Bars and restaurants
Margaret, Double Bay
Few chefs have spotlighted Australian cuisine more than Neil Perry – and Margaret is the ultimate articulation of his food philosophy. It’s all about taking the best ingredients from the country’s finest producers, many of whom Perry has worked with for decades, and deploying them in dishes designed to express their quality. Be sure to visit Perry’s other venues in Double Bay too.
Fratelli Paradiso, Potts Point
Often imitated but never surpassed, Fratelli Paradiso has been a Potts Point institution since its opening in 2001. Its scampi spaghetti, lasagne and calamari all have dedicated followings, while its Italian wine list has long set the Sydney standard. For a post-prandial drink, stop by its sister wine bar, Paradise indeed.
Clam Bar, CBD
This boisterous brasserie in the city centre, and its equally worthwhile downstairs Italian counterpart, Neptune’s Grotto, are two of the best spots in town for a power lunch. Don’t miss its other sibling venues, Pellegrino 2000 and Grandfather’s.
Single O, Surry Hills
Single O has been a pioneer of the Sydney coffee scene for more than two decades. There are still few better places for a caffeine hit, whether you’re after a flat white, a filter coffee or something from the self-serve batch-brew bar.
Porkfat, Haymarket
In a city filled with superlative Thai restaurants, Porkfat stands out. That’s thanks to the cooking of owner Narin “Jack” Kulasai, which combines his central Thailand upbringing with his training with some of the world’s best chefs, including David Thompson, founder of London’s first Thai Michelin-starred restaurant, Nahm.
Ester, Chippendale
Ester is one of Sydney’s most captivating spots to eat. It’s all about chef Mat Lindsay’s seasonal wood-fire cooking, with a menu that changes daily. Now in its second decade of operation, it has never been better.
Olympus Dining, Redfern
Few restaurants in Sydney can match the beauty of Olympus. Here you’ll find taverna-style Greek food served in a serene dining room centred around a blooming bougainvillaea tree. If you can’t get a table, Olympus’s Hellenic sibling in Potts Point, The Apollo, is another great option.
Maybe Sammy, The Rocks
This irreverent cocktail bar in The Rocks district is themed after the 1950s Rat Pack heyday in Las Vegas. Its inventive cocktails have made it the city’s most internationally acclaimed bar.
Saint Peter, Paddington
Josh Niland is a pioneer of “scale-to-tail” cooking, the seafood equivalent of the nose-to-tail ethos. Saint Peter, now in a larger home, is where he perfected his approach of using whole fish in his dishes. It’s one of the best places to eat in Australia.
Cantina OK!, CBD
This standing-room-only mezcal bar, which can be found at the end of a city laneway, is one of the best cocktail haunts in town. Don’t miss out on the margarita, which is made with Oaxacan mezcal and a twist of orange. If the wait is too long, try one of the owners’ other nearby venues, Bar Herbs or Centro 86.
Porcine, Paddington
You’ll find this French bistro, helmed by acclaimed chef Nik Hill, above P&V Paddington, one of the city’s finest wine bars. Dishes include takes on classics such as paté en croûte and artichoke gratin, as well as plates with more contemporary leanings, including octopus and scallop with aïoli and lemon. Both venues are wonderful on their own but together they’re an irresistible duo.
