The humble grain of white rice—or hakumai in Japanese—can be the starting point for so many incredible dishes and drinks. This July, House of Suntory's Haku Vodka is teaming up with Prefecture 48 (P48) to celebrate just that. Bringing together world-class martinis—infused with the smooth and subtly sweet flavour of Haku Vodka—with refined Japanese cuisine, this exclusive and intimate event is an ode to the craftsmanship behind one of the world's simplest ingredients. Guests will enjoy a martini masterclass and a six-course degustation, hosted across two of P48's distinct spaces. First up: a martini masterclass held in P48's Whisky Thief cocktail bar. Join renowned House of Suntory Ambassador Natalie Ng to explore the elegance of Haku Vodka — a spirit distilled from polished Japanese white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal for a remarkably clean finish. Discover its versatility as you sip your way through a flight of three martinis — paired with a canapé — including a Classic Haku Martini and onigiri, mentai mayo, shichimi; an Omakase Martini (a savoury, rice-inspired twist on a dirty martini), paired with beef tartare, confit yolk emulsion, hazelnut, rice cracker; and a Kozakura Martini (gently floral using sakura leaf) with sansho gravlax, potato aioli, rice puff. Then, move into P48's fiery robata grill restaurant, Ibushi, for a six-course degustation that blends the elegance of Japanese with signature touches from P48's award-winning chefs. Expect seasonal seafood-driven mains showcasing the nuance and depth that makes Japanese cuisine so popular. Think grilled oyster with mentai, guanciale and chives; tuna tartare with yuzu kosho, crispy sushi rice and avruga; and aburi scallop with apple ginger and umeboshi—before working your way through salmon temaki with avocado, soy, tobiko and leek; prawn tsukune with tarragon mayonnaise, puffed rice and ebi powder; and toothfish fillet with koji marinade, sumiso and cavolo nero. Each dish has been carefully curated to showcase the different styles of rice found in Japanese cooking, from classic to crispy textures. To finish, you'll receive an exquisite, handcrafted dessert to take home from P48's, Dear Florence. This dessert atelier blends the best of two treasured culinary styles: French and Japanese. A dreamy way to end a delicious evening – call it an edible ode to the beauty and artistry of Hakumai. Experience the essence of Japanese craftsmanship with House of Suntory's Haku Vodka. With seatings running between 6–8pm and 7.30–9.30pm and only 70 seats available (35 per seating), this is an exclusive and intimate progressive dinner you won't want to miss. Click here to find out more. By Elise Cullen Image Credit: Jiwon Kim
Party-starting duo Peking Duk have been sending huge crowds into a frenzy since 2010, but the band is preparing to ramp things up even further with the announcement of their biggest show in seven years. With new music dropping imminently, including their debut album, the Hordern Pavilion will be the perfect venue for the band's new, chaos-inducing live show on Friday, May 15. And with this electrifying performance elevated by in-the-round production and future-facing visuals, fans new and old will experience total Peking Duk immersion like never before. "Seven years ago, we had the sweatiest party ever in our favourite town in this beautiful country, in the biblical venue that is the Hordern Pavilion," says Peking Duk's Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles. "And now, seven years later, we are doing it again, except with a new show, new music and more sweat." Bringing all the energy that has made Peking Duk a dominant force in Australia's electronic music scene over the last 15-plus years, the group's takeover of the Hordern Pavilion will showcase why they've attracted over 400 million streams alongside a deluge of ARIA awards. [caption id="attachment_918531" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pat Stevenson[/caption] Pre-sale tickets are on sale from 10am on Monday, February 9, with general sale tickets available from 10am on Wednesday, February 11. Head to the website for more information.
UPDATE: JANUARY 15, 2019 — Summer in Sydney means many things — beach hangs, ocean pool swims, searing heat — one of them being the abundance of sweet frozen treats. And Devon has just launched another one for you to put on high rotation: bubble tea sundaes. Tapioca pearls, soft serve, taro and bubur cha-cha combine in this limited-edition dessert. Flavours include Matcha Bubble Tea, with roasted green tea, herbal glass jelly and sweet red bean and cheese foam, and the Bobba Gump, with milk tea soft serve, salted milk foam and brownie soil. All are served with a waffle cone and will set you back $10 a pop. They're available at Devon Barangaroo and North Sydney (not Surry Hills) from now until Thursday, February 28. When the foodie gods close a door, they often open a window. Such is the case with Devon on Danks. After two years of serving up 63-degree eggs and 8am soft serve sundaes, the beloved Waterloo café — a spinoff of Devon Cafe in Surry Hills — ceased service in 2016. That's the bad news. The good news is that they added a new member to the Devon family, in Barangaroo. Devon's second digs are located on the corner of Mercantile Walk and Scotch Row at one of Sydney's new food hubs, The Streets of Barangaroo. Of course, it's far from the first big gastronomic get — Anason, Belles Hot Chicken, Banksii, Ume Burger and Rabbit Hole are just a few vendors that are trading in the precinct. Now before you start fretting, that doesn't mean the cafe has ditched its signature menu items — the soft serve with fries and miso salmon with a 63-degree egg remain on the menu. Rather, it's added a bunch of new strings to their bow, including Asian-style tapas and Japanese katsu sandwiches. Bubble tea sundae image: @wheresmy_dang_food.
It isn't just traffic that will bring Brisbane's Story Bridge to a standstill in 2024. On one October Sunday, the famed river crossing will close to cars to become the site of a new nude photography work instead. Staging spectacular pieces filled with naked participants has long been Spencer Tunick's remit — and the New York-based artist has announced his next River City installation in advance of staging his first. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Tunick is taking to numerous spots along the Brisbane River for a piece called TIDE, which forms part of this year's MELT Festival and was announced by Brisbane Powerhouse earlier in the year. Featuring around 150 people posing for the camera, that photography shoot is now considered a prequel for Sunday, October 27, 2024, when the Story Bridge will welcome thousands of folks sans clothes. [caption id="attachment_926438" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Town, Spencer Tunick[/caption] "This challenging work on the Story Bridge marks the second in my two-part series in Brisbane scheduled one year apart, in 2023 then 2024. It is the first time I have ever worked on installations with the same institution for an extended two-year project. This will allow me to deeply explore the city, its light, environment and its people," said Tunick. "The series will hopefully speak to diverse groups of people, and everyone navigating their way through the difficult challenges of our current world. It is a privilege to be making art that centres around the LGBTQIA+ community with all its beauty and vibrance." [caption id="attachment_926440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lyon, Spencer Tunick[/caption] The Story Bridge piece will form part of Melt Open, an expansion of Brisbane Powerhouse's LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival that'll debut next year. The broader fest is a fringe-style open-access event that, like MELT first, champions diversity. So has Tunick's work for decades, whether he's been in the Whitsundays with almost 100 Aussies in 2019 or briefly turning Bondi into a nude beach in 2022. Tunick initially turned his lens Australia's way in 2001 in Melbourne, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a pic near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Since then, he's also photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, then returned to Victoria in 2018 shoot over 800 Melburnians in the rooftop carpark of a Prahran Woolworths. Elsewhere, Tunick has photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. The list goes on, with more than 100 temporary installations on his resume since 1992. [caption id="attachment_926441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne, Spencer Tunick[/caption] "This major Tunick installation featuring thousands of nude bodies on the landmark Story Bridge is a visual expression of the diversity and inclusion that Brisbane's new LGBTQIA+ festival, Melt Open, aims to deliver across the city," said Melt Open Executive Producer Pieta Farrell. Brisbanites, or anyone who's keen to disrobe on the Story Bridge for a new piece of art, can put their hand up to join in — with the call for volunteers open now. And Tunick does indeed mean anyone, because there's no limit to the number of people who can take part. If you're not usually located in Brissie and you'd like to get snapped, you will need to travel at your expense. Successful applicants will be informed via email a few weeks prior to the shoot. [caption id="attachment_926442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jay Cull[/caption] Spencer Tunick's 2024 Story Bridge installation will take place on Sunday, October 27, 2024 during Melt Open. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website to register to take part. TIDE will be shot on Saturday, November 18, 2023 along the Brisbane River as part of MELT Festival 2023, which runs until Sunday, November 26 at Brisbane Powerhouse. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the fest's website now. Top image: Gateshead, Newcastle, England by Spencer Tunick.
Sneaky Possum may be the new kid on Abercrombie Street, but the multi-purpose venue has already become a local haunt for many. The space does all things at once, seamlessly acting as a cafe, bar and restaurant throughout the day and night. The back dining room hosts groups hanging over a few bevs just as often as it does diners, with the casual space boasting custom-built timber booths, hanging greenery and large murals. Along the way, pass by modern pinball machines and retro arcade games. The front cafe doubles as a bar throughout the day, with patrons drinking their flat whites alongside punters enjoying a cheeky arvo craft brew, wine on tap or cocktail from their antique glassware. The current cocktail list includes a particularly solid lemon myrtle margarita ($20) and a spiced rum espresso martini ($22) that is a go-to for late night revellers but serves equally well as a midday pick-me-up. The bar looks over the open kitchen where head chef Briony Bradford shows off her culinary muscles, which really shine for dinner service. For starters, the snapper ceviche ($22) uses seasonal finger lime in a punchy yet delicate dish, with the avocado creme, bright fish roe and edible flowers giving it a bit of decadence. The crispy pork belly ($27) is our favourite on the menu and could easily be eaten as a main — the meaty scallop it's served with is a proper pairing for the tender pork belly. The dish is topped with shaved and dehydrated cauliflower, spinach purée and burnt butter jus, with each component complementing the other. If you do still dig into mains, share the duck breast ($40), which is roasted in paperbark and is accompanied by a duck sausage that is unlike any we've had previously — the average idea of sausage sizzles does not do this one justice. It's all creatively topped with thinly-shaved fresh pumpkin that lightens the dish. It's a real pleasure to eat. Bradford clearly knows what she's doing when it comes to meat, with the roasted lamb rump ($36) served true to medium rare and accompanied by on-the-vine roasted tomatoes. Even the bar snacks are far from average, like the goats' cheese crackers topped with dehydrated olives ($4). You can easily spend the entire night at the bar, snacking on charcuterie and cheese plates or just some warm Sonoma bread, served with butter and rock salt. It's easy to tell Bradford puts love into her dishes and you'll have to resist the temptation to lick the plate more than once. Images: Katje Ford.
Trust Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, Australia's favourite Kates and funniest double act, to make a killer TV show about chasing a killer that's the perfect sum of two excellent halves. Given their individual and shared backgrounds, including creating and starring in cooking show sendup The Katering Show and morning television spoof Get Krack!n, the pair unsurprisingly add another reason to get chuckling to their resumes; however, with Deadloch, they also turn their attention to crime procedurals. The Kates already know how to make viewers laugh. They've established their talents as brilliant satirists and lovers of the absurd in the process. Now, splashing around those skills in Deadloch's exceptional eight-episode first season — which streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2 — they've also crafted a dead-set stellar murder-mystery series. Taking place in a sleepy small town, commencing with a body on a beach, and following both the local cop trying to solve the case and the gung-ho blow-in from a big city leading the enquiries, Deadloch has all the crime genre basics covered from the get-go. The spot scandalised by the death is a sitcom-esque quirky community, another television staple that McCartney and McLennan nail. Parody requires deep knowledge and understanding; you can't comically rip into and riff on something if you aren't familiar with its every in and out. That said, Deadloch isn't in the business of simply mining well-worn TV setups and their myriad of conventions for giggles, although it does that expertly. With whip-smart writing, the Australian series is intelligent, hilarious, and all-round cracking as a whodunnit-style noir drama and as a comedy alike — and one of the streaming highlights of the year. The place: Tasmania, in the fictional locale that gives Deadloch its name (that Deadloch Lake means 'dead lake lake' doesn't go unmentioned). That first body: a local gym owner and ProBro entrepreneur ("it's protein for bros," is the sales pitch), who'll soon have burning pubic hair, too ("holy shit, his dick's on fire," is the response). The key police duo: Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box, Stateless), a by-the-book type who traded being a stressed Sydney homicide detective for a quieter life for her vet wife Cath (Alicia Gardiner, Wakefield); and Darwin Major Crimes division's Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers), who asks "how long has shrivel dick been dead for?" about the deceased, is as loud as her Hawaiian shirts and fluoro camouflage getup, and intends to catch the easy culprit ASAP so she can hightail it back north. That Deadloch's initial victim is male gives the standard dead-girl trope an instant a gender-switched twist — even the genre's best, from Twin Peaks and The Killing to True Detective and Top of the Lake, have leaned upon it — but that isn't the source of Deadloch's humour, nor should it be. As recent comedy hits Only Murders in the Building and The Afterparty also know, murder itself isn't amusing either. Rather, it's the chaos around it and the people who get caught up in it that can be comic, which is where Deadloch frequently tickles ribs — that, and lampooning everything from small-town gentrification and tourist-courting winter festivals to arrogant detective archetypes and the male-centric world order, plus the show's glorious way with dialogue and Aussie swearing. Again, the series isn't funny because heterosexual white men comprise its rising body count, or because women are doing the investigating. The way that Deadloch's blokes react, the pressure piled on from the top and the frenzy swirling around is pointedly sidesplitting, though. This is a whodunnit with something to say, because there's no escaping the vast difference between the urgent demands for action from its fictional males and the off-screen reality when women are killed. Who did it? As Eddie leaps to obvious conclusions amid spitting out a non-stop barrage of insults, Dulcie's detective muscle memory kicks in. Deadloch's odd couple have help from constables Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama, Koala Man) and Sven Alderman (Tom Ballard, Fully Furnished) — one as eager as can be, especially with forensics; the other affable but seeing policing as just as job — and hear theories from almost everyone. That includes doctor and mayor Aleyna Rahme (Susie Youssef, Rosehaven), the driving force behind Deadloch's just-commenced Dark Mofo-influenced Winter Feastival, who is determined to keep the festivities going. And, as Eddie struggles with baggage from back home and Dulcie grapples with investigating her friends, their quest also leads them to Margaret Carruthers (Pamela Rabe, Wentworth), the town's most powerful figure, whose husband was Deadloch's previous mayor. Also adding thoughts and complications: new widow Vanessa Latham (Katie Robinson, Five Bedrooms); bakery owner Vic O'Dwyer (Kris McQuade, Irreverent) and her gastropub chef daughter Skye (Holly Austin, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears); the rabble-rousing Phil McGangus (Shaun Martindale, Sissy); obnoxious pathologist James King (Nick Simpson-Deeks, Winners & Losers); and aspiring AFLW player Tammy Hampson (Leonie Whyman, Mystery Road: Origin) and her studious cousin Miranda Hoskins (Kartanya Maynard, The Messenger). The list goes on, with the pool of suspects similarly broad. Whether they're vocally vicious — Phil spews misogynist vitriol, particularly about Deadloch's influx of lesbian tree-changers — or seemingly oblivious, this cast of characters is also aware that the town's facade isn't as calm and cosy as it appears. Indeed, McCartney and McLennan examine Australia's horrific race-relations history as well as the country's gender politics, interrogating how both blighted the show's setting long before multiple murders upset its supposed idyll. If The Kates had penned Deadloch as a book, it'd be a can't-put-down page-turner. On streaming, as cinematographers Katie Milwright (The Clearing) and Simon Ozolins (Heartbreak High) revel in a Tasmanian gothic look, their tale is that propulsive and addictive. And, the show's deeply layered writing — with Sami, Kim Wilson (Wentworth), Christian White (Clickbait), Anchuli Felicia King (Class of '07) and Kirsty Fisher (Mustangs FC) scripting with McCartney and McLennan — couldn't have a better roster of actors bringing it to life under directors Ben Chessell (The Great), Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) and Beck Cole (Black Comedy). Playing it straight and giving the series its emotional centre, Box could've walked straight in from Broadchurch. Tasked with thundering in, Sami is a comic genius as Eddie, ensuring that the character's unflinching honesty couldn't be more pivotal, and that Eddie is never a one-note OTT outsider. Trust McCartney and McLennan to give TV another tremendous pairing, swapping their own The Katering Show and Get Krack!n dynamic for Box and Sami killing it. Trust them to leave viewers with the feeling that every The Kates' project leaves: wanting more right now. Their time as a food intolerant and an intolerable foodie ran over two seasons, then their breakfast television stint repeated the feat. Here's hoping that Deadloch at least matches them — while its creators don't grace the screen this time, this crime-comedy ranks among The Kates' best work in every other way. Check out the trailer for Deadloch below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2.
