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A DAY AND NIGHT GUIDE

PADDINGTON

Flip the switch below and discover this location by day or night
Concrete Playground
October 24, 2020

With its leafy streets, art galleries, trendy boutiques and vamped-up pubs, Paddington is the inner city capital of all things designer, decadent and delicious.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes Paddington such a vibrant community to live in and visit: its local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll dim the lights to show you the best things to do once the sun goes down. You can also explore more inner city suburbs here.

With its leafy streets, art galleries, trendy boutiques and vamped-up pubs, Paddington is the inner city capital of all things designer, decadent and delicious.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes Paddington such a vibrant community to live in and visit: its local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll turn on the lights to show you the best things to do pre-6pm. You can also explore more inner city suburbs here.

DID YOU KNOW

Paddington is renowned for its penchant for pubs — and galleries, of which there are more than 15. Legendary Australian artist Margaret Olley lived and worked here (at 48 Duxford Street) and, following her death in 2011, her house was recreated at the Tweed Regional Gallery near her birthplace.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re travelling by public transport, the easiest way to arrive is via Oxford Street on a 380 or 333 bus, which both run between Circular Quay and Bondi Beach. The 389 bus is handy, too, as it passes through The Intersection on its journey from North Bondi to Pyrmont. Once you’re in situ, on foot is best.

DON’T MISS

Lingering over a good book with a good coffee is one of life’s finest pleasures and you can do so at Ampersand. Add a dose of art at a top-notch gallery, such as Blender or UNSW Galleries, before relaxing over a glass of the house sparkling at The Unicorn.

LOCALS LOVE

To explore local-style, start with a coffee at Alimentari, then wander to Reservoir Gardens, and drop by the beautiful Jardan shop after. Come lunchtime, you have a choice of rooftops, both with cracking views: The Royal and The Light Brigade.

DID YOU KNOW

There are RSLs. And then there’s the Paddo RSL. Aside from serving generous portions and cheap beers, the expansive venue also has a long history as one of Sydney’s best live music spots. Decades ago, the RSL’s stage even welcomed the likes of INXS and Hunters and Collectors.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re travelling by public transport, the easiest way to arrive is via Oxford Street, on a 380 or 333 bus, which runs between Circular Quay and Bondi Beach. The 389 bus is handy, too, as it passes through The Intersection on its journey from North Bondi to Pyrmont. Once you’re in situ, on foot is best.

DON’T MISS

Fashion lovers shouldn’t leave Paddington without paying a visit to Parlour X‘s world-class designer collection, while foodies must order the truffle egg fettuccine at Buon Ricordo, check out the breathtakingly beautiful kitchen at Fred’s and sample every part of a fish at Saint Peter.

LOCALS LOVE

As is obvious from the queues, locals are pretty obsessed — and understandably so — with 10 William Street‘s wines and Italian dishes. You’ll also find them crowding into The Paddington for a drink, perusing the shelves at Berkelouw Books and catching cult flicks at the historic Chauvel Cinema.

How to do Paddington

Do as the locals do.

Cafes

Paddington's cafes are laidback, light-filled and splashed with greenery. Stop at one of these five to start the day with a guaranteed good cup of coffee.

1. Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

Grab a cuppa and a good read at this cafe-meets-bookstore.

2. Morris

A second kickass cafe from the Scout's Honour team.

3. Infinity Bakery - CLOSED

Organic breads and French pastries are handmade daily with traditional techniques at this Oxford Street bakery.

4. Paddington Alimentari

An authentic Italian cafe-deli decked with bunches of oregano and hanging prosciutto.

5. Funkis Köket Cafe

A Scandinavian-inspired cafe serving open-faced sandos, cinnamon buns and pretzel croissants.

Restaurants and Pubs

Whether you're after a craft beer or a gastronomical feast, expect to be surrounded by design — banquettes, pendant lighting and inviting beer gardens.

1. The Paddington

The Oxford Street pub has all the Merivale calling cards: great food, consistent service and constant flow of thirsty patrons.

2. The Chicken Shop

The old-school chicken shop gets a spin with The Paddington's roast chooks and fish finger sangas.

