Hi guys - we will be looking at refining our list of best cafes in Sydney over the next month or two for our annual feature in Crema magazine; as many of you know, judges are [impartial] industry professionals and usually one or two Crema forum senior members and we take this extremely seriously...  process starts with me drawing up a shortlist from recommendations from various sources, including judges [obviously] but one very useful source is the forum; bottom line is, now is the time to give your input, if you know any great sydney cafes that you think should be on the list.

A

Unlike other reviews, our Best Cafes is strictly based on the quality of the coffee!

can't believe the measures some people take to get included in the Crema Best Cafes of Sydney shortlist - see: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/1-million-left-behind-in-suitcase-in-cafe-20111122-1nt0m.html

A

This week I spends couple of days in Sydney and had done excellent espresso.

First up was Mecca in the CBD and a past 'best cafe'. They made me an excellent double ristretto on their KVDW Spirit that was just about as perfect as could be. Big mouthfeel, strong flavour and lively without being overly bright.

Bertoni's in Balmain was almost as good. Served by an older gentleman, when I asked for a ristretto he replied 'No sugar?' - but it really wasn't a question and he very much approved at my response in the negative.

Di Bartoli were roasting in-store when I visited. Had a good old chat and really liked their passionate but not-at-all-snobby approach. I went with the Barista's suggestion of an SO from Daterra estate at 86 degrees. It was very nice, but a bit green and I commented that it tasted less than a week old and thought it might need a longer rest.

The barista agreed, but apparently their stock frequently is run down by bean sales before it can be fully rested.

Bought a bag of their house blend - bang in target. Exactly my type of roast. Also bought a keep cup for my wife and took the opportunity to enjoy the machine porn.

All in a lot of fun.

On a side note I stayed at the Menzies hotel - avoid their super auto at the breakfast restaurant. I watched as it performed a self cleaning cycle and then dripped soapy suds in the cup of the hapless next recipient.

Reuben Hills, Sample, Joe Black, Single Origin just to name a few.  If you're keen on Vietnamese, you can pop by my work for dinner (Red Lantern on Riley).

Glad it arrived in time. Need a photo with your gold tamper 

Hi Guys does anyone have any good cafe suggestions in Sydney south west?
I normally have to travel 20-30 mins to inner west somewhere to get good coffee

Regards
Ben

RCoffeeCo Camden or Picton are great. Really depends on where you are in the south west