We get it—winter in Sydney can feel a little drab, especially when the rain rolls in like it’s set up camp for the week. But here at Dad and the Frog Café, we’re keeping things cozy, warm, and delicious—rain or shine.

This week, we’re expecting a few rainy days, but we’re ready for it. Our team’s prepped to serve up your favourite coffee, breakfast, or brunch with a smile—indoors or under cover. But come 10am on a sunny day, our Farnell Street laneway turns into pure magic. That golden winter light slices through just right, warming up our outdoor seating and turning brunch into a sun-drenched ritual.

Running a café is more than great coffee and tasty brunch—it’s people, systems, and knowing when to pause and reassess. At Dad and the Frog, we’re in that in-between phase that a lot of small, scaling businesses hit:

• The seats are filling.

• The coffee orders are flowing.

• But behind the scenes, we’re stretched.

We’re not quite big enough to hire a whole new team member, but we’re too busy for business-as-usual. So how do we manage it?

There’s something special about finding a café where everything just clicks—the coffee is rich, the food hits the spot, the vibe feels effortless, and the service actually makes you feel seen. At Dad and the Frog Café, we’ve made that our mission.

As a licensed café in Surry Hills with a sun-drenched outdoor dining area, we’ve created a space where locals, visitors, and four-legged friends can kick back with a specialty coffee, a chilled mimosa, or a hearty brunch that doesn’t skimp on quality. Whether you're here for a long lunch, a quiet solo coffee, or a celebration with mates, there's always something on the menu (and behind the bar) worth coming back for

When you’ve got a crew to feed—whether it’s workmates, party guests, or brunch-loving besties—Dad and the Frog Café has your back. Our catering service is built with the same love, flavour, and no-fuss attitude that makes us a go-to Surry Hills café for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and of course, coffee.

Now, we’ve taken all the stress out of event catering too. You can order directly from our catering page, and we’ll deliver straight to your door—or heck, we’ll bring it right in and lay it out on your buffet table like it’s our own house party.

If you've ever searched for a café in Surry Hills that goes above and beyond—whether you're after a perfect cup of coffee, a vibrant brunch, or reliable catering that actually pleases everyone—then you’ve likely already crossed paths with us at Dad and the Frog Café.

We’ve built our name on consistently great food, smooth service, and genuine connections. And now, our breakfast and lunch catering is quickly becoming the go-to option for local businesses, events, and office meetings in and around Surry Hills.

There’s something about brunch that deserves a little celebration. And nothing says "treat yourself" quite like a mimosa. At Dad and the Frog Café, we’re making the case for why a crisp, citrusy mimosa belongs in your weekend routine.

Spoiler: it’s not just the bubbles.

There’s a reason we love Surry Hills so much. It’s that sweet spot where city convenience meets neighbourhood charm. You can jump off a train at Central Station, wander five minutes, and suddenly you’re in a pocket of the city that feels more like a village. Boutique shops, tree-lined streets, local dogs living their best lives — and right in the mix, you’ll find Dad and the Frog Café.

Whether you’re headed to a game at Moore Park, strolling from the light rail, or just on your morning coffee mission, we’re perfectly placed. You can sit outside and catch the winter sun in our alfresco laneway, or settle into a cosy indoor corner for something warm and comforting. Either way, you’re getting brunch and coffee done right.

A Day in the Life: What It’s Really Like Running a Surry Hills Cafe

Welcome to Dad and the Frog Café. You might know us for our chilli scrambled eggs or that perfect flat white on your morning walk, but today’s post isn’t about what’s on your plate—it’s about the person behind the pass.

As the owner of this Surry Hills cafe, I’m often told how lucky I am to “just make coffee and chat to customers all day.” I get it—it looks like a dream job. But behind every breakfast service and brunch rush is a whole lot of early mornings, late nights, and hard decisions. So I thought I’d share what actually goes into owning and running one of the best cafes in Surry Hills.

There’s something special about winter in Surry Hills. The crisp air, golden morning light, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting down Fitzroy Street. It’s the season where cafe culture really shines, and here at Dad and the Frog, we live for it.

If you’re looking for the kind of cafe that makes you want to linger a little longer, order that second coffee, and soak up the vibe—this is it.

