Constructed in 1898, Sydney's QVB is the epitome of Victorian-era style. And while The Tea Room, found in what was once the building's ballroom, is a much more recent addition, it's the perfect place to enjoy this heritage setting. The classic afternoon tea here is a must. Choose from a generous selection of loose leaf teas to accompany a selection of finger sandwiches, sweet and savory pastries, petit fours and scones beautifully presented on a traditional tiered platter. If you don't have the time to indulge, you can still enjoy an a la carte lunch selection. -Kashmir Brummel

With dark robust blends of coffee, Gumption by Coffee Alchemy is a great place to get some fresh roasted coffee to wake you up after a day of shopping. Located in the Strand Arcade, this shop is a nice place to drop in for a quick cup or a snack during your busy shopping schedule. The baristas are very helpful and will suggest delicious options if you are confused as to what to order. If you are in too much of a hurry, just get your cup of strong coffee to go.

Paramount Coffee Project is a spectacular coffee shop in Sydney that is known for its brilliant decor as well as the fine coffee. It is a huge place with polished flooring and shiny walls that spell class. Here you can enjoy the strong coffee along with bites of waffles - both sweet and savory. There is a variety of milk shakes as well that are quite filling.

Passionate coffee makers at Single O take their coffee seriously. You will find a number of unique blends and single origins here to choose from. The creators at this coffee shop are constantly recreating the coffee experience by experimenting with flavors and blends. With a healthy and hearty breakfast menu, a visit to the Single O is the perfect way to start the day.

Since opening in early 2012, The Grounds of Alexandria has made its mark on the Sydney coffee scene. This large space is not just a cafe, but a specialty roaster as well, with the shiny machinery visible from some of the tables. But despite the excellent coffee, it's the food that people are lining up for. There's seating indoors in the refurbished industrial space and outside in the kitchen gardens, but even with all that you'll probably have to wait for a table on weekends. Once seated, set yourself up with one of their top notch sandwiches or the popular burger and fries.

Rocking a one of a kind Spartan décor in Sydney is the Coffee Alchemy on Addison Road in Marrickville. The coffee shop is a single origin coffee house and has handpicked beans of coffee that have been chosen carefully. According to the place, they believe that coffee is a elixir of life and their lifelong obsession has been to produce various elements and permutations of the same. They also have roast on demand wherein they roast the beans and ground them especially after order only.

If you thought you had entered a coffee-desert, heading North, think again. Forsyths Coffee, up on Willoughby Road, five minutes up the road from Crows Nest (also a good hunting ground for a strong cuppa) is impressive--stocking a stack of deluxe beans and blends for plungers, espresso machines and stove-tops. This is award winning stuff, and not to be missed. They also have over 40 varieties of teas. And if you want to take it really seriously, you can try before you buy in the tasting room!