9 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Sunderland

This is a North-East city on the rise. From bodegas on the clifftops to flat whites and vinyls, independents across Sunderland serve up some of the best food and coffee in the North-East. This is my guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Sunderland.

Once a city I’d never ordinarily pick over spending a day in Newcastle or Durham, it’s not hard to see why so many are recommending visiting Sunderland thanks to the multi-million pounds worth of investment over the last few years. Independent businesses are returning to Sunderland in their droves and there’s honestly never been a better time to visit the city.

Over time, I’ve managed to visit quite a few of the cool local hotspots (some new and some of Sunderland’s finest institutions) serving up great coffee and fantastic food. I regularly get asked for my recommendations so it’s time to pull my thoughts and photos together to give you some proper inspiration.

Whether you’re from the North East looking for a new spot for your flat-white or for your weekend brunch or planning an alternative North-East city break and need a list of places to refuel, this guide on the best cafes and coffee shops in Sunderland is for you.

THE BEST CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS IN SUNDERLAND

Cole Kitchen

Let’s kick things off with my favourite of all cafes and coffee shops in Sunderland, Cole Kitchen. You’ll find Cole Kitchen above the cliffs in Roker on an unassuming residential street standing out with its iconic red/pink? frontage. This is a gem of a find and, if you haven’t already, get down to find out what all the hype is about.

Cole Kitchen obviously offer great coffee (and iced lattes perfect for beach walks in the summer) but its their famous sandwiches that keep everyone coming back for more. Featuring local ingredients and cooked fresh to order, the ‘sandos’ I’ve tried so far are out of this world. I highly recommend the Reuben Roll (featuring house smoked pastrami, Emmental, mustard, sauerkraut, Russian dressing & pickles), the Half & Half (De Giorgio smoked streaky bacon, De Giorgio sausage patty, fried egg, cheddar and the exceptional house chilli jam) and the Mumbai if you’re vegetarian or aren’t in the mood for meat (spiced potato & onion rosti, fried egg, cheddar, rocket, coriander chutney & house masala ketchup). There’s also a great collection of freshly baked treats; the Lemon Meringue was exceptional.

There’s limited seating on the front terrace but don’t be afraid to walk back across to the clifftops for brunch with a view.

Side House Cottage, St George’s Terrace, Roker | Website

Fausto Coffee

Another top spot in Roker, Fausto Coffee is right on the beachfront (aka the Roker Riveria) and has long been a destination for cyclists looking to refuel as well as for beach-goers and dog walkers in need of refreshments.

You can expect artisan single origin coffee which is either roasted in-house or often you’ll find guest beans filling the grinder so it’s a great opportunity to try some high quality coffee from across the North East. There’s fresh bakes on the counter too such as homemade cake and brownies and, from Tuesday to Saturday until 9pm, Fausto Coffee fires up the wood oven to churn out incredible pizzas and flatbreads. Between 4pm and 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday, you can grab two for just £15.

Roker Seafront | Instagram

Love Lily

Roker is also home to the original location of the infamous Love Lily’s where you can expect stacks of pancakes bigger than your head draped in lashings of warm pink chocolate sauce, fancy-toppings on your hot chocolate and queues of people hoping to grab a table. Love Lily’s has long maintained the hype and buzz that comes with picture-perfect pancakes and is certainly one of the best places in the North-East for brunch.

My recommendation for the pancakes is definitely the Funfetti if you’re after the pink/sprinkle look (it’s chocolate sauce but pink) as I apparently was on my visit! Other than that, the Kinder would be my next port of call with warm white chocolate sauce and Kinder Bueno pieces. Oh, and coco pops. Love Lily’s aren’t all about the sweet treats though, there are savoury breakfasts and burgers to tempt you too.

Roker Seafront | Instagram

Pop Recs / Sonnys

Pop Recs has long been on my list of places to visit as it’s got to be one of the coolest spots in Sunderland especially for music lovers. Whether you’re looking for a new record, wanting to watch live music or grab a great cup of coffee (or even a pint of Vaux on draught) then Pop Recs (and Sonny’s) is the place for you. Sonny’s is the more formal cafe side of things so you can expect sandwiches on freshly baked foccacia and loads of tasty cakes.

172-175 High Street West | Instagram

Otto Coffee

The owner of Otto, Ashley, used to run Coffeehaus; a minimalist coffee shop within an independent clothing store. I remember visiting and being so impressed with the coffee I couldn’t wait to hear so I was a little disappointed to see that it closed its doors soon after. However, the good news is that Ashley is back in a space dedicated not only to speciality coffee but light bites, crafts beer and cocktails too. The atmosphere is chilled, you’ll love it here.

29 Stockton Road | Website

Grinder Coffee Co

Grinder Coffee Co is one of the most-well known of Sunderland’s cafes probably thanks to its iconic bright yellow cafe on Durham Road but it’s also ventured in the city centre at the Hill Arts Centre. I loved the coffee here, especially the Flat White, so I would definitely keep returning. I also had my first introduction to the infamous ‘pink slice’; a favourite treat among Mackems and now me!

24A New Durham Road / Hill Arts Centre | Website

The Little Shop

Guess what? This coffee shop is tiny. Hence the name. It is, however, one of my top spots to grab a takeaway coffee in Sunderland and I always make sure to stop by to keep the caffeine levels up as I explore the city. You can pick up some artisan bakes (think lovely doughnuts) plus local beers and other cool produce to enjoy at home.

313 High Street West | Instagram

Resinn

Ok, this is has got to be one of the most interesting hangout spots on the list. Resinn has long been a coffee roaster supplying cafes across the North-East but, in Summer 2023, the owners opened the doors to the basement of their under-renovation townhouse creating a pop up cafe and homeware store that is without doubt the best hidden coffee spot in the North-East. Those in the know head down once a month (dates announced on Instagram) and savour good, single origin coffee chosen and roasted specifically by Resinn’s owners alongside sweet treats baked by The Northern Bistro.

This is one not to miss!

SR2 7BD | Website

Sweet Petite

I visited Sweet Petite, housed within the lovely Victorian building ‘Mackie’s Corner’, as part of the bi-annual Sunderland Restaurant Week and couldn’t believe the quality of cakes on offer; they were insanely good and absolutely huge too which you can never complain about. All of the sweet treats are baked daily on site with cheesecakes, muffins, blondies, brownies, eclairs and macarons all regularly available. You can sit in too which is a delight so grab a few cakes to share and wash it down with a strong cup of tea or coffee.

103 High Street West | Website

Well that wraps up my guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Sunderland which I hope you’ve enjoyed and perhaps it has helped plan your next visit into the city. I know there will be many locals that read this so, if you’ve got your own secret hotspots, let me know in the comments below and I’ll make sure to visit soon!