Sydney Restaurant Recommendations

[Taubear]

Balmain would be the best option out of your list. It has a very good range of restaurants and specialist food shops including butchers and green grocers. Good luck with your move.

[Shalmanese]

Some good suburbs to consider are:

Newtown (Bohemian, student, very central and lots of little restaurants but no real food shopping to speak of)

Bondi (Urban chic, close to the beach, ungodly expensive but very good food shopping)

Coogee/Randwick/Kensington (This is where I used to live. Reasonably priced, close to the city and some quite decent stuff)

Northern Sydney/Chatswood (You'll have to ask someone else, I never go up there)

Darlinghurst/Surrey Hills (Colonial style houses close to the city, lots of good restaurants, I don't know what the food shopping situation is like)

If you're coming from london, the prices for everything will look cheap I guess.

[insomniac]

Suzi, what you will soon discover is the north of the harbour bridge and the south of the harbour bridge are respectively foreign territory....not many cross to the other side

personally I don't like the northern suburbs

[The Chefs Office]

Let me give you my take on things (in line below)

I live in Balmain.

Some good suburbs to consider are:

Newtown (Bohemian, student, very central and lots of little restaurants but no real food shopping to speak of)

MY TAKE - full of lesbian bikers (not that there is anything wrong with that of course) with muscles bigger than most guys. Pretty ordinary/scummy. HOusing is small, not a lot of value for money.

Bondi (Urban chic, close to the beach, ungodly expensive but very good food shopping)

MY TAKE - touristy, full of Brits (not that that is a bad thing of course), quite nice but housing is very $$ and little value for money.

Coogee/Randwick/Kensington (This is where I used to live. Reasonably priced, close to the city and some quite decent stuff)

MT TAKE - not bad, a bit "vanilla" for my taste

Northern Sydney/Chatswood (You'll have to ask someone else, I never go up there)

MY TAKE - yawn

Darlinghurst/Surrey Hills (Colonial style houses close to the city, lots of good restaurants, I don't know what the food shopping situation is like)

MY TAKE - lots happening, close to city, good restaurants, good scene but along with that comes the junkies, etc., etc. Very small houses, not much value for money.

If you're coming from london, the prices for everything will look cheap I guess.

←

[Maliaty]

My turn now - I live in Annandale, which is in the inner west, a tad closer to cbd than Balmain. Close to us are

- Glebe - cheap, because near university, with a mix of food shopping but accent on Japanese / Chinese;

- Leichhardt / Haberfield - essentially little Italy - some great cafes, pasta / pastry / pizza places - family houses. Well known AC Butchers are based in Leichhardt.

- Lilyfield / Rozelle - close to trendier / expensive Balmain, but with a bigger emphasis on the macrame / organic markets on weekends focus and cheaper.

Various bits of the inner west (like Glebe, Five Dock) have excellent bakeries.

On the other side of harbour,

Chatswood - chinese / korean / japanese shops. Strangely high rise apartment buildings, mixed in with older style houses. Medium prices - further out from cbd.

Foodie shopping destination The Essential Ingredient (with prices to match) is now in Crows Nest.

Northern beaches - worth exploring if you are an outdoors person, cafe culture in various pockets - like Manly, or the more upmarket Avalon (which used to be more macrame / organic / hippy and is now more aimed at the weekend beachhouse contingent). Prices vary from suburb to suburb. There's a great Irish butcher in Harbord and a great Sth African one from memory.

The big vegetable markets are out at Flemington - by which I mean the big boxes of veges sold to grocers at 4.30am.

Further out west are pockets of good Asian food shopping - but can't give you much help with pricing because of the commute factor have never researched.

And forget about Melbourne as a food shopping destination. Clothes and shoes, my friend, clothes and shoes. While property prices are higher in Sydney, we have the harbour. Okay, they have culture, but why would you want that? What are you, yoghurt? (sorry, traditional Sydney / Melbourne rivalry showing up again. Some of my good mates are from Melbourne, really).

Cheers

Maliaty

Let me give you my take on things (in line below)

I live in Balmain.

Some good suburbs to consider are:

Newtown (Bohemian, student, very central and lots of little restaurants but no real food shopping to speak of)

MY TAKE - full of lesbian bikers (not that there is anything wrong with that of course) with muscles bigger than most guys. Pretty ordinary/scummy. HOusing is small, not a lot of value for money.

