The phrase ‘your phone eats first’ takes on a whole new meaning at The Grounds of Alexandria. In 2024 and 2023, this viral all-day café in Sydney – famous for its sprawling alfresco area, enchanting installations and, yes, huge weekend crowds – was named the world’s most Instagrammed restaurant.
It’s been more than a decade since I last visited The Grounds. Back then, I had to convince my mum to drive me all the way across the Harbour Bridge for a pastry and, much to my shame, a photo op. Now, ten years later, I decided it was time for me to return and see if the café still lives up to the hype.
Judging by its almost 400,000 Instagram followers, 123,000 posts tagged #TheGroundsOfAlexandria, and 5,600 Google Maps reviews averaging four stars, I got the gist that it was still going strong.
One clear takeaway from my research was to avoid visiting The Grounds on the weekend, when crowds swarm in from all across Sydney – and the world, for that matter. Hoping for a quieter experience, I visited on a Monday morning, only to find the car park completely full by 10am.
Those who enter through Bourke Road will first encounter The Grounds’ charming, rustic alfresco area, complete with a miniature animal farm. While I was disappointed to find that ‘Kevin Bacon’ (the café's infamous resident pig) was no longer there, his old pen is now home to two cheerful goats.
Keep strolling past the animal farm, and you’ll eventually find yourself in the gorgeous Garden Bar and BBQ. Here, chandeliers hang from the grand greenhouse arch, while lush greenery and vibrant blooms make you forget that the café is actually located in the heart of an industrial hub.
You can grab a casual bite from the kiosk here, but we opted to head indoors to the more bustling café. Inside, brick walls, vintage accents, warm lighting and an industrial flair nod to the café’s past life as a pie factory. The space is dotted with seating across several rooms, all centred around the barista counter, where their impressive miniature cakes and pastries are proudly on display.
When it comes to brunch, The Grounds isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. The breakfast menu features all the classics, from freshly baked pastries and toasted granola to bacon and egg burgers, French toast and a big brekkie with the lot. We went for the triple stack of buttermilk pancakes, complete with fresh fruit, vanilla and maple syrup. To balance it out, we also ordered the chickpea, corn and feta fritters, which can be made gluten or dairy-free on request. Of course, my phone ate first, but my stomach was equally satisfied once I tucked in.
Coffee is where The Grounds truly excels. Roasted at their brand-new Coffee Factory in South Eveleigh, these beans can be found in cafés nationwide, served up in The Grounds’ recognisable mint-green takeaway cups. At the café itself, they also serve a deconstructed mocha, 12-hour cold brew and pour-over, along with highly Instagrammable shakes, smoothies and juices.
The Grounds of Alexandria is arguably best known for its whimsical installations that decorate the laneway outside the café. When I visited, it was adorned with a pretty-in-pink Sugar Plum Christmas theme that I couldn’t help but love, even if it felt a bit over the top.
The laneway leads you to a charming on-site florist, brimming with beautiful blooms, and a second alfresco dining space, The Potting Shed. This timber-clad hideaway is filled with hanging ferns, terracotta pots and colourful cushions, creating a picturesque set-up to enjoy rustic share plates, craft beers and seasonal cocktails.
During peak times, you’re pretty much guaranteed to face a wait for a table across The Grounds’ three distinct dining spaces, so reservations are essential. If you’re in a rush, there’s a kiosk serving takeaway coffee and food, plus a cute lemonade stand for a refreshing treat.
I couldn’t resist snapping a few extra photos on my way out of The Grounds of Alexandria. Sure, some elements of the café might be cliché, but there’s no denying the attention to detail here is flawless, and the aesthetic is pure Instagram gold. During peak hours, you might have to dodge a few unintentional photobombers, but your photos will still be very worthy of the 'gram.
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