I first went to Berkelouw cafe a few year ago, and it was very good. I was there today, terrible experience. We thought stop by for a coffee and have a look at the books. I ended-up to ordered a glass house white wine, it was undrinkable, I only had a sip, I took it back, I wanted to get another glass of something more drinkable, the girl wanted to charge me full price for the other glass. I end-up to order a French Rose, the girl first wanted to charge me the full price and I wanted to pay the difference. I end-up to pay double the difference! And the Rose, ended up to be very average. My advice, to Berkelouw; you have a good collection of books, but terrible wines! Please address your wine list and advise your staff that if some one complain about the wines and only had a sip and took the full glass back they have to take it back and refund or if customer reorder and the only should charge the difference! Many thank!

It's got a big range of books. It's a three story commercial building with books on ground level and top {upper} level with cafe & books on the middle level. The menu i feel is substandard. It's not got enough choice on it's lunch/dinner menu and the only proper meal it has is the butter chicken curry {also may be the only reasonably priced lunch or dinner there}. Felt deceived by the words on it's front windows: books, wine, food and ideas. There's NO gift wrapping service there {not that I was after that today or even asked about it}. Thought {maybe} ideas meant within reasonable guidelines they could custom make gifts that uniquely thought of they want to give as gifts for their loved ones BUT aren't available in shops. ‍♂️

A delightful experience, very close to bohemian. Downstairs there's a buzz as you look through the books sharing this with other book-lovers and the book-loving-staff.I love the card selection too:original. Upstairs there is what must be the best cafe in a bookshop - comfortable lounge chairs and delightful tables, food and wine and coffee - and all around there are discussions and chat and people working together on their own projects. In the evening there's usually music - and at other times 'meet the author' and other events. There's a really great collection of second hand books - I found, amazingly, the magical "Silk Road" by Jeanne Larsen; all her wild imagination just sitting invitingly on the bookshelf by my coffee. What a gift to find!

Berkelouw houses one of the most impressive collections of new and second-hand books within Sydney - there were a range of new and upcoming books to choose from, as well as an extensive, expertly-curated selection of second-hand books (all in fantastic condition). The stools by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor were a lovely spot to sit by and peruse the books I'd contemplated buying, and the second-hand library on top was very enjoyable to browse. The building is vast and spacious across all three stories - a thoroughly gorgeous place altogether!

This is a 3 storey bookstore, with the 3rd floor being second hand books. 2nd floor has a cafe that's open till late, I've been a few times now and the service is a bit of a hit and missed, if you're not in a rush then it's not to bad (thankfully I was not in a rush, so I was fine) food is pretty pricey for what it is, drink prices are pretty standard. This doesn't deter me from going however. Plenty of seating and tables, the vibe is great. Good to go and read, write or sketch especially in the evening!

This was the first Berkelouw bookstore that I have even been to and I have been back many times. Such a vast array of amazing books on any topic that you can think of. They also sell second hand books and collectors items. You can lose hours in here pottering around the shelves and buy more books than you have time to read. This is a well set out bookstore and each section is clearly displayed. The staff are very nice, helpful and provide excellent customer service. Great coffee in the cafe as well

Terrible service. My partner bought a book at this place which turned out to be the same book he just purchased a week ago at this very same book shop but with different covers and titles. We took the book and receipt back the next day, tried to see if we can get a refund or exchange. But the person at the counter said to him “this is your fault”, without offering any sensible solutions. It is such a beautiful bookstore but the responses of this matter made us feel disappointed as book lovers.

One of the best bookstores in Sydney and definitely my favourite. The 3rd floor is filled with a good selection of second hand books. There's a small cafe (and bathroom) on the 2nd floor which I love - a good place to get some work done as it's fairly quiet. It's busy but the people who frequent are quite respectful and conscious of noise-level. The 1st floor has a bunch of cool stuff and there are always new things to check out. Love the magazine selection too!

Hi, i've been at Berkelouw book shop and cafe some time ago for meet up with a friend. The atmosphere is very quiet, perfect for relax and read a good book, big choice of books in regard to architecture, design, photography and arts in general. The staff is very professional and smileying, the product they offer are good quality and the choice of wine is impecable!! I can just recomend a place like this to everybody!!

A combination of good books, food and wine, what more can one ask from a bookstore? Spread over three levels, head for the middle one to start with and enjoy coffee or a full meal. Watch the ever interesting foot traffic on Oxford Street while you ponder your book choices. One more level up is book heaven, old books, a big table and space to think. Close to many other fascinating Paddington stores and galleries.