Bondi (Urban chic, close to the beach, ungodly expensive but very good food shopping)

MY TAKE - touristy, full of Brits (not that that is a bad thing of course), quite nice but housing is very $$ and little value for money.

Coogee/Randwick/Kensington (This is where I used to live. Reasonably priced, close to the city and some quite decent stuff)

MT TAKE - not bad, a bit "vanilla" for my taste

Northern Sydney/Chatswood (You'll have to ask someone else, I never go up there)

MY TAKE - yawn

Darlinghurst/Surrey Hills (Colonial style houses close to the city, lots of good restaurants, I don't know what the food shopping situation is like)

MY TAKE - lots happening, close to city, good restaurants, good scene but along with that comes the junkies, etc., etc. Very small houses, not much value for money.

If you're coming from london, the prices for everything will look cheap I guess.

←

←

[Ylee]

I know people who live in the Kirribilli area. Great for views, but not so much so for grocery shopping.

Cremorne/mosman isn't bad; lots of shops (speciality cheese, chocolate, meat, and kitchen shops like Accoutrement for example), restaurants, cafes, and is close to Balmoral Beach or Crows Nest (where Essential Ingredient is) but might be inconvenient to have to travel from there to the city. There are buses, but no trains.

My boyfriend works in Pyrmont - There's the amazing Sydney Fish Market there, a branch of Simon Johnson (cheeses, luxury import items like Valrhona and Mariage Freres), the monthly growers markets (Good Living Growers market on the first saturday of each month)..hmm.. maybe *I* need to move to Pyrmont..

[jango]

I've just returned from helping a friend from the USA find a long term (3 yrs) rental property in Sydney - and helping her test out all the nearby restaurants.

In 4 days we found a fabulous spacious new apartment over on Bourke Street in East Redfern, one street from Surry Hills. It's walking distance to Crown Street, which has excellent restaurants like Billy Kwong and Benzin. My friend just loves the convenience of everything and has found pretty good butchers and grocers. You can't beat going to Pyrmont for most stuff edible, however.

Because we both knew nothing of Sydney, what we did was hire a taxi for 3 hours one Saturday morning, and got the driver to take us to several rentals which were open in Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Redfern, all very close to the CBD. (Found on www.domain.com.au the day before). Bear in mind that one has to plan such a trip like a military operation - rentals are only open for 15-30 minutes. We got fantastic advice from the taxi driver - oh, how fortunate we were to get one who spoke English.. Within each suburb there are streets which are really nice and some which are downright spooky.

Technical details: What we learned was that in order to get a good rental, you need to find a potential place during the week and be prepared to meet the agent at the property within an hour. This way you are not with a zillion weekenders crawling over the place and can actually have a conversation with the agent. Be prepared to apply for a good one on the spot. Come ready with cash for a deposit (one week's rent). Once the place has a deposit and application pending, they cannot show it to anyone else. If you find and prefer another place while the application is being considered, the real estate office will refund you the deposit pro-rated for the days you "held" the property. If they reject your application, they return all your deposit. Have 2 local people ready to give you good references.

Despite the hype of real estate agents trying to convince everyone that rentals are scarce and that you have to offer more money than the owners have asked for, that's tommy-rot and just normal real estate agent hype. After the intial confusion, we found lots of choice and certainly did not pay more than the asking price.

PS Balmain is great. We had lunch at the Bather's Pavilion one day, and I don't know if all days are as light and bright like this but that beach was pure magic.

-Jane

[Maliaty]

I've just returned from helping a friend from the USA find a long term (3 yrs) rental property in Sydney - and helping her test out all the nearby restaurants.

In 4 days we found a fabulous spacious new apartment over on Bourke Street in East Redfern, one street from Surry Hills.    It's walking distance to Crown Street, which has excellent restaurants like Billy Kwong and Benzin.    My friend just loves the convenience of everything and has found pretty good butchers and grocers.  You can't beat going to Pyrmont for most stuff edible, however.

