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    Sappho Books Cafe & Bar

    4.3 (28 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Sappho Books Cafe & Bar Photos

    SAPPHO BOOKS CAFE & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Live music
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Sappho Books Cafe & Bar

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    laura c.

    Sappho is my one constant staple in Glebe. It has the perfect amount of cool (set in a second hand book shop with a graffiti clad courtyard), but none of the hipster attitude. It's perfect. The coffee and tea are consistently good and this is probably why I am still a regular customer after all these years (5 and counting). The menu is brief but rewarding. The fruit salad and banana bread both rate a mention and there is a selection of cakes and pastries in the front cabinet. Sappho is always crazy busy on Saturdays so come mid-week to experience its laid back charm properly. Shockingly I haven't been here for wine and tapas yet but I plan on changing that soon. Let's hope Sappho is as good by night as it is by day.

    Rachel C.

    Having not been to Sapphos in a while, I headed there unsure as to what I was in for. Previously my favourite cafe in Sydney, it had somehow slipped form my consciousness when I moved suburbs. After a while, I convinced myself that there had to have been a reason that I hadn't gone back and without even realising, I'd erased it from my memory. So, after a trip to Glebe Markets, I walked past Sapphos and something sparked inside of me. A hidden, stifled desire whispered to me and before I knew what my feet were doing I was following them inside my forgotten friend. Making my way through the shelves of second hand books, I passed the busy counter and walked down the grafittied open-air corridor to the leafy courtyard were tables stood surrounded by people, shadowed in the dappled sunlight, an easy breeze floating through the air. Familiarity crept across my chest in a warm tingle and as I moved towards an empty table on the terrace, giant grafittied faces smiled down at me from the walls and I smiled back at them, happy to be home. Sappho is famed for its fantastic coffee (Toby's Estate beans) and hosts its own Coffee School run by Steve: manager, barista and all round good guy. Their little kitchen churns out a limited but delicious breakfast menu (avo toast and bircher museli both worth a try), as well as offering Black Star pastries and Whisk and Pin biscuits. Come nightfall, the back courtyard is lit up with fairy lights and as tapas and wine pop up on your table, it's like a rooftop Secret Life of Us shindig, surrounded by good company, chilled (and occasionally live) music, and that sweet air of summertime. So, whether it's for breakfast under the ferns, a rainy day coffee with a pre-loved book, monthly poetry readings, or beers, wine and tapas, Sapphos is a reinstated favourite.

    Leah C.

    Why can't more Sydney cafés be like Sappho? It took me a while to notice this little gem, which is tucked behind a second hand bookstore (by the same name) off Glebe Point Road. When I finally discovered the amazing back patio and better, the delicious food, I became a customer for life. This is my no-brainer, go to spot on a rainy Sunday. Out back, the patio is covered by a plastic that creates the most magical rain-on-roof sound. It also makes you feel like you're living in a snow globe. Couple that with a cappuccino and their big breakfast and you might well be in heaven. They do some different and interesting things with their breakfast. The rosemary mushrooms are a favorite, as well as the avocado salsa that accompanies. Don't ask for scrambled eggs, though, because they only do poached... which is just fine by me.

    David S.

    Ahh, another one of those bookshop cafes that I so wish Melbourne had. Well, maybe it does, but I couldn't find one. Maybe they got the idea off Shakespeare and Co in Paris, which is also a bookshop cafe, though you can't actually sit down inside Shakespeare and Co - well, maybe you can, but I can't remember seeing any seats. Anything, this place did remind me of its Parisian sister in the way that it was dark, musty, and full of some really good books. In fact I ended up walking out of here with more books that I originally planned on doing, namely because I couldn't stop seeing books that I wanted. If I had more time, and lived around the corner, I would probably, like the one on the other side of the city, be spending an inordinate amount of time in here.

    Seaton K.

