The Specials Board: These Are Sydney's Must-Try Food and Drink Specials for December

New month, new flavours — these are the standout new dishes and deals to check out this month.

The Specials Board: These Are Melbourne's Must-Try Food and Drink Specials for December

New month, new flavours — these are the standout new dishes and deals to check out this month.

Messina Is Serving Its First-Ever Breakfast Gelato, Combining Honey Ice Cream with Brookfarm's Toasted Macadamia Muesli

Creamy yet crunchy, this limited-edition brekkie-inspired scoop is both the ideal sweet start to the day or late-night treat.

This Just in: Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Announces its 2026 Program, Including a Cake Picnic, a Greek-Themed Longest Lunch, Free Pizza, and Even Blind Whisky Tastings

From a Korean Fried Chicken Festival, to wild foraging experiences and pop-ups at some of the best restaurants in town, there's truly something for everyone.

Sydney Seafood School Has Unveiled Its New Look and Upgraded Offering for 2026

Guests have new gadgets, a dedicated oyster bar, stunning views and brand new classes to look forward to at the culinary institute in 2026.

This Just in: You Can Now Use Your Favourite Take-Out App to Book Exclusive Tables at Otherwise Fully-Booked Restaurants

This innovative new feature means that your go-to app for dining in can now be used for dining out.

Now Open: Sweethearts Terraza Is the Potts Point Hotel's New Rooftop Hangout, Serving Yucatan Cuisine and Spice-Forward Cocktails

Mexico's coastline comes to Sydney, as this reimagined rooftop now serves contemporary cuisine and innovative cocktails above Kings Cross.

ST. ALi Is Helping You Stuff Stockings and Enjoy a Cracking Brew This Christmas with Its Festive Nutcracker Blend

This annual Christmas blend has no interest in subtlety, offering strong festive notes that'll impress your coffee-loving friends and family.

This Just In: Ms. G's, Sydney's Home of Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Is Closing After 15 Years in Potts Point

Helmed by executive chefs Dan Hong and Jowett Yu since 2010, this much-loved Potts Point spot proudly broke the rules around pan-Asian cuisine.

Coming Soon: Young Gun Chef Ellie Bouhadana Will Bring Her Signature No-Fuss, Coastal-Inspired Cooking to the Stokehouse's Beach Box Kiosk This Summer

Ellie's Kiosk, a laidback location designed both for casual dining or take-out, will be serving Bouhadana's signature produce-driven, no-fuss fare.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Melbourne

Here's where to find Melbourne's best seafood — across fine-diners, messy crab shacks, local neighbourhood eateries and lavish omakase haunts.

Four Pillars Is Bringing Back Its Pudding-Like Australian Christmas Gin, Perfect for Gifting or Sipping on the Big Day

Marking its tenth limited-edition release, this Aussie-inspired gin features all the notes and character needed to level up your Christmas lunch.

Char'd Is Sydney's Charcoal Chicken Upstart Looking to Rise Above Your Average Suburban Chook Shop

Learning the trade from within takeaway giants, this 29-year-old stepped out on his own to raise the bar on Sydney's neighbourhood chicken shops.

Atop The Porter House Precinct, Baijiu-Led Bar See See Now Serves Innovative Moutai-Forward Cocktails and Lee Ho Fook Snacks

Ascend to the top level of this reimagined dining precinct to discover a sultry cocktail spot breaking new ground with China's national spirit.

Square Is Teaming up with Chef Joel Bennetts to Explore Sydney's Neighbourhoods

Watch a Sydney chef peel back the curtains on some of our city's most viral spots.

One Day Only: Pizza Hut Locations Across Australia Are Exchanging Your Old Pizza Boxes for a Free Pepperoni Pizza

Don't bin that greasy pizza box just yet — this pizza icon is exchanging them for garlic- and cheddar-filled goodness across Australia this month.

Carlton North's Beloved Monforte Viennoiserie is Finally Serving Barista Coffees — And They're Giving Them Away for Free This Saturday

Now Open: Salad Days Has Sprouted a Second Location in Alexandria, Featuring a New Menu From the Team Behind Room Ten and Pina

This new-age fast-food spot is officially serving its veggie-focused bowls in Alexandria, this time in collaboration with a pair of Sydney hospo heavyweights.

Coming Soon: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach Has Revealed an Opening Date — and Bookings Are Now Live

The beloved British chef will bring his produce-driven seafood to the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach this summer.

The Century-Old Georges River Sailing Club Ushers in a New Era, Featuring Med-Inspired Dining and Exclusive Maybe Sammy Cocktails

Building upon almost 100 years of history, this historic sailing club's recent renovation adds a standout restaurant with an exclusive cocktail collaboration.

After a Stellar Debut Year in Paddington, Dario Manca's Italian Fine-Diner Attimi Has Been Named Australia's Best New Restaurant

Beating out numerous exciting names from across the country, this restaurant's considered approach to Italian cuisine earned it top spot at this year's awards.

