Over the past few years, Parramatta's coffee scene has changed dramatically. One of the first specialists to arrive on the scene was Circa Espresso — back in 2010 — and since then, baristas a-plenty have followed.

Whether you want to sample house blends or work your way through a bunch of exotic single origins, you can. Here's a guide to some of Parramatta's standout cafes slinging the suburb's best coffee. And when you've made your way through all of them, keep exploring — down the CBD's hidden laneways and along the meandering Parramatta River, you'll discover many more brews worth lingering over.  

Circa Espresso 

Middle Eastern influenced brekkies and small-batch coffee.

Owner Aykut Sayan opened his popular cafe Circa Espresso, found five minutes’ walk from Parramatta Station, with one goal in mine: sharing his love of food and coffee with others. His approach fuses Middle Eastern influences with modern Australian fare, resulting in hearty, flavour-packed brekkies, brunches and lunches. The Ottoman eggs are a feast of poached free-range eggs with crumbed eggplant, garlic labneh, burnt chilli, sage butter and seeded sourdough, while beetroot and quinoa fritters come topped with zucchini flowers, pickled veggies and whipped tofu.

Coffee-wise, forget about your usual cappuccino or latte — Circa gives you a choice of white, black, hot brew and cold brew. If you’re undecided, taste your way through the options with a Barista Flight. All beans are carefully selected by Sayan and roasted in small batches. On clear days, the outdoor terrace is bathed in sunshine, while, in chilly weather, Circa’s pendant-lit interior is one of Parramatta’s cosiest spots. To really hide away, find the Chesterfield up the back, surrounded by books and artworks.  

Homage Specialty Coffee

No fuss-fare, specialty brews and stellar service with a smile.  

Hidden among the high-rises of central Parramatta’s George Street is a gem serving comforting classics and first-rate brews. Housed in an airy industrial space, Homage has quickly become a well-loved mainstay of the local community, slinging breakfast, lunch and coffee from Monday to Saturday.

Cosy up with the chilli scram with pecorino and chives, Middle Eastern breakfast eggs with whipped garlic labneh, chickpeas and cauliflower, or lemongrass chicken salad. If you’re craving something more carb-heavy, there are Brooklyn Boy bagels with a selection of spreads and jaffles and toasties galore, including the popular bolognese, cheeseburger or zucchini parmigiana options.

What stands out most, however, are the hundreds of five-star Google reviews that note the cafe’s unparalleled service and warm staff, so make sure you sing out with any coffee queries or just say g’day.  

Meraki Coffee Parramatta 

Lebanese-inspired café fare and inventive drinks.

Barista Toufick Chami — whose CV includes Circa, The Cupping Room, Tap and Ona — opened the glass doors of this sunny, friendly, corner cafe back in 2016. He combines his Lebanese background with modern Australian cafe fare, creating dishes that break the mould through simple but effective twists. The signature toastie, for example, is made with tasty cheese, sujuk (dry, spicy sausage), olives and house-made smoky capsicum relish, while the granola is served on watermelon-infused rose water reduction and a pear poached in Earl Grey tea. The compact menu changes frequently and, every morning, a batch of freshly baked goodies lands on the counter. Chami sources coffee beans from Stitch, but for non-coffee drinkers, there are plenty of alternative adventures, such as the Red African hot chocolate, chilled vanilla rose Milo and house-made almond milk made with beetroot, rose petals and Himalayan sea salt.

Black Seed Eatery 

Tastiness and healthiness collide at this café.

When it comes to cafe food, taste and robust healthiness do not always come together. Black Seed Eatery, however, has perfected the match. Opened in June 2018, this sleek eatery brings dishes made with fresh produce and spiked with superfoods to Parramatta’s rapidly evolving food scene. Designed by Al & Co Haus of Design, the space is a naturally lit refuge filled with shiny mirrors, Scandi-inspired blonde timbers and lush pot plants.

To start your day right, tuck into the quinoa salsa with asparagus, sweet corn kernels, avocado and a fried egg on organic sourdough, or a baked field mushroom layered with crispy pancetta, poached egg, rocket, balsamic and parmesan. That said, the menu isn’t only about looking after your body. Come lunchtime, you can get a bit more indulgent with a selection of hefty burgers or sandwiches. There’s also a bunch of artisanal baked goods, created in partnership with Luxe Bakery. Meanwhile, Toby’s Estate is supplying the beans and has spent many hours working with the Black Seed team to come up with a smooth, rich, unique house blend.