It's the little things that make the difference. And no one knows it better than The Little Guy, the most recent watering hole to join the Glebe Point road strip. Boysenberry cider, (free!) popcorn, a homely upstairs lounge-room and a 16-strong beer list are just some of the things that make this place stand out from the ever-expanding universe of small bars. The insanely friendly owners Anna and Dynn – formerly of The Clock in Surry and World Bar in the Cross - have somehow managed to retain their love for bar-goers, welcoming every patron through the door as if they were a best bud. They even admitted that the inspiration for the venue's name came from a drunken night out in Melbourne (a 'research trip'), which makes this joint all the more likeable. The beer selection is pretty astounding, featuring mostly local, lesser-known brews like Port Mac's 'Wicked Elf' and 'The Hangman' pale ale from Sydney. The wine list too stays largely within Oz, but features the odd Albarino from Spain and Nero D'Avola from Italy. The Old Mout Boysenberry Cider ($9) is tart and refreshing, and is worth a try if you can get past the fact it looks like pink lemonade. Byron Bay's Stone & Wood Pacific Ale ($8) is very light and approachable but if you're after something a little more robust, hand your car keys over to the bartender and go for the 2-in-1 Sierra Nevada (8.5%). Their short and sweet cocktail list is also worth a gander. The Passion of Ryest ($14) makes for a perfectly balanced rye whisky sour with fresh passionfruit, rounded off with Wild Turkey American Honey. The eats list is brief, but sophisticated and well-crafted. Cheeses, dips, cured meats and seafood (courtesy of Australia On APlate) come separately ($8) or together on a tasting board ($20). The Black Peppercorn Pâté, coupled with Jamon Serrano and pungent Woodside Edith Ashed Goats Cheese (warning: it's a pash-killer) is top-notch. The Little Guy has only a small team of staff, so to get the most out of your visit head down early evening and nab yourself a spot up at the bar. Otherwise you'll be competing with a heaving Friday night crowd. It'll be exciting to see this Little Guy grow over the coming year. Dedicated to supporting local sellers, it's run by the little guys, for the little guys, and it's setting the standard for the rest of the small bars in the inner west. Put this one on your to-do list for 2012.
Casa Esquina is simply one of the best al fresco dining experiences that Balmain and the surrounding peninsula suburbs currently have on offer. The restaurant sprawls across multiple levels in the former Efendy site which has been completely reimagined with the beautiful front courtyard and its two camphor laurel trees as the showpiece of the street front. If you have the means to 'lunch', this is a pretty bloody good setting for it. Casa Esquina arrived in Balmain courtesy of the team behind two of Sydney's best Mexican restaurants — Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban — but this time the team turned their attention further south to Argentina as the inspiration for the food, wine and approach to hospitality. [caption id="attachment_942994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The hanger steak with chimichurri[/caption] The menu from Head Chef Will Quartel is intended for sharing (although it definitely doesn't have to be) and the kitchen's huge open-flame Parrilla grill is the star of the show. As you'd expect from any Argentinian-inspired menu, beef is one of the lineup's heroes. The Tajima wagyu hanger steak is juicy, perfectly charred and is delicious with or without the accompanying chimichurri. You could go for the 1kg Angus 5+ribeye or an entire suckling pig (which you need to have ordered ahead of time) if you're dining with a group and really want to get the kitchen flexing with that Parrilla. But non-carnivores are catered for, with blackened mahi mahi or a whole grilled fish also coming off the grill in the main section of the menu and plenty of options in the sizeable 'entrada' section. Speaking of the starters, begin with Quartel's take on the classic vitello tonnato done with wagyu beef tongue pastrami instead of the traditional veal. Then get a selection of the empanadas (the kangaroo and maraschino cherry is far more approachable than it might read), the delicate raw kingfish served with a red piquillo pepper dressing, and the insanely good pork chicharrón. The drinks program comprises a generous selection of great cocktails (highly recommended are the 'I've Gochu Now!' and the 'In a Pickle'), as well as a strong wine list heavily featuring South American producers alongside ample Australian and New Zealand entries. [caption id="attachment_942993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The 'In a Pickle' cocktail at Casa Esquina[/caption] The food and drinks are being done at a high level but what's going to bring you back to Casa Esquina is vibe. A genuinely delightful service team and the indoor-meets-outdoor architecture creates an atmosphere that is infectiously lively and fun. A cracking spot for a long group lunch or a buzzy weeknight date. Image credit: Steven Woodburn
Milan in the 1980s was booming. Coinciding with a period of rapid economic growth, fashion houses like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Versace propelled the industrial city onto the world stage, transforming it into a glittering epicentre of design, culture and nightlife. It was a decade defined by confidence — the Milanese mastered the art of living fast and looking good. It's this glamorous spirit — neon accents, terrazzo floors, mirrored brass and all — that pulses through Bar Allora, the all-day Italian bar and restaurant by award-winning operators The Maybe Group (Maybe Sammy, Dean & Nancy on 22) and Accor's new in-house hospitality arm, Table For. The big-time collaboration has a fittingly big-ticket location, set on the corner of Bond and George Streets at Mantra 2 Bond Street. Taking its name from the Italian word 'allora', meaning 'back then', the venue nods to that golden era while reimagining it for today. Much like the city that inspired it, Bar Allora is fast-paced by day, and social and sultry by night. Pull up in the morning for espresso and cornetti from the bustling bar or street-facing window, or settle in for breakfast plates like the house frittata with stracciatella and salsa verde. From midday, the tight all-day menu by Chef Rosy Scatigna (Table For's Culinary Director) and Head Chef Josh Donachie (Jane, Jacksons on George) takes over. Their dishes draw inspiration from Milan's post-war dining boom, when southern Italian migrants brought warmth and soul to the sleek northern city. Expect plates like spaghettone with anchovy butter and lemon pangrattato, swordfish cotoletta with blood orange and radicchio and gorgeously retro desserts like a chocolate and Campari tartufo. As one might expect of a Maybe Group venue, cocktails are just as much of a focus as the food. The menu celebrates the art of aperitivo, with inventive takes on Italian classics: the Americanello mixes Campari and Oscar Rosso vermouth with lemon myrtle liqueur and mango soda, while the Allora Negroni's gin and Campari base is brightened with oloroso, pandan and pineapple. Later in the night, the after-dinner selection features playful pours like grasshoppers with salted pistachio cream and brandy- and whisky-spiked shakeratos. There's also a smart lineup of predominantly Italian wines, with many available by the glass.
Feeling a little hot? Usually, there's two solutions for that: get somewhere super cool, as in the temperature, and consume something refreshingly frosty. Combine the two, and you've got a tried-and-tested summer coping mechanism. Throw in some ice, however, and you'll really be chilled. At the Icebar Experience, you won't just find cubes of frozen water in your beverages, but sheets of it all around you. Sculptures too. You'll also drink out of ice glasses, which are certain to keep your tipples icy. We're betting vodka will feature heavily. Popping up in Elizabeth in Surry Hills, Icebar will blow into Sydney for two days only, across January 27 and 28. Tickets cost $65, which gets you 45 minutes inside the frozen hangout, a cocktail on arrival, and all the cold wine and beer you'd like. And, of course, a reprieve from what's likely to be some hefty late January heat.
These days, the best bakeries in Sydney are in hot competition for your dough. There aren't many that are just churning out simple white sandwich loaves — now it's all about sourdough, fruit loaves and the three CRs (croissants, cronuts and cruffins). While the local mum-and-dad bakery will always hold a soft spot in our hearts, there are some Sydney spots that are really taking the art of bread and pastry-making to a whole new level. We've compiled a list of where to find the butteriest croissants, softest sourdough and most innovative sweet treats around the city. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Boozy Bottomless Brunches in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney
This leafy inner west suburb is home to local artists, students and creative start-ups, and the charming mix of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops along Glebe Point Road reflects the laidback attitude of the people who choose to live and work there. Alongside secondhand bookshops that have thrived in the area for decades, you'll find pocket breweries and cute grocery stores — plus, it's all within a short walk from Sydney's CBD. With so many unusual and distinct businesses along one stretch, it can be hard to know where to start. So with the help of American Express, we've picked out the best places to shop at in Glebe so you know you're supporting the indie businesses that make it such a great place to visit. Follow our locals' guide to Glebe Point Road and shop small with your Amex Card.