3. Daily Greens

A bright, breezy sustainable eatery serving hearty salad bowls and cold-pressed juices.

4. Barbetta

Drop in for cannoli pancakes, a porchetta panini or a pasta making class.

5. Don Pedros

A brightly coloured Mexican joint overflowing with festive deals.

Shops

To shop in Paddington is to take a journey through Australian fashion — from pop-ups run by emerging designers to flagships from leading talents.

1. Poepke

Discover this hidden collection of colourful international fashion pieces.

2. Dinosaur Designs

Resin has never looked so delicious.

3. Jardan Sydney

The Australian furniture maker's first Sydney flagship store has been designed around the shifting colours of the city.

4. Funkis

Fashion, accessories and homewares inspired by Swedish design, plus a cafe out-the-back.

5. Just William Chocolates

Treat yourself to a box of truffles from this family-run chocolatier.

Arts and Culture

Name your artsy desires and you'll find them among Paddington's many cultural spots.

1. Blender Gallery

Where you'll find fine art music photography — from Bowie to Buckley.

2. Paddington Markets

Find original wares by local designers, food stalls and a new growers market for fresh produce.

3. UNSW Galleries

Expect exhibitions based on big ideas and cutting-edge research across art, design, culture, science and tech.

4. Kudos Gallery

A experimental art gallery that's part of UNSW.

5. Cooee Art Gallery

Make a visit to Australia's oldest Aboriginal fine art gallery.

More Art

When we say Paddo is known for its art, we really mean it. Here are five more galleries worth adding to your list.

1. Defiance Gallery

This is one of the city's best-known sculpture galleries.

2. Juniper Hall

This heritage-listed Georgian house hosts the annual Moran Prizes in portraiture and photography.

3. Saint Cloche Gallery

The independent gallery showcases some of Australia's most exciting emerging and established artists, right in the heart of Paddington.

4. Piermarq

A contemporary art gallery that aims to take the 'intimidation' out of buying art.

5. Blinq Art

Dress your bedroom wall with a print from this fine art photography gallery.

Shop Online

Can't visit the area soon enough? Get gems from these Paddington-based businesses sent straight to you instead.

1. Collector Store Paddington

Head into this Oxford Street boutique for a range of homewares and gifts.

2. Venroy

Find Aussie-designed, internationally loved swim and leisurewear at this Paddington favourite.

3. Lee Mathews Paddington

This Australian fashion designer's laidback, simple and ethically conscious pieces are staple items in many a Sydneysider's wardrobe.

4. Bag-all Australia

All of the bags for all of the occasions.

5. Jackies Cafe

Find fresh, local produce turned into vibrant dishes with a Japanese twist at this Paddington institution.

How to do Paddington

Do as the locals do.

Restaurants

Paddington's tree-lined streets are a culinary adventure, from truffle egg fettuccine to smoked eel pikelet.

1. Saint Peter

Josh Niland's nose-to-tail seafood restaurant is a must-visit.

2. Buon Ricordo Ristorante

Be carried away to Europe within the walls of this fine restaurant.

3. Fred's

Hatted farm-to-table dishes made in a Tuscany-inspired open kitchen.

4. Love Supreme

Enjoy creative, gourmet pizza in a casual space with an industrial air.

5. Italian Bar - CLOSED

Pizzas inspired by Sardinian and Tuscan traditions, accompanied by a 100-percent Italian drinks menu.

Bars

Whether you're looking for a good wine and a quiet chat or an all-night party, there's a bar for you in Paddington.

1. Charlie Parker's

The basement bar at Fred's with exposed sandstone, seasonal cocktails and killer bar snacks.

2. 10 William St

This lively Paddington stalwart is a portal into some of the best wine, pasta and snacks this city has to offer.

3. The Wine Library

The sassiest library this side of the Eastern Distributor. If you like wine, you'll love it here.

4. Goodbar - CLOSED

Come for the cocktails and stay for the dance floor dazzling with mirror balls.

5. The Light Brigade

Woodfired pizzas and cocktails, plus a rooftop that's 83 metres above sea level.

Pubs

Live music, elevated pub fare and local pups — these Paddo watering holes have it all.

