The past year has really highlighted the importance of supporting our local shops and hospo joints. There's power at your fingertips — and in your shopping baskets.
That’s why we’ve partnered with American Express to create The Localist. We’ve sifted through our ever-growing directory of restaurants, bars and shops to seek out the very best local spots to suit your needs. Looking for a cosy bar for a make-or-break third date? A day-making brekkie roll? A birthday gift for a colleague? You’ll find ’em all (and much, much more) below.
Whether you want to pound the pavement and meet the business owners IRL or shop small from the comfort of your couch, you can make a commitment to consciously buy local and contribute to our thriving communities — starting right here.
Unlock the neighbourhood
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Guide
Eight Must-Visit Spots in Potts Point for Every Occasion
Speakeasy bars, stinky cheese and next-level sambos await.
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Guide
Ten Must-Visit Spots in the CBD for Every Occasion
Your next business lunch, date night and birthday party: all sorted.
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Ten Must-Visit Spots in Double Bay for Every Occasion
Whether you're on the hunt for designer vintage, your next read or a really, really good bowl of pasta, you'll find it here.
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Nine Must-Visit Spots in Newtown for Every Occasion
Stock up on party supplies at one of Sydney's best bottle-os, then get your sugar fix at a hole-in-the-wall gelato shop.
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Ten Must-Visit Spots in Mosman for Every Occasion
From sundowners overlooking the beach to shopping up a storm along the high street, there are plenty of ways to stay busy in this north shore 'burb.
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Nine Must-Visit Spots in Darlinghurst for Every Occasion
Know where to go for OTT lunches, happy hour cocktails and 2am snacks.
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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.
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Ten Must-Visit Spots in Balmain for Every Occasion
The leafy peninsula village offers generous water views, intimate date-night haunts and the perfect neighbourhood bookstore.
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Seven Must-Visit Spots in Redfern for Every Occasion
Seek out one of Sydney's tastiest rotisserie chickens and a moody jazz bar in this inner city hood.
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Nine Must-Visit Spots in Paddington for Every Occasion
You'll find everything from sustainable fashion (and fish) to culinary gems in this pocket of the eastern suburbs.
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Seven Must-Visit Spots in Marrickville for Every Occasion
Excellent breweries aside, there are plenty of businesses in this inner west hood you should have on your radar.
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Seven Must-Visit Spots in Manly for Every Occasion
Curb a brekkie jaffle craving and restock your bar cart with boutique booze — all just a few steps from the beach.
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Nine Must-Visit Spots in Bondi for Every Occasion
From a local bottle–o stocking all-Aussie drops to where to celebrate another trip around the sun.
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Six Must-Visit Spots in Avalon for Every Occasion
Venture beyond the beach for a quick feed in a millennial pink paradise or date night in a cosy wine bar.
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Nine Must-Visit Spots in Glebe for Every Occasion
Escape into inky worlds in quiet bookshops, lay claim to cosy cafe corners and end the day jumping between local watering holes.
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Six Must-Visit Spots in Alexandria for Every Occasion
Organise next-level group feasts, pick up beautiful blooms and prep for your next at-home bash at a vegan brewery.
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Six Must-Visit Spots in Neutral Bay for Every Occasion
From Cali-inspired bars in courtyards and go-to lunch spots to unique gift shops and organic butchers.
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Seven Must-Visit Spots in Parramatta for Every Occasion
Have date night at a 26th-floor bar, organise a group feast at a famous south Indian restaurant chain or pick up a new hobby at a guitar factory.
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Guide
Seven Group Bonding Activities for When You're in Charge of Team Fun at the Office
Nothing bonds colleagues like performing a karaoke duet or cracking an escape room together.
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Seven Next-Level Brekkie Rolls to Get in Sydney That'll Put a Pep in Your Saturday Morning Step
These mac ‘n’ cheese-filled croissants and hickory-smoked bacon rolls are just what the doctor ordered.
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Eight Mindblowing Vegan Dishes to Order in Sydney That'll Have Your Carnivorous Mates Coming Back for Seconds
Animal byproducts? I don't know her.
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Seven Must-Have Homeware Items That'll Make Your Rental Apartment Feel More Like Home
Just because you don't own the walls doesn't mean you can't accessorize them.
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Nine Impressive (but Affordable) Gifts to Buy Someone You Don't Know Very Well
Dazzle your new friend, colleague or in-law with your chic taste — without breaking the bank.
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Nine Stunning Locally Made Jewellery Pieces You Should Buy for Someone Special (AKA Yourself)
Go on, they (you) deserve something shiny.
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Merch to Buy When You Want to Wear Your Love of Your Favourite Sydney Venues on Your Sleeve
Support local — loud 'n' proud.
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Office-Appropriate Wardrobe Essentials If You're Not Ready to Let Go of Those Cosy WFH Vibes
Unfortunately, you will have to leave your fuzzy slippers at home.
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Gifts to Buy for Your Fur Baby Because You Just Can't Help Yourself
Your very good boy deserves nothing but the best.
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Seven Epic Starters and Sides That Are Almost Worth the Restaurant Booking Alone
It's perfectly acceptable to fill up on multiple entrees.
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Seven Moreish Fried Snacks to Devour After a Long Day in Sydney
Satisfy those hankerings with these bites of deep-fried deliciousness.
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Eight Winning Cocktail and Snack Combos to Order If You Just Can't Wait Till Dinner
Silence your grumbling tummy with one of these bite-sized dishes — and a tipple or two.
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Six Sweet Treats to Get for Your Mate's Birthday If They (Weirdly) Don't Like Cake
Treat the cake-hater in your life to monster-sized eclairs, birthday breakfasts and boozy Italian desserts.
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Seven Belly-Warming Noodle Soups in Sydney to Slurp Down on the Next Super Chilly Day
Warm yourself from the inside out with a hearty bowl of brekkie ramen or sweet and sour soup.
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Five OTT Sandwiches to Eat for Lunch If You're Tired of Sad Desk Salads
Swap those soggy leaves for a sky-high chilli chicken sambo or a roll filled with gravy and golden-roasted pork belly.
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Six Legendary Dishes That Put These Sydney Restaurants on the Map (and Still Hold Up Today)
Tick these top eats off your culinary bucket list.
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Seven Pasta Dishes to Order in Sydney Restaurants That'll Put Mum's Spag Bol to Shame
Bookmark these Italian spots for when only a big bowl of carbs will do.
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Unique Experiences That'll Give You a Behind-the-Scenes Peek of Your Favourite Sydney Venues
See how gelato gets made or settle in for a private poker game in a subterranean restaurant.
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Where to Eat When You're Craving All the Food You Ate on Your Trip to Japan
Eat like you're back exploring the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Where to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home
Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.