Avril Treasure

If you find yourself hungry and thirsty in Surry Hills, never fear – you're in one of the best places in all of Sydney to get your coffee and brekky fix. From silky scrambled eggs at Bills, to a killer breakfast plate at A.P. Bakery, on-point coffee at Single O and a picture-perfect blueberry tart at Lode, we've compiled a bumper list of all the excellent Surry Hills cafés. Lace up, grab a mate, and eat and drink your way around the tree-lined streets. RECOMMENDED READS: Want the best of the brunch? Check out our guide to the best breakfasts in Sydney. Keen for lunch of dinner? Here are the best restaurants in Surry Hills. After a dining hit list? Brush up on our guide to the best restaurants in Sydney. 

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. Spilling over. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, these slick haunts are also some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Contrary to contemporary yarns, there are still pubs and bars that host live music in Sydney. Many of them have successfully lashed back at the encroaching frontline of pokie machines.  We're all for it. So Time Out Sydney's writers – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, and resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

Ramen, more than any other soup, will divide people. Are you after an opaque tonkotsu or a brighter chicken shoyu broth? Firm hand-cut noodles or soft squiggly noodles? Do you add in some intense black garlic or keep it simple? Would you like your chasu extra fatty or thinly sliced and lean? Each ramen house will have its own distinctive broth, but toppings (mushrooms, eggs, seaweed, bamboo and corn) and seasonings (soy, miso, salt) let you cater to your own tastes. Need a winter challenge? Find your favourite ramen in Sydney the old fashioned way – try them all. We did, and regret nothing except that we now need to buy bigger jeans. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in town.

We’re all too aware that Sydney isn’t a cheap place, but if you know where to look you can find dinner any night of the week for under $20. Whether it's a two-for-one pub specials, all-week cheap eats, or require a little lateral thinking, Sydney is awash with budget-friendly feasts if you know where to look. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together our hit list for frugal dining. We'll see you on Tuesday. Want to know which cheap restaurants we rate most? Here's Time Out's guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Sydney is jam-packed with gyms. From small studios to big mega-chains, single-service boutiques to multi-service offerings, and everything in between. The amount of choice can be overwhelming. Luckily, our Sydney Editor Alice Ellis has worked in the fitness industry, so she knows what separates a mediocre gym that you'll probably be wasting your money on, from a gym that you'll be motivated to attend so you can actually achieve the results you're after (whether that's building strength, losing weight, getting your stress in check or joining a new connecting with people). This list has been curated by all our Time Out Sydney editors and writers, who've covered a lot of ground when it comes to Sydney gyms. Read on to find the right gym fit for you. Looking for a healthy feed? Here's our guide to healthy eateries that don't suck.

One of Australia's largest cities, Sydney is definitely a place you can spend hours, if not days walking around exploring. Sounds like thirsty work, right? Just make sure you end your walks with a drink at one of Sydney's best bars. You've earned it.  No matter whether you're a regular to the city or a newbie, a tour is a must, because quite frankly, there's just so much to see. To help you out, we’ve tried and tested Sydney’s best tours – from seaside foraging trails to urban graffiti walks – to bring you a list of tour operators who’ll help you discover the hidden gems of this city. Theatre nut? Check out our list of the best backstage tours in Sydney. If you prefer your history lessons with more fright, we’ve got the best ghost tours too. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED: Looking for tourist attractions that don't suck? This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Why spend a Sunday tackling house chores when you could be out at the pub partaking in one of the all-time great weekend feasting traditions? Let the pros take care of the cooking and make yourself comfortable at one of these ace pubs that celebrate English charm over the colder months. Cater to those hibernation cravings and get stuck in to legs of lamb with mint jelly, hearty slices of roast beef, crisp-skinned chook, nourishing root veggies and greens, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. Lots and lots of gravy. Whatever your preferred cut, there's a top pub roast out there for you – and hopefully a pint of something nice to go alongside it.  Down for more cold-weather fun? Check out these Sydney pubs with toasty fireplaces.

Virtually every suburb in Sydney can boast a world-class eatery (or several), but none rival the CBD for the sheer number of exceptional dining options on offer. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have cherry-picked the best tables to book in the heart of the city, whether you're stepping out for a business lunch, a pre-show bite, or a swanky degustation. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED READS: Want something a little more casual? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in the city. Nightcap anyone? Polish off your meal with a drink at one of these fine cocktail bars. 