Finding the store- on the main street , easy to spot and yet calm and cosy inside. Books- lovely collection on the ground floor with organized genres for all new and top sellers. Love the second floor for old and used books. The collection is good and gives one a feeling of being in a lovely library. Cafe - good coffee and finger food. No complaints. We do visit them on Saturday mornings every now and then.

Been coming here for 20 years but had a very unpleasant experience today: an extremely hostile, unhelpful and aggressive male server at the 1812 cafe (1.30 pm, Saturday 20 November 2021). Other customers were also nonplussed at his threatening unpleasant manner. I hear it’s hard to find staff in hospitality at present, maybe that’s a factor. Previous staff have always been friendly. Shame.

This book shop never seems to be closed and it's a nice place to kill time before a movie at Verona. The cafe serves good coffee and half-decent food. The top-floor is wonderful for exploring second-hand books and it seems to host some book clubs. The used-books are not inexpensive but it's a well-curated collection. I found some first editions of Ruth Park.

Always have a great selection right at the front door. I've been here multiple times to buy gifts for friends and loved ones and I never have to walk more than 10 metres into the shop to find the perfect solution. They know how to create their reads, gift wrapping is on point and their cards and little gifts are gorgeous. Highly recommend!

Amazing as a cafe and even more amazing as a book shop. Scone with cream and jam was just YES, and the book selection and lay out was well though. Price was a bit thing as well, the books were a lot cheaper than I was expecting. The all around look and vibe of the place was top notch too, I'll be coming back here whenever I need a new book

A very good bookstore because they keep many of the more unusual volumes; also because they keep a good stock of 2nd hand books. Their upstairs café offers high quality food, snacks, coffee and other drinks. The atmosphere is quiet, business-like and high quality. They are immediately across the way from an exclusive cinema.

Just about the perfect location if you either want to shop or browse. Browsing is particularly good, as the cafe means that you can take a mid browsing break and extend your browse into the back half of your Sunday if you're so willing. Great place to take someone for a casual date if they're a bit bibliophilic!

This bookstore offers an eclectic selection of fiction, crime, biographies, art books, + philosophy. The wonderful children's books are colourful and fun. Worth a visit. And there's a cafe on the first floor. So choose a book and settle with a long listed Booker prize novel. You never know your luck.

Great selection of books at great prices. Randomly saw the store and was not disappointed! Bought some really great books that I have been looking for. Didn’t have anything to eat. There was different seating areas which was great so you aren’t squished together. Can’t wait to go back! :)

This place is freaking awesome. I haven’t eaten here but the coffee is great, the prices are on par. But the books! Such a great many books and accoutrements. Moleskin notebooks, nicknacks and the like. It is really a lovely place and I hate very much to leave it every time it closes.

Nice little book shop and cafe. The cafe have a nice little view out onto Oxford street with floor to roof glass windows so there is plenty of natural light the cafe also acts as the barrier between the second hand and new books. The have a nice selection of photography monographs.

The food isn't great. Went there for breakfast after reading some good reviews. We were surprised to at the menu consisting of bacon, eggs etc, and no kitchen. We found the poached eggs were microwaved and very hard. Bookstore is very good though. I'd recommend going for a coffee.

A great bookstore find hidden in Paddington. Modern contemporary design with vast selection of books. Very comfortable setting and spent a few hours here, with a quick bite at the cafe. Would have stayed longer but shop was closing. I can see the staff really enjoying themselves.

Such a great place for coffee and to browse their extensive collection of new and secondhand books. I was also really impressed with the friendly service from the staff who helped my friend by taking her pram upstairs so that we could have lunch together. Will definitely be back!

A fantastic book store with such a great collection. Usually bookstores have the same books at every shop, but this one had so many interesting books especially the art collection. Loved the secondhand book level. So many unique treasures and finds. The cafe was also lovely.

Great place to find second hand books. Also is laptop friendly. But the food was not that good when I went ( I ordered toast with salmon)- the bread was burnt and hard, and the salmon didn’t look fresh. But if you’re just looking for a place to read and kill time it’s great

I love going to Berkelouw's Bookshop. It has a superb selection of new and second hand books, on a huge number of topics. On the first floor there is an excellent cafe where you can sit by the window and look out over Oxford Street and the Verona Movie Theatre, next door.

I love this book shop where I invariably leave with a heavy bag of books. Prices are very fair and lots of new and used books to choose from. You can browse to your heart's content and there is a very nice cafe to take a break. Always top of my list when visiting Sydney.

A great place to buy books! The atmosphere is perfect and the staff are really friendly. I will definitely go back and buy more books. The philosophy section was quite big in comparison with other bookshops that prioritise self -care/ development over other disciplines.