Israeli cafe Shuk revealed — after nearly five years serving the Bondi crowds — that the brand would be expanding for the first time and opening a second spot in Elizabeth Bay. But it seems one new spot wasn't enough, with the cafe launching another spot on the lower north shore, as well as a further location in Surry Hills. The brand also franchised further by adding a bakery and a falafel joint in Bondi. The Chatswood spot threw open its doors along Victoria Avenue in 2018. The 100-seat cafe has a sprawling al fresco dining area that's reminiscent of Bondi. It has launched with the brand's signature breakfast and lunch offerings, alongside a re-vamped all-day menu. All three venues have a consistent fit-out, including indoor and outdoor seating, long share tables and floor-to-ceiling windows. The brand's head chef German Sanchez oversees all three kitchens and has brought over existing Shuk signatures to the sibling venues — including those baked egg shakshuka ($20.5) and gluten-free teff pancakes ($20.5) for brekkie, and eight-hour slow-cooked lamb ($24.5) and hummus platters ($20.5-$21.5) for on the all-day menu. The brand's daily baked breads, bagels, sourdoughs and challah will also be available across the venues and Sanchez will introduce new dishes to both cafes, giving each a stand-alone 'personality'. Shuk also features affordable set menus, including two set breakfast menus (one for $33 and the other for $38.5 — with the addition of a hummus mushabacha) and a set lunch menu for $41. The breakfast menus feature in-house pastries, an Israeli feast and shakshuka, while the lunch menu includes shakshuka, a falafel plate, grilled chicken sharwama skewers and halloumi & mango — a refreshing end to a hearty meal. And if you're dining in with children, the kids menu also has a lot to offer with options for breakfast and lunch, as well as all-day menu items. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney
Jessi Singh, the mind behind some of the country's best Indian restaurants, now has a home on York Street. Pinky-Ji is Singh's second Sydney outpost, launched with the help of former Chin Chin chef Johann Jay, who built a cult following throughout Australia with his unorthodox eateries in Melbourne, Byron Bay, Adelaide and Surry Hills. "Pinky-Ji is the younger, sassier, and more independent version of our much-loved Daughter In Law," says Singh. "The menu in our venue will bring all of the fun and unauthentic food that Daughter in Law is synonymous with — with a slightly more elevated twist." At Pinky-Ji, you can expect flamboyant decor, including images of Bollywood stars, neon lighting and red velvet furniture to create an extraordinary atmosphere of luxury. When exploring the menu, keep an eye out for the seven key sections — snacks, raw, street, grill, wok, tandoor and curry — plus bread, sides and drinks. Kick things off with a snack like a curry crab croqueta ($8). From there, dip your toes into the Mumbai Corn, accompanied by chilli lime yoghurt, paneer and curry popcorn ($16). If you're looking for a menu item that packs an extra punch, opt for the half-lobster covered in Sri Lankan coconut curry leaf sambal ($48). You'll find that many of the menu items can be shared around the table. From the wok section, you can order crab fried rice with chilli oil ($30), while the curry selection spans from unauthentic butter chicken ($32) and fragrant yellow vegan dahl ($22) to coconut prawns ($32) and lamb rogan josh ($32), all of which can be paired with aged basmati rice ($6), garlic or sesame naan ($5-$12), and roti ($5). There is no shortage of crowd-pleasers. Still feeling indecisive? Opt for the Chef's Selection. For $65 per person, this includes Balls of Happiness for entree, kingfish ceviche, cauliflower, shakarkandi chaat, tandoor chicken, alongside a variety of curries with rice and naan, plus a pistachio dessert. Finally, when the time comes to pair a drink with your curry, you can opt for a classic cocktail or peruse the help-yourself craft beer fridges for a hoppy treat. To top off all of the eccentric fun of Pinky-Ji, the private dining room features a karaoke machine loaded up with songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. You'll find Pinky Ji in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
It's always good to have a killer cocktail recipe up your sleeve. Whether you're hosting a Hottest 100 countdown party in your backyard, heading to a beachside Boxing Day barbecue or your mates stop by unexpectedly for a few cold ones before a night out — the drinks you serve can make or break the vibe. While the sun is shining and the days are long, you can't go past a fruity, tropical tipple with a generous splash of rum. We've teamed up with BATI and RATU by RUM Co of Fiji to craft three cocktail recipes to help you become the true hero of summer. They're fancier than goon punch in a laundry bucket and, to be honest, require about the same amount of effort. Your friends will be talking about these drinks all summer. FIJIAN DAIQUIRI Make like you're lying on a beach in Fiji and whip up a few of these bad boys next time you're entertaining poolside. — 45ml RATU Spiced Rum — 45ml coconut water — 15ml fresh lime juice — 15ml falernum syrup Add the rum, coconut water, lime juice and falernum syrup (which you should be able to find at any decent bottle shop) to a cocktail shaker with a good handful of ice and shake it like you mean it. If you're all out of fresh coconuts, strain into a chilled coupe or champagne glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or slice of coconut to make it a bit fancy. SPICED AND STORMY An absolute classic for a reason — there's just something heavenly about the combo of spiced rum, a spicy ginger beer and a tangy hint of lime. — 30ml BATI Spiced Rum — two dashes of aromatic bitters — ginger beer — lime wedges This one is super easy. Fill a highball glass with ice, throw in some spiced rum, two dashes of bitters and two lime wedges (after you've squeezed in their juice). Top with the ginger beer of your choice — make it the alcoholic variety for an extra kick or take it easy with non-alcoholic fizz. CORRETTO PACIFICO Coffee and liquor, they go together like peanut butter and chocolate, like wine and cheese — like, well, coffee and liquor. This one is a pacific twist on a classic corretto, which has been served in Italian bars and coffee shops for decades. It's like a simple (and easy) espresso martini. — 45ml RATU Signature Blend Rum — 30ml cold brew coffee — orange slices Pour the rum and cold brew coffee into a chilled rocks glass with some ice and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a slice of orange and let the compliments roll in. Feeling Adventurous? Learn more about BATI and RATU by RUM Co of Fiji here.
No matter which day of the week it falls on, Anzac Day is a day of significance. It's also a day of thinking about the past, tossing coins into the air and throwing back cold ones — remembering Australia and New Zealand's military war efforts both then and now, and savouring the things worth fighting for. Whether you're inhaling Anzac biscuits or opening the bowling in a game of backyard cricket, it's important to be mindful of the historic significance and commemorative nature of the day while celebrating mateship with those closest to you. This year, the city is back in full swing for Anzac Day, with dawn services running as usual and two-up aplenty across Sydney. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Sydney this Friday, April 25. [caption id="attachment_665046" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dee Why Dawn Service[/caption] Wake Up for the Anzac Day Dawn Service There's nothing like paying your respects as the bugle brings up the sun. Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate both fallen and still serving military personnel during the Dawn Service. As is tradition, the service will run at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 4.20am. There are public viewing points throughout Martin Place, which have limited capacity and are first-come, first-served, so it's best to get down early if this is your plan. Many local RSLs run their own dawn services. Head to the website of your local for details — or if you're not sure where to look, RSL NSW has a great guide to all the Anzac Day commemorations and reunions happening across the state this year. If you can't make it to a service IRL, you can tune into the Dawn Service live stream, which will be available on ABC TV and iView. Head to an Anzac Day March Medals are shone and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Sydney's CBD for the annual Anzac Day Parade. Commencing at 9am sharp, the parade will begin at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street, before travelling down Elizabeth Street and finishing at the Liverpool Street end of Hyde Park. If you're in Redfern, look out for the Coloured Diggers March. This annual gathering features a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony commemorating First Nations service people who were often not recognised for their wartime contributions. Play a Round of Two-Up Anzac Day usually marks one of only three days a year that the coin-toss game two-up is legal, so squeezing into one of the many Sydney pubs hosting this beloved Anzac Day tradition is, well, a tradition. Prime your bank notes, place your bets and watch those sacred coins fall. We recommend hitting up one of Sydney's best pubs or RSLs for a spirited crowd and discounted brews. There are a few bars that are taking their two-up very seriously. The Bank Hotel's annual Anzac Day get-together will be hosted by drag star Tora Hymen. Plus, there will be a karma keg of Carlton Draught to raise money for the families of Australian defence force personnel, with $1 from every pint or schooner sold donated. Jacksons on George is opening from 10am with an all-day Anzac menu of barbecue by Head Chef Steven Sinclair, starring wagyu skewers and Aussie beef hotdogs served with tomato relish and caramelised onion. Then, from 12pm, they're opening up what's described as the CBD's largest rooftop two-up ring. There's also $5 schooners for veterans and DJs from sunset. For the 11th year running, The Chippo will host its annual instalment of Two-Up and Techno event, while beloved spots like The Vic on the Park and The Lady Hampshire will be pairing their two-up with live music (we'll get to that). Here are a few more of our favourite pubs for a game of two-up: Eastern suburbs: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Coogee Bay Hotel, The Golden Sheaf Hotel. The Rocks: The Glenmore, The Australian Heritage Hotel. Surry Hills: The Dolphin Hotel, Harry's, Forrester's, The Beresford, The Clock Hotel. Paddington: Paddo Inn, The London Hotel Inner west: The Erko, The Sackville Hotel, The Courthouse, Vic on the Park, Petersham Public House. Northern suburbs: The Newport, Harbord Hotel. Western Sydney: Albion Hotel, Hillside Hotel, Carousel Inn. Others: Woollahra Hotel, BrewDog, The Alex, Kings Cross Hotel, The Old Fitzroy Hotel Catch Some Live Music The Vic on the Park is throwing all the Anzac Day traditions together for one big party come Friday, April 25. There will be two-up hosted by the likes of local favourite Aunty Jonny. The annual NRL match will be on the pub's huge courtyard screen. And you can catch live music from 6pm, with inner-west band Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys leading the lineup. Entry is free — just get down early to nab a spot. The Australian Heritage Hotel's commemorative Anzac Day event will kick off with a round of two-up, which will then be followed by special performances throughout the day as a host of live bands and DJs mix things up until late. Swinging the doors open at 9am with free entry, expect a big day ahead. Eat a Nostalgic Snack at One of Sydney's Pubs The rissole sanga is an Aussie culinary classic, but the Dolphin Hotel takes it to a new level on Friday, April 25. Its creation, dubbed the RSL Rissole Sandwich, comes packed with a beef rissole, cheese, onion and sauce between sliced white bread. You'll be munching it while participating in – or watching over – one of the biggest two-up rings in Surry Hills. All donations on the day will be going to Legacy. Joining in on the fun this year is Harry's in Surry Hills. The bustling bar is also getting around the throwback Aussie grub in 2025, with $15 rissole sandwiches. Opening from 9am, renowned MC and 2-Up enthusiast Rohan Edwards will be back once again from 12.30pm. Donations are also being collected on behalf of Legacy. Top image: The Australian Heritage Hotel
When you can walk away from a dinner having shared a starter, enjoyed a delicious pasta or main, not been charged an exorbitant rate for corkage and you've only had to fork out between $30 - $40 per head, it's safe to say you'll be paying the restaurant a second visit. While the front of the restaurant is pretty spartan, try and secure a table in the back garden area and enjoy the lively atmosphere that is generated at this busy restaurant. Start off your meal with a generous serving of the herb or garlic bread before tucking into a pizza or pasta main. If pasta is your poison, you can't go wrong with the Gnocchi Puttanesca. If you'd rather share a couple of pizzas, the signature Reggio and Nick's pizzas are both winners. The perfect place for a group get-together, this Italian restaurant in Sydney is conveniently located on Crown Street in Darlinghurst with a range of bars and clubs nearby to kick on at after dinner. For anyone planning on frequenting Bar Reggio, if you plan on accompanying your meal with a glass of vino or beer, make sure you bring it with you as the restaurant is strictly BYO. Consequently, Bar Reggio isn't the place to dine if you're looking to have a relaxed, drawn out meal; it's a frantic, non-stop experience from the moment you sit down till the moment you walk out the door. And don't be surprised if as soon as your plates are cleared, you're handed the bill and informed that they need the table because there is a line out the door. Images: Leticia Almeida. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Yulli's, Surry Hills' purveyor of standout vegetarian fare and great brews since 2008, expanded back in 2018 when it created Yulli's Brews — its taproom and restaurant in Alexandria. While the space itself wasn't new — owner Karl Cooney and head brewer James Harvey had been in there for a while brewing award-winning ales — it was the first time the space opened to the public. And like Yulli's, it's totally per cent vegan. From the beer through to the wine to the neat lineup of bush tucker-meets-Southeast Asian eats, not a fish scale, cheese crumb or bacon rind appears. But it doesn't skimp on flavours — or personality, which carries through from the eclectic design to the anthropomorphic beers. The space, which can hold 150 people, is split into two areas — a ground floor for big tables and standup beers, and a large mezzanine for sit-down eats — and is filled with tables made from repurposed boat decking and vintage finds from nearby Lunatiques. Designed by Surry Hills' Snell Architects, it has an industrial edge (fitting, for a warehouse) with plenty of nods to Yulli's past. Take a seat on the mezzanine floor and you'll be able to look straight into the production area and watch Harvey and Cooney brewing. You'll also be able to taste brand-new Yulli's brews, including its first cider, Margo. Like all its brews, the dry and fruity apple cider is named after an employee. If you're not a beer — or cider — fan, fear not: Yulli's Brews has a full bar. And it's all local. And all vegan. Cooney admits that sourcing completely vegan wines — that are all from NSW — was tough, but well worth the effort. On the lineup of local spirits, expect to also see plenty of nearby distillers — with Archie Rose making a notable appearance. Food is a mishmash of cuisines. You'll find kale and eggplant gyoza topped with chickpeas and dumplings served with crispy enoki. Larger plates see eggplant penang curry with steamed rice and wok-tossed fettuccine with cauliflower cream sauce. You shouldn't feel any guilt about drinking and eating the day away over at Yulli's Brews in Alexandria. Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
Whether you want to escape for a few days, challenge your stamina levels, mull over a tough philosophical question or get to know New South Wales up-close, there's no better way to do it than on a long-distance hike. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over. Without leaving the state, you can follow a 100-year-old horse trail past waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal sites, walk through one of Australia's deepest gorge systems, immerse yourself in the coastal wilderness to discover secret beaches and stroll alongside a mighty river surrounded by national park. If you're more in the mood for an urban environment, stick close to home and take a wander along the Palm Beach to Manly track. Here are five epic multi-day hikes to try near Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Walks in and Around Sydney The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney The Best Bike Rides in and Around Sydney The Best Dog-Friendly Camping, Hiking and Swimming Spots in NSW [caption id="attachment_650372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D Finnegan[/caption] PALM BEACH TO MANLY If you're keen to get in a few days of walking, but don't care for hitting the highway, conquer this majestic 35-kilometre-long trail right here in Sydney. It travels along the world-famous beautiful coastline of the northern beaches from Palm Beach (about 50 kilometres north of the CBD) to Manly, passing wild surf, windswept cliffs, tranquil bays and untouched bushland. And yet a decent coffee, craft beer or hatted restaurant is never too far away. Do the whole multi-day hike near Sydney in one fell swoop, staying in hotels or campsites as you go, or dip in and out via a series of day trips. If, on making it to Manly, you're not ready to retire, keep following the trail to Cronulla, which is 94 kilometres from where you started. How long? Three to four days. [caption id="attachment_650369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] S Alton[/caption] SIX FOOT TRACK, BLUE MOUNTAINS This rugged, 45-kilometre-long adventure begins in Katoomba (about 100 kilometres west of Sydney CBD) and travels through ancient rainforest, friendly woodlands and pretty heathland, before finishing up at Jenolan Caves, which, at 340 million years, is one of the oldest cave systems in the world. Along the way, you'll meet numerous waterfalls and raging rivers, visit the last recorded site of the Gundungurra corroboree, pass through Megalong Valley, cross Bowtells Swing Bridge and climb up Mini Mini Saddle for panoramic views. There are several campgrounds, including Old Ford Reserve, Cox's River, Black Range and Allum Creek. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially echidnas, wombats, kangaroos and wallaroos. Back in the late 19th century, the Six Foot Track was a thoroughfare — albeit on the gnarly side — for horses. How long? Two to three days. [caption id="attachment_650371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maurice van Creij via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] THE HAWKESBURY TRACK (GREAT NORTH WALK) The Hawkesbury Track is one section of the Great North Walk, a 250-kilometre-long NSW hiking trail that starts in the middle of Sydney and winds up in downtown Newcastle. Your starting point is Berowra Waters (about 40 kilometres northwest of Sydney CBD), which means you can arrive by seaplane and kick off with a degustation at Berowra Waters Inn. From there, the track winds for 78 kilometres, bringing you spectacular vistas of the Hawkesbury River, stunning rest stops like Jerusalem Bay and swathes of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. On reaching Brooklyn, a village on the Hawkesbury, you'll need to jump on a ferry, before continuing through Brisbane Waters National Park to pretty, bucolic Somersby. There are seven camp sites along the way, as well as bricks-and-mortar accommodation here and there. How long? Five to six days. LIGHT TO LIGHT WALK, FAR SOUTH COAST To really escape the big smoke, make it your mission to complete the Light to Light Walk (that's set to reopen in early 2024 following major upgrades), on the Far South Coast. This 30-kilometre journey begins at Boyds Tower — about 35 kilometres' drive south of Eden, which is about 500 kilometres south of Sydney — and finishes at Green Cape Lighthouse, hugging the coastal border of Ben Boyd National Park. Expect empty beaches, roaring surf, whale sightings and a general sensation of being a gloriously long way from anywhere. There's a couple of campgrounds en route and, if you want some comfort to look forward to, book a night at Green Cape lightkeeper's cottages, which come with claw foot baths and open fires. How long? Two to three days. GREEN GULLY TRACK, NORTH COAST Another escapade that will put plenty of miles between you and traffic jams is the Green Gully Track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, about 200 kilometres northwest of Port Macquarie and 600 kilometres north of Sydney. This 65-kilometre loop travels into the depths of the Apsley-Macleay Gorges, which are among the biggest in Australia. You'll also come across pristine mountain streams, lush gullies crowded with ferns, magical forests and awe-inspiring rock formations. The park is packed with wildlife too, so look out for wedge-tailed eagles and brush-tailed wallabies, and endangered species. You won't need a tent: accommodation is provided in the form of renovated stockman's huts, complete with beds, solar-powered lighting, rainwater, cooking gear and toilets. Just make sure you book in advance. This makes it one of the easiest multi-day hikes near Sydney to pack and plan for. How long? Three to four days. Top image: Barrenjoey Lighthouse Track by D Finnegan for NSW Parks
Dumplings are a cure-all feed. Whether you're reeling from a hangover, starving come lunchtime or just in need of some steaming, chilli-doused parcels of goodness, these bite-sized treats are always what the doctor ordered. In Sydney, we're spoiled for choice — we've got one of the oldest Shanghainese restaurants in the country, a northern beaches spot dedicated to Nepali momos and buzzing Chinatown restaurants serving dumplings for a steal. It wasn't easy, but we've done the hard task of coming up with the top ten dumpling haunts across the city.
