Ah, to be wined and dined in the Harbour City… Eating out in Sydney is on the expensive side, but the city’s waterside restaurants, buzzing yet laidback atmosphere and multicultural foodie status make a culinary splurge here a must for any visitor.
From Haberfield, the up-and-coming Little Italy, to trendy Surry Hills, you can’t go wrong with these top wine and food suburbs. You can thank us later.
Darlinghurst
Weeknights and weekends see the city’s high-flyers and beautiful people flock to this high dining haven. You’ll only need to wander its slick city streets to come across a restaurant that’ll fit your proverbial bill (pun intended), though we recommend A Tavola.
Darlinghurst’s collection of wine and cocktail bars is particularly heady, with something to suit every taste. Trademark Love Tilly Devine (named after a 1920s gangster maven) is a classic local wine bar.
The Rocks
Little needs to be said for The Rocks, a historic former slum region that is now one of the prettiest and liveliest corners of Sydney. With night markets and a dazzling array of nightlife options – from restaurants, bars and pubs – the area really comes to life after dawn.
Sophisticated and innovative, The Quay is an institution, though not for the faint (nor frugal) hearted. Spend a night here to soak up views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and unwind with the city’s upper crust.
Haberfield
Neighbouring Leichhardt gets all the glory – and crowds – as the city’s best bet for Italian restaurants, but Haberfield is the up-and-comer poised to take the crown of Sydney’s own Little Italy.
To name just one favourite, Napoli in Bocca is a well-renowned hit, with dishes that will make you reminisce about your last trip to the Italian peninsula. The pizza in particular is to die for. Follow it up with the homemade Sicilian desserts on offer at Pasticceria Papa, cannoli, jam donuts or trademark gelato.
Parramatta
A half hour or so from central Sydney will take you to its ‘second CBD’ and the unofficial capital of the city’s western suburbs: Parramatta. A buzzing al fresco atmosphere, redeveloped riverside precinct and historic convict-built bridge mark Church Street as Parramatta’s fine dining boulevard. Here, you will stumble along just about any ethnic cuisine – Brazilian to Lebanese, Greek to Sri Lankan, and perhaps more Thai places than perhaps even Newtown, typically more affordably priced than out east.
Other prime dining spots in the western suburbs include Cabramatta, also known as Little Vietnam, and the rich Middle Eastern cuisine on offer in Lakemba. Granville’s El Jannah is also reputed to offer the best charcoal chicken in the city.
Surry Hills
Last but far from least, oh-so-cool Surry Hills is something of a magnet for hipsters and foodies alike. One look at its rich array of eateries – tucked between op-shops, vintage stores and book cafes – and you’ll see why.
To get you started, Bentley, Marque and Porteno are just three big names that ought to satisfy even the fussiest of tastebuds. There are really too many bars and wine bars to name, but 121 BC is a stand-out. Surry Hills is truly a pocket of Sydney best explored on an empty stomach, and wherever your feet take you, you’re likely to be impressed.
Sarah Trevor is a media student and freelance writer. She loves being a tourist in her own hometown by exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of Sydney, accommodation, dining and entertainment alike.