Sydney Foodie’s 10-Year-Compiled List: 47 Restaurant Tips & Guide

I have to say, Sydney really has an abundance of great food. Having lived here for over a decade, my taste buds have definitely become more discerning. Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a list of go-to restaurants, and today, I finally have the time to organize and share them with you all. This food guide mainly features the restaurants I personally enjoy—some are long-time favorites that have never let me down, while others are newer discoveries. The focus is mainly on central Sydney and its surrounding areas, with most being casual mid-to-low-range eateries where the priority is good food and a good time, rather than atmosphere.

I swear on my lawyer’s license that this is definitely not a sponsored post. I spent so much time on this purely because when I do travel research, I’m always looking for “everyday local food” rather than just “tourist-only” options. I hope this can also help you who are seriously researching your trip to Sydney online. Of course, Sydney also has plenty of mid-to-high-end fine dining, and social media is often flooded with trendy, flashy little spots—but those are not the focus of this article.

How to Read This Sydney Food Guide:
The following restaurants are listed in alphabetical order by cuisine type (except desserts, cafes, and bars, which are listed at the end).
At the very bottom of this guide, you’ll find a custom Google Map I created, marking all the restaurants mentioned here (for chain restaurants, only the ones in the city center are marked).
Warning: Do not read this during late-night hunger hours. We are not responsible for any emotional distress caused by seeing delicious food you can’t eat.
Enjoy! .

– Aussie Australian Cuisine –

♥Bottom of the Harbour (Located: Balmoral Beach)

▲ The best fish and chips in Sydney are found at Bottom of the Harbour

Exclusive Tips & Tricks
What I love: “Battered Fish & Chips” (the classic battered fish with fries, the kind people usually think of when they talk about Aussie fish and chips).
Come when the weather’s nice, and take a stroll along Balmoral Beach.
After your fish and chips, head to The Boat House for a drink.
Order [here] for the extended read of my previous review of Bottom of the Harbour.
Order [here] for the extended read of my previous review of The Boat House.

 ♥The Oaks Hotel (Located: Neutral Bay)

Pro tips
What I love: One of the best steaks in Sydney.
It’s a restaurant combined with a bar. Doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the inside has a nice vibe, and the outdoor courtyard is romantically decorated with fairy lights.
My vegetarian friend says the veggie dishes here are also really good.
The Oaks Hotel’s official website is [here].

♥ Hurricane’s Grill and Bar (Location: Bondi Beach & multiple branches)

Hurricane’s at the original Bondi location left a great impression on me, but unfortunately the quality at the other branches is just average.

Exclusive tips and advice
My favorite: “Ribs” (pork ribs, available as full rack or half rack).
There are multiple branches in Sydney, operated by two different groups. The original branch at Bondi Beach is still the best.
It’s highly recommended to make a reservation; otherwise, you may have to wait a long time.
The official website of Hurricane’s Grill and Bar is [here].

♥ Harry’s Cafe de Wheels (Location: Woolloomooloo & multiple branches)

Personally, I’m not particularly fond of this place, but it’s a must-visit for tourists.

Exclusive tips and advice
I find their pies to be just okay. For authentic Australian meat pies, I’d recommend Central Baking Depot and Bourke Street Bakery instead. Pie Face, which was once very popular but has since closed many outlets due to poor management, is also liked by many, but I think it offers poor value for money.
There are several branches in Sydney, but I suggest visiting the original store in Woolloomooloo for its historical charm and atmosphere.
Coming here for a late-night snack and sharing a pie with other party-goers by the wharf is quite an experience.
The official website of Harry’s Cafe de Wheels is [here]. Photo source: Harry’s Cafe de Wheels official website.
Click [here] for my previous review of Central Baking Depot.
Click [here] for my previous review of Bourke Street Bakery.

♥ Pancakes on the Rocks (Location: The Rocks & multiple branches)

Not my personal favorite restaurant, but a must-visit for tourists.

