When people ask us what makes Dad and the Frog Café special, I always say it’s more than just the food and coffee—it’s the feeling. We’ve built a café in Surry Hills where every visit feels like you’re part of a neighbourhood community.

When people ask what keeps guests coming back to our café in Surry Hills, the answer often comes down to one thing: our crispy hash browns. They’ve been on the menu since the early days of Dad and the Frog Café, evolving through many variations before settling into the version you know today.

What makes them special? They’re completely handmade in-house—shredded potatoes pressed into shape, fried until golden, and seasoned just right. The crunch gives way to a fluffy, moist centre, striking the perfect balance every time.

Why Dad and the Frog Café is Your Spring Go-To

We’re just minutes from Moore Park, making us the ideal spot to start or end your walk. Dog walkers love our pet-friendly outdoor dining, parents appreciate our pram-friendly setup, and local office workers escape here for a lunch that feels like a mini holiday.

Our menu has something for every mood – from breakfast classics to colourful salads and wraps, all paired with specialty coffee from Madding Crowd Roasters

Running a Surry Hills café sounds dreamy—sunny mornings, specialty coffee, vibrant brunch plates and chats with locals. But ask anyone behind the scenes, and they’ll tell you—it’s also a whole lot of spreadsheets, scheduling, and showing up when you least expect it.

At Dad and the Frog Café, we’re proud to be one of the best cafes in Sydney not just because of our food and coffee, but because of what happens behind the curtain. Here's a peek into a typical week in my world as the owner.

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind—serving lattes, plating brunch, making lunch magic happen. But at Dad and the Frog Café in Surry Hills, we believe that the real growth happens when we pause and listen. Whether it’s a customer telling us they loved their brekkie roll or a team member pointing out where a process could be smoother, we take feedback seriously. Why? Because it helps us stay one of the best cafes in Surry Hills—not just for the coffee, but for the experience too.

When we first opened the doors to Dad and the Frog Café, it was just a tiny 12 seat space serving locals their morning coffee and a quick bite. We kept prices low, thinking it would give people the “best deal.” But here’s the truth, it left us with little room to grow or improve.

Eventually, we asked ourselves: What does it actually mean to be the best cafe in Surry Hills? The answer wasn’t about being the cheapest, it was about giving our guests an experience they’d want to return to.