The Emerald City is peppered with a whole host of stellar hotels that each individually carry their own little sparkly slice of je ne sais quoi. Whether you’re in town for one night, want a longer stay, are flitting through for business, or are travelling to Sydney for the very first time and want to make sure you’re in the best possible spot to properly explore the city, we have you covered. Having earned our stripes reviewing hotels across the country, our team of writers (including Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley) have shared their top picks – along with top tips on how to make the most of your stay. From five-star luxury to boutique boltholes, this list is our edit of the best hotels in Sydney (in no particular order). Warning: it'll be hard for you to choose just one to stay at! Sorry, not sorry. Rather stay under canvas? Find the best glamping sites in NSW or the best camping near Sydney. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our picks of Australia’s top hotels. RECOMMENDED: Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges for your next getaway. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Berto’s Espresso is a lovely little corner café on Surry Hills’ Crown Street. The exterior is painted a soft butter yellow colour, evoking slow and sunny mornings – just how we like them. Co-owner and operator Robert Salas has more than 12 years of experience under his belt at top Sydney spots like Gypsy Espresso and Flour & Stone, where his passion for all things espresso was well and truly cemented. Take a seat outside and enjoy an excellent brew made using Gypsy Espresso beans. As well as coffee, Berto’s Espresso has an all-day menu, with breakfast, sambos, salads and sweet treats. We’ve got eyes for the leg ham and gruyère toasted sandwich with seeded mustard aioli; avo toast amped up with feta, housemade chilli oil, heirloom tomatoes and lemon; and creamy, buttery scrambled eggs on sourdough. Next time you’re in the area – or even if you’re not – pop in and say hi to Rob and the team – we’re sure they’ll be chuffed to see you. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Want more? These are the best cafés in Surry Hills. Hungry? These are the best breakfasts in Sydney.

Found on the corner of Buckingham Street, Cook & Archies Café is a relaxed, family-owned spot that has been a fixture in the Surry Hills community for more than 20 years. The Mediterranean-leaning menu features hearty breakfast and lunch options, along with a solid selection of delicious sandwiches and fresh, vibrant salads for those on the go. Light-filled and lush with greenery, Cook & Archies Café fills up quickly with friends and colleagues catching up during peak times, but the wait for food is never long. For something sweet, try the ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter, chantilly cream, maple syrup, honeycomb, and fresh banana. If you prefer a fiery kick, go for the chilli scrambled eggs with sambal, avo, coriander, goat’s curd, and Iggy’s sourdough. Feeling hungry at lunch? Order the Reuben sandwich loaded with Black Angus corned beef, Swiss cheese, slaw, and Russian dressing on rye. It's a close-your-eyes kinda sambo. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Recommended reads: These are the best cafés in Surry Hills Check out our guide to the best cafés in Sydney

You’ll find the rustic Italian restaurant Grana within the historic walls of Hinchcliff House in Circular Quay – and we reckon you should. Once you’re there, you’ll soon see why. Firstly, the space is gorgeous, with sandstone- and exposed-brick walls, warm moody lighting, and striking dried floral displays, channelling a country house in Tuscany. But the food is what will make you return. Grana is home to its own mill, which the chefs use daily to grind New South Wales' grains – such as spelt, emmer, and khorasan – into flour to make their own pasta and pastry. (If you’re wondering about the name, Grana is the Italian word for ‘Grain’.) Here, lesser-known Italian shapes are spotlighted – like the silky sheets of fazzoletti and the flower-like gigli – and then paired with fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and punchy flavours. Elsewhere on the menu, there’s octopus, king prawns, barramundi, as well as quality steaks, pork, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. The wine list champions mostly Italian producers. Plus, Grana is a shell’s throw from the harbour, making it a solid option for a work lunch or a central dinner spot. Love pasta? That’s a trick question – of course you do. Well, good news for us carb admirers: Grana has a rocking offer available on Sundays called Pasta Club. For $99 per person, guests can enjoy three pasta courses – yes, three bowls of pasta! – plus salad and tiramisu cannoli for dessert, and matching alcoholic drinks. When you break it down, it works out to b