As summer starts slipping away, slowing down our beachy adventures, it's only natural that we start looking inward. And what better way to do that than by getting in touch with our inner troglodyte. Fortunately, Sydney and its surrounds offer just as many caves as they do unusual swimming holes and secluded beaches. Whether you want to escape to a remote plateau where you'll be sleeping alongside ancient grinding grooves, share your cave with an entire party or get your wallet out and go glaving (that's the caver's version of glamping, d'uh), it's all right here. FOR SPACE (OR A PARTY): PINDAR CAVE, BRISBANE WATERS If you're looking to mix up your stay with a party, Pindar might be your cave of choice. This massive sandstone overhang can shelter as many as 50 people at once. To reach it, catch a Central Coast — or Newcastle-bound train to Wondabyne Station, from where it's located three or four hours on foot. The track follows a ridge line, so the views are stunning, and right near Pindar, there's a swimming hole that's best for dipping after rain. FOR WILDERNESS: GOOCHES CRATER, WOLLANGAMBE Gooches Crater camp cave is found among spectacular scenery in the Wollangambe wilderness area. The half-day walk from Bell Station takes you along dizzying rocky outcrops, through secluded valleys, past Indigenous rock art and to the beautiful Gooches Crater. Be aware that the trail is hard to follow, so you'll need to be prepared for some bush bashing and have at least one experienced navigator in your team. Like Pindar, the cave is big enough to fit 50 sleepers comfortably. FOR RIVER VIEWS: DADDER CAVE, LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS Dadder is located on the banks of beautiful Erskine Creek and has space for about six people. Having been utilised by savvy hikers for decades, the cave has been treated to a few renovations here and there, and so offers more infrastructure than your average overhang. There's a decent stone fireplace, bench seating and, for entertainment, a logbook. The 6 kilometre walk in starts at the Pisgah Rock car park (2.2 kilometres from the Oaks Picnic Area, on the Nepean Lookout Fire Trail). FOR CAR CAMPING: PSYN CAVE, NARROW NECK, NEAR KATOOMBA Narrow Neck, a peninsula between the Jamison and Megalong Valleys, found just south of Katoomba, is home to a bunch of caves. This is one of the easiest to reach, being just a couple of hundred metres from the Glenraphael Road car park. Psyn is one of two caves on our list that enables car camping. It's a regular hang-out for bush walkers from Sydney Uni, can shelter ten people at once and features a little waterfall. Detailed directions are available right here. FOR PROXIMITY TO A PUB: SUNDECK CAVE, MOUNT PIDDINGTON Sundeck is a popular accommodation choice for climbers and abseilers, who head to Mount Piddington to take on its sheer rock faces. Non-adrenaline junkies, however, will find plenty to interest them, including excellent sunset views and clifftop trails. What's more, it's only 300 metres from Mount Piddington Road, Mount Victoria, which means, firstly, that you can car-camp, and secondly, that the nearest pub is only 1.5 kilometres away. If you head out for a beverage, don't leave your torch behind. FOR ANCIENTNESS: 100 MAN CAVE, KANANGRA BOYD NATIONAL PARK Grinding grooves visible in the 100 Man Cave indicate that it has been in use for thousands of years. This comes as no surprise — as far as caves go, this one is particularly cosy. There's a well-protected fireplace and, if you've been battling rain and wind on the way in, spots to hang wet clothing. Reaching 100 Man Cave does require commitment, though, as it's situated on the Ti Willa Plateau, which involves one or two days' walking from Kanangra Walls car park. FOR LUXURY: HATTER'S HIDEOUT, BELL This one is actual, bona fide rental accommodation, so it doesn't come free, but it does include luxury items that you won't find in the other caves. These include a gas barbecue, an esky, cooking utensils, real tables and chairs, solar powered lighting and rainwater. Take your ukulele — the acoustics are outstanding, with the owners describing the cave as a "similar size and shape to a small shell of the Sydney Opera house". Hatter's Hideout is situated in Bell, a two hours' drive from Sydney. Find out more about it over here. FOR CITY VIEWS: LITTLE CAVE, NIELSEN PARK Clear skies and an extra-special camping buddy are necessary to make this one work. Both room and protection from the elements are limited. If either is in doubt (or sleeping open so close to the city frightens you), stick to picnicking or use Little Cave as a spot for drying off after a night swim. However you experience it, enjoy incredible views of the harbour and city for free from your own private hidey-hole.
Focusing on natural and minimal intervention wines, Where's Nick is a sign of things to come in Sydney's wine bar market, and also for the suburb of Marrickville. The area has seen a slate of new operators heading in recently, and the brothers — Julian and Dominic Abouzeid — behind the new venue took over a cake shop after noticing the area had an up and coming market and little competition. They kept the cake shop sign out the front but the long bar, bottle display and chalk board of wines by the glass let you know things have changed. It's said that wine with less chemicals gives you less of a hangover (we can't make any promises), so, with that in mind, pick from the rotating selection of 25 wines which feature small and sustainable producers. For anyone who isn't sure if they buy into the natural wine movement, Where's Nick is a good place to start. After all, it did win Wine Bar of the Year in 2019 for a reason. Now, award winning sommelier Bridget Raffal (Formerly at Sixpenny) is running the bar while the brothers keep next door at the Goblin Wine Shop, ready for all your takeaway needs. The menu by head chef Leila Khazma is Mediterranean inspired. It's snack-centred with plates made to share. Think a crunchy and rich potato galette with confit artichoke and a creamy pecorino custard. Or, keep it simple with some house-made focaccia with extra-virgin olive oil. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Slightly hidden below Clarence Street via a winding staircase, The Lobo is a lot bigger than you'd expect. The deep red and green decor paired with recycled dark wood and floral furniture is delightfully welcoming, while the fine use of space and overall attention to detail makes this week-old newbie seem like a long-loved establishment. And what's more, the moment you step up to the bar, you're made to feel like a real regular. With a staggering collection of rums, wines and the usual favourites, there's more than just your two-bit mojito here. Negroni lovers will fall head over heels for the Short and Stout, a powerful little play on a classic, while the Million Dollar No. 9 is fruity, irresistibly drinkable and comes with its very own homemade real fruit rollup. For a little nibble, enjoy the complimentary salted plantain chips (warning: addictive) or grab the meatballs (order some snow buns to soak up the sauce). But for a real treat, try the empanadas with the flakiest, most heavenly pastry that just crumbles and crunches in your mouth, or the polenta tamale, steamed in a corn husk and dribbled with a few drops of the house-made hot sauce. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
"This is an actual restaurant in a warehouse. Where else is that happening in Sydney?" Baba's Place co-owner Alexander Kelly queries. Following a series of pop-ups that started in Newtown's Rolling Penny, Baba's Place has found a permanent home in a red brick warehouse on Sloane Street in Marrickville. Kelly started Baba's Place with longtime friend Jean-Paul El Tom, but the team has quickly expanded. Co-owner James Bellos, Jean-Paul's sister running the front of house and Brand Director Zaal Kaboli are just some of the many figures you'll find floating around the inner west restaurant. The young team brings together an eclectic mix of experiences and fresh exciting ideas. "One of the things we try and stress, we're all learning," says Kelly. "This is a school." The menu here pulls from Kelly and El Tom's south-west Sydney upbringing, from family meals to eating out in Burwood and Hurstville. You'll find some of the best taramasalata toast going around, a perfectly creamy and sour house yoghurt served with burnt butter, almonds and fried bread and pan-fried rice noodles dressed in chickpea miso, tarator and garlic oil. The fit-out in the warehouse is designed to drop you straight into a family dinner at your Eastern European baba's house, illuminating the beauty of the suburban home with family photos, white frilly table cloths and 80s tableware. These hallmarks of your childhood home, or your school friend's house, is what Kelly, with the help of Kaboli wants to highlight. "Aspects of Sydney and Sydney's culture, like pillars and red bricks and doilies, they're all fucking beautiful." As with any meal around the family table, the dishes are all designed to be shared. While the smaller dishes are impressive and can be combined to create a top-notch spread, there are also heftier dishes if your group arrives ravished. The beef stroganoff infuses dry-aged sirloin with a mushroom sauce, and the half roast chicken is accompanied with toum and fermented garlic caramel. The drinks menu is always evolving, with love shown to rakia and to a range of minimal-intervention Middle Eastern, Baltic and Australian wines. "[At the Rolling Penny pop-ups] I was just excited to have somebody say Baba," he says. "Now we have bigger goals. Now we have goals to really highlight suburban Sydney and southwest Sydney." Outside of your meal at Baba's Place, the music and art is just as central to the restaurant. Head on the right night and you'll find some of Sydney's most exciting and cutting-edge DJs in charge of the music, while art and the further reaches of culture are spaces the team explores with weekend galleries and event series. Finally, the Baba's Place ethos extends past just the restaurant. The team also runs an online store where you can extend your experience into your day-to-day with apparel and pantry goods. Ranging from Baba-branded jerseys to jars of fermented garlic caramel, it's a real party. Images: Cordelia Williamson Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
Paddington favourite Tequila Mockingbird brought its South American and Mexican flare to the CBD when it opened the doors to its pop-up restaurant in an old printing press on Temperance Lane, Tequila on York. That was then replaced by this permanent Mexican spot, Esteban. The multi-level venue is split into three distinct offerings: an upstairs restaurant, a downstairs mezcal bar and a laneway dining space. And now boasts two hats to its name — the first Mexican restaurant to do so in Australia. In the kitchen, Head Chef Will Quartel is serving Mexican share plates created using traditional cooking techniques with sustainably sourced Aussie produce. Corn tortillas are made in-house daily, while the custom-built parilla grill and vertical charcoal rotisserie have been installed to turn out the likes of tacos al pastor and ironbark-grilled chicken. Other specialties served in the upstairs restaurant include pink ling ceviche with leche de tigre, karkalla and fried plantain; seared pork belly with pickled watermelon radishes and salsa tatemada; and a massive one-kilogram wagyu rib eye paired with black garlic and chipotle butter. Meanwhile, in the basement bar and al fresco dining area, it's all about the street food — with tacos, ceviche and tortas on offer from lunch straight through until late (four days a week). Alongside the taqueria-style menu is an emphasis on mezcal and tequila, with a roving trolley pouring drops for patrons throughout the night. Designed by Sydney architects Humphrey & Edwards (Barangaroo House), the space takes inspiration from the underground basement bars of Mexico City and 1930s art deco buildings. The building's heritage aspects, including its exposed sandstone walls, high archways and existing timber beams, have also been preserved. Upstairs, the intimate 45-seater boasts an open kitchen with counter seating and a floor-to-ceiling mural created by Sydney artist Nanami Cowdroy. Other artworks include hand-painted and beaded bottles crafted in Oaxaca. In Esteban's basement, you'll find leather booths and banquettes, plus a granite bar top and custom-built timber cabinets to hold all of that distilled agave. The bar claims to be home to the largest collection of mezcal and tequila in Australia. On the way in, take a closer look at the 400-kilogram front door, which was created from acid-aged steel by Byron Bay artist Daniel Heapy. Images: Steven Woodburn
