Sydney - Dining & Drinking

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Sydney is a city that enjoys good food and entertainment. The city's restaurants and cafes truly reflect its multicultural influence and diverse population. The choices read like an atlas, so enjoy authentic flavours and cooking styles from across the world.

Australian Cuisine

Traditional Australian fare is reputedly a meat pie and a can of beer, and in keeping with tradition, legendary locations like Harry's Café de Wheels provide the best pies. Meanwhile bush-tucker, which reflects the Aboriginal flavours of Australia—is only now featured on a handful of menus. It was not until 1993 that restaurants were allowed to serve kangaroo meat.

Seafood

Being a harbour city, seafood is a main dining feature, and the Sydney Fish Market ensures a fresh and plentiful supply of barramundi, snapper, mussels, prawns, calamari and octopus. Restaurants such as Fishface and Five Dock Seafoods Cafe serve only fish. The seafood-serving king Doyles, is not only one of the oldest fish restaurants in town, it also has a fantastic view from its beachside location in Watsons Bay.

Italian Cuisine

The city's booming cafe culture has an overtly Italian influence. To sample some of the best coffee, head for Darlinghurst, Potts Point and Bondi Beach. Bar Coluzzi, bills, La Buvette and Tropicana are just some of the hip coffee spots. There are some central-city cafes also worth discovering, such as MoS Café. If you prefer tea however, then pay a visit to Sejuiced in Bronte or Tea Temple and the Tea Centre of Sydney.

The pick of Italian restaurants includes Gelbison and Mezzaluna. Norton Street in inner city Leichhardt, is also known as Little Italy, and if you have a passion for pasta, this is the place to go to.

European Cuisine

The European influence does not stop with Italy. Bistro Moncur and Sel et Poivre offer some excellent French cuisine whilst Mykonos on Crown and Capitan Torres reflect the Mediterranean flavours of Greece and Spain, respectively. Sample Eastern European cuisine with a visit to Corner 75.

Asian Cuisine

Asian cuisine is also very popular in Sydney. Chinatown in Haymarket, and the newer version in Chatswood, ensure a constant supply of excellent Chinese eateries. From massive yum cha (dim sum) restaurants such as Dragon Star Seafood and Marigold Restaurant, to the Chinese Noodle Restaurant, aficionados of chop suey and roasted duck are spoilt for choice. Sydney's Asian cuisine also includes Malaysian, Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Indian, Iranian and Cambodian, to name but a few. Establishments such as The Malaya, Chinta Ria, Lebanon & Beyond and Blue Elephant offer oodles of noodles, a suffice of rice, free tea and flavours to be savoured.

Japanese Cuisine

Then there is Japanese…with well-established trade links, Japanese food has a long-held tradition in Sydney's eating culture. Sushi, sashimi, noodles, tempura and teriyaki—it is all here. Sushi Suma, Shimbashi, Dragonfly and Raw Bar are some of the recommended venues.

Restaurants Per District

In terms of restaurants per district, this is the basic rule—the western suburbs offer plenty of Cambodian and Turkish, whilst in the south, there is Greek and Lebanese. Head north for Indian, African and Japanese, and east for Indonesian and European. Dine with a view at The Boathouse, Catalina, and The Summit. Go vegetarian at Govinda's or Harvest, and be seen in the trendiest spots like Bayswater Brasserie Restaurant and Hugo's. To top it all, unique features such as Bring Your Own wine (BYO), cook your own steak, milk crate seating on the pavement, and harbour views, simply add to what is already an exceptional dining experience.

Smoking

In accordance with the New South Wales Smoke Free Environment Act 2000, smoking is prohibited inside Sydney restaurants.

Drinking

Rulings in the late 1990s, allowing gambling in drinking establishments, have seen many pubs stripped of their traditional identity. Some pubs do, however, manage a mixture of everything, for example the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay offers gambling, pool, live music and a great outdoor drinking and eating area. There are still some traditional pubs, as well as some very trendy, modern ones. Also note—many pubs are called hotels—some offer accommodation, others are just drinking establishments.

Hotspots in Sydney

For a taste of traditional drinking visit Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, as well as the Fortune of War Hotel, The Dry Dock and Mercantile Hotel. Whilst Scruffy Murphy's, Kitty O'Sheas Hotel and Cock 'N' Bull are testament to the fact that Irish pubs are everywhere. A city centre favourite is Jackson's On George. Many pubs also serve great food. The Slip Inn has a noted restaurant, as does The Australian Heritage Hotel.