Forget about putting your records on and come to Jam Record Bar, Merivale’s new Tokyo-inspired pink bar filled with 15,000 vinyl records spinning albums from every genre, era, style and artist. Shimmy on down for a boogie, listen to your favourite album (hello, Rumours), and snack on Japanese-style sandos and skewers with highballs and sake. Sounds like a good time to us. Located in Merivale’s high-octane Ivy precinct on George Street – home of Bar Totti's, Mumu, Oti', Felix and Jimmy's Falafel– Jam Record Bar will swing open its doors this Friday, April 19, playing tunes and serving eats and drinks seven nights a week. Sushi E head chef Michael Fox is behind the Japanese snack-and-plate menu, and the booze list has been put together by Merivale’s creative cocktail lead, James Irvine. Merivale’s head of music and entertainment, Nick Van Tiel, is spearheading the tunes, which will be played on a vintage JBL sound system. A passion project for CEO Justin Hemmes and sister Bettina, the pint-sized Jam Record Bar is named after their parents, John and Merivale. As well as founding Merivale in the ’50s, the couple ran a successful clothing shop called Jam, and released their own record titled Jam. (Justin also started a music label in 2003 called Jam Recordings.) This news comes off the back of Merivale announcing that their Tokyo-inspired Totti’s, called Good Luck Restaurant Lounge, will be opening on Wednesday, April 24, in a hidden basement below the historic Burns Philp & Co bu

Surry Hills stalwart the White Horse is reopening this Wednesday, April 17, after a massive renovation with a fresh, new team holding the reins. The 170-seat venue will feature a stylish ground-floor restaurant, an upstairs bar, and a sun-drenched garden terrace complete with lush plants – the perfect place for sinking a couple of cold ones in the afternoon. Giddy up. The multi-million dollar glow-up has been spearheaded by director Craig Hemmings (Quay, Chin Chin Sydney, Guillaume at Bennelong, Bistro Guillaume) who has brought on impressive talent to lead the team. Heading up the kitchen is executive chef Jed Gerrard, who is currently the culinary director at Wills Domain in Margaret River, and has worked at Western Australia's finest diners including Wildflower, Ritz Carlton Perth, and Hearth, among others. Joining him will be wine gun James Audas from Lo-Fi Wines, Bar Heather, Noma, and Tetsuya’s; top-notch cocktail maker Michael Chiem from PS40, Bulletin Place, Sokyo; and general manager Maureen Er from Tetsuya’s and Cho Cho San. Hemmings says: “We’re thrilled to bring this old girl back to life. We’ve approached the White Horse with a contemporary lens, elevating the offering without the price tag.” As for the food, Gerrard says we can expect to find ethically sourced produce from respected producers, as well as a spotlight on native ingredients. That looks like smoked eel dip with vegetables; roasted chicken skin with liver mousse and Davidson plum; and Abrolhos Island

There’s a block of charcoal apartments along the esplanade at Ettalong Beach that I reckon is home to the second best views in the coastal village. The kind of ones Joseph Puchberger was dreaming of when he first invented the panoramic camera, with calm water, yachts bobbing gently and a blush-cloaked island in front. I say second, because sitting at the wooden bench in front of Nicola Coccia – watching him cook in harmony with the roaring open flame, tenderly, carefully glaze a succulent and caramelised pork chop, and sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over a seared and rosy-hued steak – has got to be the best view in town. We’re at Osteria il Coccia, the chef’s rustic fine diner that he owns with his French/Italian wife, Alexandra. Inside is all creamy tiles, terracotta accents, fresh linen curtains and light timber, channelling understated coastal elegance with a nod to Tuscany. From the butter knife carved out of wood to the ceramic plates you can tell weren’t picked up at Kmart, attention has been paid to every detail. Osteria il Coccia is impressive for a bunch of reasons, but mostly because it’s one of the few kitchens in Australia to be built around a fire. Everything here is cooked exclusively over flames, fuelled by iron bark, stone fruit and olive wood timbers. Coccia’s CV will also make you raise your eyebrows. Born in Naples, he fell in love with cooking by watching his grandmother roll sheets of pasta in her kitchen. Coccia sharpened his knife skills in Italy bef

April 2024 update: After a big build up, highly anticipated Latin American restaurant Morena is finally now open. Headed up by esteemed chef Alejandro Saravia – the executive chef and owner of Melbourne’s award-winning restaurants, Farmer’s Daughters and Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters – the 200-seat diner is located in the gorgeous, heritage-listed GPO Building in Martin Place. The menu pays homage to Saravia’s home country of Peru, as well as the flavours found in Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and more. We’re excited about dining under the glass roof in the historic building, the outdoor terrace which overlooks Martin Place, and the food, of course. Standouts on the opening menu include a bunch of ceviches, including snapper ceviche with leche de tigre, sweet potato and chulpi, a type of Andean corn. Plus, Abrolhos Islands scallops with parmesan cream, lime, aji (peppers) and amarillo butter; Kaloola Farm suckling pig with mojo sauce; and Gundagai lamb picanha with a cachaca marinade. Wines will feature new and old-world drops with a focus on varietals from Latin American regions. Time Out Sydney went to the soft opening of Morena and can say it's truly special. - Avril Treasure Read on for our write-up from August 2023. ***** Just like during the good old times, Sydney's new restaurant openings just keep on coming – and we are most certainly here for it. Today, it’s been announced that Alejandro Saravia – the executive chef and owner of Melbourne’s aw

