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 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.
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!
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.
Have you been to any of these spots, or would you like to? Where are your favourite places to eat & drink in Sydney?
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
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!
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Awesome article! I’m from Sydney and never knew of most of these places around CBD area… definetly gonna try it now… thank you for the suggestions!
Thanks Stanley! So glad you found it useful, being able to share something new with a local is high praise – hope you enjoy!