Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore.

78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia

Recommended by 27 people

Updated

Find Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore.

78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 9380 6617
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore.

Tucked along Oxford Street, this multi-level Paddington bookstore cafe lets you browse floor-to-ceiling shelves before settling into a quiet reading nook. Order downstairs at the counter, then head up the stairs where staff bring your plate directly to you across a series of vintage rooms. Locals swear by the Turkish eggs and the house Easy burger, washed down with a dark, syrupy ristretto pulled from Little Marionette beans.

  • Multi-Level Book Nooks: Connecting rooms spread across multiple levels feature quiet reading corners surrounded by thousands of books.
  • Counter-to-Room Service: Order meals at the ground floor counter and staff carry them up to whichever room you choose.
  • Specialty Roasts & Brunch: Baristas pull Little Marionette roasts alongside a kitchen menu of Turkish eggs and house burgers.
RestaurantBrunchCafeCocktail BarBeverage

What's On at Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore.

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Discover why guests visit Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore for multi-level reading sanctuaries, group gatherings, and quality dining.

  • Multi-Level Book Sanctuary

    Browse multi-level rooms filled floor-to-ceiling with thousands of books while enjoying hot coffee and light dining.

    It was filled floor to ceiling with books, a book lover’s dream!

    Sarah C

  • Flexible Room Dining

    Choose a table across any of the quiet upper rooms and have freshly prepared cafe fare brought right to you.

    Order food on the first floor, and they will serve your food wherever you choose to sit.

    米莎 Mishamoon

  • Cozy Group Nooks & Meetings

    Private upstairs library spaces offer ample seating to meet, talk, and browse shelves together with friends or groups.

    top deck boasts an array of books and plenty of space for group large gatherings/meetings.

    Joules Auna

  • Intimate Social Spaces

    Connecting multi-room layouts allow guests to catch up over food and drinks in peaceful, vintage surroundings.

    Be it getting lost in a novel, catching up with friends of a good brew. The many spaces available can cater for you.

    paula dickson

  • Fresh Paddington Brunch Classics

    Start the day with fresh, flavorful brunch dishes including Turkish eggs and Benedict breakfast in Oxford Street.

    We tried the Turkish eggs and the green bowl; both were fresh and had great flavor

    Von Loo (Vondelicious)

  • Satisfying Lunch & Gourmet Burgers

    Enjoy quality cafe staples alongside specialty brews, hot chocolates, and popular gourmet burgers on Oxford Street.

    I had the cheeseburger, which is called the Easy burger on their menu and also, had a hot chocolate too. Both items were delicious

    Safwat Hossain

Favorite brunch and lunch dishes enjoyed throughout our reading rooms

  • Turkish Eggs

    The Turkish eggs are always delicious.

    Lora

  • French Toast

    delicious French Toast served with great coffee !!

    IT CAN BE DONE SUPPORT

  • Easy Burger

    the cheeseburger is the best I’ve had in a long time.

    Safwat Hossain

  • Beef Cheek Pasta

    And just for the record, the beef cheek pasta is a must-try — absolutely incredible.

    Aurélie • Trissana Coaching Business

Other favorites

Specialty coffees and sweet treats to complement your reading

  • Brownies

    seriously the best brownies I’ve ever had!

    Jaime Laycock

  • Iced Mocha

    their iced mochas are fab!

    rakel

  • Hot Chocolate

    had a hot chocolate too. Both items were delicious

    Safwat Hossain

  • Cappuccino

    the cappuccino I had was great.

    Evan Richardson

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service moments and distinctive touches that enhance your visit

  • Personal Chef Welcome

    Friendly kitchen staff welcome guests seated nearby with an open, hospitable greeting.

  • Name-Recognition Service

    Baristas personally address returning guests by name to create a warm, individualized experience.

  • Attentive Dietary Guidance

    Attentive staff proactively advise on and accommodate tailored gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menu options.

  • Multi-Level Order Delivery

    Guests who order at the ground counter can settle anywhere across multiple upper floors, with staff delivering food directly to their room.

Before you head over

Helpful guidance on ordering, seating reservations, and access across three floors.

  • Order at the Counter First

    Head to the first floor counter to place your order before choosing a seat across the multi-level bookstore rooms, where staff will bring your food to you.

  • Reserve for Private Upstairs Rooms

    Weekend visits can get busy across the three floors, so plan ahead or make a reservation if you want to secure a private room upstairs for conversation and reading.

  • Parking & Accessibility Access

    Free street parking is available along Oxford Street, and visitors with prams or wheelchairs can use outdoor and ground-level seating, though note that restrooms are located downstairs.

Explore more places in Sydney

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Sydney.

Similar places

More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.

Browse all Sydney venues