There’s a lot to like about Lokal, a tiny wine bar situated on a sunny corner in Surry Hills, across the road from The Cricketers. But at the top of the list is that it’s a two-man operation. There are no other floor staff, no kitchen hands, nada. It's all run by Patrick Frawley and Nelson Cramp, who met moons ago working overseas and reconnected over their shared dream of opening their own place. Like hot chips and tomato sauce, their skill sets complement each other well. Frawley, an expert on grown-up grape juice, previously served as head sommelier at top hotels in London and Hong Kong, like the Mandarin Oriental. Meanwhile, Cramp feels at home over a chopping board, after earning his stripes at Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada and Porch and Parlour here in Sydney. Together, they opened Lokal in late 2022. Lokal is truly tiny, seating just 20, so the place lends itself well to date nights and overdue catch-ups. The interiors feature a neutral color palette – warm timber, a concrete and terracotta-coloured floor (there are a few scuff marks), and duck-egg blue walls – with a turquoise-tiled bar. We take a seat at one of the handful of tables outside, the sun’s soft rays nearly wrapping up for the day, with 50 Cent’s tunes on in the background. It’s time for a drink. Frawley warmly welcomes us and shares a bit about his background. Here’s the second thing to like: he’s picked grapes at 12 of the 14 wineries that feature on the by-the-glass list (made up of the usual suspect

If there’s anyone who can take a former underground gentlemen’s club and turn it into a lava-hot spot right now, it’s Swillhouse. If you’re not familiar with the name, you sure as hell love their venues. Who amongst us hasn't had a romantic rendezvous at Hubert? Knocked back one too many Whisky Apples at The Baxter Inn? Reminisced about sweaty gigs at Frankie’s Pizza? You get the gist. Unlike most big openings, there was no carefully curated Instagram build-up about The Caterpillar Club, no months-long PR strategy. On a Wednesday in December, the team announced they were open with a walk-through video of the venue. Immediately, they caught us: hook, line and sinker. The excitement felt akin to New Year’s Eve when you’re 16 and about to see your crush, and by night two there was already a line snaking outside. Fast-forward a few months to April, and the caterpillar's tail is growing by the day. The Caterpillar Club’s entrance is just off Martin Place. Walking in you’ll first see a gigantic black and white piece by artist Allie Webb. Frilly lights hang from above and the walls are painted burgundy. We descend the stairs and open a door to get inside. It’s clear we’ve stepped into something special. The space is L-shaped and curves around like a caterpillar, anchored by the longest bar I have ever seen. Abstract works by Webb charm from the walls, and dozens more of those frilly lights create a warm glow. Behind the bar are thousands of old-school records. There’s a DJ booth dow

Over the past five or so years, diners’ demands for food that’s been plucked from local waters, or grown on trees here in Australia, has been growing like bamboo shoots. Which makes sense, when you consider produce that’s been sourced closer to home supports small businesses, is better for the environment and – let’s be frank – tastes better. Though, while some restaurants talk the talk, less are fully walking the walk (if I got a $1 coin every time I saw the phrase ‘locally sourced produce’ I would nearly be able to afford a home in Sydney). So, to see on the back of The Cowrie’s menu a list of 16 local suppliers they work with (from Little Feet Gourmet and Super Green Farms on the Central Coast to Shane's Seafood in Newcastle) is as refreshing as a four-day weekend. The Cowrie has been open for more than 30 years, making it a long-time Terrigal local. Executive chef/co-owner Dimitris Aronis took over the reins post-Covid. The fine diner is located in a residential area, perched on a hill overlooking Terrigal Beach. With a charcoal and wooden exterior, The Cowrie looks more like a stylish house than a restaurant, and inside is just as welcoming, with local artworks, modern seats and the kinds of trinkets you’d see in a homewares shop. But it’s all pale in comparison to the jewel in the crown: the outside deck, which seats about 20 lucky ducks.  We’re taken to a table in the corner right by the edge, which has got to be one of the best seats in the house – quack quack. In fro