A big thank you to the staff member whose written recommendation prompted my purchase of Red Rising by Pierce Brown. I absolutely loved it and am now working my way through the second instalment Golden Son! The perfect combination of sci-fi, drama, action and thrill!

A wonderful book store with a selection of rare books, gifts, 2nd hand books, new releases, kids arts & crafts, games and so much more. This 3 storey building has a lot of charm and a Cafe on the 2nd floor overlooking the bustling Oxford Street. Well worth a visit.

Approx 3.15pm a Group of 4 friends including myself were looking to have Coffee on a Friday Afternoon when ALL the Cafes around Taylor's Square close at 3pm. Fortunately 1 of us was a Lateral Thinker. The Obvious Answer was Berklouw's Upstairs Cafe. Fabby!

Very nice book store with cafe upstairs. Lots of other goods as well such as children's toys, games, accessories. Many book catalogues and upstairs there is a section where sells only second hand books. People hang here esp. upstairs for a long time often.

Mediocre service, had to wait 30 minutes for a $9 Ham cheese and tomato sandwich while the cafe was relatively quiet. Did not receive an apology. This place is obviously run by incompetent hipsters too preoccupied with appearing busy than serving people.

Very quiet and chilled out space tk have a coffee and read. They have three floors of books, and the Café is on the second floor. We stopped by to look around and decided to order upstairs. Fast and friendly service and my oat milk Latte was nice

Best place read a book or write your first novel and get it published. Some of the best local talent have spent hours here writing what can only be described as the quasi-creative-spiritual hub of Sydney's writing scene. If these books could talk....

A genuine pleasure visiting this place every time. Their book selection is so varied that I end up buying a book or two (or three) every time I visit. Their in-store cafe and late hours means it's the best Sunday evening coffee and reading spot

Good book shop, very unique. Has a good little cafe inside where you can read your purchases with a coffee or cheeky glass of wine ;) Very calm environment which is a lovely escape as you’re shopping along the bustling Oxford Street

Nice cafe, bookshop and excellent location. The cafe has an eclectic menu that will cater to a varied palette. The book selection is lovely too. Must visit if you are at oxford street or visiting the Verona Cinemas nearby.

Definitely my favourite book place in the city. I love its warm ambience and collection of course, I usually spend my time here upstairs @ the cafe for a meal & drink while reading / writing. The staff are friendly too!

Berkeley at Darlinghurst is great... brilliant book shop but also great for those slightly different but fun presents . To make it even better the Cafe is great, easy light food and a wine also available if wanted.

Boutique three level bookstore stocking a great selection of new and used book. Nice selection of design books. There's a cafe/restaurant on the second level with seating overlooking Oxford St. Chill atmosphere.

lovely staff who helped me choose what to eat. vege sandwich was solid :) pistachio raspberry slice was yum. couch by the window is comfy. wifi is a bit slow but have enjoyed my lounging around here, thank you!

I discovered this area today. I felt like in the some studio. The atmosphere was really cozy and warm.I like this book shop smell. Next time I will get there buy coffee as well. Nice staff is always helpful.

Love this bookstore. Every time I'm in the hood, I always make sure I pop in. Besides books, has cool knick knacks. There is always something there I want to buy. And theres a nice little cafe upstairs too.

Been going here for years. The quality of the food, coffee and service has gone downhill slightly over the last 18 months but the upstairs cafe is still one of the better places around to read and/or study

Met my future wife here 24 years ago and they are still going strong ( as are we ). Every book you will ever want is here. Amazing selection. A nice relaxing coffee lounge on the first floor too. …

Good atmosphere, sells books, wine and food. Also some top notch gifts. Better than most other places. Food would have been much better if not massively over heated. The picture is chilli chicken.

Atmosphere was really lovely and a large variety of books, including second hand ones. They also have a book blind date too which is really interesting. Have an area for gifts, cards and games.

Great bookstore and they have a great cafe upstairs, so if you want a slice of cake and a coffee at 9pm and not get looked at like it’s a bother in the Easter suburbs, this is the first choice

Great bookstore with a cafe inside. I love coming here as it's so relaxing and the staff are really helpful with finding the books you need. Kick back in the cafe and try before you buy here.

I had an evening meal here and it was delicious. Good selection of reasonably priced food. Friendly service and wine. It was quiet and relaxed. And surrounded by books - what could be better.

A cafe that will give you coffee past 3pm. With books. Even leather arm chairs. And the clocks don't seem to be ticking. Sign me up for a rapidly-vanishing old-school cafe experience!

