Ice Cream, Wine Bars and Hidden Gems: Why Darlo Village Is One of Sydney's Best-Kept Secrets

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If you've ever strolled through Darlinghurst, odds are you've probably passed through Darlo Village without even realising it. That's kind of the point. This little pocket, framed by Victoria, Burton and Liverpool Streets and Darlinghurst Road, doesn't scream for your attention. But those who take the time to stop and explore are rewarded with a neighbourhood that punches well above its weight.

Unlike the rest of Sydney's eastern suburbs, here you won't find a main drag stacked with designers or nightclubs. What you will find is late-night wine bars, rooftop courtyards, local barbers, trivia nights and cafés that haven't updated their signage since the 80s (in the best way possible). It's a mix of old-school charm and modern, local-led venues that you'll instantly feel right at home in.
Here's what to check out on your next wander through Darlo Village.

Darlo Bar, 306 Liverpool St

You might hear Darlo Bar before you actually find it. This quirky corner pub is packed with locals most nights of the week. It's an inner-east institution where drag bingo, trivia and the occasional spontaneous dance floor are all part of the experience. The rooftop courtyard is the kind of place you stop in for one drink and leave four rounds later, after becoming besties with your neighbour.

Darbury, 1/249 Darlinghurst St

Part Italian sandwich bar, part wine bar, Darbury has made a name for itself with exactly the kind of vibe you want on a Friday night. It's got laidback indoor-outdoor seating, industrial interiors, light snacks, good drinks and the sense you've stumbled onto a locals-only secret. Order a coffee or a negroni, depending on the time of day you swing past (the egg and bacon brekkie roll doesn't miss).

Jason Loucas

The Waratah, 308-310 Liverpool St

A few doors up from Darlo Bar, Waratah is a newer addition to the strip and already earning loyal fans. Set across two levels, it offers native-Australian-inspired food downstairs and a rooftop cocktail bar up top. It's breezy, stylish and made for golden-hour hangs — you can grab an Aussie-spirit-led cocktail and some Geraldton wax-poached prawns and feel smug about not waiting in line at a nearby pub.

Bills, 433 Liverpool St

This OG Sydney brunch haunt still holds court on Liverpool Street, and while the ricotta hotcakes are what everyone talks about, this spot deserves credit for its low-key evening service too. Go on a weeknight for a wine and relaxed dinner – or duck in for a lazy solo breakfast when you've got time to kill.

Buffalo Dining Club, 116 Surrey St

Yes, this is that place with the pecorino wheel. Need we say more? Buffalo's cheese-obsessed pasta offering is well-known among Darlo Village's local crowd, and for good reason. With no bookings and no frills, it's got a casual, romantic vibe that turns a simple dinner into something you'll want to pencil in for date night every week.

Gazi, 1/235 Victoria Street

From Melbourne chef George Calombaris comes this Greek dining room where you can pile up on pita, souvlaki and saganaki with honey. The pop-up restaurant is only open for a limited time in Darlinghurst, so now's the time to check it out.

Kitanda, 261 Victoria St

A tiny slice of Brazil in the heart of Darlo, Kitanda is where locals go for proper street food, creamy chicken coxinha that actually tastes like the ones from São Paulo, and an excellent value Happy Hour that includes bevs and bites. It's no-frills but full of flavour.

Pun Pun, 249 Victoria St

This Japanese-inspired sandwich shop is all about convenience-store cool done right. Think perfectly made shokupan (milk bread) sandos stuffed with steamed custard egg or sesame fried chicken. Grab one with a matcha latte and you've got yourself a top-tier lunch on the go – or an easy sit-down if you manage to snag a stool.

Gelato Messina, Shop 1/241 Victoria St

No list would be complete without Messina. The Darlinghurst location is the original, the one that started it all, still serving up some of the best gelato in the city. You know the drill: pick up a scoop (or a 1L tub), then take a slow stroll down Victoria Street.

Grand Royal Barbers, 397 Liverpool St

Darlo Village isn't just about good food and drinks, it's also got a few staples that keep the neighbourhood looking and feeling fresh. Grand Royal is one of them. This barbershop (and hang-out spot) has been running for over 20 years and is the kind of place where you end up chatting for half an hour after your cut.

Nikki To

Black Bottle, Shop 2/118/116 Darlinghurst Rd

Black Bottle nails the European wine bar vibe with a range of great wines, a French bistro menu and dim lighting. Settle in at the bar and pick something off the blackboard menu – it's all seasonal, shareable and surprisingly affordable. Plus, every Thursday you can get a meal and glass of wine for $25.

Tropicana Caffe, 227 Victoria St

Tropicana Caffe doesn't look like much from the outside, but trust us, this is a Sydney institution. A favourite since 1980, inside this cafe you'll spot screenwriters, DJs, hungover teens and long-time locals in the same room, all there for strong coffee and simple food that always hits the spot.

Darlo Night Markets, St John's Church

This evening market, which is held on the third Saturday of every month, focuses on food and fashion. Come for the vintage and pre-loved fashion stalls, such as Goldtone Vintage, Blu Cosmos, House of Rei, Responsibly Gorgeous and more. Stay for the local food vendors, which serve Korean burgers, Spanish paella and Italian pastries. It's on from 5 to 9 pm, and families, kids and dogs are all welcome.

Radio Free Alice, 134A Darlinghurst Rd

This boutique record store specialises in rare and collectible vinyl releases, CDs, books and films. You'll want to visit on a Saturday where you have no plans, because you'll lose track of time flipping through crates or asking the staff for obscure recommendations. And yes, there's a solid chance you'll walk out with something unexpected.

Whether you live nearby or haven't thought about this part of Sydney in years, Darlo Village is worth a visit. A neighbourhood made for wandering, lingering, and discovering your new favourite spot.

To find out more on the Darlo Village. visit the website.

By Jacque Kennedy