Lil Miss Collins 

Hearty dishes among shipping containers and recycled timber.

Lil Miss Collins started out, well, lil’. The team hosted two pop-ups around town, then, once popularity was established, moved onto a spacious, grassy site, five minutes’ walk from Parramatta station. The cafe’s adorable (and permanent) home is a combination of shipping containers and recycled timber, which owner Tony Moussa, with the help of his family, transformed into the space it is today.

In between patting dogs and maintaining his DIY digs, Moussa roasts his own coffee beans. Choose from a house blend or a single origin, before perusing the hearty, healthy menu. Among the seasonal offerings, you’ll find the Collins Bennie with pineapple and chilli salsa; Mediterranean plate with scrambled eggs, charred broccolini, roasted cauliflower, spiced pita and labneh; falafel tacos; or a spiced pumpkin and haloumi bowl.

Lucien Baked Goods

Circa Espresso has done it again with this decadent bakery and café. 

Circa’s sibling venue Lucien Baked Goods continues the team’s hot streak but with an increased focus on the sweeter side of life. Lucien brings Circa’s passion for top-notch flavours to the world of baked goods, swapping crab fettucine for decadent cheesecake, and trading the train station for the Parramatta ferry terminal. Located down by the river on Phillip Street, the part-bakery, part-cafe boasts a hefty sourdough sandwich menu and a range of snacky delights that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you head in on the hunt for the baked good of your choice, you can expect the likes of croissants, brownies, pistachio scrolls and Persian love cake. Rounding out the offerings is a robust range of drinks. Whether you’re a flat-white lover or a cold-brew fanatic, you’ll find Circa’s signature in-house coffee, alongside a range of tea from Ms Cattea (the coconut truffle white tea sounds particularly alluring) and other miscellaneous drinks like smoked cola, lemon myrtle kombucha, Egyptian iced tea and iced chai.

Paper Plane Café

Bright, fresh fare and farmhouse vibes.

Run by couple Carla Soriano and Ben Mora, Paper Plane whisks you away from Parramatta’s busy city streets into a cosy farmhouse, dotted with fresh flowers and warm timber. Back in 2013, the two quit their fast-paced corporate jobs and spent a year travelling overseas, before deciding to devote themselves to cafe life.

Slide into your morning with a speciality blend, made using beans from The Little Marionette. When it comes to ordering food, chances are you’ll be eyeing off everyone else’s plates, loaded with piles of bright, colourful deliciousness, before making your decision. If you’re ravenous, go for the corn fritters, truffled eggs or Cuban benny. For lighter eaters, there’s a range of delightful morsels to choose from, including the brunch bowl with grilled haloumi, avocado, spiced cauliflower and a poached egg, or French brioche toast with berries, custard, candied pecan and ice cream.

Threefold Pastry

Next-level pastries with inventive flavours.

Sometimes it’s nice to learn that one of Sydney’s finest bakeries is located in Parramatta and not Paddington. Threefold Pastry offers a range of sweet and savoury pastries, including a range of ever-changing croissants. Flavours include plain, almond, apple crumble and pain au chocolat options, while the specialty croissant (which changes monthly) could be anything from a peanut butter brownie version to a lemon verbena. Other treats include a mixed berry crumble danish, cinnamon scrolls, Oreo brownies and homemade banana bread. For something more savoury, you could opt for a beef or Thai chicken curry pie, a Vegemite and cheese croissant or a falafel, hummus, tahini, tomato and rocket wrap. It builds a mean sandwich, too, with options including chicken schnitzel with roasted tomato jam, mayo, cheese and rocket; salami with the same; and poached chicken with smashed avo, honey mustard dressing and cheese. 

This article was written in partnership with Concrete Playground.

Dotted with galleries, theatre and places of Indigenous cultural significance, Parramatta is a must-visit city for culture vultures. If you've got a free day up your sleeve, journey deep into local history on a walking tour, then see an experimental exhibition or a brilliant new play. Or, if you're up for a little more than spectating, take a fun weekend workshop in ceramics or attend a training course for your craft. 

Whatever your thing is, you're bound to find it in Parramatta. If you're travelling from the Sydney CBD, begin your adventure with a relaxing one-hour ferry ride up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay, or by hopping on a train at Central. Then, after your day of arty adventures, stick around for a cocktail or top-notch feed.
 