Because we both knew nothing of Sydney, what we did was hire a taxi for 3 hours one Saturday morning, and got the driver to take us to several rentals which were open in Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Redfern, all very close to the CBD. (Found on www.domain.com.au the day before).    Bear in mind that one has to plan such a trip like a military operation - rentals are only open for 15-30 minutes.    We got fantastic advice from the taxi driver - oh, how fortunate we were to get one who spoke English..      Within each suburb there are streets which are really nice and some which are downright spooky. 

Technical details: What we learned was that in order to get a good rental, you need to find a potential place during the week and be prepared to meet the agent at the property within an hour. This way you are not with a zillion weekenders crawling over the place and can actually have a conversation with the agent.    Be prepared to apply for a good one on the spot.  Come ready with cash for a deposit (one week's rent).  Once the place has a deposit and application pending, they cannot show it to anyone else.    If you find and prefer another place while the application is being considered, the real estate office will refund you the deposit pro-rated for the days you "held" the property.  If they reject your application, they return all your deposit.  Have 2 local people ready to give you good references.

Despite the hype of real estate agents trying to convince everyone that rentals are scarce and that you have to offer more money than the owners have asked for, that's tommy-rot and just normal real estate agent hype.  After the intial confusion, we found lots of choice and certainly did not pay more than the asking price. 

PS Balmain is great.  We had lunch at the Bather's Pavilion one day, and I don't know if all days are as light and bright like this but that beach was pure magic.

-Jane

←

I think Jane means Balmoral (since that's where Bather's is located). Balmoral beach is lovely, but that's some pricey real estate thereabouts.

Cheers

Maliaty

[jango]

I think Jane means Balmoral (since that's where Bather's is located). Balmoral beach is lovely, but that's some pricey real estate thereabouts.

Cheers

Maliaty

←

Oh, gosh - right. You can see I'm still learning about Sydney.

When I was at the Bather's Pavilion I was thinking that it was a hell of a way for the kitchen hands and wait staff etc to come to work. Restaurant wages and those houses didn't kind of mix.

- Jane

[Suzi Edwards]

This is superb stuff and I shall be printing out this thread for reference. At the moment I just keep checking out the appartment that my company has organised in Kirribilli for when we get there on google earth and pinching myself!

Next question. Are there any choclatiers that you'd recommend in Sydney?

[NYCviaRachel]

Hey all,

My boyfriend is coming to visit me from the states at the end of April and we've planned a trip to 2 nights in Uluru and 3 nights in Sydney. I know choices of food in Uluru are very limited, but I was wondering your recommendations of the best of the bunch? We are doing the famed Sounds of Silence dinner, which I'm quite looking forward to.

Regarding Sydney: We're there for 3 nights, and are planning on one really nice dinner. It doesn't have to be ridiculously fancy, but something memorable. He'd be content with a well cooked steak and myself with a nice duck breast - yum. I've looked at the other Sydney threads in the index, but if you have anything in particular to add, let me know.

On another note, if you have any recommendations for a "best of" Sydney that we'd check out on our sightseeing travels that would be much appreciated. Some cheap eats for lunch and such.

Thanks!

Edited March 31, 2007 by NYCviaRachel (log)

[SBonner]

Helen and I had great meals at Tetsuya's, Rockpool, and Redoak Brewing. Bill's in Surrey Hill's was amazing for brunch.

Stephen Bonner

Vancouver

[Schneier]

Near as I can tell, all the top Sydney restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday. I'm looking for suggestions -- two of them -- for dinner restaurants on those days. I'm flying halfway around the planet, and want a pair of memorable meals.

What's good and impressive, and open Sunday and Monday?

Bruce

[The Chefs Office]

http://www.quay.com.au is open on Monday nights (I think Sunday as well)

[Schneier]

http://www.quay.com.au   is open on Monday nights (I think Sunday as well)

←

Quay is open on Sunday, and I got a reservation.

Thank you.

Edited January 16, 2008 by Schneier (log)

[Schneier]

Turns out the Rockpool is now open on Monday nights.

That's my second reservation.

I'm done. Thank you.

[Chimney]

Hi Bruce.

Apart from being "the" IT-Sec guru, I didn't know that you have interests in culinary scenes as well. ;-)

[sandra]

For another time maybe:

Aqua in Kirribilli is open Sunday nights - just by the Olympic pool - great food and views

[reid]

I will be in Sydney for 10 days. Where should I be eating? I have already made reservations at Tetsuya and Rockpool.

Anything else that should not be missed?

