We've been preaching about it a lot, but Kensington Street Precinct continues to up its game — even after the main physical part of the renovation was completed last year. Gone are the run-down facades; blitzed with a bit o' glam and restored to their former glory, they're now home to some of the hottest eateries in Sydney, including Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social, Automata and The Old Clare.

Casual eats are hidden in the precinct's buzzing Asian foodie spot, Spice Alley, with hawker-style nosh from Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck Thai Street Food, Old Jim Kee's and Hong Kong Diner, bookended by residents KYO-TO and Mekong.

This more casual environment has been flanked with newer neighbours Bar Chinois, an Asian-French fusion bar housed in an old terrace, international chef Frederic Colin French brasserie Bistrot Gavroche, next-level dessert gallery Koi, and, most recently, private dining option The Private Kitchen and inner city cellar door Handpicked Wines. And it ain't done yet.