The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney's most visited all-day dining destinations, occupying a converted industrial warehouse and surrounding gardens in the inner suburb of Alexandria. Established in 2012 by the Polites family, the precinct has grown from a single cafe into a sprawling food destination that encompasses multiple dining spaces, a specialty coffee roastery, an organic kitchen garden, a flower market, a bakery, and resident farm animals including a pig and goats who inhabit a designated paddock on site. The setting is the defining draw: seasonal flowers and climbing vines transform old factory buildings and open courtyards into a lush backdrop that has made The Grounds one of the most photographed venues in Australia. The kitchen centres on all-day breakfast and brunch, with housemade breads, slow-cooked proteins, seasonal vegetables from the kitchen garden, and the Big Breakfast — a generous plate of eggs, bacon, house-cured meats, and sourdough toast — among the most ordered items. Avocado smash with dukkah and feta on seeded toast reflects the venue's signature style: familiar brunch food elevated with quality ingredients. The coffee roastery on site means all espresso-based drinks are roasted and blended in-house; single-origin filter options are available alongside the signature blends. Specialty baked goods from the bakery — pastries, seasonal tarts, and celebration cakes — are available throughout the day. The venue does not accept reservations for breakfast or brunch, and queuing on weekends is expected; arrival before 8:30 AM or after 2:00 PM significantly reduces wait times. A garden bar serves weekend cocktails and there is a small retail store selling coffee, homewares, and seasonal plants. Private dining rooms and event spaces are available for groups with advance booking.