grounds of alexandria sydney

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Sydney

To get the best out of Sydney’s dining and nightlife, you have to know where you’re going. It’s not as easy to follow your nose and strike gold in the sprawling city, as it is in well-planned Melbourne. For me, knowing where to eat and drink in Sydney took a few goes as I got to know the city better, but on my fourth visit I finally started to find places to rave about. Avoid the tourist traps on your next visit and try one of my favourite places to eat and drink.

The Winery, Surry Hills

The Winery is a Sydney institution with staying power. Start with drinks in the gorgeous wine garden before heading inside for dinner.

the winery surry hills girls weekend in sydney

The Grounds of Alexandria

This cafe-farm-market-garden is Disneyland for Instagrammers, but it’s not just a pretty face. The Grounds of Alexandria serves fresh, market-inspired food across a cafe, bakery, restaurant and market stalls, ranging from their spin on an avocado on toast to fresh fruit popsicles. Book a table in advance – when I visited, we waited around half an hour longer than we were told it would take to get a table (already a 40 min wait).

Hot tip: You can also eat outside if you get a takeaway meal and bring it into the garden – I was hoping we’d get lucky and get seated in the garden, and wish I’d realised I could have eaten an hour earlier and in the sunshine if I’d gone the takeaway route.

Grounds of Alexandria brunch girls weekend in sydney

Manly Wine, Manly

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Manly Wine, but I’d still highly recommend it if you’re making the trip out to Manly. Its location right on the water makes it the perfect spot to unwind with a wine or a spritz over lunch or dinner.

CanCava, Bondi

Come hungry, is all I can say. We went to CanCava for a light dinner on our last night in Bondi, and I wish I had room for so much more food. It is one of my favourite places that I’ve eaten in Sydney and I will definitely be back for dinner next time I’m in Bondi. CanCava serves Spanish pintxos with a bit of Bondi flair. My favourite was the goats cheese croquettes and a dish with pear, honey and haloumi. Heaven!

can cava tapas bar bondi sydney

The Nine, Bondi

I would never have noticed The Nine, a hole-in-the-wall cafe on Glenayr Avenue in Bondi. I was recommended it by a friend, and it was just what we needed that morning – a huge hit of fresh, delicious veggies.

brunch at the nine bondi sydney

Bondi Hardware, Bondi

If I was lucky enough to live in Bondi, Bondi Hardware would be my go-to for dinner and drinks with friends. This buzzy little bar has a strong menu of share plates and a solid wine list.

bondi hardware bar tapas bondi sydney

The Bucket List, Bondi

The fish tacos are tasty, but you don’t come to The Bucket List so much for the food, as you do for the views over Bondi beach and the beach party atmosphere.

bucket list bondi girls weekend in sydney

Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel

The food is delicious and the views are to die for: Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is the stuff my Sydney dreams are made of.

where to eat in sydney watsons bay boutique hotel sydney

Black Star Pastry, Newtown

Black Star Pastry is the hottest patisserie in town, thanks to their Strawberry Watermelon Cake, which has a cult-like following of foodies.

black star pastry newtown sydney

Have you been to any of these spots, or would you like to? Where are your favourite places to eat & drink in Sydney?

3 thoughts on “The Best Bars & Restaurants in Sydney

    1. Thanks Stanley! So glad you found it useful, being able to share something new with a local is high praise – hope you enjoy!

Tell me what you think! Please leave a comment below

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.