Slide into your glass slippers and prepare for a feast that will leave you feeling happily ever after. Sydney's whimsical and innovative fine dining favourite, Nel, has announced the fifth chapter of its hugely-popular, Disney-themed degustation, and this iteration is pulling out all the stops. Cruella de Vil, we’re looking at you. Once Upon a Time is an eleven-course degustation inspired by chef/owner Nelly Robinson’s favourite Disney classics. While Robinson aims to surprise guests during their dining experience at Nel, we do have some of the magical details about what’s in store for the fifth chapter. Strap in. First up is a dish inspired by the film Mulan called ‘Lucky Cricket.’ Think: a purple puffed prawn toast with a theatrical chicken and eggplant pastry baked in a crisp tulle ‘wand’. Next, Robinson has created a Frozen-themed course featuring Nordic-style cured ocean trout with a pickled onion snowflake, cream cheese snow, and a lemon and dill dusting done tableside. Cruella de Vil gets her moment with a dish consisting of black and white ricotta gnocchi, pan-seared mushrooms, and finished with a celeriac velouté (a type of soup). Dessert will spotlight The Jungle Book with a sweet treat called ‘King Louie,’ featuring a banana-shaped cream with roasted white chocolate and peanut butter brittle (yum). Plus, there’s a dessert inspired by Peter Pan called ‘The Pixie Hollow’ – a fairy dust made from golden, sweet pastry crumble. Robinson said: “I am taking our diners on

Pink sushi, pink cocktails, pink ice cream sando desserts, and a neon-pink cherry blossom installation – while this might sound like an Elle Woods-meets-Japan fantasy, we can assure you it's real life, happening right now, and you absolutely should come and check it out. Cherry Bomb is a pink-tinged six-week pop-up happening at Surry Hills Japanese bar and restaurant, Goros, in celebration of Japan's sakura (cherry blossom) festival, running from now until May 18. The space is completely decked out in pink and cherry blossoms and offers a fun cherry blossom-inspired menu and cocktail list. Instagram, eat your heart out. In addition to pink sushi and cocktails, you can also enjoy $1 dumplings on Fridays and $7 wines, beers, and spirits on Wednesdays to Fridays from 4-6pm. Feeling hungry? The izakaya is also offering all-you-can-eat skewers for the first time, along with a 90-minute feast of food and cocktails for $89. Plus, DJs will be playing non-stop hits to keep the dance floor going, and you can sing your heart out in the private karaoke room – be sure to make a booking as it fills up fast. 'Dancing Queen' here we come. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED READS: In the area? These are the best restaurants in Surry Hills. Looking for something to do this weekend? These are all the fun things on.  

Vegemite smeared on thick, buttered toast is a peak Aussie comfort food. We’re also Big Fans of soft and sweet cinnamon buns. But what if you combined both? This isn’t some kind of imaginary witchcraft, but real life – and the umami-rich creation even had global superstar chef Gordon Ramsay weak at the knees on a recent episode of Channel 9’s new reality show, Food Stars. Competitor Sina Klug, founder of the beloved Sydney vegan bakery Miss Sina, is the pastry wizard behind this creation. Last week, Food Stars contestants were tasked to make a Vegemite dessert, which was a challenge for the German-born baker who says she is not personally a fan of the thick, salty spread. Alas, Klug didn't let her aversion to the yeasty spread get in the way. She ended up creating a twist on her popular cinnamon bun, adding Vegemite-candied pecans, chantilly cream, and a smooth, glossy Vegemite caramel. Well, it knocked Ramsay’s socks off – the chef said he absolutely loved it. (Pack your bags, Marmite.) Sina told Time Out Sydney: “Gordon called my buns ‘exquisite’ and ‘absolutely delicious’, went for seconds, and I even got a few fist bumps behind the scenes!" Photograph: Avril Treasure The Time Out team was lucky enough to try these bad boys, and we totally second what Gordon Ramsay said. Big time.  We have good news for you: Sina and the team are now selling these wacky, delicious creations at their Marrickville bakery, so you can get a taste of the bun that made Ramsay fall head over h

Pioneer of the global Nobu restaurants (and creator of the cult black cod miso dish, so delicate it falls apart with a spoon), Nobu Matsuhisa is coming to Sydney on a tour of Australia this May. And the best part? You can meet Matsuhisa in person, and taste his exceptional food. Yes, chef! Matsuhisa, who has achieved worldwide success thanks to his trailblazing take on contemporary Japanese food, will be visiting Crown Sydney – home to the fine diner – on two occasions. On Thursday, May 2, Crown will be hosting a luxe pool party with live entertainment, top-notch food, cocktails by Don Julio Tequila, and Matsuhisa mingling with guests. Enjoy sushi and sashimi the colour of jewels while watching the sunset over Crown’s ridiculously stunning infinity pool (swimming togs optional). If you can’t make the pool party, Crown will also be throwing a one-off ‘Gochiso Lunch’ with Matsuhisa himself on Saturday, May 4. Diners will feast on signature Nobu dishes  – including that umami-rich cod number – while sipping on Oatley wine and chatting to Matsuhisa himself. If you’re a fan of Nobu – and who isn’t? – you don’t need us to tell you these will both be seriously special days. Photograph: Avril TreasureThe pool at Crown Sydney “I can’t wait to return to Australia," says Matsuhisa. "It's a place very close to my heart and I love visiting my team and local suppliers. The Australian dining scene and hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary t

