Overview
Choice is never a problem when it comes to shopping and dining in the heart of Sydney. In fact, some may say finding a great inner-city gem is more difficult than ever before. From hidden breweries to deluxe cake shops, there's plenty of great stuff waiting to be discovered.
So, where should you start? To give you the insider scoop of where to shop like the locals do in Chippendale and beyond, we've partnered with American Express to bring you a curated guide of some of the best locally owned boutiques, eateries and wine bars. You can shop small here with your American Express Card.
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Unfortunately, if you want to taste Aussie wine directly from the producers, you usually have to trek out to one of the many wine regions around the country. Which is why the inner-city location of Handpicked’s cellar door is so genius. With vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and across the world, the best place to try Handpicked Wines is surprisingly in the heart of Sydney. Not sure where to start? At the tasting station, sommeliers will take you through a tasting of the Handpicked range. Nab a bottle to take to dinner at Spice Alley from the bottle shop or take a seat in the wine lounge with a glass of your favourite drop and a platter of cheese, charcuterie and caviar. Or, book into the experience room, a private function space for intimate group tastings.
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Art, wine and cheese. It’s a golden trifecta. And you can find it all at beloved neighbourhood wine bar, Zigi’s. Nestled among the backstreets of the inner city, Zigi’s is an unassuming haunt that delivers much more than your typical bar. Start downstairs at the casual restaurant, serving cheese platters and an Israeli-inspired tapas menu. The grilled kangaroo loin with beetroot and garlic chips is a must. Wash it all down with a classic cocktail or a glass of bubbles (which comes free if you book a table for ten on Tuesday or Wednesday nights). Then venture upstairs to Zigi’s gallery space, which hosts regular exhibitions from local artists.
Image: Destination NSW.
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Tucked inside Haymarket’s Jarern Chai Grocer you’ll find something special. It’s name? Boon Cafe. From the brains behind Chat Thai, this cafe has garnered a loyal customer base in its own right. Boon serves reinvented sambos infused with classic Thai flavours, Penny Fours pastries and Single Origin coffee. While lunch is a lighter affair, dinner promises Isaan cuisine (think curries, soups and warm salads) — be sure to wash it all down with a Thai red tea. Thankfully, once you’re inspired to whip up a feast at home, you’re well placed to stock up on Thai dry-goods, homewares, fresh flowers and specialty produce from the grocer.
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Since finding its home on Abercrombie Street in 2017, Sneaky Possum has cemented its place in the hearts of Chippendale locals. The multifaceted venue is a cafe, bar, restaurant and art gallery, without the feeling of ‘too much’ that sometimes comes with places that try to do it all. The crew here continues to deliver a tried-and-true mix of bowls, burgers and beers. Alongside plenty of gorgeous wall art, hanging greenery and pinball machines and retro arcade games, you’ll find a sophisticated menu championing Australian ingredients and flavours — including a multicultural tilt representative of our diverse community. Be sure to try a cocktail like the Ozzy Negroni, Flammin’ Galah or Rum Rebellion Espresso Martini.