The Walrus Sydney CBD — Restaurant in Sydney

The Walrus is the sort of CBD café you end up relying on without thinking about it. Big windows pull in the morning light, there is a hum of grinders and conversation, and the front counter keeps a steady rhythm of takeaway orders for commuters while the dining room turns over quickly. It feels welcoming the moment you step in, with polished timber, greenery tucked along the walls, and a short wait that never feels like a hassle because staff greet you fast and point you to a table or suggest the best spot if you are flying solo with a laptop.

Coffee is confidently handled. The house blend lands rich and chocolatey for milk drinks, while a rotating single origin brings a brighter, fruitier edge if you are going long black or batch brew. Milk is textured well, alternative options are treated with the same care, and iced versions arrive cold and clean rather than watery. Breakfast runs from simple to indulgent. A bacon and egg roll gets lifted by a tangy house relish and soft milk bun, the chilli scramble has the right amount of heat and a fresh herb finish, and the mushroom toast comes piled high with garlic, thyme and a neat squeeze of lemon. If you want something lighter there are granola bowls and fresh pastries that actually taste baked that morning.

Service stays upbeat even when the room is full. Water appears quickly, small requests are handled without fuss, and food lands in good time. It is an easy stop before a meeting, a relaxed spot for a late brunch, and a reliable place to grab a takeaway on the run. Prices sit right for the CBD, portions are fair, and the overall feel is calm and competent in...

I feel bad writing this but I had the worst cafe/dining experience ever at this cafe today. I sat outside on the street and the workers ignored me for so long that I had to call them on my phone because I had my valuables with me (privilege problem).

The phone call was not successful. Simply because they did not understand my request, despite saying yes to whatever I was asking [i.e. "Please come outside so I can order a coffee :)].

Eventually, after standing over my 2 person wooden table and waving at any staff that should have seen me in a yellow t-shirt, a man came to me and asked what I'd like, as if I had just gotten there. I had been waiting for at least twenty minutes at this point - other customers had sat down after me and been given table service in this time right beside me.

I asked him why I wasn't served despite being told to take a seat anywhere I wanted, and he looked at me blankly like I was crazy. The coffee was superb. And the service for the actual coffee was great.

My friend then arrived for our study/coffee hangout and I had run her through this entire story. But then, to top it all off, they completely ignored her when she arrived - and I saw them notice she had sat down. She experienced basically the exact same thing as me, and when we stood up to leave.

As we stood up, they came over to us ironically. Such a disappointment because the food looked great and the coffee was quality... everyone else around me seemed to have a...

Dining Experience @ The Walrus Cafe. . Known for serving up tasty and wholesome plates alongside strong coffee, The Walrus Cafe often boasts a queue out front. Go early and be patient. . Ambience is bright with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the small al-fresco outdoor dining area. Within, modern furnishings and warm pastel colours are accented by plants. . Service is friendly and non-intrusive, with the energetic staff according each guest good attention. I note they clean up quickly when diners leave, and the queue system is administered in an orderly fashion. . Food is Modern Australian, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and simple plating. Tasty and appealing. Portions are medium large for individuals, rather filling. Prices are reflective of a typical cafe, budget about AUD $27 per person. . The Chai Latte (AUD $5.50) is warm and comforting, thick and semi-creamy in texture with bold sweet spice flavour. The mug option keeps the beverage nice and warm. . The Egg Omelette (AUD $20) or Walrus Truffled Mushroom Omelette features fluffy soft egg folded in a closed style, filled with bouncy sautéed mushrooms tossed in truffle oil and creamy brie cheese, stacked over a crisp toasted sourdough bread, and topped with wispy alfalfa sprouts, crunchy deep-fried golden mushrooms, and chunky chimichurri sauce. . Bite in, and you get the combined bready sour eggy sweet savoury vegetal earthy salty cheesy herbal minty bitter...