    If you thought Sappho Books was just a bookstore, like I did for so many years wandering past, then you'd be wrong, just like I was, for so many years as I wandered past. I thought, 'Oh yeah, book shop.' Then one day, a friend of mine said to me, 'Want to go to Sappho books and grab a coffee?' Did she mean, 'Do you want to grab a coffee and then head to the books?' or do the two simultaneously? Concurrently? What? As it turns out and as most people probably know, hidden out the back of the small shop front is a massive courtyard and cafe which serves coffee, food and various drinks. The ambience here is relaxing and the open roof allows for a nice dose of Vitamin D. A Vitamin, I absolutely love. I recall that during university terms there used to be a laminated piece of A4 paper on each of the metallic tables which stated, "It's okay to study here, but you have to buy a coffee every two hours." The need of such a sign signifying to me the popularity of the venue with students who found the courtyards atmosphere conducive to deep thought as I do.

    Lauren B.

    Sappho is a second-hand bookstore, cafe, and a tapas and wine bar. It's a really cute little space on Glebe Point Road packed with a great collection of books and features a great courtyard out the back. Formerly a youth centre, the graffiti has been embraced and turned into art. A fair chunk of the menu is vegetarian, with many vegan dishes on offer too, and they only use free-range chicken and eggs. While the cafe is open 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Tuesday, 8.30-11pm Wednesday to Saturday and 9am-6.30pm Sundays, the wine bar serves cocktails and tapas from 6pm-11pm Wednesday to Saturday. The fairylights are switched on, music plays and the atmosphere is great. Enjoy a selection of beers, wines or a sweet cocktail and admire your surroundings. Or, read a book.

    Max G.

    Really great energy and ambience, totally unique but also totally crowded. It was an anxiety nightmare trying to get a seat, don't come at peak hour/

    Having fun playing scrabble with a nice Guitar live behind, love that place!!
    Jeanne B.

    My favorite place for a tea or a nice glass of wine! Take a book or come with some friends, you won't be disappointed. My only little regret is that there is no WIFI. But anyway, the staff is really nice and the terrace is really cozy!

    Sage G.

    I was drawn to this bookstore due to an eccletic poetry reading night, free I wandered up the 2 flights of stairs to find an intimate group in a dimly lit room reading and listening to poetry. Much like you'd imagine or expect from 19th century Europe. The wooden floors and walls are lined with 2nd hand books in superb condition. You can lose yourself amidst the editions of science, self help music, philosophy - if only the information was infused through the air, no it does make you feel smart being in here, like you've done something right. There is an air of mystery to this shop a delicate balance of old and new past and present.

    'It's the two hundredth anniversary of Sense & Sensibility!" the owner exclaimed with almost personal pride. I remember when Sappho first opened further up Glebe Point Road, long before the present tres cool cafe and tapas bar incarnation. There was a chaise longue and the crime/horror section was called the 'Whip and Chain Room'. The same vibe continues in this gorgeous bookstore now, with handwritten signs delineating the sections, 'butchered book cards' and badges for sale, a dog behind the counter. The staff are lovely, the books well-organised and well-priced, and there's the lovely rickety stairs to climb. And I'm not even going to go into the cafe section with this review. On this visit I bought a forgotten classic by a couple of sisters who wrote themselves out of poverty about a hundred years ago. Can't get that on Kindle (spit). Time to throw a Jane Austen appreciation party, methinks. Sangria and hardbacks at Sappho's?

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    2 months ago

    Dont have that much in variety but probably worth checking if you are looking for some hidden gems

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    14 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Gail H.

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    8 years ago

    Really chill place to study and also eat.. service is good and iced mocha was a bit strong but yummy

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    Review Highlights - Sappho Books Cafe & Bar

    I remember when Sappho first opened further up Glebe Point Road, long before the present tres cool cafe and tapas bar incarnation.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Handpicked Cellar Door - Sensory Tasting Bar