Something For Everybody

There are pubs dedicated to sport and pubs with beer gardens and beach or city views like The Coogee Bay Hotel. There are bars in swanky hotels, like the Lobby Bar at the Swiss Grand, and modern, gleaming bars with harbourside locations such as Pontoon. There are live music venues, such as Bat & Ball Hotel, lesbian bars like the Lava Lounge and pubs for lounge lizards including Burdekin Hotel. For that extra something, sip a margarita at the 25th Floor Cocktail Bar or enjoy some of the best Australian wines in the Grace Wine Bar.

So the list is endless, and whatever your poison—however you like to drink it, the Sydney scene offers a liquid for all tastes.







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Harry's Café de Wheels


Legendary pie cart
 Cowper Wharf Roadway
(Woolloomooloo)
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 (0)2 9211 2506
http://www.harryscafedewheels.com.au/
Harry's Café de Wheels
Mezzaluna


Fine Italian dining with a view
 123 Victoria Street
Potts Point
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 2 9357 1988
http://www.mezzaluna.com.au
Mezzaluna
Chinese Noodle Restaurant


Cheap Chinese eats
 8 Quay Street
Haymarket
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9281 9051
Chinese Noodle Restaurant
Raw Bar


Japanese dining at the beach
 Warner & Wairoa Avenue
Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 2 9365 7200
Raw Bar
Bistro Moncur


Chic and shining
 116 Queen Street
Woollahra
Sydney, NSW 2025
+61 2 9363 2519
http://www.woollahrahotel.com.au/
Bistro Moncur
Gelbison


Italian pizza joint
 10 Lamrock Avenue
Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 2 9130 4042
Gelbison
Bayswater Brasserie


A place to be seen
 32 Bayswater Rd
Kings Cross
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 2 9357 2177
http://www.bayswaterbrasserie.com.au
Bayswater Brasserie
Boathouse On Blackwattle Bay


Modern Australian seafood
 End of Ferry Road
Glebe
Sydney, NSW 2037
+61 2 9518 9011
http://www.boathouse.net.au/
Boathouse On Blackwattle Bay
Catalina


Upmarket seafood
 1 Sunderland Avenue
Rose Bay
Sydney, NSW 2029
+61 2 9371 0555
http://www.catalinarosebay.com.au/
Catalina
Summit Restaurant


Revolving restaurant
 264 George Street
Level 47, Australia Square
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9247 9777
http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/
Summit Restaurant
Fishface


Sumptuous seafood
 132 Darlinghurst Road
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9332 4803 / +61 2 9332 4809
http://www.fishface.com.au/
Fishface
Chinta Ria: The Temple of Love


Funky Malaysian
 201 Sussex Street
Cockle Bay Wharf
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9264 3211
http://www.chintaria.com/
Chinta Ria: The Temple of Love
Hugo's


Beach views and great food
 70 Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 2 9300 0900
Hugo's
Coogee Bay Hotel


Famous for its beer garden
 253 Coogee Bay Road
(Coogee)
Sydney, NSW 2034
+61 (0)2 9665 0000
http://www.coogeebayhotel.com.au
Coogee Bay Hotel
Slip Inn


Inner city bar and dining
 111 Sussex St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9240 3000
http://www.merivale.com
Slip Inn
Pontoon


Darling Harbour bar
 201 Sussex Street, Cockle Bay Wharf
(Darling Harbour)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9267 7099
Pontoon
Golden Sheaf Hotel


This pub has a big local following
 429 New South Head Rd
Double Bay
Sydney, NSW 2028
+61 (0)2 9327 5877
http://www.goldensheaf.com.au
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Jackson's On George


Jackson's On George
 176 George St
(Circular Quay)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 2727
http://www.jacksonsongeorge.com.au/
Jackson's On George
Burdekin Hotel


Upmarket bar
 2 Oxford St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9331 3066
http://www.burdekin.com.au
Burdekin Hotel
Australian Hotel


Beer, beer, beer
 100 Cumberland St
The Rocks
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 2229
http://www.australianheritagehotel.com
Australian Hotel
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel


Historic hotel in The Rocks
 19 Kent St
The Rocks
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9251 4044
http://www.lordnelson.com.au
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Harvest Vegetarian Restaurant


A mixture of tastes
 71 Evans Street
Rozelle
Sydney, NSW 2039
+61 2 9818 4201
Harvest Vegetarian Restaurant
Café Sel et Poivre


Cheap trip to Paris
 263 Victoria St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9361 6530
Café Sel et Poivre
Marigold Restaurant


Best Yum Cha in Chinatown
 683-689 George Street
Levels 4 & 5
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9281 3388
http://www.regal.com.au/
Marigold Restaurant
Capitan Torres