Warami Mittigar Tour

Parramatta takes its name from the traditional owners of the land, the Darug people. They called the area burramatta, which means 'place of eels'. And you can find out why — and learn more about Darug history — on a Warami Mittigar Tour. This free, two-hour adventure takes you along the river and through Parramatta Park in the company of a local Aboriginal custodian. Expect to learn about connections to Country, medicinal plants, hunting strategies and many other aspects of Darug culture. The tour leaves from PHIVE once a month at 11am. 
 

Parramatta Artists’ Studios 

Since opening in 2006, the Parramatta Artists' Studios has been a hub of creativity. The collective supports a range of artists across different art forms, from sculpture and sketching to filmmaking, screenwriting and video game design, and helps them further their craft through the likes of public art commissions, performance works and digital programs. Though PAS doesn't have a set exhibition space, budding artists can attend talks, workshops and pop-up exhibits across Parramatta. Keep up with PAS and find out more about their programs here. 

Riverside Theatres 

Every year, Riverside Theatres attracts more than 180,000 guests to 750-plus shows. The annual program includes everything from contemporary dance and live bands to operas and musicals and covers both local and national touring productions. Conveniently located in the Church Street precinct, the venue is a stone's throw away from numerous lively restaurants and bars, so there's no better spot for dinner and a show. Check out upcoming events and book tickets here. 

Parramatta Square Precinct 

The heart of the city is the Parramatta Square Precinct. Not only can you take your pick of diverse eateries and restaurants, but you can also take in art installations between bites, both in the square and at the new community and cultural hub, PHIVE. As you wander through the square, take a minute to admire the two large-scale sculptures that reflect the history of the area: Place of the Eels by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro and Where Eels Lie Down by Reko Rennie. For more art, explore PHIVE for animated projections and vibrant murals, or the lobbies of 4, 6 and 8 Parramatta Square for artworks by renowned artists such as Michael Johnson, Chris Kenyon and Yaritji Young. 

Arts and Cultural Exchange

Since 1984, the Arts and Cultural Exchange has worked with communities all over western Sydney on creative projects. The initiative focuses on youth, migrants, refugees, First Nations people and people with disability. On the program, you'll find all sorts of happenings, from training courses to book clubs and dance performances. Students, artists, freelancers, non-profits and businesses are also welcome to rent the facilities and equipment, which include a green-screen room, audio-recording studio and event space. 

Sydney Olympic Park 

Sydney Olympic Park isn't just about pools, running tracks and tennis courts. There are more than 50 public artworks to explore — each specifically commissioned for the site. In Stockroute Park, you'll find Discobolus by Robert Owen. Set within a grove of eucalyptus trees and five-column drums, you'll see this large disc set in the ground. The work is an homage to the classic Greek sculpture, Discobolus by Myron, with a contemporary twist. At the northern end of Olympic Boulevard, look out for Osmosis by Ari Purhonen — a light sculpture that interacts with water, creating an ever-changing spectrum of colours. And this is just the start of your arty adventures.
 

Parramatta Clay and Arts 

Create art, instead of just enjoying it, at Parramatta Clay and Arts. If you're not ready to commit to a course, test the waters with a Friday night or weekend workshop. Unwind after a hectic work week with two to three hours of clay-making, after which you'll be able to go home with a work of your own, like a Christmas tealight, Japanese bowl or Hawaiian Tiki jar. Should that whet your appetite, you can then sign up for a four to eight-week term class or become a member, which gives you independent studio access.

This article was written in partnership with Concrete Playground.
 

Parramatta might be smack bang in the middle of the Sydney metro area, but it's home to a surprising amount of natural beauty. There are adventures of all kinds to be had — from swimming in wild water holes to strolling through ancient mangrove forests and discovering Indigenous bush foods.

So, if you've been looking for new places to explore, here are eight ideas to launch you into action. Consider starting your day with a ferry trip: it's a one-hour journey from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf, which takes in all sorts of watery wonders, from Goat and Cockatoo Islands to Kissing Point and Homebush Bay. Once you've arrived, you have a bunch of ways to spend the day soaking up the sun and all of the outdoor fun that the neighbourhood has to offer. 

