The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria occupies a converted 1916 pie factory and former stables in the inner-Sydney suburb of Alexandria, transformed into a cafe, bakery, and urban farm spread across industrial buildings and landscaped courtyards. The kitchen serves modern Australian cafe fare built around all-day breakfast and brunch, with the big breakfast, wood-fired pizzas, and a rotating selection of house-made pastries from the on-site bakery standing as the venue's signature offerings. A separate area, The Potting Shed, operates as a more considered sit-down restaurant within the same site, offering a step up from the casual cafe menu for those wanting a slower, seated meal. The dining room character shifts across the property: exposed brick, steel beams, and factory-era fittings define the indoor cafe spaces, while outdoor courtyards, a rooftop, and hanging gardens create a softer, greenery-filled backdrop for tables scattered around the urban farm, which keeps chickens and other animals visible to diners. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly rather than formal, with no dress code, a steady hum of conversation, and prams and children a common sight on weekends. The beverage programme is casual-license, focused on coffee (the venue runs its own roastery) alongside a modest wine and beer list rather than an extensive cellar. The main cafe does not take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis, so waits of thirty minutes or more are common during Saturday and Sunday brunch service; The Potting Shed restaurant accepts bookings and is the better option for those wanting a guaranteed table.