Get your wine glasses ready. The Real Review, one of Australia’s leading authorities in wine, has just unveiled its highly anticipated annual list that ranks the finest grape juice purveyors in the country – and some gorgeous New South Wales wineries (that are a reasonably short drive from Sydney) have made the cut.  The family-owned Tyrrell's Wines, located in the Lower Hunter’s Pokolbin, has been awarded the best winery in NSW for 2024, and also placed as the 12th-best winery in the country. By now, you’re probably well acquainted with the Tyrrell’s name, which is loved for their affordable yet quality vino. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant took home 14th place, followed by fellow Hunter Valley cellar door, Brokenwood Wines, in 17th place. This can only mean one thing: our arms are twisted, and we're heading to the Hunter Valley. Photograph: Avril Treasure While, yes, it’s true that Victorian winery Yarra Yering did take home the coveted number one spot, and NSW didn't manage to get any wineries in the top 10, we’re choosing not to focus on that, and to celebrate our wines – sorry, I mean wins – because there are a bunch of them. Completing the top five of this year’s list was Henschke in second place (Eden Valley, South Australia), Wine by Farr in third (Geelong, Victoria), Penfolds in fourth (South Australia), and Oakridge in fifth (Yarra Valley, Victoria), which was last year's winner. Each year, a panel of the nation's top critics try more than 10,000 wines – but their fina

Calling all hot chicks (and roosters): Surry Hills' golden charcoal chicken shop Henrietta is launching an all-you-can-eat charcoal chicken offer for $48 per person. As well as unlimited charcoal-roasted chooks, the spread also includes traditional Lebanese sides, including fresh fattoush salad, creamy garlic sauce, Henrietta’s signature hummus, crunchy pickles, and sumac-dusted hot chips. Hungry? Us too. If you feel like a drink, you can also opt for bottomless wines and beers for an extra $35 per person. This offer kicks off from April 13, and will be available for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays – so send a group text now. The snazzy Middle Eastern chicken shop is a step above your local, which makes sense when you consider it’s by ESCA Group, the same folks who oversee Middle Eastern fine diner Aalia, Japanese/Italian izakaya Ito, and pastel-hued Nour. Photograph: Jiwon Kim Ibby Moubadder, co-founder of ESCA Group, says, “Our charcoal chicken, marinated in a blend of authentic Lebanese spices, is perfect for sharing with family and friends, so why limit yourself to one plate? “The all-you-can-eat charcoal chicken offer is for our loyal guests who are obsessed with our chicken or for those who are new to Henrietta and simply want to gather round the table and enjoy the true spirit of Middle-Eastern hospitality,” Moubadder adds. April 13 can’t come quick enough. Cluck yeah. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best charcoal chicken shops in Sydney. In Surry Hills? Check out ou

In February, the former Boathouse Palm Beach reopened with a new look and name – now called 'The Joey' – after undergoing an extensive $7 million restoration thanks to new ownership by hospitality professionals Rob Domjen and Ben May. Time Out Sydney’s readers were excited by the fresh new direction, as the idyllic waterfront café transformed into a grown-up and slick diner. Think less Alf Stewart, more lobster frites. But it hasn’t all been peachy news: an application for the dining room to trade until 11pm each night – like nearby establishments Dunes Palm Beach and Casa by The Boathouse – was rejected by the Northern Beaches Council, due to just a handful of disgruntled locals. Currently, The Joey must close at 4pm, which doesn’t even leave time for afternoon vinos and share plates, let alone watching the sunset. Photograph: Alex Marks Photography The application to trade into the evening received 132 positive votes in favour, and just seven opposing, which makes little sense when you consider the closest home to The Joey is 600 metres away and separated by a nine-hole golf course. The decision is devastating for The Joey and Sydney’s hospitality industry at large. Thankfully, it’s not over just yet, with May and Domjen set to meet with the Northern Beaches Council today (Friday, April 4), as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday, April 9. At a press conference on Wednesday, April 3, Minns said he was upset to hear the news. “I am worried about it [...] I was pretty

