Must-see restaurants in New South Wales

  • Faheem Fast Food in Enmore

    Faheem Fast Food

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This Enmore Rd stalwart offers a totally no-frills dining atmosphere but very tasty and authentic curry and tandoori options served until late. Its Haleem…

  • Fleetwood Macchiato

    Fleetwood Macchiato

    Newtown & the Inner West

    Top points for the name, but Fleetwood Macchiato backs it up with excellent coffee, delicious cooked breakfasts and heart-winning fusion flavour…

  • A private leafy path leads to the restaurant

    Italian Byron Bay

    Byron Bay

    Adjoining the Beach Hotel, this atmospheric Italian place has Med-resort vibes and turns out a reliable menu of authentic dishes to an appreciative…

  • Ampersand Cafe.

    Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

    Sydney

    Which are better, the books or the cooks? Either way, you’re guaranteed to find a good read (heaps of new and second-hand books over three floors) and a…

  • x-default

    Top Shop

    Byron Bay

    High up on the hill east of town, Top Shop has long been the choice of local surfers. Today it's a casually upmarket version of the old-school takeaway,…

  • With plenty of greenery and rustic finishes, Folk has a relaxed, holiday vibe

    Folk

    Byron Bay

    This delightful wooden-cottage cafe sits beside a busy caravan park but is a world unto itself, with a pretty garden setting and even prettier plating up…

  • Infinity Bakery.

    Infinity Bakery

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    One of Sydney's standout artisan bakers, Infinity has delicious sourdough and Turkish breads, as well as coffee and a small selection of cafe fare: rolls,…

  • Fred's

    Sydney

    Fresh, local ingredients are given an Italian spin and roasted over an open hearth in this airy and convivial space. But the real treat here is peeking…

  • Hungry Monkey

    South Coast NSW

    The most popular (read: Instagram-worthy) of Kiama's growing seam of cafes, Hungry Monkey distinguishes itself by superb coffee, gourmet burgers and a…

  • Gantry

    Circular Quay & The Rocks

    Despite all that water, there aren't too many harbourside restaurants in this area. Fortunately this one hits plenty of culinary high notes, though…

  • Barrio

    Byron Bay

    The hip industrial decor at Barrio blends in well to its industrial estate surrounds, where Argentinian-chef Francisco Smoje serves a flavour-filled menu…

  • Merimbula Wharf

    South Coast NSW

    As much a destination venue as a restaurant, the views over bay and beach are just stunning from the windows of the Wharf southeast of central Merimbula…

  • Nomad

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    Though this large open space has a modern industrial look, with exposed surfaces and visible ducting, the cuisine takes its inspiration from more…

  • Bar Zini

    Darling Harbour & Pyrmont

    Reliably excellent, this neighbourhood trattoria plates up beautifully balanced flavours for a mostly local crowd. Whether you choose the oxtail ragù, an…

  • Ode

    Sydney

    A dark haven from the bright Bondi glare, smoky smells from the oysters on the hibachi (Japanese charcoal grill) pervade this wood, copper and leather…

  • Waterfront Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Guarded by territorial seagulls, this cafe sits on the boardwalk in the centre of town, gazing upon the lake. Service is attentive, the coffee's decent…

  • Hopscotch

    New South Wales

    The hard-angled surfaces of this parkside establishment amplify the din of delighted diners, shovelling away perhaps Tamworth's best breakfast (the baked…

  • Safya

    Byron Bay

    This family-run spot gives cafe fare a fusion Med–Middle Eastern tweak – eggs with cumin-spiked butter, falafel and pita bread, and avocado toast dusted…

  • The Pantry

    Manly

    Right on the beach, this Manly favourite is perfect for watching the goings-on in the water and on the sand while kicking back with anything from a hearty…

  • Spice Alley

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This little laneway off Kensington St by Central Park is a picturesque outdoor eating hub serving street-foody dishes from various Asian cuisines. Grab…

  • Lentil as Anything

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This Melbourne import stands out by offering tasty fare (usually South Asian–influenced) on a voluntary-contribution basis. You can give money for your…

  • Milk Bar

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A later than usual opening means this lovely cafe, with its rustic communal dining table and footpath seats, is all about the big brunch or late lunch, or…

  • The Point

    Mid-North Coast

    A local favourite for special occasion dining, patrons enjoy lovely views from the balcony and glassed-in dining room of this flagship restaurant at the…

  • Tramsheds Harold Park

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This foodie hang-out is a refurbished centenarian brick tram depot at the northern end of Glebe. It's a handsome redevelopment with a supermarket,…

  • Curries & More

    Mid-North Coast

    Amrit and Rachana Poudyal are known for their authentic kitchen at this friendly place, nestled in a less-than-glamorous shopping strip. Indian standards…

  • Latitude 30

    Coffs Harbour

    Views take in the charming working harbour to the jetty and Muttonbird Island, or across to the Pacific Ocean at this popular seafood spot. Gorge on…

  • Baumé

    Hunter Valley

    If you need a solid feed to prep for an afternoon's wine tasting, this casual winery spot fits the bill. Food is designed for sharing, which is just as…

  • Milkwood Bakery

    South Coast NSW

    Milkwood showcases baked goods from the owners' sourdough bakery, which basks in a glowing local reputation. Every imaginable loaf and confection is here,…

  • Quarters

    South Coast NSW

    A stripped-back bistro in a century-old cottage, the Quarters flirts with Spanish and Italian flavours. Seafood features heavily, like crispy squid,…

  • Merimbula RSL Club

    South Coast NSW

    You might not expect Merimbula's best Thai food to be sizzled up in the Returned Services League Club, but its kitchen turns out generous and well-spiced…

  • Mercado

    City Centre & Haymarket

    Set in a busy, buzzy basement, Mercado riffs on Spanish themes to produce an excellent menu of tapas-style dishes backed up by succulent spit-roasted…

  • South on Albany

    South Coast NSW

    Just off the main drag, this small, exclusive-feeling restaurant has a sound philosophy of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients highlighted in a short,…

  • Sprout

    South Coast NSW

    Sprout is a health-conscious street cafe which taps right into the local community spirit. Coffee, sandwiches and 'nourish bowls' are the main attractions…

  • Fumo

    Blue Mountains

    The Fumo site has seen a few restaurants in recent years, but this has ingredients for longevity, with a convivial, high-volume interior and a short,…

  • 100 Mile Table

    Byron Bay

    One of Byron Bay’s most feted cafes, in the Arts & Industry Estate, 100 Mile Table's locavore ethos, produce-led menu and relaxed industrial styling are a…

  • Sienna's

    Mid-North Coast

    Sienna's offers a budget-conscious alternative to the myriad of Port Stephens' tourist-priced seafood restaurants. Now in its second decade of operation,…

  • Biota Dining

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    The innovative fine-dining menus focus on produce sourced from Biota's close relationships with local farmers and growers. Menus are continually refined…

  • Bathers’ Pavilion

    Sydney

    Spanish Mission–style architecture, harbour views and outstanding food collide at one of Sydney’s most enduringly popular restaurants. The seasonal menu…

  • Agrestic Grocer

    New South Wales

    This rustic cafe-grocer, a few kilometres north of town on the Mitchell Hwy (also known as Molong Rd), celebrates local produce. Breakfast on house…

  • Bea

    Darling Harbour & Pyrmont

    Looking like a double-decker salad burger with its concentric rings and verdant planter boxes, Barangaroo House is a striking addition to Sydney's…