You might like getting back to nature, but that doesn't mean you have to like wet tents, cold showers, blistering sun, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, midges, sandflies, red belly black snakes, brown snakes and spiders. Okay, okay, we hear you. And, luckily, so do the good folks at NSW National Parks. In fact, you'll find all kinds of accommodation options in national parks that don't involve canvas or pegs, yet surround you with trees, beautiful views and friendly wild creatures. Here are ten of the best. GREEN CAPE LIGHTSTATION KEEPERS' COTTAGES, MERIMBULA Here's an opportunity to play lighthouse keeper for a weekend. You'll be watching out for ships from the southernmost lighthouse in New South Wales: Green Cape. It's about 500 kilometres south of Sydney, on the rocky northern peninsula of Disaster Bay (yep, there've been stacks of shipwrecks here), backdropped by Ben Boyd National Park. During whale watching season (May to December), you'll be astounded at the amount of humpback action, while coastal walks and secluded beaches will keep you busy during summer. The cottages comes with claw foot baths, open fires and shady verandahs overlooking the sea. Where? Ben Boyd National Park. How much? $280–350 in peak season, and $250–325 off-peak per night. Book here. Q STATION, MANLY Need trees, but don't have time to skip the city? Hop over to Manly's share of the Sydney Harbour National Park for a sleepover at Q Station. It gets its name from its former incarnation as the Quarantine Station. These days, the historical buildings, which are scattered over a slice of land overlooking Sydney Harbour, have been turned into fancy hotel rooms and suites. This is one of the most luxurious stays on the list — expect crisp white sheets, trendy design and a bunch of onsite restaurants with views. Beyond them, there are kayaks, guided tours, a cycle path leading to Manly, Quarantine Beach for swimming and snorkelling, and 30 hectares of bush. Where? Sydney Harbour National Park. How much? $169–449 per night. Book here. SUGARLOAF POINT LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS' COTTAGES, SEAL ROCKS The mid-north coast is home to some stunning beaches, and you can cop an eyeful of one of them at every waking moment at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. As at Cape Byron, the three lighthouse keepers' cottages have been transformed into accommodation — and have just re-opened after receiving a new lick of paint and some conservation improvements. The best part about this accommodation is undoubtedly the position on the headland, which afford views over the Pacific and, if you're lucky, some dolphins and whales. The head keeper's cottage sleeps eight and the two others sleep six each — you can rent out one or all of them, depending on your group size. Where? Myall Lakes National Park. How much? $445–685 in peak season, and $360–610 off-peak per night. Book here. ASSISTANT LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S COTTAGES, BYRON BAY Stay within sight of one of the state's most famous panoramas at Cape Byron's lighthouse cottages. Formerly the domain of the assistant lighthouse keeper, these heritage-listed dwellings, built in 1901, are now dedicated to public sleepovers. The period furniture helps you step back in time, but you can count on some mod cons, including a TV, a stereo, a barbie, a kitchen and a laundry. Wake up first thing to see Australia's sunrise before anyone else does — Cape Byron is the country's easternmost point. If you're looking for things to do in the area, check out our 48 hours in Byron Bay guide. Where? Cape Byron State Conservation Area. How much? $420–1155 per night. Book here. WEEMALAH COTTAGE, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Weemalah Cottage sits on the banks of West Arm Creek, a tributary of Port Hacking River and one of the wildest waterways in the Royal National Park. Commit your entire break to sitting on your private balcony with a beer in hand, watching the river roll by. Or, pack your kayak and get paddling upstream, where you're likely to meet sea eagles, deer, wallabies and, in the upper reaches, South West Arm Rock Pools – when the tide is running in your favour. Weemalah has three bedrooms with room for six guests. Where? Ben Boyd National Park. How much? $400–500 in peak season, and $250–400 off-peak per night. Book here. BIG YANGO HOUSE, BULGA This spacious homestead sits on what were once grazing pastures at the foot of Mount Yengo, about two hours west of Lake Macquarie. There are beds for eight spread across three bedrooms, plus a cabin where another five can get cosy. Spend your time visiting ancient Aboriginal rock art on the Finchley Cultural Walk, gazing at Wollemi wilderness from Mount Yengo Lookout or conquering a 43-kilometre stretch of the Old Great North Road on your bike. The house isn't available between November and February, but, come winter, Big Yango's fireplace and oversized couches will keep you warm. Where? Yengo National Park. How much? $250 per night for the house, and $50 for night for the cabin. Book here. YARRANGOBILLY CAVES HOUSE, SNOWY MOUNTAINS This grand heritage house, built in 1917, is in Yarrangobilly Valley in Kosciuszko National Park, just a stumble away from Yarrangobilly Caves and an above ground thermal pool. Even in the deepest, darkest depths of winter, you'll be swimming in 27-degree water. If you're travelling with 23 friends, then take over the entire place; otherwise, book a queen or king room with or without an ensuite. Either way, you can count on a touch of luxury. In between caving and swimming, head out for bush walks and kick back on the verandah, getting lost in mesmerising views. Where? Kosciuszko National Park. How much? $145–390 per night. Book here. [caption id="attachment_616629" align="alignnone" width="1920"] T Burke[/caption] MYER HOUSE, SOUTH COAST This stunning house is the work of architect Sir Roy Grounds, who also designed the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Arts Centre and the ANU's Botany Building. It's perched on pristine Bithry Inlet, which runs into Wapengo Lake in Mimosa Rocks National Park, about 400 kilometres south of Sydney. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise your views and four bedrooms provide lodgings for up to 12 guests. When you're not lazing about, smash out a game of tennis on your private court and get to know the park's many untouched beaches, bays and walking tracks. Catch is that you have to book for a whole week. Where? Mimosa Rocks National Park. How much? $5000 in peak season, and $2350 off-peak per week. Book here. MUNGO SHEARERS' QUARTERS, NEAR MILDURA At Mungo National Park, you can experience old-school shearing life with a sleepover in the Mungo Shearers' Quarters. The park, which you'll find due west of Sydney, was (in part) a sheep station before being turned over to public use. Take a guided tour of the spectacular Walls of China with an Aboriginal ranger, set off on a self-guided drive tour and wander around Lake Mungo, home of the famous Mungo remains. The quarters give you a choice of bunk beds, doubles and queens. Where? Mungo National Park. How much? $60 per room per night. Book here. PLOMER BEACH HOUSE, NEAR PORT MACQUARIE This laidback shack is surrounded by bush in the sheltered southern corner of Plomer Beach. There are four bedrooms, so feel free to invite your nine best mates along. When you're not lighting the barbie, drinking vino on the patio, swimming or snorkelling, go exploring in Limeburners Creek National Park. The 1.4-kilometre Big Hill Rainforest Track travels through coastal rainforest and, at sunset, you can expect to meet micro bats. Meanwhile, Port Macquarie is just an hour's drive south — take our handy weekender's guide with you. Where? Limeburners Creek National Park. How much? $371 in peak season, $314 in shoulder season and $171 off-peak per night. Book here. All images supplied by NSW National Parks unless otherwise specified.
Since opening way back in 2015, Willie the Boatman has become a household name in the Sydney craft beer scene. And the brewpub, located within St Peters' Precinct 75, has garnered extra attention since its Luchetti Krelle-designed makeover in the same year. It's a bright and airy space with hanging greenery and tasteful bric-a-brac adorning the walls, plus a mix of timber and steel finishes. The space offers booths and long communal table seating, along with a comfy leather couch for good measure. The beers, like the brewery, all have fun names and stories — from the easy-drinking Tempe Tim pale ale to the bolder Crazy Ivan IPA. The bar is also slinging its specialty Albo corn ale (on tap and in tinnies) — it's a farmhouse-style ale that's named for the current Prime Minister of Australia. This beer is in a league of its own and could easily keep you at the brewery all arvo. Willie the Boatman has your back for every season and every weekend. If you're new to the beers, grab a tasting pony and give them all a go. And when you realise how good this beer is, we'll see you at the takeaway fridge. Images: Esteban La Tessa Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
You used to have to leave the Hills District for a decent meal, but times have changed. There are now cafes, bars and restaurants serving incredible food in the area (that's Castle Hill, Dural, Winston Hills, Glenhaven and surrounds). If you live in the area, we're truly sorry to have neglected you with food and drink listings thus far. It stops now. In partnership with Castle Towers (which has just launched The Cooking School—a series of food-focused workshops), we've put together a guide to the best food and drink options in the area. Leave your inner city bubble and you'll find inventive breakfasts in Dural, burgers and fries in Winston Hills and extravagant cocktails to drink with dinner in Castle Hill. THE BARON, CASTLE HILL Part of the allure of living in the Hills is the suburban atmosphere and the idyllic setting, but getting something good to eat can be tricky. Matt Stone and Mike Ico of The Baron recognised this, so they took all of their zero hospitality experience and opened up a cracking joint in Castle Hill that champions solid food, great specialty coffee and local produce. The two have taken to food service like a duck to water—on the breakfast menu are wood-fired Smoking Gun Bagels, and there are the delicious beef burgers and toasties for lunch. The Baron is licensed and champions Australian wine, playing host to an occasional burger and natural wine pairing night. WOLFE AND CO, DURAL At Wolfe and Co, every ingredient, design decision and cup of coffee is lovingly chosen, created and delivered with pride. From the delicate kingfish fillet with grains and gazpacho to every Five Senses flat white, the Dural cafe is about lifting the hospitality game in the Hills and providing its people with the finer things in life. The cafe has an elegant, black and white fit-out, which is comfortable but plain enough that it draws attention to the craft rather than the building. As many places in the Hills seem to be, Wolfe and Co is licensed—it serves alcohol alongside an all day breakfast and lunch menu. It's the perfect to take your family for a slightly fancy meal. YOUENI, CASTLE HILL Youeni is all about healthy eating and clean living. The cafe started out in Surry Hills a while back, then it moved over to Castle Hill to bring its philosophy of holistic dining out west with a second venue (as if Surry Hills wasn't already spoiled for choice). The cafe is light, airy and the menu is vegan friendly. It covers all your cafe classics from sandwiches to a salad that will literally save your life—the Life Extending Bowl gets you all the nutrients you need in the most delicious way possible. Youeni is the perfect spot for a healthy weekend breakfast date. THE TUCKSHOP, GLENHAVEN Not content with just one entry on the list, The Tuckshop comes to you from the same boys behind The Baron. Their second digs takes a similar approach to food, where it must be tasty, but it must also be good for you—a philosophy that extends to their famous burgers (the beef is a spectacular option). If you're looking for somewhere that serves up ace food and coffee in an idyllic setting with an old-school canteen feel, then The Tuckshop's the joint for you. Printed on the wall is 'Greetings from Glenheaven, where it's not the city and you couldn't care less'. Delightful. AUSTRALIAN BREWERY, ROUSE HILL The 20-year-old Australian Brewery is the birthplace of some super delicious beers (its own pale ale, pilsner, lager and cider), but it also takes food very seriously. The spacious dining area is inspired by great beer halls, with high ceilings and long tables that are the perfect place to throw back a freshly brewed frosty beers while chowing down on some hearty pub grub. The menu has great pub classics, everything from a parmigiana to a grilled T-Bone or a pizza. There are also extensive gluten free options. This Rouse Hill local caters for everyone, and the large tables make it an obviously perfect choice for a function, should you need to gather up your friends and family for a celebration. WILD PEAR CAFE, DURAL Wild Pear is an institution in the Hills region—locally famous for its fresh, colourful and delicious food. The menu covers some great cafe classics—there's the standard, delicious shakshuka, then there are pancakes with banana and honeycomb and burgers with crispy chips for lunch. Creativity is turned up to eleven with the garnishes—think fairy floss and edible flowers. The food is great, but you can't talk about Wild Pear without mentioning the view—the verandah looks over a huge, beautiful nursery of plants, trees and flowers. A stunning, peaceful spot to sit down and relax with a coffee. EL BURGER, WINSTON HILLS El Burger is a popular spot in Winston Hills, serving up twelve delicious burgers for lunch every day inside the local shopping centre. Take your pick from a menu that features burgers made with beef, chicken, lamb, pork, vegetarian or fish. As is customary in a burger shop, there are multiple versions of loaded fries too—some topped with cheesy bacon, others with chicken or pork. Milkshakes are on the menu too—flavours include Nutella, honeycomb caramel and strawberry swirl. CROOKED TAILOR, CASTLE HILL Castle Hill was dying for a new bar that's not Hillside. We're not saying there's anything wrong with Hillside, but we are saying that sometimes you just want to get a drink somewhere where you won't be surrounded by fresh-out-of-high-school teenagers and possibly underage kids. When Crooked Tailor opened, the people of Castle Hill breathed a sigh of relief. Mainly because at this bar there's a lovely, leafy courtyard, a great food menu and an extensive cocktail menu to order off. The food menu features barbecue meats alongside a healthy smattering of vegetarian food, and the cocktail menu features drinks like the Waterside—gin, lime juice, mint and house-made watermelon soda— and the 49'RS—made with chilli honey jam, lemon juice, whisky and orange bitters. THE HILLS FOOD FESTIVAL, ROUSE HILL The Hills obviously has some spectacular food offerings, but the Australian Brewery recognises that there's other great food in Sydney too. In that spirit, the brewery hosts The Hills Food Festival—an annual festival of good eating where the very best Sydney street food is showcased. Last year Messina popped by, as well as the crew from Knafeh Bakery. Stay tuned to the brewery's website for information on the festival—it was extremely popular last year. Castle Towers is running The Cooking School over April and May—a series of food-focused workshops, classes and events for kids and adults. Visit the Castle Towers website for tickets and details. Words: James Whitton and Kelly Pigram. Images: Steven Woodburn. Top image: Wolfe and Co, Dural.
