Arc Cafe

Terrible overpriced tourist trap with overpriced poor food and drink. Run by a rude ugly odiferous manager who runs off paying customs from their tables while they are barely finished if he thinks he can make another nickel from another gullible tourist. Much better friendly options I later used not the quay. Weeks later and this dump still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

This is a great spot to escape the rain or sun, have a coffee, and watch the ferries. Nice views of the Harbour Bridge and a good spot to take a quick break. Good coffee, decent sandwiches, and normal prices even though they’re at a major tourist stop.

A fairly good hangout spot for a quality coffee hit in Circular Quay; yet for me personally coffee just doesn’t do it for me at that side of town. A great lunch pit stop for families in particular, especially when a coffee hit is in order for the parents of the children in prams; it is that type of vibe. Even though coffee doesn’t hit the spot for me personally on this side of town; needless to say their coffee is quite good with fast and prompt service to match.
There are a variety of good sandwiches on offer at this establishment as well. The way things are set up; you would be forgiven for thinking that a mobile coffee cart has been set up with similar tables and chairs to boot. Definitely suitable for Circular Quay, and they have created something for themselves in a convenient locale; especially as some of the Sydney’s street theatre performances happen around this end of the quay; even more reason for a coffee to get through it all. Not a bad establishment overall, you will definitely get your money’s worth by hanging out here. Good to support and give them a go. An establishment that needs to be visited to be appreciated.

The Arc Café is nicely placed between the tourist traps of the Toaster and the Wharves. Though only a little set back from both, it somehow gets you away from the hustle and bustle and affords you a tidy view of the ferries from beyond the steady stream of foot traffic.
I’ve stopped in here a couple of times, mostly in a rush and (as per usual) seeking a caffeine hit. The coffee isn’t any great shakes, but the relative calm of the Arc means you don’t have to fight the crowds, which is rather handy. I was also tempted by a muffin, which made for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
As Jo says, if you’re stuck waiting for a ferry, I’d definitely opt for Arc over City Extra.

Stuck with a few minutes before a ferry and not wanting to wade through the queues at the more upmarket cafes on the foreshore at Circular Quay, I was pleasantly surprised by Arc Café.
They seem to not exist on phone or internet, but I promise they are there. And with better coffee and better service than you may expect. Ordered my takeaway and got it with an enormous smile and a heart on the foam on top. Not that uncommon these days, but I still like to say thanks. The barista smiled ‘It’s perfect!’ she said, sounding surprised herself.
In a case they had a whole bunch of sandwiches and Italian pastries which looked like a great, economical option compared to the pricey upmarket cafes on one hand, and the awful cheapy ones on the wharves on the other.
And coffee comes with heart.