As the Herald rolls out its 2026 guide to Sydney’s 100 Essential Cafes and Bakeries, the guide’s editor explains there’s more to a great cafe than good food and drinks.

These are our favourite spots for a cuppa, as featured in Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries 2026 guide.

Our newcomers from the 100 Essential Cafes and Bakeries guide include a Vietnamese cafe-wine bar and a city diner with amazing pancakes.