Stevies Little Shop — Restaurant in Sydney

(4.5 stars) Setting the benchmark for the kind of corner store you’d like in your ‘hood if you moved to the ‘burbs, Stevie’s Little Shop is remarkable. You’ll find it on an ordinary suburban street corner in Carlton. What you find inside however, is anything but ordinary. Cleverly curated by Meg Stevenson, Stevie’s is a cornucopia of treasures. A former caterer, Stevenson has an eye for good produce and a talent for making it into a darling display.

Wrapped neatly in red and white paper for the grab’n’go set, Stevies BLT ($12) combines bacon, mayo., spinach and those gorgeous cherry tomatoes you can find in the fridge on Thoroughbread Bakery bread. Taking it at one of the four indoor tables sees mine warmed and presented on vintage floral crockery with an origami paper cup of Brets French cheese chips. A robust cappuccino ($4.40) gives my afternoon some oomph, from a dainty vintage floral cup.

Stevenson takes the time to have a conversation with every customer, and notices I’m not a local straight away. A student pops in for coffee to lap up the winter sun in a window seat. A man and his daughter make a selection from the Farmgate to Plate meats after the meal they planned for dinner didn’t defrost in time. Stevie’s regular, Rebecca Varidel, tells me the pate here is the best she’s ever tried. The home cooked meals did look inviting… but despite being a shop of small stature, I got overwhelmed because there was so much to see. On weekends, Stevenson explained, the tiny cafe has a fully manned kitchen and a more extensive...

An updated review!

I’ve been a loyal customer of Stevie’s for nearly four years now, and it’s safe to say it’s become my little sanctuary for good food, great coffee, and even better company. It’s the kind of café that quietly steals your heart and keeps you coming back for more.

The menu is a constant source of excitement — always evolving, always tempting, and always delivering. Each dish feels thoughtfully crafted, packed with bold flavours and those little touches that make you pause between bites just to savour the moment. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a fresh, vibrant lunch, or one of their rotating specials, everything that leaves the kitchen is nothing short of delicious.

And then there’s the coffee. Smooth, rich, and consistently spot-on — it’s the kind of cup you find yourself craving throughout the week. Whether you’re grabbing one to-go or sitting in to linger over a second, it’s always made with care and never disappoints.

What truly makes Stevie’s shine though is the atmosphere. It’s warm, welcoming, and full of character — and that’s largely thanks to Meg. She’s the heartbeat of the café, greeting you like an old friend every time you walk through the door. It’s rare to find service that feels so genuine and personal, and it’s a huge part of why this place feels like home.

If you’re not stopping in for the food and coffee (though you absolutely should), stop in for the experience. Stevie’s isn’t just a café — it’s a little slice of comfort, community, and...

A real one of a kind shop that doesn’t fit into any one category - amazing coffee, home made treats, produce, meals, nostalgia and the loveliest owner who is passionate about her shop and making connections (minus the pretension seen in some inner city shops).

I grew up buying milk and the occasional ice cream (when allowed) from this corner shop as a kid and it fills me with so much joy to see the evolution of the place 20+ years whenever I come home to visit my parents. Every time I pop in, there’s always something new on display and on the menu.

Thank you for revamping this place and bringing so much happiness for people in the neighbourhood (and surrounds)! Worth the trip if you’ve never heard of Carlton, Sydney (not to be confused with the more known Carlton...