salted fries. 

Instagram: @henrylessredfern

Image: @henryleesredfern

Image: @henryleesredfern

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Pulp Editors