One of the busiest in town
 73 Liverpool St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9264 5574
http://www.capitantorres.com.au
Capitan Torres
Cock 'N' Bull


Irish music and ales
 89 Ebley Street
Bondi Junction
Sydney, NSW 2022
+61 2 9389 3004
http://www.cocknbull.com.au
Cock 'N' Bull
Scruffy Murphy's


A Dublin like pub
 43-49 Goulburn Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9211 2002
http://www.scruffymurphys.com.au/
Scruffy Murphy's
Fortune Of War Hotel


Historic pub
 137 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 2714
Fortune Of War Hotel
Mercantile Hotel


Live music every week night
 25 George Street
The Rocks
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 3570
Mercantile Hotel
Grace Wine Bar


Specialises in Australian wines
 77 York Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9272 6888
http://www.gracehotel.com.au
Grace Wine Bar
Swiss Grand Bondi Beach


Large, modern hotel on the beach
 Corner Campbell Parade and Beach Road
Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 2 9365 5666
http://www.swissgrand.com.au/
Swiss Grand Bondi Beach
Doyles on the Beach


Legendary seafood restaurant
 11 Marine Parade
(Watsons Bay)
Sydney, NSW 2030
+61 2 9337 2007
http://www.doyles.com.au/beach.html
Doyles on the Beach
MoS Cafe


Museum of Sydney cafe
 37 Phillip St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9241 3636
http://www.moscafe.com.au
MoS Cafe
The Tea Centre of Sydney


Tea for two... or three or four
 146 Pitt Street Mall
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9223 9909
http://www.theteacentre.com.au
The Tea Centre of Sydney
Dry Dock Hotel


Steeped in history
 90 College Street
Balmain
Sydney, NSW 2041
+61 (0)2 9555 1306
Dry Dock Hotel
bills


Popular Darlinghurst cafe
 433 Liverpool Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9360 9631
bills
Sejuiced


A juicy venue in Bronte
 487 Bronte Rd
Bronte
Sydney, NSW 2024
+61 (0)2 9386 9538
Sejuiced
La Buvette


A passion for pastries
 Shop 35, 65 Challis Ave
Potts Point
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 (0)2 9358 5113
La Buvette
Shimbashi - Soba on the Sea


Best Soba noodles
 Shop 6, Wharf 9, Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 2 9357 7763
http://www.shimbashisoba.citysearch.com.au/
Shimbashi - Soba on the Sea
25th Floor Cocktail Bar


Sip in style 25 floors up
 90 William St
(Sydney Boulevard Hotel)
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9383 7222
http://www.boulevard.com.au/
25th Floor Cocktail Bar
Lobby Bar


Fantastic Bondi views
 Corner Beach Rd & Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach, Swiss-Grand Hotel
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 (0)2 9365 5666
http://www.swissgrand.com.au
Lobby Bar
Bar Coluzzi


Legendary cafe in Darlinghurst
 322 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9380 5420
Bar Coluzzi
Tropicana Caffé


A film set or a cafe
 227 Victoria St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 0 2 9360 9809
http://www.tropicanacaffe.com
Tropicana Caffé
Sydney Fish Market


Freshest fish in the city
 Locked Bag 247, Bank Street
Pyrmont
Sydney, NSW 2009
+61 2 9004 1100
http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
Sydney Fish Market
Malaya


Modern, harbourside location
 39, Lime Street
King Street Wharf
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9279 1170
http://www.themalaya.com.au/
Malaya
Bondi Beach


Famous Sydney beach
 Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW
+61 2 9130 5311 (Bondi Visitors Information Centre)
Bondi Beach
Corner 75


Live music, huge servings
 75 Frenchmans Road
Randwick
Sydney, NSW 2031
+61 2 9399 5712
Corner 75
Mykonos on Crown


Certainly not a Greek Tragedy
 302 Crown Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9368 7900
http://www.mykonosoncrown.com.au/
Mykonos on Crown
Sushi Suma


Tiny, but always busy
 421 Cleveland Street
Redfern
Sydney, NSW 2016
+61 2 9698 8873
http://www.sushisuma.com/
Sushi Suma
Lebanon and Beyond


Traditional dishes, intimate atmosphere
 Shop 3, 187 Alison Road
Randwick
Sydney, NSW 2031
+61 2 9326 5347
Lebanon and Beyond
Blue Elephant


Sri Lankan specials
 38 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest
Sydney, NSW 2065
+61 2 9439 3468
http://www.blueelephant.com.au/
Blue Elephant
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