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Restaurant

Contessa Balmain

371B &, 371A Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia

Recommended by 44 people

Updated

Find Contessa Balmain

371B &, 371A Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 9555 7399
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Contessa Balmain

A Darling Street staple, Contessa delivers hearty Italian-leaning brunch with generous plates, double-shot espresso, and morning cocktails. Neighbors drop by for the lively bustle and stay for Rosa's breakfast bruschetta piled high with avocado, rocket, and poached eggs, or golden chorizo corn fritters. An adjoining dining room across the partition wall offers a calmer refuge when group tables fill up. The kitchen pairs spicy prawn pasta with chilled Aperol spritzes and house bloody marys without Saturday surcharges.

  • Licensed daytime bar: Brunch plates like chorizo corn fritters and spicy prawn pasta pair with morning Aperol spritzes, mimosas, and bloody marys.
  • Dual-room layout: Two distinct dining rooms allow diners to choose between lively open-kitchen energy and a quieter, more spacious side room.
  • Group-friendly billing: Dining groups can easily split the bill with zero Saturday surcharges at checkout.
RestaurantCoffeeCafeRestaurant

What's On at Contessa Balmain

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Contessa Balmain

Why locals and visitors make Contessa their go-to Balmain cafe for brunch and gatherings

  • Generous, high-quality brunch fare

    Contessa Balmain serves substantial breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics alongside house specialty drinks and Italian-inspired dishes.

    Their dishes, from perfectly cooked eggs to fresh granola and tasty sandwiches, are always on point.

    Iarla Flynn

  • Daytime cocktail service

    Unlike conventional alcohol-free cafes, Contessa features a daytime cocktail menu featuring drinks like Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Aperol spritzes.

    the mimosas and Aperol were great, and the staff are super friendly.

    Luma Campos

  • Dual-room dining layout

    The dining layout is split over two distinct rooms, giving larger groups, families, and dog owners a quieter, roomier setting away from the bustling open kitchen.

    We opted for the other room, which was quieter and more spacious.

    Map Roy

  • Hassle-free group billing

    Group dining is made frictionless with policies accommodating shared tables, without charging Saturday surcharges and permitting split payments.

    They don't have a Saturday surcharge and accept split bills.

    Map Roy

  • Attentive and caring hospitality

    Guests experience genuine warmth, attentive hospitality, and community-minded care from the team even during peak operating periods.

    Even on an extremely busy Sunday full of people, you are greeted and served with care.

    Valentina Rimini

  • Warm neighborhood ambiance

    The cafe blends local friendliness with relaxed charm, creating a welcoming spot where patrons can recharge and unwind.

    The vibe of the place is warm and welcoming, with a cozy local feel mixed with a touch of European chic.

    Chanchaya kuram

Hearty, Italian-inspired brunch and lunch favourites

  • Corn Fritters

    The food here is amazing - we had the fritters and they did not disappoint - great portions

    Laura Walker

  • Eggs Benedict

    I’ve found Eggs Benedict Heaven! Costing under $20, the Hollandaise sauce (the most important part) is made to perfection and clings to the eggs.

    Robert

  • Rosa's Breakfast Bruschetta

    I ordered Rosa's Breakfast Bruchetta ($20). It had two pieces of toast that were generously topped with avocado, tomato, and rocket. It also included a poached egg. The meal was delicious, so well cooked and made!

    Map Roy

  • Prawn Pasta

    I especially recommend the tacos and prawn pasta — a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food.

    Katrina Xiao

Other favorites

Daytime cocktails and sweet treats to complement your visit

  • Bloody Marys

    Contessa has bloody marys and good coffee.

    Mark Willis

  • Mimosas

    the mimosas and Aperol were great

    Luma Campos

  • Aperol Spritz

    the mimosas and Aperol were great

    Luma Campos

  • Banana Bread

    my kids love the banana bread!

    Isla Ola

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details that elevate your Balmain cafe experience

  • Daytime Cocktail Service

    Contessa offers morning cocktails alongside classic brunch, pairing dishes with freshly poured mimosas, Aperol spritzes, and Bloody Marys.

  • Playful Frog Latte Art

    For families visiting with young children, the cafe serves a signature frog-themed coffee, adding a playful touch to family dining.

  • Dual-Room Seating Options

    Patrons can choose between the lively atmosphere of the kitchen dining room or a quieter, more spacious adjacent room separated by a middle wall.

  • Split Bills & No Saturday Surcharge

    Dining groups enjoy seamless weekend visits with bill-splitting accommodated and no Saturday surcharge applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog or visit with children?

Yes. Contessa welcomes dogs and is also family-friendly with kid-friendly offerings like decorated drinks and generous dishes. Outdoor seating is available as well.

Do they serve brunch cocktails or alcohol?

Yes. Beyond coffee, tea, frappes, and milkshakes, Contessa serves daytime cocktails including Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Aperol, as well as beer and wine.

What is the seating layout like if I prefer a quieter spot or have a group?

The cafe is arranged across two distinct dining areas divided by an interior wall, in addition to outdoor tables. The main kitchen space tends to be livelier, while the adjoining room offers a quieter, more spacious setting suited for larger groups.

Do they charge a weekend surcharge or allow split bills?

Customers report that Contessa does not charge a Saturday surcharge and readily accommodates split bills for groups.

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