    Handpicked Cellar Door

    4.6(7 reviews)
    1.0 kmChippendale
    $$$

    I came here for a glass of wine after having a catch up dinner with my friend and her wife at…read moreKensington Street Social down the road. Well, I thought I was going to have a glass but I ended up getting a tasting flight because it was so tempting. They offer wine by the glass, bottle, flight or you can do a tasting at the bar. It was a brilliant experience. The staff were really nice - pleasant, knowledgeable on product offerings and really relaxed. I got the 'come to the dark side' flight, which was all reds. I asked her to pour me a little less because I was driving and it comes out around 2 glasses in total. I asked her to pour me half of each and pour a full one of 'the best one.' After a long deliberation (she told me) she poured the shiraz as the full glass. I had always thought I didn't like shiraz. Well I was wrong - now I do! I will always remember that this was the place that taught me. My friend ordered a different flight that had whites and reds, and also a cheese pairing for the flight - they match each cheese to a wine. I tried all of hers and all her cheeses. Really liked the majority even though bubbles and certain types of white aren't as much my jam. Really great place and good value for money. A nice, classy experience without being intimidating or pretentious. I'd love to come back here again - and next time I'd make sure I wasn't driving. IT'S ON!!

    If you don't have time to go out to wine country this place makes up for it. They pick out great…read morewines from multiple countries as well as many from all regions of Australia. They have generous pours and a large cheese selection to go with. It is a great space and if you are going to spice alley you could always pick up a bottle and take it with. They have lots of bottles under 25 aud to pick from. I went with a red wine flight and enjoyed most of them!

    Photos
    Handpicked Cellar Door - The Experience Room - Open for Bookings/Functions/Wine Tastings

    The Experience Room - Open for Bookings/Functions/Wine Tastings

    Handpicked Cellar Door - Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie in the Wine Lounge

    Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie in the Wine Lounge

    Handpicked Cellar Door - No 2 tasting.

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    No 2 tasting.

    Mali Ston Wine Bar  - Broccoli Vellutata  Silky broccoli vellutata finished with cream, extra virgin olive oil and crispy garlic croutons.

    Mali Ston Wine Bar

    4.5(2 reviews)
    5.0 km
    $$$

    By definition, a larder means a room or a large cupboard that's used for storing food. And woah,…read moredoes this shop live up to its name. The Larder is a beautifully arranged store full of gorgeously packaged products that will have you wondering whether you're buying something just for its pretty jar or for the actual product itself. It does make for handy gift shopping though (whose mum doesn't love a block of French chocolate or Blue Mountains handcrafted coffee?). They stock a really great range of Australian and international cheeses, Hunter Valley olive oil by the litre, and top brands like Christine Manfield, Byron Bay Chilli Co and Toby's Estate. If you're on your way to a dinner party or BBQ and need to take along a token offering, grab a loaf of Brasserie sourdough or a cheese platter. The specialty grocer store opened after the owners returned from France and realised how difficult it is to find all the quality local and imported products you wanr in the one place. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable and clearly love what they're doing. There's plenty of parking available, just look for the green and white striped storefront.

    Looking for some fine ingredients? Stop here…read more They've got some fine cheeses, breads, pastas, sauces, and more. Lots of artisan-produced foodstuffs from Australia and around the world. Good stuff for gifts to foodie people, or when you need to lay out bits and bites that need to impress. You can also buy quality olive oil in bulk - in their or your own containers - that is much closer to cheap bottled brands. Nice!

    Photos
    Mali Ston Wine Bar  - Rosemary Fries  Crispy golden fries seasoned with rosemary and sea salt.

    Rosemary Fries Crispy golden fries seasoned with rosemary and sea salt.

    Mali Ston Wine Bar  - Quattro Formaggi Rigatoni  Rigatoni enveloped in a rich four-cheese sauce finished with cracked pepper and walnuts.

    Quattro Formaggi Rigatoni Rigatoni enveloped in a rich four-cheese sauce finished with cracked pepper and walnuts.

    Mali Ston Wine Bar  - Marinated Eggplant  Chargrilled eggplant marinated with garlic, olive oil and fresh basil.

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    Marinated Eggplant Chargrilled eggplant marinated with garlic, olive oil and fresh basil.