Spectacular bookstore-cafe with a great selection of new and used books as well as gifts/trinkets. Good coffee and food if a tad expensive but it's worth it to cosy up and read/work.

Gorgeous vibe, all the new and best on politics, culture, and fiction. Staff know their books! Lovely Cafe upstairs and an eclectic 2nd hand floor. My favourite bookstore in Sydney.

Just a fantastic Sydney institution. Great place to hang out with food, coffee and wine on the first floor. Don't miss the top level second hand book section. Simply wonderfull.

Spent about an hour here...found a great book an beer brewing and really enjoyed looking around. Make sure to check out all three floors as each has something unique to offer!

Lovely local bookstore, with a great range of Australian and international books. My go to for quirky greetings cards. They also do some lovely gifts - and are dog friendly.

Excellent selection of used books, the best in Sydney as far as I know. Open late for those long browsing sessions. Cafe on the second floor but I haven't tried it (yet!).

I often lose hours in here just browsing - and buying too many books. Nice cafe upstairs with also live music occasionally. One of my favourite book stores in the area.

I could never resist a charming bookstore. The way it incorporates new publications and second hand treasure proved to be deadly to my wallet each time I visit.

It is a good, quirky bookshop. Staff are very friendly (which is surprising for Sydney). Selection is solid too. The prices are a bit steeper than usual though.

Books, cafe, good vibes. Great place to pick up a new read or spend some time catching up with friends at the 2nd floor cafe. Feels cozy and smells like books!

I love that this place closes late even on a Sunday. This place is lovely to hang out for just a chill or even just browsing books. Definitely would come back

Love this spot.. so many amazing books, trinkets, cards, etc! Cute cafe as well.. always feels so warm and welcoming in here :) got some great finds here!

An amazing little bookshop! Lovely staff and a brilliant selection of books both new and secondhand. Love the variety of giftware and the cafe atmosphere.

Great place to get coffee and the latest books. Very good attention. Lovely decoration. I can spend all my day just browsing. However, prices are high.

Great place to have read while have an ice latte and butter chicken with rice. But the staff was not so friendly tho. Everything else was perfect.

A great place to escape the rat race. Wonderful collections of books and gifts. I'm having dinner at the moment in the cafe. Very good food!

This place I would recommend to everyone who likes books, coffee and wine. It is quite and atmospheric place in the city at Paddington area.

Beautiful bookstore with a great range and helpful staff. The cafe is awesome as well, a great place to relax with a coffee and a book.

Nice lunch and cup of coffee after visiting hospital! Lots of great books to browse through and buy. My favourite place in that area.

This is such a lovely bookstore! Great place for new books, secondhand books and gifts. There's a cafe and great meeting room spots!

A great place to spend time browsing the shelves, reading or working quietly. Cafe is perfect for reading which enjoying their menu.

Nice cafe area upstairs to do reading and study. The books on shelf at this shop is more limited than other stores.

Love this bookstore. Excellent selection of books and staff is very knowledgeable. Great for gifts as well

Not your average bookstore. So many amazing books! Relaxed atmosphere, great cafe. I could live in there.

Fav book shop in the Easter suburbs. First and second hand books and a nice cafe to sit and read/reflect.

Really nice book shop with a cafe upstairs. The staff was really helpful once you got their attention.

love the vibe, the choice among the books, the cafe upstairs, and the staff is super nice …

I wish the entrance was a lot more child-friendly. The stairs are a challenge for any stroller.

Does not pick up the phone, I’ve called 4 times and it’s been left ringing the whole time.

Great place for killing time. Coffee was good but vegi were frozen. Coffee bean us toby’s

Fabulously stocked bookstore for browsing , drinking coffee, more browsing, and buying…

Great book shop. Our go to for last minute birthday presents as they do gift wrapping.

Had a peaceful meal at the cafe, then enjoyed browsing the books (new and secondhand)

There for the launch of Clogball, excellent location and fantastic book store

Could spend a few days in here. Always worth a visit while in Sydney.

Very nice cozy book store and cafe :) food is quite delicious too :)

Over from the UK on holiday. Lovely bookshop and eating area …

I loved it so much. Great range of books and reasonably priced.

A great place for good coffee and a quiet peacefull atmosphere.

Lovely place, but rude staff and watery/weak coffee upstairs.

Really nice quiet place to grab a coffee and read a book

Fantastic bookstore with friendly and helpful staff :)

Love this book shop, it's always my go-to for gifts.

theres a cafe upstairs, coffee is quite nice …

Great range of books, lovely staff, worth a visit!

Wonderful location, space, books, coffee & staff!

Unbelievably it doesn't have Wifi