At Dad and the Frog Café, we know brunch isn’t the same without your four-legged sidekick. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming dog-friendly outdoor dining area where both you and your pup can relax, refuel, and soak up the good vibes. Just a minute’s walk from Moore Park Dog Park, our spot on Fitzroy Street is the perfect pit stop after a tail-wagging morning walk.

There’s just something about a long, lazy lunch that rolls into the afternoon. Add some sunshine, a glass of something cold, and a few of your favourite people – and suddenly your weekend is looking a whole lot brighter.

At Dad and the Frog Café, we’ve given our alcohol menu a refresh, just in time for your next Saturday brunch or lunch. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a date in the sun, we’ve created the kind of vibe you’d expect from the best cafe in Surry Hills – chilled, flavourful, and fun.

There’s a time of day at our Surry Hills café that regulars have come to love — we call it The Golden Hours.

From mid-morning through lunch, the sun finds its way down our laneway, warming up the alfresco area and garden space just right. It’s that sweet spot where time slows down, the coffee hits just right, and our team is in the groove serving up your favourite breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes.

In a city full of cafés, finding the one—the café you visit for your morning coffee, long brunches with mates, or that solo lunch to reset mid-week—can feel like a mission. That’s why I started Dad and the Frog Café. We're not trying to be trendy. We're just here to make sure the coffee is exceptional, the eggs are done just the way you like, and your time with us feels like a little pocket of peace in the middle of Surry Hills.

At Dad & the Frog, great service isn’t just luck—it’s trained, practised, and refined regularly. As we prepare for our next front-of-house team training, we thought we’d give you a peek behind the scenes of how we keep things running smoothly—and why it matters for your experience.

Whether you’re here for a quick takeaway coffee or settling in for a long lunch in our sunny laneway, there’s a lot of intentionality behind the way we serve you. And it all starts with team alignment.

Looking for a spot to relax and soak up the sun this King’s Birthday long weekend? Good news – Dad and the Frog Café is open tomorrow, and we’ve got everything you need for a breezy brunch or laid-back lunch with friends and family

As the colder months roll in, now’s the time for cafés in Sydney to make smart seasonal changes—and it all starts with the menu.

We do two major menu reviews each year—one for spring/summer and one for autumn/winter. This seasonal shift helps us keep our cost of goods in check while giving our team a chance to review pantry items, chat with suppliers, and renegotiate prices where needed. It’s also a chance to create a menu that simply feels right for the season.

Winter’s here, and so is our new seasonal menu.

We’ve made some small changes with a big impact—new dishes, a few upgrades, and a drinks list that makes it worth staying a little longer.

Last week, I sat in a room full of amazing local businesses at the Hyatt Regency, not knowing what to expect.

When they called out Dad & The Frog Café as the winner for Outstanding Café, I froze. My heart dropped. It was one of those moments that catches you off guard—in the best way.

Running a café, showing up every day, and being part of people’s lives has always been worth it on its own. The support we’ve received and the chance to keep growing and adding value to this little corner of Surry Hills is already something we’re deeply proud of. But receiving this kind of recognition reminded us that we’re heading in the right direction—that we really are creating something special for the people who walk through our doors.

What’s the Best Way to Do Surry Hills? Start With Brunch at Dad & The Frog

We get asked this all the time:
“What should I do when I visit Surry Hills?”

Well, if you’re into leafy streets, incredible food, and architecture that whispers stories from Sydney’s past—start with brunch at our place, then just wander.

Surry Hills isn’t a checklist suburb. It’s the kind of neighbourhood you feel. And if you do it right, your day will be full of good coffee, vintage finds, hidden parks, and about 17 “oh wow, this street is cute” moments.

Here’s how to spend a perfect day around Dad & The Frog Café.

Looking for the perfect way to treat Mum this Mother’s Day in Surry Hills? We’ve got just the thing—brunch, bubbles, and now... booze.

This weekend at Dad & The Frog Café, we’re raising our glasses (and our game) with the launch of our brand-new alcohol menu—and what better way to kick things off than Mother’s Day?

Whether Mum loves a cheeky mimosa with her smashed avo or prefers to wind down with a Negroni over lunch, we’ve created a little something for every kind of weekend warrior.