Katie Nelson

Tucked away in Sydney’s inner south, Rosebery is a suburb that often flies under the radar. Once largely industrial, this pocket of the city has undergone a quiet transformation, now offering a unique blend of warehouse conversions, trendy eateries, boutique businesses, and leafy residential streets. While it may lack the hype of neighbouring suburbs like Surry Hills or Newtown, Rosebery more than makes up for it with its character, charm, and local secrets.

Whether you’re a Sydney local looking to explore somewhere new or a visitor seeking a more authentic slice of the city, here’s a local’s guide to some of the best things to do, eat and see in Rosebery.

The Cannery

At the heart of Rosebery lies The Cannery, a sprawling heritage-listed warehouse complex that has been thoughtfully repurposed into a lifestyle destination. The industrial aesthetic is still present, but now it’s filled with artisanal eateries, retailers, a distillery, cafes, fitness studios and beauty salons. There’s also a monthly market, on the first weekend of every month, that showcases a range of local gifts, jewelry, baked goods at more.

Archie Rose

Archie Rose is a must-visit for spirit lovers; this award-winning distillery produces small-batch gin, vodka and whisky. The bar is sleek and moody–ideal for date nights or group drinks–and the cocktail list includes inventive twists on classics. You can even book a tour or tasting session to learn more about the distilling process.

Lune

One of the most exciting additions to Rosebery’s growing culinary scene is the arrival of Lune Croissanterie–the legendary Melbourne-born bakery that’s often credited with redefining what a croissant can be. Known for its perfectly layered, golden pastries and cult-like following, Lune’s Sydney outpost has quickly become a must-visit destination for pastry lovers.

The bakery brings its signature menu of expertly crafted croissants, cruffins, kouign-amanns and seasonal specials to the inner south. Each pastry is baked fresh daily using traditional French techniques, meticulous precision, and a whole lot of butter.

Whether you’re a purist after the classic butter croissant or looking to try one of their more inventive flavour creations, there’s something for everyone. Pair it with a coffee from their in-house espresso bar or takeaway and enjoy it in one of the nearby parks.

5th Earl

A crowd favourite for breakfast, brunch or lunch. This modern café offers a fantastic menu and great coffee. The outdoor terrace is perfect for sunny mornings, while the cosy indoor seating makes it a year-round go-to. They also serve dinner on a Friday and Saturday evening with a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired menu.

Da Mario

For lovers of Italian cuisine, Da Mario delivers Neapolitan-style woodfired pizza, house-made pasta, and a strong wine list. It’s a favourite among locals for relaxed dinners and weekend date nights.

Pokemeow Cat Cafe

One of Rosebery’s more unique gems, and one for the cat lovers, is Pokemeow Cat Cafe. This spot offers an all-day menu with both brunch and dinner options, making it a great stop at any time of day. Think quality coffee and food to suit every taste, from noodles to burgers and pasta.

But the real draw? The cats.

Guests can book an hour-long session to sip their latte while hanging out with the cafe’s resident rescue cats. It’s a perfect place for a relaxing weekend activity or a catch-up with fellow cat lovers. The vibe is laid-back and cosy, with soft lighting, cat-friendly climbing structures, and plenty of seating.

Gelato Messina

Gelato Messina, one of Sydney’s most iconic dessert brands also has a store in Rosebery–and for locals, having it on their doorstep is a serious perk. The Rosebery location offers the full range of Messina’s signature gelato flavours, from classic favourites to rotating weekly specials and their handcrafted chocolate bars, perfect for taking home or gifting to fellow sweet lovers.

There’s plenty of outdoor seating available, making it an ideal spot for a casual catch-up or a post-dinner treat. On warm evenings, the area outside the store has a relaxed, communal vibe, with people enjoying cones and cups under festive lights.

Engine Yards

While Rosebery has earned a reputation as a food lover’s haven, it’s also quietly become one of Sydney’s emerging fashion hubs, and at the centre of this is the Rosebery Engine Yards.

This architecturally restored warehouse precinct blends the suburb’s industrial heritage with contemporary design that now houses a curated mix of some of Australia’s most beloved fashion and lifestyle brands.

From minimalist staples to designer pieces, Engine Yards is home to outlet and flagship stores for labels like Zimmermann and Camilla and Marc. It’s a favourite for both style-savvy locals and fashion insiders looking to snap up quality pieces in a more relaxed, boutique setting.

So while Rosebery may be known for its brunch spots and distilleries, don’t overlook its growing status as a destination for fashion-forward retail therapy.

Rosebery: A hidden gem

Rosebery might not be the first suburb you think of when it comes to Sydney hotspots, but perhaps that’s what makes it so special. With its blend of industrial charm, independent businesses, and a strong sense of local community, Rosebery is carving out its own identity.

Whether you’re there for the cocktails at Archie Rose, a lazy morning at Pokemeow, or a scoop of salted caramel at Messina, this suburb has plenty to offer for curious foodies, cat lovers, and weekend explorers alike.