Sydney is a city where food speaks for itself. After countless meals and more than a few return visits, I’ve curated a list of my go-to spots—the places that consistently deliver and keep me coming back. From neighbourhood cafés, cool wine bars and cheap eats, these selections showcase Sydney’s best restaurants and cafés. If you’re looking to navigate Sydney’s dining scene like a local, start here.
Sydney’s best restaurants and cafés.
Favourite Lunch
A Relaxed Lunch Haven with House-Roasted Coffee
In the heart of Alexandria, Genovese Coffee House has perfected the art of a laid-back lunch. This spot combines the best of both worlds—house-roasted coffee and standout bites in a breezy, warehouse-converted space.
Whether you’re grabbing an espresso at the bar, Italian style, or settling into one of the cosy corners to catch up with friends, Genovese delivers a dining experience that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
The space itself, with its relaxed atmosphere, local charm and friendly service, makes it a go-to for those who appreciate quality without the fuss.
Must Try: The Prosciutto Panini with buffalo mozzarella, tomato, basil oil, or the spicy Nduja Press with smoked mozzarella, tomato and basil
1/3 Lawrence St, Alexandria
Favourite Restaurant
Unpretentious Fine Dining with an Ever-Evolving Menu
Café Paci in Newtown strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and ease, offering an ever-evolving menu in a setting that’s both stylish and unpretentious. Each visit feels fresh and exciting, with dishes that defy the ordinary by blending diverse influences in unexpected ways.
The specials are always worth exploring, making it a place you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
The ambiance is just as compelling, with a sleek steel bar, edgy artwork on exposed brick, and a moody, inviting atmosphere.
Must Try: The fermented carrot on rye toast with nduja, Spanner Crab with leeks, Cauliflower with chilli and garlic
131 King St, Newtown
Best Deal
Unbeatable $20 Steak Night
Set in a carefully restored two-story terrace, the space blends modern, trendy interiors with a respectful nod to its 1950s heritage. While the exterior retains its historic charm, the inside is fresh and contemporary. The menu mirrors this balance, spotlighting Australian produce and evolving with the seasons to showcase the best local offerings.
This modern Australian wine bar offers a $20 steak night every Thursday that’s hard to beat. The steak is cooked to perfection—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavour—making it an absolute steal at this price. The addition of Davidson plum butter is a game-changer, and the perfectly crispy French fry chips complete the experience.
Must Try: $20 200g Angus rump served with chips & Davidson plum butter.
308-310 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Favourite Matcha
Meticulously Crafted Matcha
Located on Cleveland Street in Surry Hills, Mogu Mogu is a small Onigiri café that has quickly become my go-to spot for a carefully crafted matcha fix. The Uji Kyoto Matcha Latte is meticulously crafted drink that perfectly balances the rich, earthy bitterness of matcha with just the right hint of sweetness.
Beyond their standout matcha, Mogu Mogu offers a range of onigiri options, from quick grab-and-go bites to their specialty flame-grilled versions like Wagyu steak or Eel.
Must Try: Iced Uji Kyoto Matcha Latte
454 Cleveland St, Surry Hills
Favourite Wine Bar
Intimate Wine Bar with Over 400 Wines
Dear Saint Eloise in Potts Point is a moody, intimate wine bar where the ambiance is as carefully curated as the wine list. With over 400 bottles sourced from all over the world—from Austria to Georgia, plus Australian and New Zealand favourites—the wine list is nothing short of stellar. The menu changes every few days, driven by seasonal produce.
The space is cozy, seating around 40, with exposed brick, a dimly lit bar, and outdoor seating that feels straight out of a European wine bar. It’s the kind of place where one glass effortlessly turns into an entire evening.
The best seat in the house? By the window, where you can sip and people-watch as the night unfolds.
Must Try: The Wagyu flank with bone marrow, Vodka Pasta, and Pumpkin Sage croquette.
5/29 Orwell St, Potts Point
Favourite Casual Dining
Affordable Japanese Meals
When it comes to casual Japanese dining, Kura Kura in Haymarket is my go-to spot. This eatery is known for its excellent meal deals that let you mix and match depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Whether you’re after a hearty bowl of ramen, a warm curry or some fresh sushi, Kura Kura offers a variety of delicious and affordable options that make it perfect for a casual but quality meal.
Must Try: The Half Ramen Half Katsu Meal Deal and Tuna Belly Nigiri
Level 1 , 76 Ultimo Rd Haymarket
Favourite Sandwich
Custom Sandwiches and Retro Vibes
S’wich in Bondi perfectly captures the classic Bondi vibe, where beachside cool meets hip local hangout. The retro vibe, complemented by funky music, creates an atmosphere that feels effortlessly cool.
The sandwiches and salads at S’wich stand out for their fresh ingredients and inventive combinations, making it a place you’ll want to revisit.
If you’re feeling creative, you can craft your own sandwich—my go-to additions are the garlic bread crumbs or Vannella Buffalo Mozzarella.
Must Try: The Pomorella with buffalo mozzarella, sundried tomato, and pesto
149 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach
Favourite Dessert
Creative Takes on the Classic Lamington
Tokyo Lamington, with its locations in Newtown and Marrickville, is where dessert takes on an imaginative twist.
Known for reinterpreting the classic lamington, Tokyo Lamington offers a range of inventive flavours, from nostalgic Australian nods like the Golden Gaytime Lamington to Asian-inspired creations like Sakura Red Velvet.
Beyond lamingtons, they serve up delicious onigiri and pastries, and for the perfect pairing, they offer Ona Coffee and a unique lavender matcha.
Must Try: Their Lamingtons of course
277 Australia St, Newtown & 140 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Favourite Bar Bar Planet
A Psychedelic Dive Bar Redefining the Martini
Bar Planet is where the Martini takes center stage. This psychedelic dive bar on Enmore Road is famous for its iconic Martini variations and classic serves.
With its neon-blue glow and space-age decor, the bar delivers a show as impressive as the cocktails themselves.
There’s a variety of Martinis to explore, or if you're a purist, enjoy their perfectly crafted original Martini customized to your liking. If you're not a Martini fan, you can try the weekly Scorpino or explore their selection of Aussie and Kiwi beers and spirits.
16 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Favourite Concept Café
Chinatown Country Club is an independent fashion concept nestled in the heart of Sydney CBD. This stylish space seamlessly blends fashion, coffee, and culture into a social club.
The boutique-style café offers a cozy spot to enjoy a carefully crafted batch brew—perfect for warming up on a chilly day—or a refreshing nitro matcha to cool down during summer shopping sprees. With its open retail area, guests can browse through fashion and books at their own pace, all while taking in ever-changing artwork from local artists.
It’s a unique concept where the locals can relax, socialise, and immerse themselves in style and creativity.
222 Clarence St, Sydney
I’ve put together this piece to share my personal favourites, highlighting the spots that make Sydney special to me. Over the past year, I’ve independently worked on Smash’d, and I’m excited to share these gems as a way to celebrate reaching 10,000 followers on Instagram and 25,000 on TikTok.
I’m so grateful to have built this community and to share the best of Sydney with you all. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
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