Who knew that the three key ingredients to a good night out were hip hop, cheese and wine? Lewis Jaffrey and Jared Merlino, the two masterminds behind Big Poppa's, definitely did. "It seems so obvious now that we've built it, but we really didn't know it would be so popular," says Jaffrey. "The idea came from the fact that Jared and I were hanging out and listening to R&B and hip hop and spending thousands — literally thousands of dollars — on good cheese and wine," he says. Unlike most excellent ideas conceived over a few too many, these two hospitality vets (Jaffrey is ex-operations manager at The Baxter Inn, Frankie's and Shady Pines while Merlino is behind The Lobo Plantation and Kittyhawk) put their money where their cheese hole — uh, mouth — is. Cue Big Poppa's, an ode to Biggie Smalls in the old Hello Sailor digs on Oxford Street. The renos have seen the space transformed into a compact restaurant upstairs with a small bar, bare brick walls, candle lights and an attractive leather banquette. It's definitely date territory, without being stuffy. Downstairs is a bigger, darker cocktail bar area, which also serves cheese and snacks. In case you hadn't already caught on, cheese is kind of a big deal here, with about 80 percent of the menu containing it and about 25 cheeses on offer for before/during/after dinner. But don't overlook the rest of the food. Created by chefs Liam O'Driscoll and Jase Barron, it's smart casual Italian, with the likes of kingfish crudo ($17.5), clams with guanciale ($19), baked eggplant with five (five!) types of cheese ($27) and a snappy shaved zucchini salad ($15). The highlight though was the single best piece of burrata I've ever tasted, served with heirloom tomatoes, toasted farro and fig vincotto ($21). The wine list is pretty sexy — mostly Italian with a good range by the glass like a lovely Soave from Veneto ($12). There's plenty to like in the bottle section under $100, or you can just sip Champagne when you're thirsty. In a rare occurrence in this lockout-laden city, BP's is open and serving food till 3am. "We want to show the council and the police that we can operate responsibly as a restaurant, and that people like us want to come in and eat and drink till late and not cause a problem," says Jaffrey. You mean, show them that grown ups can act like, er, grown ups? "Exactly." Get in early though — it fills up fast and they don't take reservations. There's a pleasant lack of attitude on the floor, lead by the affable Jaffrey himself. I bet it's the kind of place you could eat a whole wheel of cheese and no one would even be mad. The tunes, which are loud enough to do that weird shoulder-shaking chair dance thing, seriously make this venue – and even if hip hop ain't your thing, the atmosphere might convert you. The cocktails too are on-point — as is, well, everything about this place. It seems cheese, wine and hip hop is the perfect combo. And if you don't know, now you know. Oxford Street's home of hip hop, cheese and cocktails is giving us even more to love with its new aperitivo hour dedicated to the latter two. From 5–7pm every weekday, Big Poppa's is serving up four $10 cocktails and three heavily discounted cheeses. Knock off work a little earlier and head to the upstairs bar or underground lounge for $10 negronis, martinis and spritzes paired with $7 wedges of brillat savarin, parmigiano reggiano and blue cheese (that's half the regular price). The cheeses come paired with jams, honey, fruit and bread, too. Images: Bodhi Liggett.
Back in 2018, Chatswood scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour in elegant newcomer Mama Mulan. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater made quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. The chefs have pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. If you're coming for a special event then be sure to book out the private dining room. With polished floorboards, floor to ceiling linen curtains and a curved, steel-grey interior, the room is sophisticated and fun, elegant without being overbearing. They can seat over fifteen guests so you can kick back and relax while the professional staff take care of your evening.
Filled to the brim with lively drinkers and diners, 10 William St seems more like a brand-new opening than an establishment over a decade-old. Since 2011, the Italian eatery and wine bar has been a launching pad for some of the country's best chefs, with an honour roll that includes Dan Pepperell (who you'll now find at Bistrot 916, formerly at Restaurant Hubert) to Garagistes founder Luke Burgess, Pinbone's Mike Eggert and Jemma Whiteman (now at Totti's and Lankan Filling Station, respectively), Trisha Greentree from Brae in Victoria and Enrico Tomelleri, who's continued serving Sydney's best Italian cuisine at Paski Vineria Popolare. The good-looking Italian venue, an old converted shopfront just a few strides down from Oxford Street, has aged gracefully, from the walnut leather banquettes to its green laminate bar rimmed with golden rails. Don't fit downstairs? Don't be surprised, the front room is about as big as a hallway but there's a whole other level of dining upstairs. If you come to 10 William St, it's pretty safe to assume you're drinking. The wine list is chalked up on the blackboard and changes each month, but if you don't know your palomino from your passerina, just ask the wait staff for a recommendation — we're all friends here. Look around and you'll see most people have gone for an apricot drop, a muscat and chenin blanc blend packed with lemon sherbet and fuzzy melon, or the hay-coloured Venetian Soave imbued with green apples and gooseberries. A short menu of small plates could easily be mistaken for wine snacks, but really they deserve a lot more credit than that. The menu changes regularly but once constant is the fresh, bready pretzel served with a whipped bottarga, a death-row-worthy meal. You can start the night with a Vermouth aperitivo, then graduate to a glass of wine – preferably one that goes with a healthy helping of pasta. Think a hearty tagliatelle al ragu, or a spaghetti with calamari and nduja. You'll finish with a saucy grin and a stain on your shirt to remind you of good times. 10 William St might have the energy of a newcomer, but flair and finesse like this is something that only comes with age. Images: Kitti Gould. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
If you're looking for ways to spoil the leading man in your life (whether dad or father figure), we're here to help. Let's face it, your local pizza joint doesn't quite cut it and the decibels at your favourite hole-in-the-wall ramen shop might be a little too high to allow for a meaningful chat. This is your chance to deliver something memorable and earn brownie points on the side. Take your dad out this year on Father's Day for an exceptional dinner, a long boozy brunch or a morning coffee — all at some of our city's best parent-friendly eateries and drinking establishments. You've got enough selection anxiety on your hands with presents, so we've picked out our favourite dad-worthy spots. These are the best Father's Day restaurants, bars and cafes in Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Pubs in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Wine Bars in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery Three Blue Ducks has everything you need to impress dad on Father's Day. Hearty, approachable eats; top-notch coffee from Single O; the endorsement of beloved MasterChef judge and co-owner Andy Allen — they're all covered. While the full suite of tasty goodies will be on offer on dad's day, Three Blue Ducks' expansive Rosebery eatery is offering a special two-course lunch for $69 per head, Sunday's at Three Blue Ducks are all about the roasts too, so dad can tuck in to beef sirloin or roast pork with beef fat roasties, veggies and gravy (plus a caramelised apple with the pork) to celebrate the big day. Cho Cho San, Potts Point If dad's got a taste for the contemporary, Cho Cho San is the place to be, serving up high class izakaya in a setting that's very TikTok/Instagram compatible. Both Cho Cho San and its sibling the Apollo have special offers for the big day. A la carte dining is an option, but for $80 per person, Cho Cho San will have a beer ready for the man of the hour on arrival and a pre-selected range of house favourites. Think wagyu kushiyaki alongside eggplant miso sticks and wasabi oysters. He'll choose from two claypots for the main event: beef short rib 'Kabayaki,' tan tan sauce or misozuke Murray cod — plus a very on-trend strawberry and matcha trifle to finish. Misc, Parramatta Out west, spoil dad with an unforgettable Mediterranean spread within the heart of Parramatta Park at the expansive and sleek venue Misc. The impressive 300-seat cafe and diner is the workings of Executive Chef Sebastian Geray, Menu Collaborator Joel Bennetts and Restaurateur Jad Nehmetallah (the last of whom you may recognise from Gogglebox). Swing by in the morning for Stitch coffee, plus Misc's takes on cafe favourites like french toast, eggs with the lot, crumpets or a mushroom pita fold with black truffle and garlic butter. Later in the day, the menu is designed to be shared, with plenty of freshly sliced charcuterie, dips and buttery woodfired bread available alongside beef tartare, lamb shoulder and roasted half chicken. North Bondi Fish, Bondi Part of the star-studded Matt Moran wheelhouse, North Bondi Fish is the ideal spot for any dad who loves nothing more than ocean views and a stacked plate of seafood — no matter the special occasion. As a special Father's Day offer, dad can take full advantage of the menu, with additional specials being the seafood tower ($250 — pictured above) or the lobster smash burger for $45. Marking the occasion is a complimentary tequila tasting table, and dad can order any house beer, wine or cocktail to get his first drink on the house. [caption id="attachment_1018496" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] The Gidley, CBD If dad is a steak fiend, he's probably familiar with this legendary CBD steakhouse. From the team behind the similarly excellent Bistecca, it's a subterranean hot spot that takes your phone away for maximum immersion, but makes up for it with a superb ribeye and top-shelf bites big and small. For dad's day, The Gidley is offering a $160pp Sunday roast, pricey yes, but well worth it for a father with a taste for the finer things. He'll get confit duck cigars, aged swordfish steak and butter beans, a rib roast, English sliced beef and grilled flank steak served with red wine jus and a dessert of apple crumble, marnier custard and the famous Gidley pecan pie. Needless to say, maybe it's worth skipping breakfast for this one. The Bank, Newtown King Street icon The Bank is joining a wider offering as a Solotel venue, but still stands as a top choice for any inner west local dads. For starters, dad can make the most of that famous beer garden with a complimentary tap brew at his convenience. Food-wise, the usual pub menu is a solid pick for any Father's Day feast, but as a part of the festivities, The Bank (and 18 of its Solotel siblings across Sydney) is offering a plate of barbecued meats for a generous $35. That comes with beef brisket, kransky sausage, onion rings, hot dinner rolls, pickles, slaw and Fancy Hanks BBQ Sauce. That's enough to make any dad take off a belt notch or two. Armorica, Surry Hills Perhaps your dad is a fan of French fare? If so, this Surry Hills outpost from the Franca team is the perfect spot to treat the father figure in your life. While the full Armorica menu is on offer on Father's Day — including the restaurant's famous chocolate bar for dessert — the kitchen is offering a special steak frites menu to celebrate all the meat-loving dads. There are four different steak options available, ranging from a special little treat to an all-out dose of extravagance. Take your pick from the 250-gram sirloin ($39), the 250-gram flat iron ($49), the wagyu sirloin ($139) or the one-kilo t bone ($169). All four options are served with a side of fries and your choice of béarnaise, mushroom, mustard or bone marrow butter. Happyfield, Haberfield Tucked into a corner of Ramsay Street in Haberfield is one of Sydney's best cafes, Happyfield. This sunny yellow spot knows how to nail breakfast, with stacks of pancakes paired with Pepe Saya butter; next-level brekkie burgers like the McLovin Muffin loaded with a chicken sausage patty, folded eggs, cheddar, chipotle mayo and 'happy' salt; and a 300g steak frite for the family members who like to eat lunch for breakfast. There's something for every dad here. Plenty of veggie options also grace the menu and the coffee list is extensive. Plus, if a boozy brunch is on the table, there's an adults-only section of the menu featuring espresso martinis, mimosas, boutique Australian wines and craft beers. Sinclair's, Penrith Way out west, the views don't get any better than when you're looking out over the Nepean, and that's the scenic backdrop for one of Penrith's top eateries; Sinclair's. The upstairs eatery to the beloved Log Cabin, it's ideal for fine dining that won't leave you wanting more, with a menu built on ingredients secured from local producers in an exclusive 50-km radius of the restaurant. For Father's Day, Head Chef Scott Mills has crafted a set menu for $95pp. Starters include Montecatini chorizo and king prawn, followed by entrees of Beef carpaccio with potato crumb and smoked lamb ribs with bourbon caramel. On the main front, there's Little joes' prime rib with coal-roasted jus with sides of triple-cooked Wilberforce potato with beef fat, confit garlic and thyme. For dessert? An oh-so-fancy Zokoko chocolate cigar, vanilla bean cheesecake mousse, and cocoa nibs. [caption id="attachment_707972" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida[/caption] The Baxter Inn, CBD If you want to truly treat the special man in your life, The Baxter Inn in Sydney's CBD is hosting a special Father's Day celebration. This one is for the whisky-loving fathers, with a guided tasting through rare whiskies available at the charming inner-city bar for $260 per person. Attendees will be treated to tastings of and a guided trip through some of the hardest-to-find and off-the-beaten-path spirits from around the world at the hands of some of the whisky industry's most in-the-know folks. OUT OF TOWN: Distillery Botanica, Erina If dad lives outside of Sydney, there are still plenty of top-notch options for Father's Day. On the Central Coast is a whimsical garden distillery that produces some of the finest gin and liquers this side of the Hawkesbury, and it's hosting a special event for the occasion. Starting at 1.30pm, you and dad will be treated to a gin and tonic on arrival, before a guided oyster shucking and tasting experience from the Broken Bay Pearl Farm team, then a mix-your-own-martini class using Distilley Botanica's range of award-winning gin and botanicals grown on site. For more out-of-town ideas, check out our list of the best regional NSW restaurants.
Spice World Sydney is one in a chain of over 500 international Spice Worlds around the globe, and is a dining experience unlike anything Sydney has seen before. Firstly, be prepared to be greeted by one of two robot waiters at the entrance who will seat you at your table and present the menu. The interior here is huge and you are likely to get lost finding your way to the bathroom, but the elegant and exotic decor make it an adventure all its own. The idea is simple, be presented with your chosen ingredients at your table and cook up a storm at your own hot pot complete with broth, heat and cooking utensils. The items come out looking something bizarre, with the wagyu steak draped around an unwitting Barbie doll as if she's gracing the runway of a Milan fashion show. The order here is to shock and awe — and it doesn't disappoint. We ordered a soup that was half spicy and half chicken and pork broth, and included a combination of pork belly, vegetables, wagyu and crab meat balls. While the broth cooked away we distracted ourselves on the arcade games and a game of jingo. Spice World is the kind of place to bring a group of friends and catch up over conversation and great food. The imaginative presentation ensures there'll be plenty of hilarity and the interactive nature of the hot pot itself makes it more than just your usual dining experience. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time as the options here are endless. And with all the games on offer, it's unlikely you'll want to leave.