Swim in Lake Parramatta 

After closing for 72 years, Lake Parramatta reopened for swimmers in 2015. You'll find it just north of Parramatta CBD, surrounded by 70 hectares of bushland. If getting in the water isn't your thing, try getting on it — specifically, in a rowboat which you can hire from Parramatta Rowboats. Grab a snack at Lake Parramatta Cafe or take your own and cook up a storm on one of the lakeside barbecues. There's also plenty of space to roll out a picnic blanket and relax. If you're feeling active, there are a number of walking tracks to conquer, from the 4.2 kilometre Lake Circuit, which follows the shoreline, to the 1.5 kilometre She-Oak Track.
 

Cycle the Parramatta Park Loop

One of Sydney's great city parks is Parramatta Park, which has 85 hectares of greenery. See the best from two wheels on a cycle around the Parramatta Park Loop. This easy, 3.2 kilometre route passes through pretty grasslands and mature treescapes. Be sure to check out Grey-Headed Flying Fox Camp, home to around 5000 endangered creatures. To extend your adventure, follow the connecting cycle path leading to Sydney Olympic Park along the Parramatta River.
 

Walk Badu Mangrove Boardwalk  

Before European invasion, the Parramatta River was flanked by mangrove forests. These days, many of them are gone, but, on Badu Mangrove Boardwalk, you can still surround yourself with trees that are centuries old. Wandering among the twisting branches and above-water roots, you'll also see the many creatures that call mangroves home, from crabs to cormorants. Be sure to wander north to the waterbird refuge to see all sorts of birds, including Australian pelicans, black-winged stilts and sharp-tailed sandpipers. Take your binoculars with you. 

Play in Dog Friendly Parks  

Have a four-legged friend who wants to get in on your adventures? There's a stack of parks in Parramatta where he or she is welcome off the leash. Get started at Dan Mahoney Reserve, which just happens to be across the road from dog-friendly pub Albion Hotel. Also worth a run are Burlington Memorial Park in Northmead, Dan Moore Reserve in North Rocks and Cowells Lane Reserve in Ermington. Should you or your pooch work up an appetite, there's a bunch of dog-friendly cafes to choose from, including River Cafe on the waterfront and Social Hideout in North Parramatta.
 

Do Laps at the Brand New Aquatic Centre  

Six years and $88.6 million in the making, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has been one of the most highly anticipated openings in the area. The 40,000-square-metre facility is now welcoming swimmers, just in time for summer. For the littles, there's an indoor learn-to-swim pool and water playground — and a creche, if you really need some 'me time'. Whether you want to get your heart pumping in the gym (or a group fitness class) or unwind in the sauna or steam room, you'll be able to cool off in the 50-metre outdoor pool, then treat yourself to a smoothie at the on-site café. 

Master a 1080 at the James Ruse Water and Skate Park

James Ruse Water and Skate Park is a great spot to hang out during the warmer months, with barbecue facilities, picnic tables and plenty of shade available. A generously sized playground and skate park provide entertainment for kids, both big and small, all year round. There is also a water playground active from September to May, 9am to 8pm — perfect for those sweltering summer days. 

Have a shot at Archery  

Get your Robin Hood on at Sydney Olympic Park's Archery Centre. Built for the 2000 Games, it's now an educational facility where members of the public can have a go at the mighty bow and arrow. Casual sessions happen at 10am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday (plus again at 5pm in summer) and run for about 1.5 hours. All equipment, as well as introductory instructions, is provided. If you get a taste for the game, you can continue to the Silver Arrow Program, during which you'll learn ten top shooting techniques over three one-hour sessions.
 

Wander through the Rose Garden  

There is plenty to check out in the sprawling Parramatta Park, but the Rumsey Rose Garden is undoubtedly the prettiest (and the best-smelling) part. The peak of spring (October-November) is the best time to visit when the area, which once served as a lumber yard and a bowling club before being transformed into a garden in 1995, is in full bloom. Here, you'll find one of the biggest collections of fragrant heritage roses in the country, including some species that are rarely found in Australia. Stroll through the gardens, stopping to smell some of the more fragrant buds, and then continue your refined adventure by visiting Wistaria Gardens.
 

Follow Parramatta Valley Cycleway  

Parramatta River begins just north of the Parramatta CBD and meanders east for 15 kilometres, before flowing into Sydney Harbour. Thanks to a shared cycle path, which follows the water, you can experience it at a leisurely pace on foot or bicycle. You'll begin at the river's head in Parramatta Park and can continue as far as you'd like. Along the way, admire the views of Parramatta Park and Sydney Olympic Park. If you need some fuel, there are a few waterside cafes and restaurants to try, including 1021 Mediterranean at the southern end of the Alfred Street Bridge or Sahra By The River for Mediterranean-inspired eats. And if you really want to stretch your legs, head to Armoury Wharf Cafe in Olympic Park.