    GPO Cheese & Wine Room - Only thing I wish this place had..... was better phone reception :-)

    GPO Cheese & Wine Room

    4.4(18 reviews)
    2.2 kmSydney
    $$$

    A Hidden gem in the depths of Martin place in the CBD of Sydney is the GPO cheese room. Enter via…read morethe old post office building, head down the stairs and you will find your cheese wonderland. Once inside the cheese room, to the left is a cheese counter and the rest of the room is filled with bottles of wine. This could be considered heaven for some and probably is. There is a nicely set dining room to the right, where you can enjoy your selections in sophisticated comfort. The staff are very attentive, filling your water glass and providing great service. The GPO cheese room has a large selection of wine from many regions around the world, much like their cheese offerings. We browsed the menu trying to decide what to order, a difficult task considering everything they have to offer. Do we pick a couple of different types of cheese, burgers, antipasto, a cheese and wine flight or a main? Nope, we spot that they have fondue on the menu, something you do not come across too often in Sydney. This is something that appeals to my Swiss roots. We select a nice glass of pinot and sip away, in anticipation for the brie coulommiers and truffle fondue to arrive. The fondue hits the table, the flame is lit and the cheese melts, turning into a bowl of liquid goodness. The fondue set was very impressive, consisting of a large platter containing a selection of cured meat, potatoes, bread, crackers, pickled figs and grilled garlic prawns. The fondue forks were kept busy as we were selecting items to pass through that decadent mix of cheese and truffle, transforming each item into a mass flavour infusion. At $56 between two, it is great value. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the GPO cheese room, set up in the historic post office building at the bottom of Martin Place. With a great selection of cheese and wine at a good price, this place is now on our radar and one we recomnend you add to your list.

    Do you like cheese? Do you LOVE cheese? (are you the weird person who doesn't like cheese but likes…read moreyour friends who like cheese?) Then the GPO cheese and wine room is for YOU! There are a range of options to get your cheese fix including a cheese fondu for two ($49), Mac and cheese (16$) and cheese boards. The friendly and knowledgable staff will keenly pair a beautiful wine for you choice of cheese. The restaurant is intimate with low lighting and a sneaky corridor for a quiet date night or a lovely night with friends! I haven't needed a reservation here but if you are planning to come it wouldn't be worth missing out on. cheese cheese yes please!

    Photos
    GPO Cheese & Wine Room - This is a great little place hidden away in the basement of the GPO.

    This is a great little place hidden away in the basement of the GPO.

    GPO Cheese & Wine Room
    GPO Cheese & Wine Room

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    The Wine Library

    The Wine Library

    4.2(24 reviews)
    3.8 kmPaddington
    $$

    This is my another surprise discovery. One day I was on my way to Victor Churchill, I noticed this…read morelow-key, slick, mysterious (?) looking place. Out of curiosity, I opened the door to look inside. A very friendly staff member greeted and welcomed in. She explained it's been only a week or so, but the place has attracted lots of customers already. She showed me around and explained this place used to be a boutique for women's clothes. I liked the coziness and how they have converted to a cool wine bar. This is another wine bar with chairs which I love. There are a couple of small tables in the bar area, more tables in the backside, then a small courtyard section. They have tapas style dishes - cold, hot, more of meal dishes. I enjoy a bacon and egg roll with a glass of wine as Sunday branch. If I am there in the afternoon, a nice cheese plate goes well with wine... Staff members are very friendly and help you decide what wine you would like to have if you are not sure. They have great selection of wines and I am sure they can pick one for you!

    Dropped in here on a Sunday afternoon for an espresso followed by a glass of wine and some snacks…read more My double espresso was really good and a lot better than some coffee shops serve. The gentleman behind the bar had been let down by his casual staff member doing a no-show so he was under the pump managing the afternoon rush. This did not have any affect on the friendliness of the service at all. The wine list is extensive and you can peruse on your own or ask for suggestions and advice. Cheeses were yum but would have been even better had they not come straight out of the fridge but they did soften in next to no time. It was also really good value for the portions given and the waiter talked us through each different variety. Sweet potato crisps were salty and delicious. Without a doubt I will be back.

    Photos
    The Wine Library - Interesting decor

    Interesting decor

    The Wine Library
    The Wine Library

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    Sappho Books Cafe & Bar - wine_bars - Updated June 2026

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