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Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

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Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore is a book-lined cafe in Paddington, with shelves spread over three floors and a relaxed, cozy feel. People read, work or eat at the same tables, and there is laneway seating. It is best at all-day breakfast and easy browsing. Napier Street Open Space is about a minute's walk away.

All-day breakfastBook browsersCoffee and a readFamiliesLaptop workOutdoor seating

About Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Food at Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Breakfast is served all day, alongside a range of lunch dishes that the cafe says are made largely from scratch. One reviewer says the cheeseburger, listed as the Easy burger, is among the best they have had in a long time. Reviewers call the food tasty and well made. The website points to beef cheek pappardelle and brownie and caramel slice. A breakfast plate shows poached eggs over cherry tomatoes and a creamy base, served with toasted sourdough. Vegetarian dishes are on the menu.

Coffee and drinks

Coffee is on the menu alongside organic tea, house-made chai, brewed iced tea and matcha lattes. One reviewer describes it as a cozy spot to sip a coffee and enjoy a good read. Lattes come with latte art in a simple cup and saucer.

Books, events and an award

More than 30,000 books are spread over three floors, and every book is for sale. Customers can browse while they eat or drink. The cafe also buys quality secondhand books, with details under a Sell Your Books section on its website. Events and a book club run here. The website says the cafe placed sixth in the 1000 Libraries Awards in 2025.

Facilities at Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

🍳Breakfast
🥪Lunch
🧒Kids' menu
🐕Dogs outside
🌤️Outdoor seating
🚻Toilets
🅿️Parking

What visitors say about Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore?Summarised from recent Google reviews.

  • 💬Reviewers praise the food as tasty and well made.
  • 💬Reviewers like the big book range and browsing while they eat.
  • 💬Reviewers describe a cozy, unusual room with books on three floors.
  • 💬Reviewers describe the staff as friendly and professional.

Near Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Visitor tips for Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

  • ✓Upstairs has the most books and seating, while downstairs is mostly the cafe.
  • ✓Check the Events page for talks and the book club before you visit.
  • ✓For larger bookings, use the Hire us page, which links to reservations.

Getting to Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021. Free street parking is available nearby, and one reviewer found plenty of spots on the surrounding streets. The cafe is a short walk from the boutiques along Oxford Street.

FAQ

Is breakfast served all day?

Yes, the cafe serves all-day breakfast, and breakfast and brunch are both listed.

Are there vegetarian dishes?

Yes, vegetarian dishes are on the menu.

Is there a kids' menu?

Yes, there is a kids' menu and outdoor seating for families.

Can I buy the books I browse?

Yes, every book in the shop is for sale, and the cafe also buys secondhand books.