Ah, Sydney. If there is one thing I know well it’s food, so if your hitting up Australia’s largest city anytime soon or planning on moving, this guide should prove useful to you! We all know the usual go-to places like Sushi Train and Meat & Wine Co., but this list is focusing more on the hidden gems that even Sydneysiders would be unaware of. The restaurants below are sure to satisfy both your stomach and wallet alike. Let the drooling commence…
1) Hachi Hana (Japanese). Located in Chippendale, an area known for its abundance of cool bars and brunch spots; Hachi Hana is a cafe/diner with some pretty dice Japanese food.
2) Il Forno (Italian). Another Chippendale spot found on Abercrombie Street, this cosy Italian eatery is ideal for a chilled meal. Also, check out their new revamped menu!
3) Manta Restaurant (Mexican). Looking for something tasty while waiting for your flight at Sydney Airport? Look no further than Manta, an incredibly underrated Mexican hot-spot located in the Qantas domestic terminal. You can expect to find pork belly tacos and quesadillas loaded with cheese and meat galore! After stuffing yourself silly here, you won’t need airport food ever again… I promise.
4) Rockpool Bar & Grill (Australian/Asian). With outlets in both Sydney and Melbourne, the Rockpool empire is owned by world-renowned chef Neil Perry. Sydney has its very own waterfront outlet, with stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background. This place does both Asian-inspired dishes (The Rockpool Bar & Grill part) and great Aussie pub favorites too! Make sure to try their famous lamb rack when they have it on special.
5) Say Modern Thai (Thai). A little out of the way but well worth a visit in Coogee, this isn’t your typical greasy spoon Thai restaurant; it’s classy. They also offer cooking classes if you’re keen to learn how to make authentic Thai dishes yourself!
6) Skye Lounge (Mediterranean). Tucked away on the ground level of the Holiday Inn hotel in Sydney’s CBD, this hidden gem has a fantastic view of the city. My only regret is that I wasn’t staying at this hotel! The food was absolutely incredible and very well priced too. You can expect to pay about $10-$20 for mains there.
7) Valve (Greek). In Alexandria near Central Station, this joint does some seriously tasty modern Greek dishes with an ever-changing menu. On weekdays they’re open for breakfast/brunch too which makes it even better!
8) Whaite (Australian). A cozy little bar with dance pub food located in Paddington; what more could you ask for? The perfect place if you’re looking to have a few drinks with your mates!
9) Wok Wok (Chinese). Another Chippendale gem, this place does the best beef and black bean sauce noodles I’ve ever tried. Really affordable too meaning you can fill yourself up for around $10-$20 easily.
10) Zushi’s Tsukiji Fish Market (Japanese). This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Sydney because it offers really high-quality sushi/sashimi at an affordable price. It is hard to get a table, but I promise it’s worth the wait. Also take note: 1) they only do takeaway and 2) cash only so come prepared! You can expect to pay $20-$40 for mains.
11) Eat Fuh (Vietnamese). Located in Marrickville, this place is Vietnamese fusion at its finest! They also do an all-you-can-eat dim sum menu on weekends that includes dumplings, spring rolls, and more. You can expect to pay $25-$50 for mains here.
12) Supper Inn (Chinese). Run by the same people as Zushi’s Tsukiji Fish Market, the main difference being the location. And yes it’s another cash-only restaurant so come prepared! You can expect to pay around $20-$40 for mains there too.
13) The Hills Table (Australian/). A nice little country pub located in The Hills District that’s perfect after a long day of shopping! They also do brunch on weekends, so if you’re looking for some hearty Aussie cooking then this would be your spot.
14) Rocky Papaya (Vietnamese). Located in Newtown, this place is hands down my favorite Vietnamese place in Sydney. Their pho is incredibly fresh and tastes amazing! It’s always busy because it does great food but don’t worry about waiting too long because they have lots of tables. You can expect to pay around $20-$30 for mains here.
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