little Ethel’s

2/84 Mullens St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia
+61 428 496 359
$$$ Cafe
(171 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Nestled at 2/84 Mullens St in the heart of Balmain, little Ethel’s is a delightful café that captures the essence of community spirit and culinary warmth. This charming spot is the ideal retreat for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike, offering a quaint atmosphere that feels just like home.

Stepping into little Ethel's, you are greeted by the friendly faces of the staff, who take pride in providing a welcoming service that makes you feel like part of the family. As noted by satisfied customers, Lisa and Leah’s warm greetings and personal touches, such as the unique water served in charming bottles with cork tops, set the stage for an enjoyable visit.

The café offers an impressive menu full of tempting options, perfect for a morning coffee or a light brunch. Start your day with their expertly crafted coffee, priced at just A$5.00, or indulge in a piccolo for A$4.50. For a refreshing twist, try their iced coffee or iced chocolate, both well-loved by regulars. Don't miss out on their sticky chai or turmeric latte, both at A$5.50, which not only taste great but also offer a cozy warmth to your day.

As for the sweet and savory selections, the homemade cakes are a highlight not to be overlooked. Customers rave about the blueberry banana bread, which is moist and flavorful, and the indulgent coconut almond cake, a must-try according to Andrew Chryssavgis. You’ll find that these baked goods are perfect companions to your steaming cup of coffee, crafting a delightful breakfast or leisurely afternoon snack.

With reviews praising their attentive service and exceptional flavors, little Ethel’s feels like a hidden gem in Balmain. Melissa Rahmani describes the vibe as simply the best for a morning coffee treat under the sun, and it’s hard to disagree. The combination of high-quality food, warm interactions, and a cozy aesthetic truly creates a sanctuary away from the busy streets.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a book, a quick coffee fix on the way to work, or a catch-up with friends over delicious homemade treats, little Ethel’s has it all. This lovely café not only fulfills your cravings but inspires you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures.

Make little Ethel’s your next stop in Balmain; you won’t just leave with a full belly but also a smile in your heart.

Service options
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours

Monday

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

171 Reviews
Tiago

13 Sep 2025

A cute pit stop for coffee and breakfast with good value, service, and taste. Very friendly service by Lisa and Leah (hope names are correct, from hearing them). Their greetings were friendly and we were asked if we wanted water which arrived in a very unique bottle with a cork, which I can appreciate being Portuguese Lisa, the barista, appeared to have excellent barista skills, and I could appreciate the quality of her coffee and the cleanliness around the coffee machine. Smashed Avo tasted nice and bigger than expected, with nice presentation on the plate. Decor of this venue, along with some creative signage, creates a nice atmosphere for a quick stop in the morning or if you're passing by the area. If you're visiting by car, you can find parking in nearby side streets with a 2 hour limit or bus stop close by also.

Andrew Chryssavgis

07 Sep 2025

Having driven past this little joint countless times I thought it was worth a visit. Pleasantly surprised and well run café. Their coffee has great taste and they even bake their own stuff. Coconut almond cake is a must. Love the German influences inside.

Melissa Rahmani

11 Aug 2025

Best coffees, cakes, food and vibe. I love my little morning coffee and treat, seating in the sun. Simply the best ! Thank you for giving happiness in cup

Paolo Bevilacqua

30 Jun 2025

This is a great little local cafe. Service is so warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in. There was a range of fresh baked breads and treats available as well as wraps. We tried the Blueberry banana bread which was super moist and delicious. Coffee and hot chocolate’s perfect too.

Holly Brooks

30 Jun 2025

Hidden gem in Balmain! The coffee is consistently delicious, the staff are always kind and the food is always delicious. If you're in need of a quick coffee fix on the way to work this is the place to be!

Irene

27 Jun 2025

Fantastic local gem with home baked cakes. Very cosy interiors, great friendly service with a smile and yummy food. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars is that the coffee is a bit too much of an Italian roast (Gabrielle) but I can see why other people might like it.

Živilė Jokubauskytė

25 Jun 2025

Oh my god!!!!! I took a sip and went “wow!!!” Absolutely incredible almond flat white! I don’t know what magic went into the cup, but it’s truly one of those blissful caffeinated moments! Definitely coming back! Love love love

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