Exclusive tips and advice
I think the main dishes here are just okay, but its great location and 24-hour service make it very convenient for tourists.
I like: “Devil’s Delight” (chocolate pancakes with chocolate sauce and strawberries).
Click [Here] For more, check out my previous food review of Pancakes on The Rocks.

– Brunch –

♥ Grumpy Barista (Location: Petersham)

My favorite avocado toast is at Grumpy Barista

Exclusive tips & advice
I recommend: “Avocado Smash/Smashed Avocado" (avocado toast)—don’t forget to add some smoked salmon.
Closed on Sundays.
Order [here] for my previous food review of Grumpy Barista.

♥ The Grounds of Alexandria/Potting Shed (Location: Alexandria)

The food at The Grounds was just okay when I tried it three years ago, but it’s known for having Sydney’s best ambiance.

Exclusive tips & advice
Try to avoid peak meal hours—there are always huge crowds, and you’ll often have to wait at least an hour.
The Potting Shed, located next to The Grounds of Alexandria, takes reservations, so you might consider eating there first and then just grabbing coffee at The Grounds. Both restaurants share a connected outdoor space and both have great vibes.
Come when the weather is nice—the outdoor area has farm animals and flower gardens, perfect for spending an afternoon.
Order [here] for my previous food review of Potting Shed.
The official website for The Grounds of Alexandria is [here].

♥ Four Frogs (Locations: Randwick & Mosman & Circular Quay)

Simple yet delicious Four Frogs French crepes—great for brunch

Exclusive tips & advice
I recommend: “Feta, Avocado, mushrooms" (feta cheese, avocado, mushrooms)
Order [here] for my previous food review of Four Frogs.

– Chinese Chinese cuisine –

♥ Chinese Noodle Restaurant North Dumpling House (located in: Haymarket & multiple branches)

I love coming to North Dumpling House for their northern-style noodles.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like: all handmade fried noodles. Vegetarian dumplings.
Great value, very generous portions.
Order [here] for an extended read of my previous review on North Dumpling House.

♥ Masterbowl Sichuan-Guizhou Snacks (located in: Chinatown & branches)

You can start a dry pot with just five ingredients—affordable Sichuan-Guizhou snacks.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like to order: fish slices, beef slices, baby bok choy, tofu puffs.
You can start a dry pot with just five items—it’s great value for two people.
The Sichuan-Guizhou Snacks Chinatown branch gets busy, often with queues. But it’s not particularly hygienic—tiny cockroaches often run along the walls… best avoid if you’re bothered.
Order [here] for an extended read of my previous review on Sichuan-Guizhou Snacks.

♥ Yang Guo Fu Yang Guo Fu Malatang (located in: Chinatown & branches)

Sydney saw a malatang craze in 2016.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like to order: tofu puffs, fish slices, beef slices, various mushrooms, various vegetables, youtiao.
Be careful when selecting ingredients—don’t take too much. Once cooked, the portions turn out much larger than you’d expect.
Order [here] for an extended read of my previous review on Yang Guo Fu Malatang.

♥ Chef’s Gallery Chinese Kitchen (located in: central Sydney near Town Hall & branches)

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like: "handmade egg and spinach tofu."
I’ve eaten at Chinese Kitchen several times—the stir-fried dishes are good, but some noodle dishes lack flavor. Their quality control could be improved.
Many people compare Zhongchu to Din Tai Fung because they say Zhongchu was opened by a former dim sum chef from Din Tai Fung. Since I can eat at Din Tai Fung when I'm back in Taiwan, I rarely go to Zhongchu in Sydney.
Click [here] for the official website of Zhongchu.
Click [here] for the official Australian website of Din Tai Fung.

– Italian –

♥ Panzerotti (Located: Near Wynyard Station, Sydney CBD)

My favorite Italian restaurant—simple and delicious.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like: “Amatriciana” (spaghetti with sausage and tomato sauce) and “Chicken Salad” (chicken salad—new discovery, the chicken is grilled really well).
Daily limited-time desserts—must-order.
Click [here] for my extended review of Panzerotti that I posted previously.

