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…
Must-see restaurants in Sydney
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Sydney
Spanish Mission–style architecture, harbour views and outstanding food collide at one of Sydney’s most enduringly popular restaurants. The seasonal menu…
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…
Newtown & the Inner West
Part of Camperdown Commons, a conversion of a bowling club into organic farm and family-friendly cafe, eatery and play area, Acre is a breezy, good…
Newtown & the Inner West
Though service can be a little scatty, there's some excellent tapas-sharing to be done at this welcoming Glebe restaurant. A good selection of cured meats…
Newtown & the Inner West
Part of the buzzy Kensington Street precinct, Automata has minimalist industrial styling with two long tables interrupted by concrete columns. It's a…
Sydney
Right by the wharf, and under 10 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry, this restaurant offers an absolutely stupendous perspective of central Sydney…
Newtown & the Inner West
There's something very sweet about this no-frills but picturesque corner spot with a couple of streetside tables and tiny backyard. Pita pockets…
Sydney
Queues form here for the surprisingly delicious sugar-free, vegan gelati and cashew-based soft serve in Classic Caramel or Ferrero Rawcher; gluten-free…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Reviving the disappearing Sydney tradition of shopfront-style restaurants in terraced houses, this two-level European-influenced spot has rebranded as a…
Newtown & the Inner West
Hidden by the vintage pink-and-purple facade of a '60s hair salon, this sophisticated exploration of traditional Istanbul dishes is excellent. The…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Many of East Sydney’s celebrated Italian restaurants have closed, but blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Bar Reggio has retained a beautiful budget atmosphere. The…
Newtown & the Inner West
It's a pleasure to sit at the counter at this artfully designed deli and snack on charcuterie and fish preserves while quaffing a glass of vermouth or a…
City Centre & Haymarket
The noodles and buns are great, but it's the dumplings that made this licensed Taiwanese chain famous, delivering an explosion of fabulously flavoursome…
Northern Beaches
With its peaceful outlook over the Narrabeen lagoon, upstairs Limáni (there's a lift) is especially lovely at sunset. It's a cheerful, likeable place…
City Centre & Haymarket
Drawing on Penang home-cooking and street-food traditions, this is a wonderful den of aromas and flavours. Satisfying bowls of noodles come with rich…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Hans Mohr started this fishy takeaway and diner decades ago, plating up fancy fish and chips with Euro stylings. The interior is more East End London eel…
Newtown & the Inner West
Sequestered in the back of a decent second-hand bookshop, friendly Sappho is a beaut bohemian garden cafe-bar, its walls scrawled with generations of…
Sydney
Mini-moguls and luncheon ladies while away long afternoons beneath Bistro Moncur’s vaulted ceilings and monochromatic mural. The menu changes seasonally,…
Darling Harbour & Pyrmont
There's something really life-affirming about quality Malaysian cooking, and what you get here is certainly that. Dishes bursting with flavour and spice…
City Centre & Haymarket
Even if you ask for your Thai 'hot' in Sydney, some chefs are reluctant to open fire – but here you can expect mind-bending spice hits as a matter of…
Sydney
Perhaps not Sydney's absolute best seafood, but few can compete with Doyles' location or history – it first opened in 1885. Catching the harbour ferry to…
Northern Beaches
Be transported to a blissful seaside holiday with a long lunch at this elegant Palmie favourite. Overlooking glorious Pittwater from its dreamy location…
Sydney
In an appealing block of cafes close to the beach action but more peaceful, this little square place has more kitchen than customer space, but it's worth…
Circular Quay & The Rocks
This breezy, spacious restaurant on the Customs House roof has marvellous harbour and bridge views, an outdoor terrace, a glass ceiling, a cocktail bar…
City Centre & Haymarket
This impressive carnivores' paradise in the depths of the GPO building was doing top-quality steaks way before the current craze put a Wagyu in every…
Sydney
Carrying on the tradition of its Darlinghurst sister, Bondi's A Tavola gathers around a big communal marble table where, before the doors open, the pasta…
Newtown & the Inner West
You can tell a good yum-cha joint by the number of Cantonese diners inside and by that measure Hung Cheung is the best in the inner west. Gung-gungs …
Newtown & the Inner West
A creative menu of wood-grilled dishes is the backbone of the menu in this Tramsheds restaurant from the team behind Bodega and Porteño in Surry Hills…