The latest installation of Saké Restaurant & Bar opened back in 2018 as part of the revamped Manly Wharf precinct. The rooftop digs boast the sixth iteration of the award-winning Sake brand, and the third in Sydney, to continue its signature offering of sleek and contemporary Japanese fare — but this time with a distinctly Manly vibe. The 300-seat space is designed by the highly lauded studio Luchetti Krelle (Manly Greenhouse, Terminus Hotel and Acme, to name a few) and really reflects its beachside location. Think floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that open onto an al fresco dining terrace, and to the panoramic ocean views of Manly Cove beyond. The bright dining room includes a variety of seating with a 40-seat sushi counter, a 60-seat bar and several private dining spaces. An open kitchen centres around the robata grill, which turns out an izakaya-style menu that's available at the bar all day. Venue specific dishes include lobster tempura with jalapeños and wagyu strip loin with chat potatoes and yakiniku sauce. On the regular menu at Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly, signature Sake dishes like the hiramasa kingfish and popcorn shrimp sit alongside Manly-exclusive items like tempura miso-glazed eggplant. The expansive drinks list has a focus on Japanese sakes, with the 30-label menu served by the glass, carafe, bottle or flight. There's also a 150-strong wine list and over 30 gin distilleries represented, too. If you're coming to Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly with a group then look to book one of the elegant private dining rooms, with seatings of six to twenty available across three rooms. Images: Tom Ferguson (venue) and Anna Kucera (food and drinks).
The owners of Bondi's Mexican mainstays Taqiza and Carbon opened Sonora Mexican restaurant back in 2019. While they've stayed within Mexican cuisine, this time round, Pablo Galindo Vargas and Liber Osorio have expanded outside of Bondi, setting up shop on Bayswater Road in Potts Point. DIY tacos, made-to-order tortillas and a serious mezcal program are all on the menu at Sonora, which takes its name both from the Mexican state and the Latin word for 'sound'. Mexican-born chef Juan Carlos (Three Blue Ducks) has created a menu inspired by his time working in Baja California, but it's far from traditional Mexican fare — you'll spot plenty of international flavours and ingredients, such as soy sauce, truffle salami and wattleseed. Tacos are the central focus here, with creative fillings including chicken tinga with caramelised onions and jalapeno crema, fish with pickled cabbage and pico de gallo and broiled mushrooms with garlic soy sauce and roasted capsicum. As in Mexico, every table gets complimentary salsas for topping those tacos with, too, which come in three varieties: chipotle hibiscus, basil salsa verde and hazelnut macha. And if you really want to set yourself a challenge, try the bottomless taco fiesta for $89 per person. Eat as many tacos as you can within 90 minutes, and down all the margaritas, beer and wine within the same time. It's one of the best bottomless brunches in Sydney. Apart from the tacos, you'll find blue swimmer crab tostadas and a watermelon salad with goat's cheese and hazelnuts for starters, and sides include the street corn salad and sauteed mushrooms with pickled avocado. For dessert, try the Mexican flan made with a tonka bean custard. Alternatively, you can grab a seat at the bar, and order a tequila margarita or mezcal cocktail — made with spirits booze sourced from little-known Mexican distilleries. A mostly Aussie wine list and a lineup of Mexican brews are also available. The fit-out comes courtesy of the lauded Guru Designs (Reign, Esquire, Went To See Gypsy, nel.) and Carolina Jensen (Merivale, Three Blue Ducks). Expect a dimly lit interior with natural finishes that pay homage to the Sonora desert region.
UPDATE: JUNE, 2020 — Employees Only has reopened and is offering a new format on Friday and Saturday nights: dinner and cabaret, followed by DJ performances. Its a la carte winter menu will be available, featuring dishes such as its signature steak tartare, prawn and crab linguine and barbecued spatchcock. Bookings are essential and can be made via the website, with two-hour sittings available. The Sydney CBD has added a highly lauded New York City import into its ranks with Employees Only opening on Barrack Street. The US venue was an architect of the modern speakeasy movement in New York and now it hopes to make a similar impact on Sydney, bringing its late-night vibes and world-class cocktails Down Under. Follow the neon psychic sign through the curtain and into its heritage-listed basement haunt. Once through the curtains, you'll see the bar offering both signature EO drinks and Sydney-exclusive drops. Classics include the Amelia (Wyborowa vodka and elderflower liqueur shaken with fresh lemon and puréed blackberries) and the Ginger Smash (rum and Barbadian sweet syrup Falernum shaken with muddled ginger and ripe mango, then topped with maraschino cherries and fresh lime). Brand new drinks created by the Sydney team include The Down Payment, a complex combination of Barsol Pisco, Italian herbal liqueur and French bitters shaken with avocado, fresh lime and aquafaba (a replacement for egg white). This level of creativity is no surprise, considering the bar is lead by 12-year EO alumni Robert Krueger and award-winning head bartender Dula Lorenzohewa. Alongside the drinks is an all-night bar menu that is available until 2.30am. Think Berkshire pork cottaletta (Italian schnitzel) with Tuscan cabbage slaw, and a monterey jack cheeseburger with pancetta, jalapeño, bois boudran sauce and relish. On the high-end, there's a decadent, three-option caviar service, all served with chive crème fraîche, grated egg and buckwheat blinis. In the kitchen are French head chefs Aurelien Girault and Leo Garnier, who have created a bistro menu reminiscent of New York but using native Australian ingredients and locally sourced seafood. The full dinner menu is served from 5–11pm and includes heartier dishes like charred calamari risotto, whole fish for two and chargrilled ribeye with red wine, watercress and horseradish. Signature NYC EO menu items are also on offer, including hand-cut filet mignon tartare, bone marrow poppers in a pastry shell and house-made cavatelli with pork sausage, rocket and parmesan. As part of the brand's tradition, special staff meals will be on offer for patrons each day at a discounted price — meaning you eat what the staff eats. Think cacio e pepe with grilled sardines, or gnocchi with gorgonzola. Another brand tradition is the chicken soup meal, which comes from a 15-year-old family recipe and will be a complimentary offering at 3am each night as the bar closes up. Designed by Tim Leveson (The Sandwich Shop, Pane e Cipolla), the space takes notes from the New York original while embracing the Sydney heritage location — including the antique main doors, industrial chandelier and large-scale, hand-painted wall murals. The curved brass-topped bar is the hero of the space and you can expect some serious mood lighting, too. Dark timber with brass finishes and green velvet banquette seating is found in the dining room, with a private room also on offer. Plus brass-embellished, vintage lockers allow customers to keep their belongings safe and come complete with interior charging stations. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Zines aren't a new beast. If you've landed here knowing full well what a zine is, sit smugly for a second. For the initiated, what the heck is a zine? According to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, "Zines – short for fanzines or magazines – are dependent or self-published publications informed by the DIY ethos, usually handmade and of a limited run." Essentially, they're one of the most hardy, historically avant-garde, no-holds-barred forms of self-publishing we've got today. But you can't just buy 'em anywhere, you have to know where to look. Often you'll find them sitting in creative, bold local stores happy to stock their favourites, and sometimes you can order them online. But the best place to actually hold and flick through a zine — and meet the person who made it — is at a zine fair. Luckily, there's a big one coming (back) to Sydney. Home to many a colossal zine fair over the years, the MCA is one of Sydney's only major institutions that hosts zine events. Their beloved Zine Fair is back on June 11 and 12 for Vivid, with over 100 independent stallholders for you to peruse. Each zine-maker has their own unique style — you'll find political satire sitting next to squee-inducing animal art. So before you head into the fair, we thought we'd introduce you to five of Australia's best and most unique zine-makers, to find out how they got into such a niche art in a digital world. ALEX LATHAM How did you get into zine making? I got into zine making by applying for the MCA Zine Fair and on being accepted realised that I had to make a zine for the Zine Fair or I would have nothing on my table at the Zine Fair. Describe your zine style in five words. Crap. Really bad. Very good. What's your favourite thing about zine making? Using a hack saw. MIKAELA CAILAO How did you get into zine making? A few of my good friends suggested participating in the MCA Zine Fair as a way of being productive and getting my drawings out there. One of them had a stall at the fair last year and had a lot of fun with it, so I thought I'd try it out this year. Describe your zine style in five words. Haven't figured that out yet... What's your favourite thing about zine making? So far, I'd have to say how broad the spectrum is. It's interesting seeing just how unique people's ideas are and what can be made out of those ideas. JESS CHEN How did you get into zine making? I wanted to expand my art range into something different and find ways to expose myself as an artist (at the time I was only making prints and postcards) and so I experimented by collating bits of my artwork into themed zines. MCA Zine Fair was my gateway, and I took the chance, and loved making zines ever since. Describe your zine style in five words. Cute, whimsical, handmade, watercolour, cats. What's your favourite thing about zine making? Seeing that finished result and flicking through it, and seeing your artwork presented in a different form rather than just a single-sided print. SHU How did you get into zine making? I only got into zines quite recently. All the street artists and urbex photographers I'm friends with were doing it, and I was super keen to give it a go. At the time, I had been working on this little character called Monstery, and had been getting her out (on the streets) loads — that first zine I made was a kind of record of what Monstery had been doing that past year. It was a good excuse to get it all together, edit my own work and figure out where to go next with it. Describe your zine style in five words. Cute, quirky, adventure, illustration and street art. What's your favourite thing about zine making? What I love about zine making is actually the same thing I love about street art — that is, the sentiment that you don't need anyone's approval to show the world your work. I think it is really important for people not to wait for someone else to tell them that their art, photographs or writing is good enough to be published. If you believe in it, put it out there. AKISIEW How did you get into zine making? I can't remember exactly, but my first zine that I bought was actually made by an artist called Mel Kadel who lives in LA. I fell in love with it and the way she had used zine making as a way of experimenting with her work and creating a narrative to her work. I had lots of half made stories in my head and in sketchbooks which I wanted to express both in words and illustrations, and zine-making is the perfect medium to do that. Describe your zine style in five words. Cute, narrative driven, illustrative. What's your favourite thing about zine making? That there are so many topics that you can explore and so many different ways to create a story with paper. They are just so expressive and the fact that each and every one is handmade by the artist makes them so very special. They are made for the love of making them and sharing them over anything else. MCA's Zine Fair is happening June 11 and 12 from 10am-6pm. Entry is free.
Sonoma sourdough may be a staple on breakfast menus throughout the city, but if you want to try its signature miche loaf, slow fermented baguettes or flaky pastries you'll need to head straight to the source. Of the nine outposts in the Sonoma family (and five market stalls), the Alexandria one remains the most impressive. Set within a converted warehouse, the shopfront boasts high, slanted ceilings and a sleek monochrome fit-out, with shelves stocked with loaves like a gallery for gluten. If you need more than just a loaf of bread, Sonoma also offers up a range of pies which have earned a reputation right across the state. The beer braised chicken leak and potato pie is perfectly spiced while the chunky beef pie is exactly the classic pie you're after and goes well drenched in tomato sauce. For vegetarians there's an eggplant parmi pie or a verde quiche, and if you're just after a humble sausage roll its pork option is everything you could ask for and more.
You wouldn't expect to find a cocktail bar and dining haven hidden away between a supermarket and a library, but that's exactly where you'll find Little Jean. From the elegant, ever-changing fresh flower arrangements on entry to the denim-overall-apron sporting waitstaff, this Double Bay hot spot excels in both design and service. Book in for leisurely lunch and dine on wagyu skirt steak with smoked truffle butter; or snapper belly with bacon dashi, pearl barley and a soft egg. Afterwards, order a chocolate fondant, or go for a peppy liquid dessert, and order a Little Jean Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
Delivery service apps like UberEats continue to rise in Australia and New Zealand, claiming exclusivity deals with everything from major grocery stores to hardware giants. Yep, hardware, you read it right. The latest Australian megastore to join the order-to-your-door offer posed by Uber Eats is the home of things home and garden — Bunnings. Following a successful Victorian pilot program in January, the nationwide rollout will begin in 15 locations across Australia, with plans to expand further and over to New Zealand throughout the year. The partnership will give eligible customers access to 60-minute guaranteed deliveries of over 30,000 items from the Bunnings catalogue — including lawn mowers, power washers, pet food, gardening equipment, DIY products, nuts, bolts and packing boxes. Bunnings COO, Ryan Baker, told 9Honey that the partnership will "offer customers another convenient way to shop a wide range of products from Bunnings, delivered directly to their home or worksite via the Uber Eats app. While many customers enjoy visiting our stores to browse and get advice in person, we know there are times when convenience and speed are the priority." [caption id="attachment_1076390" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ceri Breeze via iStock[/caption] "This partnership complements our existing delivery options and helps us better understand how customers want to shop with Bunnings," Baker added. Lucas Groeneveld, General Manager of Uber Eats APAC, said in a press release, "From last-minute DIY fixes and garden projects, to preparing for a BBQ or keeping a work site moving, this partnership makes it easier than ever for customers to get what they need, delivered on demand, whatever the occasion." Bunnings joins a mix of other non-edible delivery partners on Uber Eats, including Pet Barn, Officeworks and EB Games. If you're wondering, though, Bunnings snags are not included in the delivery service — you'll still have to get those yourself. Check to see if your local Bunnings delivers via UberEats here, more stores are expected to roll out later in 2026. Images: iStock
There aren't many things that Sydney likes more than a rooftop bar. Sipping an ice-cold cocktail high above the city on a sunny day — does it get much better? Luckily, we've got plenty of top-notch options, and another is set to launch on Thursday, November 2 with CBD hotel Kimpton Margot opening Harper Rooftop Bar. The lavish boutique-meets-luxury accommodation already boasts plenty of top-notch dining spots including Luke Mangan's Luke's Kitchen and lobby cocktail haven The Wilmot Bar. Now, Harper is joining in on the fun with a summer-ready drinks list, a colourful fitout, a sky-high pool and more Mangan snacks. "We've created a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu full of small, share-style plates using fresh, local produce and plenty of amazing seafood — the perfect combo to celebrate the warm summer days," says Mangan. As for the drinks menu, it's been injected with a whole lot of fun. Alongside classic cocktails and a robust wine selection, there are boozy slushies on offer ready to cool you down on a warm December day. And, if you feel like frosé is so 2019, Harper Rooftop Bar is mixing things up with frozen riesling (or friesling). Kimpton claims that this is Sydney CBD's biggest rooftop bar, with the expansive L-shaped space set up to accommodate everything from intimate after-work drinks to large group events. Surrounded by Sydney's mass of inner-city high-rises, the new seventh-floor venue boasts plenty of greenery, bright pod seating and long group dining tables. You'll also find the hotel's swimming pool perched above the bar, calling out for hotel guests to enjoy a poolside martini during their stay. As the silly season kicks off, keep an eye on the bar's Instagram, with the rooftop expected to host plenty of crowd-pleasing events throughout spring and summer. Harper Rooftop Bar will open on the seventh floor of Kimpton Margot Sydney, 339 Pitt Street, Sydney on Thursday, November 2. Images: Dexter Kim.