– Japanese –

♥ Masuya Suisan (Located: Haymarket)

The Wagyu soy milk hot pot at Masuya Suisan is loved by everyone who’s tried it.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like: “Wagyu Snow Hot Pot” (Wagyu soy milk hot pot)—perfect portion for two.
I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard you get free refills on the broth.
Click [here] for my extended review of Masuya Suisan that I posted previously.

♥ Miso (Located: Near Town Hall Station, Sydney CBD)

The tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) at Miso—you can tell just by looking how good it is.

Exclusive tips and advice
What I like: “Salmon Bento” because I personally love salmon.
But the tonkatsu here is actually the signature dish.
Point [here] for extended reading on my previous Miso food review.

♥ Sushi Tengoku (Sushi Heaven) (Location: Kensington)

The specialty of Sushi Tengoku is large-portion sushi

Exclusive tips and advice
I like: “Aburi Salmon" (torched salmon), “Aburi Scallop" (torched scallop), “Tamago" (grilled egg), “Salmon Tengoku Maki" (salmon avocado roll), “Soft Shell Crab Roll" (soft shell crab roll), “Baked Scallops" (baked scallops).
Sushi Tengoku has recently moved to 262 Anzac Parade (just a few streets away from its old location at 121). It used to have a branch in the city center, but it closed down due to poor business.
Point [here] for extended reading on my previous Sushi Tengoku food review.

♥ Sushi Suma (Location: Surry Hills)

Sushi Suma’s mega salad offers amazing value for money

Exclusive tips and advice
I like: “Kaiso Salad" (seaweed salad) and “Chef’s Suggestion dinner set with teriyaki beef" (dinner set with teriyaki beef recommended by the chef).
A dining spot with great value for money.
Nearby Suzuya is quite similar, also offering great value and set meals.
Point [here] for extended reading on my previous Sushi Suma food review.
Point [here] for extended reading on my previous Suzuya food review.

– Japanese Ramen – Japanese-style Ramen –

I’ve singled out Japanese ramen because I don’t actually have a “favorite” ramen. Ramen in Sydney’s city area is generally pretty good. To be fair, I’ve listed below the ramen restaurants that my friends and I usually go to.

♥ Gumshara (Location: Chinatown)

Exclusive tips and advice
Located in Chinatown’s food street, I personally find the broth too thick. But many people love this flavor, and as far as I know, it’s considered by many to be the best ramen in Sydney.
Click [here]。

♥ Ippudo (Location: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall Station & branches)

Exclusive Tips and Advice
I was originally hesitant about including Ippudo because it’s an international chain from Japan. But since I have Japanese friends who absolutely love it, and there are multiple Ippudo outlets in the city center, leaving it out just didn’t feel right.
The prices are on the high side, especially since the portions are a bit small.
Ippudo Sydney’s official website [here].

♥ Menya (Location: Downtown Sydney & Chinatown)

Exclusive Tips and Advice
What I like: “Karage shoyu ramen" (fried chicken soy sauce ramen), “Tonkotsu ramen" (pork bone broth ramen).
Reasonably priced.
Menya’s official website [here].

♥ Ryo’s Noodles 亮亭 (Location: Crows Nest)

Exclusive Tips and Advice
Ryo’s is widely regarded by many Sydneysiders as serving the best Japanese ramen (though I’m honestly not sure where I first heard that).
Ryo’s official Facebook page [here].

♥ Yasaka Ramen (Location: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall & branches)

Exclusive Tips and Advice
What I like: “Kakuni Ramen with simmered pork soft bone" (the braised pork is delicious).
A relatively new ramen shop that has recently opened more branches. The downtown location is now getting quite busy with queues. Maintaining quality across new locations will be a challenge.
Yasaka’s official website [here]. Click [here] for my previous review of Yasaka.