When it comes to coffee, we Sydneysiders are pretty smug. We know our Arabica from our Robusta, and we roll our eyes at Starbucks (sorry, USA). We have long believed we’re home to some of the best coffee in the world. Now, we've got the big guns to back it up: an expert panel from leading international dining publication Food & Wine have ranked the best cities in the world for coffee – and Sydney triumphed, coming in third place. Melbourne came in tenth place, and honestly that feels good. The experts noted that while Sydney’s vibe is laid-back, the coffee here is serious business. They also nodded to Sydney's coffee capital Surry Hills, which is packed with top-notch cafés, including Time Out favourite Single O. Photograph: Katje Ford Copenhagen took the top coffee spot, with the judges saying: “The Danish capital is renowned for its quality-over-quantity approach, with coffee shops serving meticulously sourced beans and brewing award-winning cups.” Tokyo came in second place, winning marks for its range of coffee offerings, which include everything from historic joints pouring siphon-brewed coffee to modern spots playing around with brewing techniques and flavours. In fourth place was San Francisco, followed by Milan, Lisbon, Amsterdam, London and Cape Town. You can check out the full list here, and if you're craving a cup of the good stuff, you can check out the best cafés in Sydney here. There are few things better in the morning than an excellent cup of Joe. Smooth and

North Sydney may not be the first place you think of when you want to head out for dinner and a drink, but that’s set to change with a slew of new restaurants and bars set to open this year, bringing more energy and delicious food and wine north of the bridge. Spearheaded by Etymon Projects, the folks behind The Charles and Loulou, the brand-new dining precinct will feature a bakery, café and wine bar called Sol; artisanal produce store Una; LA-inspired all-day eatery and bar Soluna; and Japanese izakaya Genzo. If everything’s on track, the dining hub will be open this June. Lisa Hobbs, CEO of Etymon Projects, said: “What opening Poetica bar and grill in North Sydney and Loulou in Milsons Point has shown us is that there’s a real appetite for more hospitality this side of the bridge. North Sydney has a great buzz to it, and we see this growing especially with the Metro opening later this year.” Photograph: Supplied Bar Lettera, a modern Australian/Italian restaurant and wine bar, will also be opening in May in North Sydney’s Citadines Walker North Sydney. Helmed by head Chef Ryan Perry – whose CV includes esteemed restaurants The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo – Bar Lettera will be serving riffs on classic Italian dishes. Here, a caprese salad will be swapped for a heirloom salad with kombu oil and geraldton wax. And fritto misto will see bay bugs fried until golden and served with a house-made XO sauce. This news comes off the back of the announcement back in December 202

Josh Niland changed the fish and chip game when he opened Charcoal Fish in 2021. The fast-casual diner was a nostalgic riff on an old-school fish and chip shop and charcoal chicken joint, selling a now-legendary double yellowfin tuna cheeseburger with smoked Murray cod bacon, as well as sustainably farmed rotisserie Murray cod in crusty white rolls doused in gravy. Now, Niland and his wife Julie have closed the Rose Bay eatery due to the variable seasonality of the location, a spokesperson for the couple said. Photograph: Nigel Kippers/Time Out Fish Butchery Paddington, a fish haven selling fresh seafood and take-home meals, which opened in 2018 on the same strip as Niland’s revolutionary award-winning fine diner Saint Peter, has also now closed. Fish Butchery Waterloo remains open. And while this news will undoubtedly come as a shock to fans of the zero-waste pioneer and seafood wizard – who else can turn the whites of fish eyes into a silky, velvety ice cream? – it’s not all bad news. Saint Peter will be relocating to a much larger space later this year to Paddington’s nearby Grand National Hotel – allowing the team to welcome even more diners to taste Niland’s wow-inducing creations. This also comes off the back of an exciting year for Niland, with the seafood gun opening his first international restaurant called Fysh in Singapore in 2023, as well as Petermen in St Leonards. “The relocation of Saint Peter into a bigger restaurant and kitchen has allowed for more space, a

In a city as ridiculously beautiful as Sydney – home of turquoise seas, lush bushland and a sparkling harbour, not to mention a certain bridge and a house with sails – why settle for a drink when you can have a drink and a view? Us Sydneysiders know our city is home to some bloody great rooftop bars. Now, we can lay claim to having some of the best in the whole wide world, thanks to a brand-new ranking of the globe’s top sky-high drinking spots. If that doesn’t call for a cheers, we don’t know what will. Ten of our beloved Sydney rooftop bars nabbed a spot on the list, the result of an intensive study by Mandoe Media. The company analysed 703,289 online customer reviews from 997 bars across 135 global cities to come up with a definitive grading of the 200 best watering holes on the planet. TripAdvisor ratings, drinks prices and Instagram shares were all taken into account, and the results are now in. Ready? The highest Sydney bar to rank on the list at number ten was Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, the sprawling waterfront venue where the rosé is always crisp, the Eastern Suburb bros are out in full force and the prawns are fresh. (And we’re not saying everything is a competition, but we beat Melbourne, as their top bar came in 15th place.) Coming in at 34th place, Coogee Pavilion is the breezy oceanfront boozer with delicious eats, drinks and cracking sea views. Photograph: Anna Kucera Next up in 43rd spot was Sydney favourite The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks, which is an ever-