1. Paddo RSL

You'll find live music almost every night of the week at this local RSL.

2. The Captain Paddington

Within walking distance of the SCG, this local is a go-to pre- and post-match.

3. Paddo Inn

Expect casual drinks and contemporary snacks in the front bar, and Matt Moran-created grill in the dining room.

4. The Village Inn

Come for the relaxed, Sunday afternoon sessions featuring local musical talent — and local pups.

5. The London Hotel

This upscale pub caters to all — from dog lovers to peking duck lovers.

Shops

Should 6pm roll around before you're ready to drop, despair not. Trading hours are often extended at these beauties.

1. Opus

Where you go for gifts that are so clever they'll probably wink at you.

2. Fish Butchery

Saint Peter's Josh and Julie Niland have opened Australia's first fish butchery.

3. Parlour X

High-end women's fashion housed in a 19th-century church.

4. Paddington Fine Wines

An independently owned, expertly run bottle shop specialising in drops you won't find anywhere else.

5. Sarah & Sebastian

Australian-designed minimalist jewellery that you'll easily fall in love with.

Leisure

When you're not shopping, beer-ing or art-ing, relax on a deck chair in a subterranean park or head to an art deco cinema.

1. Chauvel Cinema

Alternative, arthouse and cult flicks in the former Paddington Town Hall ballroom.

2. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

This sunken park was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

3. Palace Verona

This multi-storey arthouse cinema screens cult classics.

4. Flow Athletic

Visit for yoga, strength and cardio classes focusing on balance, power and fitness.

5. Berkelouw Paddington

This three-storey bookshop has new releases, secondhand copies and a cafe and wine bar upstairs.

Cp faves

Here are our favourite haunts for when the sun goes down and the streets of Paddington come alive.

1. Tequila Mockingbird

A Paddington terrace filled with tequila and tasty Latin American morsels.

2. Indian Home Diner

This spot's open late and loved for its Indian kebab with double chicken tikka.

3. The Unicorn

This friendly, unpretentious pub from the Mary’s gang is well-loved for its cold beer, homegrown wine list and food menu.

4. Chubby Cheeks

A fun and punchy Thai eatery on Oxford Street.

5. Come As You Are

This Oxford Street boutique stocks an always-great selection of local and international designers.

Editor's Itinerary

Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Paddington.

  • Infinity Bakery

    Infinity Bakery

    Sit in for a morning coffee and croissant, or take away one of its delicious cakes when it's time to celebrate.
  • Shopping in Paddington

    Shopping in Paddington

    Paddington is a mecca for shoppers. Less about fast fashion, more about Aussie-designed, the options of where to spend your dollars are bountiful.
  • Paddington Reservoir Gardens

    Paddington Reservoir Gardens

    Head here when you need a break from shopping. The sunken garden modelled after the Gardens of Babylon are an idyllic spot for an afternoon recharge.
  • Kudos Gallery

    Kudos Gallery

    Check out Australian art up-and-comers at this free gallery run by UNSW art students.
  • The Light Brigade

    The Light Brigade

    Head to the rooftop in the late afternoon to enjoy a bottle of rosé as the sun sets over Sydney.
  • Paddington Fine Wines

    Paddington Fine Wines

    Enhance your oeno-knowledge and keep your eyes peeled for wine classes and wine and cheese tasting events at this haven of good drops.
  • The Paddington

    The Paddington

    Rotisserie chicken is the name of the game here. If you haven't tried the succulent chook, rectify that immediately with $50 banquet menu.
  • Lucio's Art Collection

    Lucio's Art Collection

    Having served incredible, authentic eats since 1983, this Italian eatery also boasts an epic collection of art that's been named as one of the top five restaurants for art in the world.
  • The Unicorn

    The Unicorn

    Come for the Mary's burgers, stay for the amazing wines. Make sure you order at least one glass of the house sparkling, Blind Unicorn Juice — it's made specifically for the bar.
  • 10 William Street

    10 William Street

    Here you can go for something small like the whipped bottarga with pretzel and a glass of wine from the board, or something bigger like the spicy crab spaghettini and a nice bottle from the extensive list.

Find Your Way Through Paddington

Track down the must-visit local haunts.

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