♥ Ichiban Boshi 一番星 (Location: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall)

Exclusive Tips and Advice
Ichibanboshi was a pioneer among ramen shops in downtown Sydney. I used to come here a lot when I was in university, but later on, having to queue up every time made me a bit lazy to come. Also, Sydney has seen many excellent new ramen shops open in recent years, so Ichibanboshi has somewhat declined in my heart (though there’s still a long queue).
The official website of Ichibanboshi is [here].

– Korean 韩国料理 –

♥ Madang (Located: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall)

Madang’s seafood pancake is arguably the best in Sydney

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: “Haemul Pajun (Seafood Pancake)”, “So Go Gi Jabchae (Potato Stir-fried Glass Noodles)”, “Haemul Nurungji Tang (Scorched Rice Pot)” and “Mul Neng Myun (Korean Cold Noodles)”.
Since Madang expanded to include seating upstairs, they now accept dinner reservations for groups of four or more. Without a reservation, you’ll have to wait at least 40 minutes during peak hours.
Click [here] for an extended read of my previous review on Madang.

– Lebanese 黎巴嫩料理 –

♥ Hawa (Located: Granville)

Hawa’s roast chicken is so delicious it makes your mouth water just thinking about it

Exclusive tips and advice
Must-order: “Charcoal chicken” (Whole Roast Chicken).
Be sure to add a side of garlic sauce—the garlic sauce and roast chicken are simply a perfect match.
Click [here] for an extended read of my previous review on Hawa.

– Malaysian 马来西亚菜 –

♥ Kopitiam (Located: Ultimo)

Kopitiam’s curry chicken is flavorful, and I love how tender the potatoes are

Exclusive tips and advice
I like: the curry chicken, that tofu (forgot the name, picture’s on the wall), egg omelet, and cereal prawns. (The staff also speak Chinese.)
The dishes here go really well with rice, so it’s better to come with a group to order a wider variety. The individual noodle and rice dishes are a bit more ordinary.
Kopitiam’s official Facebook page is [here]。

♥ Ipoh on York 怡保（位于：悉尼市区近Townhall）

悉尼市区午餐的喇沙好选择在Ipoh on York

独家攻略与提示
我喜欢：“Tofu laksa”（豆腐泡喇沙）、“Char Kway Teow”（炒粿条），滑蛋河也不错。
我之前在Ipoh on York附近上班，每到中午不知道要吃什么，想吃点亚洲菜时就会想到这里。是个方便又不贵的地方。
悉尼市区比较有名的喇沙店是Chinese Malay。
点 [这里] 连结Ipoh on York的官方网站。
点 [这里] 延伸阅读我之前评价过的Chinese Malay。

– Seafood 海鲜 –

♥ Sydney Fish Market 悉尼鱼市场（位于：悉尼唯一的鱼市场）

在悉尼鱼市场狂吃海鲜

独家攻略与提示
我喜欢：Freshly shucked oysters（现剖生蚝）、sashimi（生鱼片）、ginger and shallot mud crab（现点现炒葱姜肉蟹）。
如果户外的桌椅被人潮或是海鸥占满，过个马路到对面的大公园草地野餐吧。
点 [这里] 延伸阅读我之前发表的悉尼鱼市场食记。

– Thai 泰式料理 –

♥ Chat Thai（位于：Haymarket & 分店）

Chat Thai的炒河粉深得我心

独家攻略与提示
我喜欢：“Mhu Bhing（烤猪串）”、“Pad Si-ew”（炒河粉）。
人多，又是排队餐厅。
点 [这里] Read my previous review of Chat Thai.
Click [here] to read my previous review of Samosorn by Chat Thai.

♥ Home Thai (Located: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall)

Exclusive Tips & Advice
Delicious Thai food, but very spicy.
It gets crowded and is a place where you might have to queue.
Home Thai’s official website was inactive at the time of writing this article. Click [here] to see its Zomato review page.