Sometimes, we all need a break from the traffic, hustle and breakneck pace of the city. So it's a good thing that in Sydney, you don't need to go far to find a peaceful retreat in nature. We've picked out nine of our favourite strolls in and around the city where you can unplug from the office, detach from your screen and indulge in an afternoon of blissful calm this season. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney The Best Bike Rides in and Around Sydney The Best Mountain Walks Near Sydney [caption id="attachment_650370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW Parks[/caption] For Northern Strolls: Barrenjoey Lighthouse This dreamy, water-encircled walk takes you to Sydney's northernmost point: Palm Beach's Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881. There are two walking trails that will get you there. Most people choose the easy route: a gentle, one-kilometre climb called the Access Trail. However, a few adventurous types tackle the Smugglers Track: a shorter, steeper scramble, following a trail built in 1850 to keep an eye out for waterborne smugglers. Perched 91 metres above sea level, the lighthouse has 360-degree views of the Central Coast, Broken Bay and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Extend your walk by strolling down to Palm Beach and finish off with a refreshing dip. [caption id="attachment_790749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Malabar Headland; Chad Weston via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For Views of Botany Bay: Maroubra to Malabar The Western Escarpment Walking Track in the Malabar Headland National Park is a one-kilometre walkway that connects Pioneers Park in Malabar with Arthur Byrne Reserve in South Maroubra. The Sydney walking track cuts through bushland and, at its highest point, affords some stunning views across the beach, the headland and Botany Bay. It runs along the western edge of the Malabar Headland Rifle Range — but outside it, rather than within it. So, you don't have to worry about shooting days spoiling your fun, and you can go sauntering seven days a week, 365 days a year. [caption id="attachment_790746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John-Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For Echidnas and Secret Beaches: North Head The historical, ten-kilometre North Head walk may contain a driving path, but the true beauty of this trail is seen through the dirt road bushwalk. Beginning at North Head Sanctuary, walk through the former North Head Army Barracks before heading out into the bush. Echidnas and bandicoots lurk in the burnt orange and yellow brush before the wild path opens suddenly to a mix of coastal views. The best views are located at the Third Quarantine Station Cemetery, which looks across to Middle Head and Manly, and the Fairfax Walk, which offers an expansive lookout point across the Tasman Sea. From here, it's easy to end your afternoon at Manly Beach, stopping at Collins Flat Beach and Little Manly Beach along the way. [caption id="attachment_781775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For a Walk Through History: Middle Head While the multiple World War II batteries located at Middle Head certainly set this walk apart, it's the expansive views of the eastern suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly that really make this trek worthwhile. The two-kilometre circuit is bordered by the North and South Heads, and set along sheer cliffs. Climbing through underground tunnels and gun pits on the edge of the coast is a big part of the thrill here. You'll find these ruins throughout the Middle Head Fortification, and the surrounding cliffs give the remnants an eerie and significant impact. After your walk, head to nearby Cobblers Beach to unwind. Following a six-year project, work was finally completed on extending the track to meet the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk in March 2025. Now, you'll find even better harbour views and improved access to the region's historic military structures. [caption id="attachment_781773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For Harbour Views: Spit Bridge to Manly When it comes to the best Sydney walks, this ten-kilometre coastal walk is a favourite with tourists. Begin at Mosman's Spit Bridge, where you'll follow the Middle and North Harbour shoreline paths along Fisher Bay to Clontarf Beach. From here, you'll enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock, and later hit Grotto Point, where you can view Indigenous rock engravings. Gorgeous views at Arabanoo Lookout and plenty of beachside walks are also on the docket. Finish off with a dip at Manly Beach before taking that picturesque ferry ride back to Circular Quay. If ten kilometres isn't enough for you, the track continues down to Chowder Bay and can be linked up with the Bradleys Head track too. [caption id="attachment_790748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For a Little Bit of Everything: Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head An odyssey of a walk, Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head gives you everything our coastline has to offer. For 18 glorious kilometres (one way), the trail weaves through the secret beaches, harbour pools, rocky headlands and spectacular viewing points of the Eastern Suburbs. On the way, you'll catch unmatched views of the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Nielsen Park, Double Bay and Vaucluse House. Finish with a clothes-free dip at Lady Bay Beach — which became perhaps Sydney's first nudist beach in 1976 — and a sunset picnic next to South Head's red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse. [caption id="attachment_781767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund via Destination NSW[/caption] For the Classic Sydney Stroll: Bondi to Coogee The Bondi to Coogee walk is easily Sydney's most iconic walking trail. This six-kilometre trek gives tourists and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The hike's steep gradients are well spaced and hit each of the city's most-loved beaches along the way, making this trip part-workout, part-beach bum afternoon. Apart from the namesake beaches, the Sydney walking trail also hits Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. While the walk can be completed in as little as two hours, it is best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the next instalment of the trail's popular Sculpture by the Sea — the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world. [caption id="attachment_749647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For an Out-of-Town Adventure: Kiama Coast Make a proper escape from the city on the Kiama Coast Walk. This 2o kilometres of unspoilt South Coastal brilliance stretches between the Minnamurra River mouth in the north and the cute town of Gerringong in the south. On this stunning Sydney walk, you'll visit wild surf beaches, rock formations, wetlands and, of course, the famous Kiama blowhole. Then there's the volcanic formations at Cathedral Rocks, the basalt columns at the Bombo Headland and the stunning Werri Beach to look forward to. There are train stations at both ends too, so it's easy to get to and from the city. [caption id="attachment_781778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory via Destination NSW[/caption] For Picnics With a View: Balls Head Reserve Set on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve affords exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge from the north, along with unbeatable picnic views overlooking the CBD. The reserve offers several bushwalking tracks (including one with wheelchair access), and highlights include an Indigenous waterhole and foreshore caves cut by squatters in the 1930s. Once you're done exploring, head to the secluded park where public barbecues are at the ready. When you've finished grilling up your snags, hop back over to the rocky area and enjoy your picnic while watching the harbour boats mosey by. Top image: Destination NSW.
Based in Blacktown, Gursha has been offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine favourites to patrons since 2017. The wot (curry) delivers on your spicy cravings. It's a complex curry simmered with traditional spices and herbs, usually served with chicken drumsticks, tender lean beef or red lentils. You'll devour it with moreish injera, a spongy, sour fermented flatbread that is a staple with all Ethiopian meals. You can also try the injera in ferfere, where it's chopped up and tossed through a fried beef stew. If you're after something spicier, be sure to order the special kitfo. It consists of raw lean beef, tossed in a spiced butter that's laden with cardamom, fenugreek, berbere spice mix and kalonji (nigella seeds), and mitmita (spicy chillies). It's served with sides of kale and cottage cheese to take the edge off. In Ethiopia, kitfo is often enjoyed for special occasions. Here, you can order it any night of the week. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
In 2019, just one Australian bar made it into the World's 50 Best Bars list: Maybe Sammy. This year, not only has the innovative bar in The Rocks made the list again, it has jumped 32 places to number 11 — and it's joined by two more Sydney spots. Laneway mezcal bar — and one of Concrete Playground's favourite openings of 2019 — Cantina OK! came in at number 28, while Bulletin Place, which has made the list many times during its eight-year life, came in 39. If you've been looking for an excuse to spend a night drinking cocktails in the city, this is it. With many Sydneysiders WFH during the pandemic, CBD bars have done it tough, with some venues reporting drops in revenue of 40 percent and more. Now, it's more important than ever to go out and support them (in a COVID-safe way, of course). For those yet to be acquainted with Maybe Sammy, its luxurious styling nods to old-school Vegas glamour, all blush pink velvet banquettes and lush indoor greenery, while the list of theatrical signature drinks pays homage to the classics. Cocktails are served with the likes of scent-filled pillows, hand cream and rosemary bubbles. The latter, comes atop the much-Instagrammed Dunes cocktail, pictured below, which is a delicate balance of gin, fino sherry, watermelon and agave. [caption id="attachment_788842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dunes cocktail at Maybe Sammy by DS Oficina[/caption] While Sydney cleaned up in the top 50, only Melbourne venues (from Australia) featured in the 51–100 list, which was announced late last week. Fitzroy bar The Everleigh snagged the 73 spot, while newer CBD haunt Byrdi came in at 80. Petite Collingwood bar Above Board followed not too far behind at number 84 and the long-running Black Pearl — which has scooped a spot in the Top 50 list numerous times throughout the award's 12-year history — was voted in at 98. The annual World's 50 Best Bars awards are voted on by over 540 bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. You can check out the full lineup of the World's 50 Best Bars 2020 here, and see 51–100 here. Top image: Cantina OK! by Kimberley Low
Wyong's ninth annual Love Lanes Festival is back next month, celebrating love, community, and local talent. Located in the heart of Wyong, the town centre will come alive with romance and enchantment on Saturday, February 7, from 4pm, helping you warm up ahead of Valentine's Day one week later. The event includes four love-themed lanes and five stages featuring market stalls, live global music, dance performances, roving entertainers, and aerial circus acts. The vibrant local laneways will come alive with culture and festivities for this one-night-only event. What's on? Whether you make it a date with your partner or take the whole family, you can expect Wyong's secret gardens to be transformed into a magical dreamscape, featuring lantern-lit pathways, lush greenery, hidden surprises, immersive art installations, and captivating local performances. Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) is taking over the Whimsical Garden at Love Lanes with street dance, DJ and freestyle workshops as well as karaoke and open mic sessions. Receive a free flower tattoo and garden-themed art therapy at this community-driven pop-up. On the Bendigo Bank main stage, after a Welcome to Country, Central Coast singer Alana Suzanne kicks off the live music for the evening. Alana is followed by pop artists, Theeth at 4.50pm, Ama at 5.55pm, Wollongong band, Cheeky Leash at 7pm and Māori artist Kira Puru will close out the main stage from 8pm. More live music comes in the form of Brazilian Drumming Jam Party with Marina Da Silva. Drums will be available for you to join in and jam along with, a live saxophone and DJ Charlotiina keeping everyone dancing. If you're feeling the love from all of the romance in the air, Yes Lane, presented by Optus, encourages you to step up to the Yes Chapel to renew your wedding vows or celebrate a cherished friendship. A fun, non-denominational officiant will lead a short ceremony (complete with a bell ring) to celebrate your love story. Take home a keepsake at the photo booth — complete with your personalised vows on the back. Encouraging a bit of community love, Finding Love In All The Wyong Places at McKinnon Hall features art pieces created by Central Coast artists expressing what they love about their local area. You can purchase artworks from the artists themselves, as well as have the opportunity to make your own piece of community-love self-expression. From 7pm the beloved love-themed poetry slam will be going down so get ready to feel all the warm and fuzzies. The afternoon will also feature talented Central Coast makers, such as artist Tomoko Oka's live calligraphy performance, as well as mouth-watering global cuisines, refreshing drinks, and market stalls. Getting to the event Given its central location, visitors are advised to use public transport to reach the festival. It's just 300 metres away from Wyong's central train station so you can make the most of your time at Love Lanes Festival and spend less time trying to find a car park. With all venues and events just a short stroll away from each other, this local love festival is one to add to your February calendar. Find out more information at Love Lanes Festival. Image credit: Supplied
Nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour is Tumablong Park. The five-hectare, waterside park offers a pocket of serenity, despite being right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. Brimming with water features, sprawling play areas and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Tumbalong is frequented by families, culture seekers and tourists alike. In summer, you can cool off at one of the water features or sit under the shade on a deck chair. If you're looking for fun, head to the huge playground or to the communal (free) ping pong tables. There's an old-school carousel within the park, too. For something more tranquil, stroll through the Chinese Garden. There, you'll find waterfalls, sculptures, lakes and local wildlife, such as koi swimming in the ponds, water dragons and lots of colourful birds. While the rest of the park is free, entry to the Chinese Garden of Friendship ranges between $3–6. Tumbalong Park is right by Sydney's International Convention Centre and is surrounded by a bunch of cafes and restaurants. Plus, it's easily accessed by bus, ferry, light rail or train (less than a ten-minute walk from Town Hall Station).
