Whether you’re out late after a show, catching up with a friend, or just craving something sweet after dinner, finding good late night cafés in Sydney can be a bit of a mission. While many places wind down early, there are a handful of cosy spots still serving up great desserts, coffee and chill vibes well into the night. From Western Sydney favourites to inner city gems, here are five of our top picks when you’re not quite ready to head home.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hot chocolate that feels like a warm hug, waffles drowning in Nutella, or a stylish late night catch up spot with good lighting and better cake, these late night cafés have your cravings covered.
Here are five standout late night cafés in Sydney where the vibes are as good as the menu, and the doors stay open well after dark.
1. KOI Dessert Bar – Chippendale
Open until 10:30pm most nights
It’s hard to talk about late night desserts in Sydney without mentioning KOI Dessert Bar. Founded by MasterChef favourite Reynold Poernomo and his brothers, KOI (short for “Kids of Ike”) is an experience that sits somewhere between a café, a patisserie, and an edible art gallery.
Located in Chippendale’s buzzing Kensington Street precinct, KOI is where you’ll find intricately crafted desserts that look almost too pretty to eat: mousse domes, delicate layers, mirror glazes, edible flowers, and surprising flavour twists that somehow just work.
KOI is welcoming, relaxed, and perfect for everything from a post dinner drop in to a birthday date. Coffee, tea, and even cocktails are available, making it an ideal pick for when you’re craving something special but still low key.
The venue’s two storey space also makes it a popular spot for couples and special occasions, offering a polished yet unpretentious vibe that’s hard to beat after dark.
2. Bay Vista Dessert Bar & Café – Parramatta & Brighton-Le-Sands
Open until midnight on weekends
If your idea of dessert involves going all out, Bay Vista is the place. With locations in Parramatta and Brighton-Le-Sands, this dessert café is like Willy Wonka’s factory come to life, but for grown ups with no shame in devouring a Nutella crepe at 11pm.
The menu is massive, indulgent, and unapologetically extra. Think: warm Belgian waffles with strawberries and fudge sauce, massive sundaes stacked with brownies and gelato, pancakes, banana splits, and chocolate fondue to share (or not share). Even the drinks are sweet tooth approved. Thick shakes, loaded hot chocolates, and coffee to help you roll home after.
The Brighton location, just steps from the beach, gives you the added bonus of an evening sea breeze, perfect for walking off that second (or third) scoop. Meanwhile, the Parramatta store is buzzing late into the night with post movie crowds, date nights, and group hangouts.
The portions are generous, so if you’re coming in late, come hungry.
3. El Sweetie – Granville
Open until midnight daily
For a taste of tradition with your sugar fix, head west to El Sweetie. This Granville icon is more than just a café, it’s a beloved cultural hub serving up Middle Eastern sweets with a side of community warmth.
El Sweetie is famous for its fresh as they come baklava, cheesy knafeh, pistachio stuffed pastries, and ma’amoul (date filled shortbread cookies). You can pair these with strong Lebanese style coffee or fresh juices, and the vibe is always welcoming. No matter how late you arrive.
The setting is casual but lively. On any given night, you’ll find families catching up, friends settling in for dessert and tea, and regulars grabbing takeaway boxes stacked with pastries. It’s not a trendy café, and that’s exactly why it’s loved.
If you’re new to Lebanese sweets, ask the staff for recommendations. They’re known for being generous with samples and suggestions.
4. Strathfield Plaza Cafés – Strathfield
Many open until midnight or later
Strathfield might not be the first place you think of for dessert, but ask any local or Korean food lover, and they’ll point you straight to the plaza area. This bustling precinct is home to a collection of Korean dessert cafés and late night eateries, many of which keep their doors open long past bedtime.
Here, you’ll find fluffy bingsu (shaved ice topped with fruit, condensed milk, or red bean), tiramisu, matcha lattes, black sesame cakes, and melt in your mouth mochi pancakes. Cafés like Hello Happy, The Choco Pie House, or Café de Waffle give off a relaxed, neon lit atmosphere that feels like something straight out of a Seoul side street.
It’s popular with students, friend groups, and dessert die hards who appreciate a sweet plate and a long chat. Many cafés also offer Korean fried chicken or toasties if you’re after something savoury before diving into dessert.
There’s no pressure to rush, just order a drink and settle in.
Before You Call It a Night
Sydney isn’t exactly known for being a 24 hour city. But if you know where to look, you’ll find pockets of late night magic hiding in plain sight. These cafés prove that when the restaurants shut and the pubs get loud. There’s still a cosy seat waiting for you, and probably something delicious to go with it.
So next time the craving strikes at 9:30pm, skip the servo snacks. Head to one of these late night cafés and treat yourself to good food, good company, and maybe a cheeky second dessert.
