Must-see restaurants in New South Wales

  • Catalina

    Sydney

    Named after the flying boats once based here, this excellent Rose Bay restaurant has marvellous views, a lively eastern suburbs vibe and an impressive…

  • Barcycle

    Circular Quay & The Rocks

    One of several inviting spots for a light meal on the handsome wharves of Walsh Bay, this hole-in-the-wall is run by a friendly Italian family who offer a…

  • Bocados

    Newcastle

    A block away from Newcastle Beach, Bocados (the name means 'mouthfuls') has a menu featuring an intriguing range of small and large tapas plates that…

  • Wedge

    Newtown & the Inner West

    Cut a corridor out of the side of a building, open it to the street and add artful industrial decor and you have the Wedge, which has delicious single…

  • Bells Milk Bar

    Broken Hill

    In South Broken Hill (follow Crystal St west from the train station), this old milk bar is a slice of 1950s nostalgia. Sip on a 'soda spider' or milkshake…

  • Hunters Quarter

    Hunter Valley

    With a lovely outlook over the vines from the array of floor-to-ceiling windows, this place is bustling but intimate. Flavoursome dishes are produced from…

  • Lucio Pizzeria

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    One of a cluster of eateries in an attractive courtyard off Palmer St, Lucio's has impeccable Italian credentials: the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired…

  • Singhan Da Dhaba

    Mid-North Coast

    This traditional Sikh dhaba (roadside food stall) does tasty traditional North Indian vegetarian dishes that are very much like what you'd have in an…

  • Miss Heidi's Tea House

    Snowy Mountains

    This darling chalet near Mt Gladstone Lookout, west of town and 1km off the highway, was built log by log by a German-Austrian couple. For more than 40…

  • Nile Street Cafe

    New South Wales

    Located away from the main street, this cute cafe is usually chockfull of locals. Plant yourself down in the sun-filled courtyard, order something…

  • Burger Rebellion

    Mid-North Coast

    A smart space with wooden communal counters, booths and street-side tables, it delivers tasty gourmet burgers, craft beer and friendly service…

  • Lillino's

    Hunter Valley

    It's a romantic, dreamy outlook over vines and hills from the outdoor tables here at sunset. Pleasantly removed from the busy heart of things, this…

  • Rollz

    City Centre & Haymarket

    We're not sure if it's the crispy fresh-baked bread or the delicious pate that makes the pork rolls here some of Sydney's best…we'll have to order another…

  • Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf

    Sydney Region

    The Cregan family has been serving fish and chips here since 1974. Grab them takeaway and enjoy in the park (like the pelicans, who are fed daily at 3pm)…

  • Chica Bonita

    Manly

    This upbeat place rises above its unprepossessing location: straddling the end of a dingy shopping arcade, with carpark views. It offers zingy, inventive…

  • Hugos

    Manly

    Occupying Manly's prime location on the wharf, Hugos has super views from its open windows and sought-after outdoor deck. Relax on the banquette seating…

  • Table View

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    The coffee is just about perfect here and the breakfast, brunch and lunch menu holds a few happy surprises. Sure, there are breakfast bowls, chia pud and…

  • Gundagai Bakery

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    On the main street, this place claims to be the oldest working bakery in Australia. According to a sign out the front, German settler William Bibo built…

  • Main Street Burger Bar

    Byron Bay

    This laid-back joint has a neat list of burgers, shakes, beers and cocktails, with an emphasis on local produce. For purists, the classic cheeseburger (…

  • Miei Amici

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Come for Griffith's best breakfasts: nothing fancy here, just excellent omelettes, eggs poached to perfection, great coffee and freshly squeezed juices…

  • Haldi

    New South Wales

    A wonderful surprise: authentic, high-quality Indian cuisine with matching table service, set on a quintessentially Australian streetscape in Gulgong…

  • Flemish Flavours

    Blue Mountains

    Just above the station, this is a surprising find: set in a lush garden, the interior and verandah of a Blue Mountains mansion hold a restaurant serving…

  • Grappa

    Newtown & the Inner West

    You'll forget the ugly exterior and main-road location once you enter Grappa, with its polished glassware and crisp tablecloths. It's the setting for rich…

  • Formaggi Ocello

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    Love a cheesy grin? Then Formaggi Ocello is for you. This excellent Italian deli has a great range of cheeses, mostly Italian, Spanish and French, with…

  • Lucio's

    Sydney

    Among all the cutting-edge Italian cuisine, there's still a lot of love for this expensive but gloriously welcoming family-run neighbourhood favourite…

  • Crabbe Hole

    Sydney

    Tucked within the Icebergs pool complex (there's no need to pay admission if you're only eating), this buzzy cafe offers toasted sandwiches, muesli and…

  • Ripples Chowder Bay

    Sydney

    Blending Italian and mod Oz influences, Ripples offers smart food in a former army complex overlooking the beach at the end of Chowder Bay Rd. The setting…

  • Anonymous

    Blue Mountains

    It's hard to stay anonymous when you do the best coffee in town, so you might only just squeeze into this bijou two-roomed cafe. There's an appetising…

  • Pins on Lurline

    Katoomba

    Push through the unpromising entrance to this charming dining room inside a heritage home. It's a local favourite for its seasonal dishes drizzled in…

  • Hub

    New South Wales

    On a Bathurst strip with a few cool cafe options, the courtyard canopy of red umbrellas and green leaves makes this popular spot the perfect place for an…

  • Central Baking Depot

    City Centre & Haymarket

    This CBD produces quality baked goods right in the heart of the CBD (central business district). Drop by for a savoury snack (pies, quiches, soups,…

  • Boathouse Shelly Beach

    Manly

    This sweet little spot on picturesque Shelly Beach makes a top venue for breakfast juices, brunches, fish 'n' chips, oysters, tasty flatbreads and daily…

  • Chester White

    Kings Cross & Potts Point

    Calling itself a 'cured diner', this diminutive corner eatery, named after a breed of pig, serves nine different kinds of cured meats, a large variety of…

  • Dulcie's Cottage

    South Coast NSW

    A renovated 1920s cottage is the scene for the Sapphire Coast's coolest, and surely tastiest, burger bar. Food truck outside, bartenders inside, lots of…

  • Lighthouse Beach Cafe

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    With terrific views of East Ballina's Lighthouse Beach, this family-friendly cafe at the surf club turns out hearty breakfasts and some good comfort food…

  • Mr Benedict

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Well-regarded Mr Benedict combines the best coffee in town, a concise but well-chosen beer and wine list, and interesting breakfast and lunch blackboard…

  • Eltons Eating + Drinking

    New South Wales

    Share plates, tacos and decadent desserts are some of the culinary finds on the versatile food menu. A carefully curated drinks menu – predominantly…

  • Beef & Beach

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    It's all in the name at this upstairs restaurant opposite the beach at the Lennox Hotel. The large decking area is the perfect place to combine wave…

  • Port Bar

    Sydney

    Opposite the wharf in Parramatta, this is popular throughout the day for everything from breakfast to beers on the terrace. It offers authentic, family…

  • La Piadina

    Sydney

    A piadina is a filled flat bread common in northern Italy, and the Zizioli brothers are the only ones serving them in Sydney. Fillings include prosciutto,…