As Sydney was pretty much my inspiration for starting my blog I thought it was about time that I noted down my original “list” for you. This is a pretty special post for me and was a lovely trip down memory lane remembering all of the great times had at these places with Roger and with friends. So if you are ever in Australia, experience it like I used to and let me know what you think.
Sydney is a big city, with so many options that it was very difficult knowing where to start. There are also probably over 100 new places that have opened up since we left, but here are a few of my absolute favourites. I’ve attempted to narrow down my list (it really was a lot longer). Make sure you venture out of the city centre as that is where you will find a whole host of amazing eateries and bars. Areas you should definitely check out are:
- Surry Hills: full to the brim of cafes, restaurants and bars
- Paddington: lots of smaller restaurants and bars (and cool independent shops)
- Newtown (our old neighbourhood): a really alternative area, but so many really cool bars and cafes to try, and you will spend hour’s people watching here.
Cafes
Our local café for breakfast. Absolutely do not miss their french toast with salted caramel and they also offer one of the best avocado on toasts in Sydney.
This place is pretty famous now and gets very busy (so I advise going on a weekday if you can) but their food and coffee is great and the setting is just beautiful. They even have a famous pig, Kevin Bacon.
Bill’s is run my celebrity chef Bill Granger and is especially famous for its corn fritters or hotcakes. Both are equally delicious. Visit on the weekday for your best chance at a table.
Campos Coffee- the best coffee
This is my absolutely favourite coffee in the whole world and is available at many Sydney cafes. So if you see the green Campos sign make sure you visit.
Others worth checking out:
- The Bucket List (Bondi). Good food and great beachy vibe at this iconic Sydney landmark.
- Brewtown (Newtown). The home of the best cronuts in town. Great coffee and some really unique menu items to sample.
Restaurants
You will definitely have to wait on a weekend, but go and put your name down and then grab a drink at the bar (their Lychee cocktail is a must), or if there is no space just pick one of the countless bars and pubs on Crown Street. If you are lucky you will get a place at the sushi bar or grill where you can watch the incredible chefs at work. Make sure that aside from their sushi and sashimi, try some of their more traditional Japanese dishes as well. Their baked eggplant/aubergine is so good.
My go to restaurant, with many a birthday celebrated here. As the name suggests their wine is pretty damn good, but so is their food. The food is not pretentious, just amazing wholesome dishes. Try their veal and chorizo sausage roll as a share starter. Aside from the food and wine this place is just awesome. You have a cute garden terrace, a really cool bar area and upstairs the décor is just fantastic.
I told you Surry Hills had some great restaurants. This place has some of the best Thai food around. Really cool restaurant, bordering on pretentious, but go early and just enjoy their amazing food.
Pizza: Gigi’s Pizzeria (Newtown)
For me this is the best pizza around and it’s not just me that thinks so as it is always busy, but it is worth the wait. Leave your number with the staff and head next door to The Newtown Social Club for a drink while you wait.
This place was renovated by the company where I studied interior design and so go for the food, the drink or just the great interior, who cares. This is an oyster bar, however if that does not interest you, it really does not matter as the rest of their menu is amazing. Try one of their shared dishes like the lamb and you will not be disappointed.
This opened up down the road from our flat and we are so glad it did. It is a really small restaurant and the menu is made up of sharing plates. The menu changes regularly and you will be in store for some interesting yet fantastically delicious dishes. One menu staple is their polenta chips with gorgonzola cheese dipping sauce, and for damn good reason.
Others worth noting:
- Riley Street Garage (Woolloomooloo). Converted garage with modern Australian sharing plates
- Dehli O Dehli (Newtown). Best Indian in Sydney. Our local takeaway, but also super restaurant.
Bars
Climb the graffiti clad stairwell of The Republic Hotel to the Rooftop bar. Perfect for after work drinks and a bit of food.
Our old local, “The Courty”. Do not be put off by the exterior (or the interior for that matter). This is a no nonsense pub, with good beer, great pub food and an awesome courtyard to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon. Very alternative, and a super relaxed vibe.
A bit touristy but the harbour views are worth it. Head straight to their rooftop bar and soak up the atmosphere and the iconic Sydney Harbour views.
Tucked down a sidestreet and underground this is an amazingly cool 1920’s themed bar (located underneath The Establishment). Go just to check out the themed design or the bar men in bowler hats ;). It is a great atmosphere and is a really cosy option when the weather is bad (yes it does happen).
Others worth checking out:
- Grasshopper (CBD) Half the fun is finding this tiny hidden bar, but an awesome little place with drinks served in jam jars.
- Earl’s Juke Joint. (Newtown). This American dive bar is hidden behind the vasarde of a Butchers Shop. The bouncer outside is the only tell that it’s not actually a steak you can buy here at 11pm.
Good Sydney blog/ websites to check out: