Nine Must-Visit Spots in Darlinghurst for Every Occasion

You don’t really need us to tell you that pizza is the ideal food choice when feeding a big group. You’ve been to enough parties fuelled by late-night pizza deliveries to know that already. What we can tell you is, if you and your crew are after pizza, then you should head to Dimitri’s.

After relocating from Surry Hills in 2019, Dimitri’s has really upped the ante on its woodfired slices. In particular, its Bee Sting (tomato, sopressa, mozzarella and hot honey) and Fun Guy (herbed Ricotta, house mozzarella, basil, mushroom, chilli and truffle infused olive oil) pies have picked up dedicated fans across Sydney (including in the Concrete Playground office). Paired with natty wines and craft beers from the impressive drinks menu, a feast here is sure to please every person in your group. Well, apart from the lactose-intolerant one — sorry mate.

Image: Kimberley Low

There are two things you need to know before visiting South Dowling Sandwiches. The first is to go on an empty stomach. Because these sandwiches are big — like, doorstop big. The second thing to know is, regardless of which sambo you opt for, you need to add on the caramelised carrots. We’re not sure what this long-running sandwich shop does to the carrots to make them so delicious but, honestly, does it matter? Just get ’em.

We asked Dimitri’s co-owner Ken Williams for his pick of the neighbourhood, and this is what he had to say about South Dowling Sandwiches: “Great sandwiches with fresh ingredients. No nonsense,” he says. “Lunch in the park done right.”

South Dowling Sandwiches has been feeding hungry Sydneysiders since 1999 from this tiny corner shop in Darlinghurst, plus another outpost in Alexandria. Online orders are available, too. Having a carb-free moment? Opt for one of the salads instead, which are just as big and just as tasty.

Image: Cassandra Hannagan

After sitting under fluorescent office lights in a deathly quiet office and staring at a screen for eight straight hours, there’s only one antidote. You need to be somewhere dark, cosy and loud. And Shady Pines Saloon is the answer.

This American-themed saloon has long been a go-to for drinks after a soul-destroying day at the office. Whether you’re blowing off steam with your colleagues or transitioning into party mode with your mates, Shady Pines’ happy hour will do the trick: think $12 margaritas and negronis and $4.50 spirits, tinnies and house wines. It’s also a good option for a first date if you’re not sure you want to blow the big bucks on a total stranger just yet.

Image: Leticia Almeida

Streaming is great and all but, after spending so much time indoors over the past 18 months, you’ve probably burned through everything in your queue. Enter Film Club. Harking back to the good ol’ days when planning a movie night took more consideration than just hitting play on the most recent release, this DVD rental store is nostalgic treasure trove.

Here, you’ll find films that are otherwise unfindable. We’re talking arthouse, foreign and indie films, silent films from the 20s and cult films from the 60s. There are some 20,000 titles to choose from, plus limited-edition merch. Visit on a Tuesday and you can get a weekly rental for just two bucks.

Image: Trent van der Jagt

Big Poppa’s is one of those joints that has a knack for catering to all dining situations. Catching up with mates? Order some cocktails and a couple of snack plates to share, like the burrata with Black Russian tomatoes or snapper crudo. Need to debrief with your colleagues after a crazy work meeting? That calls for a bottle of wine and all of the cheese (you have almost 20 to choose from).

Or, do you want to spend some quality time with that special someone? Get cosy in one of the dimly lit booths and split a couple of bowls of pasta — we recommend the lamb shoulder ragu with pappardelle — and finish with the super-decadent chocolate and fig torte.

Image: Kitti Gould

Many Sydneysiders will tell you a night out on Oxford Street is not complete without a visit to Mr Crackles at 12am. After all, you’re bound to work up an appetite after a few hours of boogying. Whether you’re swinging by on your way home or you’re refuelling before round two on the dance floor, this beloved takeaway joint has you sorted.

Crispy pork belly is the name of the game here. You can get it in a meal with salad or veggies, or opt for it stuffed into a pillowy roll and slathered with sauce. If pork is not your preferred protein, there’s also 12-hour braised lamb, katsu chicken, crispy duck, roast pumpkin or barbecue jackfruit, plus all manner of fried sides.

So, where does this late-night fun you’re having before hitting up Mr Crackles happen? Universal is one worthy option. This multi-level venue is owned by the same group that runs The Brighton Hotel, Kinselas and The Oxford Hotel, so it’s safe to say these folks know how to put on quite a party.

Downstairs, you can expect epic meal and drink deals, including $5 beer, wine and house spirits from 5–7pm every day (and all night on Mondays if you have an RSA). Upstairs is where the real party is at, though, with drag queen performances, DJs and an epic dance floor.

Where in Sydney would you expect to find an Uluru-inspired candle, a spoon handmade from salvaged cow horn, a Senegalese woven basket, caviar from southwest France and an oversized faux fur coat? Footage, of course.

This spot started out as a concept sneaker store before evolving into a lifestyle boutique, carrying an eclectic mix of sustainably sourced items. It also hosts the odd after-hours event — think workshops and Q&As with local producers — so keep an eye on its Facebook page for upcoming happenings.

Image: Trent van der Jagt

It’s a place that needs no introduction, with over 20 stores across the country, a cult following, collaborations with some of the country’s biggest brands and specials that sell out in mere minutes. And it all started here.

Swing by to check out the gelato empire’s original store, which opened in 2002, and sample some of the weekly flavour specials. This is also the location of Messina’s famed Creative Department, an eight-seat restaurant that serves an eight-course degustation. The kicker? Every course is based entirely around gelato — we’re talking chargrilled Murray cod with caramelised Murray cod fat gelato and gorgonzola tortellini with thyme butter gelato.