Illi Hill — Restaurant in Sydney

You need to know this place - Christine, John Shinji, Mia, Jules, & the rest of the team make this an experience - this isn't 'just a cafe' - it's a 'feeling' - a warmth - a connection. I went there once and became a regular - of the daily kind... I live a 10 minute walk away & walk past 6 cafes to get there (well I am in Marrickville & spoiled for choice)

It's a unique vibe, nails really good coffee - food on point - genuinely friendly staff - and the staff smile all the time cos the owners treat everyone nicely - there is a kindness here that you will sense - it emanates. Doggie chain up posts outside with water bowls seats in the sun outside - to have your dog with you consistently CLEAN bathroom - (such a rare thing in Sydney but here - it's always clean) large space and has a lamp for soft light and its own music playing excellent professional Barista and fabulous coffee bean quality GF baked goods fresh juices Vegan & GF catered for really well on the menu excellent place for kids - has plenty of toys & games & you can see the owners genuinely delight in the kids and pets that visit Nothing is ever too much trouble You hear locals being greeted by name all the time and so many people seem to bring in others from outside the area and literally want to introduce their family and friends to the cafe owners - such is the warmth and connection here - see what I mean? It's a challenge to do the vibe justice with my words - my advice check it out - You won't be sorry and you'll definately be back - likely become a regular like I did. SYDNEYS BEST CAFE in my book wins hands down for

• consistency * coffee * food standards * service...

I visited it on a Sunday morning after hearing good things from friends. It seems to be quite well-known—probably because it’s been around for a while. And to be fair, any place that lasts that long likely has its strengths. The staff were lovely—warm, welcoming, and patient. They helped us with coffee first and gave us time before taking our food order. Everything was off to a good start. I ordered the beef brisket hash. It was okay—nothing particularly exciting, but the portion was huge. If you’re hungry, you’ll definitely be full. Coffee was decent too, medium-dark roast with a slightly bitter edge. Solid but not standout.

The issue came with the shakshuka, which my friend ordered. The eggs in it were very undercooked—egg whites were still clear and runny, not even close to being set. When we mentioned this to the staff, the response was: “That’s how we serve our shakshuka here. If you want it cooked more, you need to let us know.”Honestly, that felt a bit ridiculous. It’s not our first time eating shakshuka—we know the difference between a runny yolk and raw egg whites. And if the default version comes out this raw, that should really be mentioned on the menu. The way the staff tried to justify it instead of simply acknowledging it was disappointing and kind of absurd. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of the undercooked dish, but to be honest, it didn’t look that great anyway. If you’re after a place with friendly service, big portions, and don’t mind average quality or raw eggs sneaking into your brunch, this might...

I live around the corner from this fun, friendly cafe, and usually visit at least once a week.

The coffee at Illi Hill is excellently done - the barristas are friendly and remember the orders for the regulars.

The menu at Illi Hill is interesting: I'd say it puts a twist on most of the normal cafe meals i.e. bacon and egg roll or pancakes, but doesn't overdo it in an attempt to be 'alternative'.

The layout of the cafe itself is simple, clean, and personal - the staff have little pictures hung a long the back wall and there is often a joke over the tip jar. It is obvious this is a place where the staff generally get a long and have fun amongst themselves.

I'd say the number one feature of this cafe is the staff who are friendly, personable and punctual. You aren't left waiting long for someone to bring you water and ask for your order, and if you go there often enough they take the time to get to know you.

I really enjoy going to Illi Hill and would recommend it for anyone else after a nice, chilled, cafe experience, with good food and coffee, and...