♥ Green Peppercorn (Located: Downtown Sydney near Town Hall)

Come to Green Peppercorn to try Thai-Lao cuisine

Exclusive Tips & Advice
I like: “Banana Flower Salad" (banana flower salad), “Duck Curry" (duck curry).
Don’t forget to try “Fried Ice cream" (fried ice cream) for dessert.
The nearby Holy Basil also serves Thai-Lao cuisine, with a very similar style and overall experience.
Click [here] to read my previous review of Green Peppercorn.
Click [here] to read my previous review of Holy Basil.

– Vietnamese Vietnamese Cuisine –

♥ An Restaurant (Located: Bankstown)

I could eat a bowl of An Pho’s Vietnamese pho anytime.

Exclusive Tips & Advice
Must-order: “Beef Pho" (beef pho), which comes out super quickly.
There’s a parking lot next to the restaurant.
Click [Here] Read my previous food review of An Restaurant.

♥ Hong Ha Bakery (Location: Mascot)

Hong Ha’s Vietnamese pork rolls come with bread that’s fresh and crispy

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: the “Pork Roll” (Vietnamese pork roll). The Meatball is also good.
I’ve heard there’s also a very famous Vietnamese pork roll shop in Marrickville called Marrickville Pork Roll, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Check out Hong Ha’s Zomato review page [here].

♥ Tan Viet (Location: Cabramatta & Eastwood)

Tan Viet, the king of crispy chicken in Sydney

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: the “Crispy Chicken” served with rice noodle soup.
Click [here] to read my previous food review of Tan Viet.

♥ Pho Toan Thang (Location: Flemington)

Pho Toan Thang
When you’re in the Flemington area, don’t miss the chance to try a bowl of Pho Toan Thang beef pho

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: the “Raw Beef Pho.”
Click [here] to read my previous food review of Pho Toan Thang.

♥ Gia Hoi (Location: Haymarket & branches)

When I suddenly crave beef pho, the nearby Gia Hoi is also a convenient and tasty option in the city

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: the “Raw beef noodle soup.”
When I suddenly want beef pho in the city but don’t want to go too far, I head to Gia Hoi.
Right next to Gia Hoi (George Street branch) there’s also a Pho Pasteur.
TripAdvisor reviews of Gia Hoi [here].
Zomato reviews of Pho Pasteur [here].

– Dessert 甜点类 –

♥ BlackStar (位于: Newtown & 雪梨市中心近Townhall & 其他分店)

BlackStar’s legendary Strawberry Watermelon Cake

Exclusive tips and insights
I love: “Strawberry Watermelon Cake" (strawberry watermelon cake), “Raspberry Creme Brulee Tart" (raspberry crème brûlée tart), “Pistachio Lemon Zen Cake" (pistachio lemon cake), “Chocolate Chiffon Cake" (chocolate chiffon cake).
I’m obsessed with the strawberry watermelon cake. But did you know that BlackStar’s other cakes are also amazing? Definitely worth a try.
Click [here] to read my previous review of BlackStar.

♥ La Renaissance (位于: 岩石区)

La Renaissance’s vanilla mille-feuille, my favorite

Exclusive tips and insights
I love: “Mille Feuilles" (vanilla mille-feuille), “Creme Brulee" (crème brûlée), “Vialdi" (hazelnut cake).
Sit in the courtyard at the back and find a little oasis in the bustling Rocks district.
Click [here] to read my previous review of La Renaissance.

♥ Bourke Street Bakery (位于: Surry Hill & 分店)

Bourke Street Bakery’s colorful display at the original Bourke Street store

Exclusive tips and insights
I love: “Creme Brulee Tart" (crème brûlée tart – though a bit sweet), “Rhubarb Tart" (rhubarb tart).
Many people love the meat pies and sausage rolls here – definitely worth trying when you’re in Australia.
Personally, I prefer the meat pies and sausage rolls from Central Baking Depot in central Sydney (near Wynyard).
Click [Here] For more, read my previous food review of Bourke Street Bakery.
Point [here] For more, read my previous food review of Central Baking Depot.