[MichaelCE]

I will be in Sydney for 10 days.  Where should I be eating?  I have already made reservations at Tetsuya and Rockpool.

Anything else that should not be missed?

←

Don't miss Pier. Be prepared to be disappointed at Tetsuya's.

[TracyTux]

I will be in Sydney for 10 days.  Where should I be eating?  I have already made reservations at Tetsuya and Rockpool.

Anything else that should not be missed?

←

Don't miss Pier. Be prepared to be disappointed at Tetsuya's.

←

Tetsuya's is less like a restaurant, and more like a full-body food experience - not to be missed. Rockpool has morphed into Rockpool (fish) which is less formal, and from what I hear, not as good and just as expensive as the original, though Neil Perry's food is generally quite enjoyable. For great food that Sydneysiders (including myself) rate, you can't go past Sean's Panaroma, Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab, Restaurant Balzac, Sailor's Thai Canteen, Billy Kwong, or Onde. Also, breakfast at Bill's is not to be missed.

[Ce'nedra]

Other than all those fancy places, I would personally recommend Prasit's in North Sydney. Really GREAT, quality Thai food. You can't go wrong with the banana flower salad (particularly this!), soft shell crab Thai-style and, Balmain Bug curry, green curry among others.

And I suppose if you want a true blue Aussie experience, there's always Harry De Wheels

[Ondine]

I had a fantastic lunch at Becasse, and a wonderful high tea at the Tea Rooms in the Queen Victoria Building!

Becasse really blew me away with the quality of the food and service. The lunch set menu is a great deal, and it's just a short walk in the CBD.

Other than that, I was too busy to go to any of the other places I wanted to get to.

Oh well, next time.

[reid]

I only made it to Tetsuya. I had an amazing meal there.

Edited June 8, 2008 by reid (log)

[Dian]

I just came back from a glorious food trip to Sydney. Fine dining wise, it was lunch at Quay, dinners at Becasse, Buon Ricordo and Marque.

Quay - Three course lunch @ 95AUD

Amuse Bouche - tuna tartare and yuzu creme fraiche with cucumber jelly and tomato

Very refreshing. No complaints from all.

Entree 1 - Butter poached partridge breast, roasted new season chestnuts, walnuts, bitter chocolate black pudding, truffle custard, partridge ravioli, sweet leaf

This wasn't something I had so no comment but I did nick a bit of the bitter chocolate black pudding which was fabulous.

Entree 2 - Sea Pearls. From top to bottom: Sashima tuna (encasing horseradish cream and topped with nasturtium; Eel brandade with octopus and egg white pearls; Dashi jelly with abalone and garlic chives and Sea scallop with lime creme fraiche and silver leaf.

I could eat this nonstop. My favourite was the Dashi Jelly pearl. It was firm to the bite but releases a soft liquid abaloney goodness.

Main 1 - Brioche crusted Blue eye, parsley, fennel seeds, chives and capers with young garden vegetables, celery heart cream

Again, not what I had. but I stole a bite Fabulous crust and fresh fish though.

Main 2 - Roasted loin of South Australian Suffolk lamb, baby carrots, Arbequina olives, nasturtiums, capers, calendula, sheep's milk fromage.

I was soo pleased with my choice. The lamb was perfectly executed and the olives and capers a perfect match with the soft cheese.

Dessert 1 - Eight texture chocolate cake featuring Amedei "Chuao" Chocolate.

I went for this one because it was the most familiar looking dessert description on the menu. It was lovely really (the server brought the cake and ladled the warm ganache on the top which melted a hole through the centre) but the next dessert was the winner.

Dessert 2 - Strawberry Guava Snow Egg.

I was utterly cheated by the nondescript menu description. This was without a doubt the best dessert I've ever eaten. The layers of the egg was as follows: caramel, poached french meringue and custard apple custard. The strawberry and guava elements were in the surrounding granita. The flavours, textures, mixture of warm and cold were perfect.

Dessert 3 - Raspberries, violet, almond and vanilla cream

This was so pretty. The person who ordered it was distracted by the snow egg though. haha!

Overall, the service was excellent and the view was to die for. I'd highly recommend lunch here for the view alone. I had a table at the end which gave us the Harbour Bridge on the left and the Opera House on the right.

Next up - Becasse