Overview
We've all been there — after a big day, night or weekend out, lunch becomes more of a recovery necessity than a casual midday meal. And with the HSBC Sydney 7s just around the corner, we're anticipating it'll be a big one for a fair few of you.
Thankfully, Sydney has you covered for whatever kind of recovery you're craving after a weekend of watching rugby and boogying by the festival stage. It could be that you're craving a greasy calorie overload or a boozy hair-of-the-dog feast — or maybe nothing will cure your ills like the sea breeze on your face? Perhaps watching the world's best Rugby Sevens players at the peak of their game made you realise you need something on the healthy side. The perfect lunch spot is out there primed to fill your tummy with reviving bites — here are our picks.
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When it comes to a recovery lunch, we all know the greasier it is, the better (despite the science telling us otherwise). It doesn’t get more overloaded than a fried doughnut topped with maple syrup, salted butter and two big, juicy, crispy fried chicken tenders — unless if you then slather it in ramen gravy. Famed spot Butter will get you back on your feet with stacks of fried chicken pieces, sandwiches and desserts — plus some new sneakers if you wore yours out on the dance floor at Sydney 7s. If you need a little tipple as well, both the Surry Hills and Parramatta restaurants are offering brunch banquets with bottomless champagne on weekends throughout the summer.
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BYO blanket to Yeo Park in Ashfield — or don’t, as the crew at parkside cafe Outfield will lend you one if need be — and claim a spot on the grass to tuck into some modern, fresh picnic fare. Enjoy a specialty coffee by Stitch, and choose from open sandwiches on a slice of Nonie’s gluten-free charcoal bread, classic rolls and big bowls of salad, all with toppings like cured kingfish, fermented chilli, labneh, mint greens and zucchini. It’s a fair bit healthier than some of the others on this list, especially if you pair it with a friendly game of cricket or, inspired by the weekend, touch rugby.
Image: Kimberley Low
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Another joint known for being a tad extra, Bar Luca will sort you out with a burger of truly epic proportions. The much-loved Blame Canada is peak comfort food — think beef, cheese, maple bacon, maple aioli and poutine all in the same bun — or if you’re feeling particularly game, try tackling the Mac Daddy, which has a double beef patty, double cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and burger sauce.
The good news is that Bar Luca has offshoots all over town so you won’t need to travel far to get your calorie fix. Head to the OG eatery in the CBD to pair your bite with a recovery beer, or if you’re feeling fragile and just want to crawl straight into bed after your burg (we won’t judge), grab a takeaway from BL Burgers in Parramatta or Darlinghurst. And if you’re wanting to go really OTT — or opt for something other than a burger — head to experimental eatery Loaded by BL in Newtown, where you can create your own loaded fries, hot dog or tater tot concoction.
Image: Kimberley Low
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There aren’t many hangovers that the ocean can’t fix, so before or after a dip in the salty blue, get your fix of fresh ocean breeze at Balmoral’s Bathers’ Pavilion. If you haven’t been since its lavish makeover and relaunch in October last year, it’s worth a visit if you’re needing some salty sea air to revive you. It’s basically four venues in one, but your best bet for a recovery lunch is the bistro, which is open for brekkie, lunch and dinner every day of the week. Or if you make it there on a Sunday arvo, head to the terrace for champagne and bites from the bistro menu, which features chilled prawns and a four cheese pizza.
Image: Nikki To
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Juicy, marinated chicken that has been slow-cooked on a shawarma spit, then slapped in flatbread and slathered with garlic sauce — sounds like the perfect recovery cure to us. You can grab it at Shwarmama in Surry Hills — a new all-day kebab joint from Mat Lindsay (Ester, Poly) and Russell Beard (Paramount Coffee Project, Reuben Hills).
The standing room-only restaurant also slings a snack pack-style box, a hummus plate and two pita bread options stuffed with either falafel, harissa and cucumber or fried eggplant and a boiled egg, plus the usual trimmings of tahini, hummus and pickles. And, since you’re feeling fragile, be sure to pick up the sweet and salty choc chip cookie with a touch of tahini for dessert.
Image: Kitti Gould
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Whoever invented the bottomless brunch knew a thing or two about recovering from a big weekend. Combining eating until you’re stuffed with bottomless bevs is a winner, especially when you’re eating boundary-pushing Middle Eastern fare and drinking cocktails. At Surry Hills’ Nour, you can decide how hungry you are and pick from two brunch banquets ($45 or $69) — both come with eggplant fatteh and crispbread, a pistachio friand for dessert and plenty more. Then, pick between 90 minutes of bottomless rosé or beer ($29) and classic cocktails ($39). If you’d rather order as you go, there are also a couple of teapot cocktails to share, infused with herbs, spices and teas that are sure to revitalise.
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There isn’t anything fancy about Bovine and Swine, but that’s how the crew — and the locals — like it. Ideal for when you’re not feeling (or looking) your best, this casual western Sydney restaurant is slinging 12-hour wood-smoked Texas-style barbecue, using native Australian ironbark wood for a touch of Aussie flavour and texture. Soak up the sins of your weekend at Sydney 7s by ordering brisket, chopped pork, chicken, pork belly and house-made link sausage by the 100-gram measure, then load up with classic barbecue sides like slaw, pickles, mac ‘n’ cheese and cornbread. Time it carefully, as this one’s only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon until sold out.