♥ Tea Cosy (Located in: The Rocks)

Enjoy afternoon tea and scones at the lovely The Tea Cosy in The Rocks

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: “Devonshire Tea" (a set of two scones with a pot of tea).
The homemade jam here is super delicious. I tried the pear one and really liked it.
Point [here] For more, read my previous food review of The Tea Cosy.

♥ Cow and Moon (Located in: Enmore)

Cow and the Moon
Sydney’s award-winning Italian gelato at Cow and the Moon

Exclusive tips and advice
I love: “Mandorla Affogato" – this is the flavor that won Cow and the Moon the Italian gelato competition (only this particular flavor won an international award, not the whole store).
You can get their champion gelato to take away in a box, but they don’t accept reservations, so whether they have enough for you when you arrive is just luck. Last time I called, the staff said they make the champion flavors every day and try to keep them available, but if you want to buy a large quantity and they haven’t made it yet, you might have to wait on-site.
Sydney’s most famous Italian gelato shop is actually Gelato Messina (I used to be obsessed, but later found it too sweet).
My newest favorite gelato spot is Good Times Artisan Ice Cream in Potts Point.
Gelatissimo is a larger Italian gelato chain in Sydney. Their gelato is also good but tends to be more traditional in flavor, without the gimmicks of the others mentioned above.
Point [here] For more, read my previous food review of Cow and the Moon.
Gelato Messina’s official website [here].
Good Times Artisan Ice Cream’s official Facebook page [here].
The official website of Gelatissimo[here].

– Coffee –

In recent years, Sydney has seen a thriving coffee and brunch culture, with some even saying that Sydney’s coffee can rival that of Melbourne, Australia’s coffee capital. What do you think? Below are some places known to me or recommended for great coffee.

♥ Campos (Location: Newtown & also available at other independent cafes)

Exclusive tips and advice
Campos’ own coffee shop in Sydney is in Newtown, and many other cafes across Australia also serve Campos coffee beans.
Campos’ official website [here].

♥ Gumption (Location: The Strand, Sydney CBD near Town Hall)

Exclusive tips and advice
Gumption has no seating — people come here just to drink coffee, standing and leaving once done. But as Gumption is located inside the heritage-listed The Strand Arcade, even standing there feels atmospheric, and you stay dry whatever the weather.
Gumption’s official website [here].

♥ Single O (Location: Surry Hills & Sydney CBD near Town Hall & also available at other independent cafes)

Exclusive tips and advice
The Sydney CBD branch is small and quite busy; the Surry Hills branch has a more relaxed vibe.
Single O’s official website [here].

♥ Mecca (Location: Sydney CBD near Wynyard & Circular Quay & other branches)

Exclusive tips and advice
Mecca’s official website [here].

– Bar –

To be honest, I don’t go to bars often, so I don’t know many. The two below are bars I’ve visited for the night views — both are pretty good.

♥ O Bar and Dining (Location: Downtown Sydney near Wynyard)

O Bar offers night views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House

Exclusive Tips & Hints
Dress Code: No casual wear allowed.
O Bar’s official website [here].

♥ Blu Bar | Shangri-La Hotel (Location: The Rocks)

Exclusive Tips & Hints
The night views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are breathtaking.
Dress Code: Also not casual, but slightly more relaxed than O Bar.
Blu Bar at Shangri-La’s official website [here].

Hope you enjoy this Sydney food guide. If you find any hidden gems we missed or have other thoughts, feel free to leave a comment. All the spots mentioned above are marked on Google Maps for your convenience, so travelers can easily find these recommended eats no matter where they are in the city.

[椎穆眯旭?|| Knowledge is king, curiosity is queen.
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