Seven Must-Visit Spots in Randwick for Every Occasion
This easy-breezy 'burb is home to a Middle Eastern brekkie spot and a kitsch-but-cute small bar.
Seven Must-Visit Spots in Randwick for Every Occasion
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This easy-breezy 'burb is home to a Middle Eastern brekkie spot and a kitsch-but-cute small bar.
Surfers may flock to Sydney's sandy suburbs while leaf-lovers stick to the city's best parks, but locals wanting the best of both worlds will head to Randwick. This easy-breezy 'burb is perfectly positioned between Centennial Park and the eastern suburbs' fantastic stretch of coastline for residents and visitors to enjoy the best of the city in one spot.
At its heart is the long-standing Ritz Cinema and its impressive art deco facade, and a clutch of well-kept cafes, restaurants, bars and specialised shops. In partnership with American Express, we've found a Randwick spot that'll hit the mark on every occasion, whether you're catching up with a group of old mates or refurbishing your pad.
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Fuel up with a Middle Eastern feast at A Man and His Monkey. The menu offers an all-day lunch and brekkie combo where you’ll find multiple variations of shakshuka beside lunch classics like a reuben sandwich or grilled salmon salad.
On the move? Grab a bacon and egg panini, or try the watermelon malabi — a rose-scented milk pudding topped with pistachios, coconut and strawberries. Add a house-made juice or smoothie to your order and you’ll be set for the rest of the day.
Image: Cassandra Hannagan
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Express your adoration through petals and plants from this elegant Clovelly florist. The Botanic Lab creates glorious bouquets, whether you’re after a bunch of roses and peonies in sweet pastels; a sculptural selection of flowers and foliage; or a waterfall of bright Australian natives. Designs range from $80–280, but you can also pick up a simple bunch of market-fresh tulips, daffodils or dahlias for $30–60 depending on the season and the bloom.
These floral pros can wrap your selection, or you can BYO vase and have them arrange the bouquet for you. And, if your beau is a green thumb, there’s also a smaller selection of succulents and houseplants.
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There’s plenty of competition in the race for Sydney’s top Thai food, but beloved restaurant group Chat Thai is a strong and spicy front-runner. The no-nonsense Randwick iteration is ideal for casual, shareable feasts. Pull up a stool out front or head inside with a few beers and start with classics like ultra-crispy fish cakes and a round of fresh spring rolls.
Turn up the heat with a sweet and spicy green papaya salad with peanuts and dried shrimps, an unbeatable dtom yum goong or a five-spiced roasted duck red curry. Round out the evening with a table full of coconut ice cream, sticky rice and mango.
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Neighbourhood charm runs high in this corner of Randwick, where snazzy restaurants surround the much-loved Ritz Cinema. Bat Country — a very specifically Hunter S. Thompson-inspired cafe and bar — has pride of place opposite the picture palace. The location coupled with the kitsch-but-cute 70s Americana fit-out makes this an ideal spot to stretch out on a wood-panelled booth and ponder literature and legendary drug-fancying journalists.
Beers from local brewers or a well-crafted cocktail will soothe any work angst, while a dinner menu that moves from chicken winglets and guac all the way to tender salt and pepper squid and vegan mixed plates will sustain you until closing time.
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We’ve become experts at staying home without forgoing local eats over the last year. But if you’re looking to expand your culinary technique while supporting local businesses, plan a dinner party for a few pals with the help of Green Valley Spices.
This family-run joint is your go-to for teas, herbs, spices and complex blends that’ll elevate your cooking to new flavour heights. And the best part is the family generously provides online recipes for marinades and meals that’ll help guide your herb and spice selection. Mix up your classic chicken satay with a fresh coriander twist, or apply the lemon and ginger marinade to almost any dish.
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A pop of colour or soft, flowing fabric can make all the difference to your home decor, and 123 Home has all the trimmings to help you do a mini home renovation without ripping out any walls (which we’re sure your landlord will be happy about).
This chic store will sort you out from the kitchen to the living room and any other nook or cranny that requires a refresh. Find candles, cushions and throws in every shade of the pastel spectrum, plus cutting boards and crockery to impress at any dinner party. And if you want to look as suave as your new lamps and wall hangings, there’s also a range of jewellery, sunglasses and tote bags to deck yourself out with.
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If you’ve got a tiny human in your life who needs to be showered with gifts, grab them something that’ll expand their growing minds from this Randwick institution. Laugh and Learn is a locally run toy store that’s been providing families with educational toys and games for more than 18 years. It offers everything from books and board games to plush toys, puzzles, science kits and mini musical instruments.
And, if they’re up for it, toddlers and primary school-aged kids can also get involved in the music, numeracy and alphabet classes held at the shop — because learning is indeed a gift.