Concrete Playground's Editors on What's Trending After Dark

We tapped Concrete Playground's editors, to learn more about the future of the night-time economy and what's trending after dark right now.

Just In: The Team Behind the Burleigh Pavilion Is Coming to the Central Coast, Launching the Terrigal Pavilion This November

Brimming with three venues for every occasion, this multi-level landmark will soon be ripe for oceanfront bevvies, easygoing dining and quick sunrise takeaways.

Watsons Bay Hotel Has Reopened Its Sun-Drenched Decks Just in Time for Summer, Following an Extensive $3 Million Renovation

With the hotel's extensive renovation now complete, guests can get back to admiring the scenery or party up a storm at a brand-new Amalfi-inspired beach club event.

Inflation Means The Price of Everything Is Going Up — Except Your Morning Coffee

Inflation is back on the rise, but at least you can expect coffee prices to stop increasing in 2026.

Good Vibes Only: What Aussies Say Makes or Breaks a Night Out

Turns out Australians are big foodies, with our social needs following close behind to get us out of the house.

By The Glass: The Bottle Shops Teaching Brisbane How to Drink Better

Weekly tastings that feel like catching up with friends. Bottles open daily for sampling. Spaces designed to feel like bookshops, not supermarkets. Brisbane's independent bottle shops are rewriting how we buy booze.

Coming Soon: KODA Is the "No-Attitude Destination" Bringing Playful Cocktails and Robata-Grilled Good Times to the Former Monopole Site

In an exclusive interview with 'Concrete Playground', restaurateur Matt Yazbeck lifts the lid on his upcoming CBD venture.

The Best Bakeries in Melbourne

Crusty sourdough loaves, flaky croissants, shiopans and shokupans, cookies and doughnuts, bagels and ficelles, pies and pasties, and everything in between.

Now Open: Haus of Wendy Is the US Burger Chain's Biggest Aussie Launch to Date, Opening in the Heart of Brisbane CBD

Spanning two brightly coloured levels, this huge Wendy's highlights the brand's ambitions to take over Aussie fast food.

Six to Try: Cafes in Brisbane Shaking Things Up

All your brunch favourites, go-to pastries and mandatory morning coffees get a fresh twist at some of the most exciting cafes in Brisbane.

Now Open: This Toorak Road Terrace House Is Home to the New Greek Restaurant Astoria Bar Kè Grill

This South Yarra spot servies up traditional Greek fare with contemporary flair.

Lonely Planet Has Named Melbourne's Food Scene One of the World's Top 25 Travel Experiences

From Lune croissants to Palestinian soul food and Italian marketplaces, Melbourne’s culinary scene has officially been crowned one of the world’s best by Lonely Planet.

Ovolo The Valley Has a New Rooftop Bar, Where Mezze Plates and Signature Cocktails Draw Inspiration From Levantine Nightlife

Settle into a sun-soaked session, as this day-to-night rooftop perch offers Mediterranean-inspired food and drink guided by an award-winning team.

This Just in: Hospo Stalwart Ronnie Di Stasio Has Just Days to Save His Restaurants Amid Tax Debt Dispute

If the debts are not settled on time, the companies could be deemed insolvent, with a liquidator appointed.

Coming Soon: Daphne, a Bustling Public House From Etta's Hannah Green — With Everything from a Martini Club to a Considered Kids' Menu — is Set to Open this November

Step into Hannah Green's new home just a couple doors down from Etta, with her new restaurant set to offer warm hospitality rooted in community.

Gen Z Is Keeping Melbourne's Nightlife Alive — Just Ask Gracie's Wine Room

The success of Gracie's Wine Room proves Gen Z's appetite for nights out.

This Mosman Venue Has a Private Beach — So You Can Have Your Euro-Summer Destination Wedding Without Leaving Sydney

This Sydney venue marries city luxury with beachfront views reminiscent of a Euro-summer destination wedding.

This Just in: Shannon Bennett's Residency at The StandardX Has Proven So Popular That it Has Been Extended With No End Date In Sight

The legendary chef's neighbourhood bistro-style concept has been so successful, that Bennett and his team of all-star collaborators are sticking around.

Coming Soon: This Multi-Sensory, Not-So-Serious, Theatrical Restaurant Is So Popular That It Is Opening a Second Venue to Keep Up with the Demand for Seats

Shelly will offer a 10-course degustation menu that is flamboyant, dramatic, and at its heart, just a lot of fun.

Espresso Your Views on the Community, as South Melbourne Market Invites Locals to Chat with Cops Over Coffee

Sit for a low-key chat with your neighbourhood officers, as this easygoing session is all about community bonding and engagement.

Coming Soon: This CBD Boutique Hotel Will House Five New Hospo Venues — From the Group Behind Lilac Wine and Hazel

The new venues include everything from a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, to an all-day bistro and late night rooftop bar.