This article was written in partnership with Concrete Playground.
 

Parramatta Lanes festival boosts local economy $1.5m

Parramatta Lanes is an annual food and culture festival held in the heart of Parramatta, by City of Parramatta Council. The free festival takes place over four days with multiple stages and features an eclectic mix of food, music, art, and entertainment (Eats, Beats & Art).

The 2023 Parramatta Lanes festival took place between 11-14 October 2023, bringing over 180,000 people into the Parramatta CBD and supporting a $1.5 million boost to the local economy. 

One of Council’s key objectives in holding major events in our city is to support Parramatta’s local economy and drive spend at our local businesses.

20 hospitality businesses and 3 local hotels engaged by activating at the event or providing offers/discounts for event attendees. 

We used data from Spendmapp by Geographia, an economic/expenditure tracking tool, and it indicated that there was $11m spent in Parramatta during the Parramatta Lanes festival. This is 16% higher than the matching period pre-Lanes and 13% higher than the matching period following Lanes, amounting to approximately $1.5m. It also indicated a 25% increase in spending in dining & entertainment at our local businesses as compared to the week before Lanes and a 30% increase the week after Lanes.

The event brought Parramatta LGA residents as well as visitors from Greater Sydney and beyond to our city. The data from Spendmapp by Geographia indicated that spend was significantly higher from visitors attracted to the event compared to local residents. Visitors spent $3.8m compared with $1m spent by local residents. 

We surveyed event attendees, and they shared what they loved about Parramatta Lanes including the sense of community, connection, diversity, and celebration. Other highlights were the great vibe, energy and social atmosphere experienced out on accessible streets and spaces, as well as the incredible food, installations, performances, and activities.

Parramatta Lanes exemplifies our city’s vibrant night-time economy. In 2023, the City of Parramatta achieved Purple Flag accreditation which means that our city’s CBD meets international standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity, and safety at night.

Parramatta Lanes will return this October 2024. If you are a local business interested in getting involved in the city’s biggest festival this year, please contact marketing@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au. 
 

To celebrate our upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations in Parramatta, we have a created a fun quiz to test your family and friends. How well do you think you will go?

1.    In 2024, we are celebrating the year of…

• a)    Kangaroo
• b)    Koala
• c)    Dragon
• d)    Ibis

2.    Which of the following is false when it comes to dragons?

• a)    Lucky numbers: 1, 6 and 7
• b)    Lucky colours: Gold, silver and greyish white
• c)    Lucky flowers: Bleeding heart glory bower and dragon flowers
• d)    Lucky foods: sweet buns and bubble tea

3. How many zodiac signs are there?

• a) 4
• b) 8
• c) 12
• d) 24

4. Which of the following animal is not part of the Chinese zodiac?

• a) Rat
• b) Goat
• c) Rooster
• d) Wombat

5. What can be found in lucky red envelopes?

• a) Money
• b) Lollies
• c) Tea
• d) Confetti

6.  Why does the date of Lunar New Year change from year to year?

• a) It has to be celebrated after 1 January and before the Easter break
• b) It falls on the first new moon of a lunar calendar 
• c) The date is chosen for optimal weather conditions
• d) It coincides with the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere

7. Lunar New Year is also known as

• a) Spring Festival
• b) Family Festival
• c) Food Festival
• d) Lucky Festival

8. For those who are a little bit superstitious, what are some of the things you should AVOID doing on Lunar New Year to ensure the coming months will be filled with good fortune?

• a) Eating lucky foods which for some cultures includes dumplings, noodles and fish
• b) Wearing red on both the outside and under your clothes (yes, that includes underwear!) 
• c) Gifting or accepting lucky red pockets
• d) Cutting or washing your hair, washing clothes and cleaning or sweeping

Answers:

Q1:C, Dragon, specifically the Year of the Wood Dragon

Q2:D, Lucky foods

Q3:C,12

Q4:D, Wombat 

Q5:A, Money

Q6:B,

Q7:A, Spring Festival

Q8:D, These activities are considered to be washing or sweeping away good fortune

Find out about the Lunar New Year festivities in Parramatta including our free event on Saturday 10 February featuring food, entertainment and beautiful decorations.