Restaurant in Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Paramount Coffee Project
Surry Hills destination for coffee enthusiasts with brew bar and roastery. Scientific approach to coffee with creative food menu.
Paramount Coffee Project occupies a thoughtfully converted space at 80B Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, Sydney, housed within the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building that once served as the Australian headquarters of the film studio. The building's history — as a site of early Australian cinema and entertainment — lends the precinct a particular character, and the café has since become an integral part of Paramount's reinvention as a mixed-use creative destination. Since opening, Paramount Coffee Project has established itself as one of Australia's most respected specialty coffee destinations, drawing baristas, roasters, importers, and dedicated coffee enthusiasts from across the country.
The coffee programme is the café's defining achievement. Built around direct relationships with producing farms and a commitment to seasonal sourcing, the offering changes as new harvest lots become available and as the team's palate shifts throughout the year. The espresso bar operates alongside a dedicated brew bar where filter methods including V60, Chemex, and cold drip are prepared to order with precision. Seasonal single-origin coffees rotate across both formats, and baristas behind the counter are genuinely expert and willing to guide guests through the current selection. Cold brew at approximately AUD $6 and a full range of milk-based espresso drinks anchor the permanent menu, with batch filter available for those seeking a lighter, faster option.
The food menu accompanies the coffee with a focused selection of brunch and light meal options, including avocado preparations at approximately AUD $20, grain-based bowls, and pastries sourced from quality local bakeries. The kitchen operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. The interior aesthetic is spare and considered — exposed concrete, raw steel, and warm reclaimed timber create an environment that is industrial without being cold, and morning light through the heritage façade is particularly fine. The space attracts Surry Hills' creative and media community alongside serious coffee drinkers who treat the café as a destination visit.
Paramount Coffee Project is walk-in only with no reservations. Weekend mornings attract coffee-focused visitors from across Sydney, and short queues are common at peak hours. The wider Paramount precinct includes a boutique cinema, additional food and beverage outlets, and a fitness facility within the same building complex.
Signature dishes
- Cold brew — $6
- Avocado toast — $20
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +61 2 9698 2520
Location
80B Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
-33.8842, 151.2133 — View on map
Highlights
- One of Australia's most respected specialty coffee destinations, set within the heritage Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills
- Dedicated brew bar alongside espresso service — V60, Chemex, and cold drip prepared to order with seasonal single-origin coffees
- Direct farm relationships and transparent seasonal sourcing across the rotating coffee programme
- Expert barista team willing to guide guests through current single-origin offerings and brew method options
- Spare, considered industrial interior with exposed concrete, raw steel, and morning light through the heritage building façade
Tips
- Ask the barista for a recommendation on the current seasonal single-origin — the offering rotates frequently and staff are genuinely knowledgeable
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience — weekend mornings attract queues from 9 AM onwards from across Sydney
- Cold brew is one of the most popular orders in warmer months and is made in small batches — it can sell out by early afternoon
- Seating is limited during peak hours; the café works well for a standing counter visit if tables are full
- The Paramount precinct also houses a boutique cinema — pairing a film with a Paramount Coffee Project session makes for a complete Surry Hills afternoon
FAQ
What brewing methods are available at Paramount Coffee Project?
The café operates a full espresso bar alongside a dedicated filter brew bar offering V60, Chemex, and cold drip. Batch filter is also available. The specific single-origin offerings on both bars rotate seasonally.
Does Paramount Coffee Project accept reservations?
No. The café is walk-in only with no booking system. Seating is on a first-come basis. Weekend mornings are the busiest period, with queues forming at peak hours.
What are the opening hours at Paramount Coffee Project?
The café opens Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Hours may vary on public holidays.
Is there food available at Paramount Coffee Project?
Yes. The kitchen serves a focused brunch and light meal menu including avocado dishes, grain bowls, and pastries. Food is available throughout the full opening period.
Accessibility
Paramount Coffee Project is located at street level within the Paramount building precinct on Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. The café entry is accessible at ground level and the main ordering and seating areas are on a single floor. Visitors with mobility requirements should find the space straightforward to navigate.
When to visit
Paramount Coffee Project is at its best on weekday mornings between 7:30 and 9:30 AM when the light through the heritage building is strongest and the space is quieter than the weekend rush. The café is open year-round and the indoor setting means seasonality has minimal impact on the visit.