Food

Where To Get The Very Best Bites In Sydney, According To The Locals

Hope you're hungry!

by Junkee  29 October 2021
Brought to you by City of Sydney

Get ready to fall in love with your city all over again.

Can you believe?! Restrictions are lifting, restaurants are opening back up, pubs are back, and treating yourself to a little-bit-fancy meal doesn’t just mean ordering in an app and sitting on the couch in your nice pyjamas.

Now that dining out is back on the menu, we could all do with some recommendations from the experts: you guys.

We recently asked you guys to write us love letters for your favourite local businesses in Sydney and you shared some fantastic places to eat and drink.

We rounded up the very best ones to serve you some dining inspo. Just be sure to check when each place opens before you rush out the door with a rumbling stomach. Hope you’re hungry!

Here are the best bars, restaurants, and cafes in Sydney:

#1. Shortstop Coffee & Donuts

“Dear Shortstop Coffee & Donuts, you’re the treat I look forward to every weekend. Love you the most!” – Francesca

Shortstop is one of the best places to get doughnuts in Sydney, thanks in part to its inventive flavours like maple walnut and brown butter, triple matcha, and earl grey and rose. You can also get crullers, bottles of cold brew, and peanut butter made in-store.

Address: Shop 3/23 Barangaroo Ave & 15 Little Hay St, Haymarket

#2. Frankie’s Pizza

“Dear Frankie’s, thanks for the pizza, first kisses, and helping me find my people.” – Sarah

Frankie’s Pizza is a famous late-night hangout, especially on a Friday or Saturday. It’s one of the only spots in the city where you can order pizza by the slice, pair it with a beer or cider, and dance to rock and roll.

Address: 50 Hunter St, Sydney

#3. Tokki

 

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“Dear Tokki, thank you for providing the white sangria when we catch up on our gossip.” – Brittany

This trendy Asian fusion restaurant is inspired by the nightlife in Tokyo and Seoul. It specialises in shareable dishes like KFC chicken bao, nori eggplant chips, zucchini flower tempura, and BBQ trays.

Everything pairs well with one of the menu’s bespoke cocktails, but if you don’t see your drink of choice listed, the friendly bar staff will mix it up on request.

Address: Shop 1/44a Foveaux St, Surry Hills

#4. Keg & Brew

 

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“Dear Keg & Brew, there is no me without you. A drink on your rooftop is my heaven.” – Nathan

This rooftop bar just had a makeover, so there’s never been a better time to visit. Settle into swish décor while you eat a fresh-made pizza and enjoy a huge range of craft beers on tap.

Or head downstairs where you can sample up to 40 gins in a cosy, intimate space.

Address: 26 Foveaux St, Surry Hills

#5. Anita Gelato

 

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“Dear Anita Gelato, my heart melts for you. You and I are mint to be.” – Fahad

You might struggle to choose which of Anita Gelato’s 150+ flavours to try first, but that just gives you a perfect excuse to come back (and back and back). Pick a handmade cream, vegan, sugar-free, or yoghurt flavour and then add toppings to your heart’s content.

Address: 28 Broadway, Chippendale; 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction; 180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

#6. Spice Temple

 

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“Dear Spice Temple, love you with all my belly. Til food coma do us part.” – Edyta

Spice Temple is a Chinese restaurant that focuses on food from the lesser-known regions of the country. Expect a lot of chilli and citrus flavours as you tuck into dumplings, noodles, seafood, and stir fries – or try it all with one of the banquet sharing menus.

Address: 10 Bligh St, Sydney

#7. Oh My Days

 

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“Dear Oh My Days, whoever thought to make cinnamon scrolls from croissant dough is a gem! You’re an affordable oasis and also vegan!” – Sawsan

There’s an absurd variety of croissants to choose from at Oh My Days. Think of a 100s and 1000s buttercream croissant, or a chocolate, banana, and sesame croissant, or one topped with toasted truffles. There are even savoury options like one filled with spinach and feta.

The vegan café also does all-day breakfast – and yes, the rest of the menu is equally as delicious.

Address: 99 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

#8. Skyros Greek Meze

“Dear Skyros Greek Meze, nothing brightens my day and tantalises my taste buds like your bacon and egg pitas.” – Gabriella

Specialising in traditional Greek food like gyros, souvlaki, haloumi, dolmades, and moussaka, Skyros Greek Meze is a perfect spot for a quick lunch or a nice dinner with friends. The open plates are perfect for sharing with your choice of meat plus pita bread, salad, chips, and homemade tzatziki.

Address: Shop 4/31 Market Street, Sydney

* Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

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Ready to rediscover Sydney? Check out what’s happening and fall in love with your city all over again.

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(Lead image courtesy of City of Sydney)