Lockout laws, schmockout laws. Thankfully, those terrible days are behind us, and a slew of new nightlife reforms mean Sydney’s late-night scene keeps getting better and better. Live music venues are now able to stay open until the wee hours of the morning, and can't be shut down as easily by noise complaints. We love to see it. Unless you’re Matthew Walker, sleep is overrated. Make sure you’re getting your eight hours during the week, and come the weekend, we say it’s time to party. From late-night eats to bars, live-music venues and clubs, Sydney is increasingly becoming more fun after dark, and if you don’t believe us, there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there? Consider this your guide on how to pull the best all-nighter in Sydney. And before the haters come for us in the comments saying it’s not logistically possible to hit up all these places in diverse spots across Sydney – take this as a loose guide, park your attitude, and we’ll see you at The Abercrombie. 2pm: Catch a show at Belvoir St Theatre Look, we’re not going to lie, this guide gets a bit booze-heavy down the pointy end, so it’d be good to begin your Sydney all-nighter on a soul-pleasing note. Time Out favourite Belvoir St Theatre has shows running year-round, and we’re also big fans of Sydney Theatre Company, Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres and Woolloomooloo’s The Old Fitz Theatre. (Check out what shows are playing this month, here.) 4pm: Hit up happy hour at Love, Tilly Devine Everyone loves a happy hour

Buttery and flaky with a beautiful golden colour, croissants are one of life’s pure joys, best enjoyed not shared but devoured by yourself in a minute or two. Except when they’re supersized, like the ones from halal French patisserie, La Dorée. The Western Sydney café is currently serving 1.2kg croissants, as well as 6L coffees, and we're not kidding. And yes, you may need to find a bathroom quickly after said coffee. Co-owner and French-trained chef Khaled Khanji say their giant croissant takes three days to make, using flour, salt, sugar, and a heck of a lot of butter. They are selling between ten to 15 massive croissants per week, but if you’re keen to join the flaky fun, you will need to give the team three days' notice. And you will need to save up your pocket money: a 1.2kg croissant costs $60. And the coffee? It will set you back $50. Photograph: Kera Wong Look, haters will say it’s a waste and a bit ridiculous, and while there may be some truth in that, it's also a bit of fun. And considering a giant croissant can feed a family, it works out to be a cost-effective brekky if you bring your whole gang. If you’re not that hungry, La Dorée also sells normal-sized croissants, as well as different flavoured ones, like Golden Gaytime (yum), and other impressive sweet treats. RECOMMENDED READS: After something savoury? Check out our guide to the best sandwiches in Sydney here. Start your morning on the right note with the best cafés in Sydney here.

Comforting as it is exciting, Jane is one of our favourite restaurants in Sydney. The Surry Hills neighbourhood diner is consistently on Time Out’s best restaurants list, and won our Best Casual Dining Venue Award 2022. It’s the little sister to Arthur, an excellent degustation restaurant that only uses Aussie produce. So our ears pricked up when we heard that the talented duo behind these two hot spots – Tristan Rosier and Rebecca Fanning –  is set to open a third restaurant in Gymea in the Sutherland Shire this April. Called Fior, the new restaurant will be an Australian riff on Italian cuisine, laced with charm, nostalgia and good times. Rosier will be joined with head chef Will Lawson (ex-Arthur, Fred's, Ms G’s) in the kitchen. Expect rustic Italian antipasti, handmade pasta and casual plates at affordable price points, all made from mostly locally sourced ingredients, bar quality Parmigiano Reggiano and anchovies, of course. Oysters will be freshly shucked to order, there will be a roaming gelato trolley, and “the Shire’s best aperitivo hour”. Eduardo Conde from Paddington's El Primo Sanchez – also the current Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year – is in charge of the cocktails, so that sounds about right. Head chef and co-owner Rosier grew up in Gymea, and has always dreamt of opening a restaurant in his home suburb. The couple have nabbed the former home of Caruso’s, and are working with award-winning architects and interior designers Luchetti Krelle to transform