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 in Surry Hills with staying power. Start with drinks in the gorgeous wine garden before heading inside for dinner.

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived in New York City and now live back in Australia, in Melbourne.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

The Wanderbug is reader supported. This site may contain links to affiliate websites, which means when you buy through links on this site I may receive a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!