RREE’s cafe Balmain

388 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant , Brunch restaurant , Coffee shop , Lunch restaurant , Sandwich shop
(89 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

RREE’s cafe Balmain sits on Darling Street as a cozy spot where locals settle in for all-day brunch, coffee, and casual lunch. It’s a neighborhood hub with a relaxed, welcoming vibe that suits anyone looking to pause mid-morning or lunch with something made from scratch by owners deeply involved in the kitchen and behind the bar. The atmosphere balances being unhurried yet lively enough to feel that subtle caffeine-fueled buzz typical of a busy weekend morning.

At RREE’s, the coffee options run the spectrum from classic flat whites to more playful iced beverages like cold brew and matcha lattes. Regulars lean into the quality of the espresso—smooth, well-executed, and paired seamlessly with their baked goods. The house-baked muffins, still warm, and the standout soufflé draw repeat visits, speaking to a kitchen that values technique and comfort in equal measure.

Brunch plates like the bacon and egg roll or the veggie roll keep things simple yet satisfying, while those wanting something lighter or richer might reach for a slice of carrot or orange cake—both made with attention to freshness and refined but unpretentious flavors. There’s also a small selection of sandwiches for a casual midday meal that visitors often mention for their homemade feel.

Service at RREE’s carries a personal touch, reflecting the couple behind the counter who infuse every dish with their passion for food. This friendly energy helps create a space that feels more like a local friend’s living room than a busy café trying to churn out orders. Morning or early afternoon visits show a steady flow of regulars from the neighborhood mingling with those passing through Balmain, all drawn by reliable coffee and a kitchen that respects good ingredients.

For anyone wanting to catch up with friends, grab a solo book-friendly coffee, or enjoy a no-fuss brunch that focuses on well-executed basics rather than trendy gimmicks, RREE’s sits comfortably in Balmain’s café scene without trying to shout over it. Midweek mornings or weekend brunch hours are when the place offers its fullest charm, blending the buzz of conversation with the aroma of fresh baking and quality espresso.

Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

89 Reviews
Patrick Imrutai

29 Dec 2025

When executive Chef - Say Thongchai - and his barista wife - Rree - who are foodies with love of food, then to open this friendly cafe - you will find great dishes of fine cafe cuisine which how they love to eat at RREE’s. + Today I had their hash potato with 5 mushroom + poached egg and extra scramble egg - it a wow-wow-wow!!!!! + Their house bake muffin is fantastic out of the oven. + Special chocolate cookie is as great as you can imagine. + The coffee……Rhee knows how to make coffee. Her experience over years brings her cup of coffee so unique and unforgettable. + to die for Cheese Scone Blueberry muffin: limited per day Reuben It worth of flying over across Tasman sea from Auckland to taste this great cafe. Love every bits of their cuisine. ======= !!!!! ============= Back from Auckland, New Zealand… Second visit after 6 months Food still great and fantastic as always. Unforgettable dishes. Love their matcha - Matcha Yusu, Matcha Latte - using specific import drinking grade matcha from Japan. Highly recommended for matcha lover.

siriwan srikul

28 Dec 2025

The cafe is everything homemade. All the food we’re ordering so delicious. Hidden Gem in Balmain. We love the soufflé and orange cake that’s high recommended. We will be back again.

Fiona Yip

27 Dec 2025

The soufflé is one of the best in town. We also love the various homemade cake and baked goods. The sandwiches are also a must try. The staff are the friendliest. All in all the must go in the area.

Suzanne Fairweather

25 Dec 2025

We happened upon this place this morning on our first visit to Balmain. Very friendly staff from the get go!! We had the ham, Cheese & tomato toastie, was amazing as well as the coffee. Love the vibe, this will be our go to in Balmain for future visits

Marioclub

12 Dec 2025

“Matcha in one hand, salmon dreams on a plate, and that chicken waldorf salad on the side. No matcha pic ‘cause I was too busy sipping, and yeah… pics aren’t perfect ‘cause I was here to EAT. #CafeLife #VibeCheck #FoodOverAesthetics”

Sarawuth L

06 Dec 2025

I've travelled in Sydney for few weeks, I can say here's the best cafe for coffee and brunch so far.

Pin_Yim

31 Oct 2025

Had the chicken Caesar – the chicken breast was super tender and the portion was huge. Finished the whole plate Loved it! And the coffee? So good. A must-try!

Kimberley Chan

23 Sep 2025

Rree’s is one of our favourite places in Balmain. They are so kind and so good with children. Nothing is ever too much and they remember their names. The food is amazing - the potato hash and the chunky avo are our go-tos. Coffee is awesome too! Thanks Sheree, Sam and the rest of the crew at the cafe for looking after us! x

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