Alison Rodericks

Winter 2025 update: Two things that are true right now: sh*t’s expensive and it’s cold outside. The good news? You can still enjoy a delicious meal on a shoestring if you know where to look. Keep this guide handy next time you’re catching up with a mate. My current picks? Biang Biang Noodles in Haymarket (go for the lamb and cumin); Banh Cuon Ba Oanh in Marrickville (head there when it opens or in the late arvo); and Bar Italia – it’s Albo’s fave, too. Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this list, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. These are the ones well worth their salt. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

Believe it or not, another school holiday is just about to begin in NSW. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two weeks sends you into a spiral, we have you covered –  with the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this winter.  When is the winter school holidays in NSW?  The winter school holidays for 2025 run from Monday, July 7 until Friday, July 18 – this applies to both the Eastern and Western divisions of NSW. What to do in Sydney in the school holidays? There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

There are plenty of exciting new restaurant openings to add to your hit list. My current favourites include a charming new Italian housed in a former butcher's shop in Newtown called Osteria Mucca, a yum new Turkish and Middle Eastern mezze bar in Redfern called Mezepotamia, Newtown’s charming new fisherman’s den, Mister Grotto; a fire-powered Mediterranean diner from the Bar Copains team called Bessie’s; and Marrickville’s new Greek grill house that’s 100 per cent worth the hype, Olympic Meats. Oh, and the five-star Neptune's Grotto. Below, you’ll find Sydney’s best new restaurants. Hungry? I am too. Let’s dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Winter 2025 update: Chuck on a coat and beanie and embrace the cool weather with a hot coffee and a yum brekkie at one of our favourite Sydney cafés. My current picks include the new Room Ten in Potts Point, Parra’s Middle Eastern-inspired go-to Circa Espresso, and for a Filipino feast, head to Tita Carinderia in Marrickville. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Parramatta's CBD is now one of the biggest commercial hubs outside of the Sydney CBD. Along with this hustle and bustle has emerged a lively restaurant scene with cuisines from across the globe. So whether Parramatta (or nearby Harris Park) is a detour, your main destination, or you're lucky enough to live in the area, the buzzing suburb's excellent restaurants will have you stumped for choice. We've rounded up our favourites, to make the decision easier for you. Get cracking. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for Indian, specifically? Here's our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Parramatta and Harris Park.  Or check out our guide to the very best restaurants across Sydney.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydney town

It's ticking over to a shameful hour, and you've smoke-bombed from the party in search of sustenance. Is it fried chicken you're after, that fail-safe absorbent of sin and too many cocktails? Or maybe you've been working late, and you're looking to redeem a day of fluorescent-lit corporate drudgery with the perfect plate of spicy noodles? Time Out's Sydney's writers, including Food & Drink Editor (and fellow night owl) Avril Treasure, spend a lot of time out on the town at night – it's our job. So we know where to nab a decent late-night feed (when Macca's isn't it). We've rounded up the best spots where you'll find what you're craving, way up late. Most of the places on this list are open until around midnight or beyond (especially Thursdays to Saturdays). Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Still feeling snackish? Take yourself out to peruse our list of the very best cheap eats you can get in Sydney. RECOMMENDED: These are the best pizza restaurants in Sydney right now

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. Spilling over. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, these slick haunts are also some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

Whether you want thick, creamy, red curries; soft, charry naan breads; oily, hot pickles; a fiery vindaloo; or a cooling lassi, there's an Indian restaurant primed to sort your spice cravings in Sydney. Time Out Sydney's writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure – who has spent weeks travelling from the palm-fringed beaches in Goa to the lush mountains in Darjeeling – have rounded up the best Indian restaurants in the city. We've got tropical flavours from the south and the earthy heat from northern fare, and, if you really want to go on a subcontinental adventure, head to Sydney's own little India in Harris Park. Want more food adventures? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. On a budget? Here are the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Home to excellent surf, Sydney’s longest continuous stretch of beach, pumping live music venues, lively cafés and stunning coastal walks, Cronulla is the pearl in the Shire’s salty crown. Plus, with its proximity to the Royal National Park, it’s a ripping place to base yourself for a few days (or weeks). The locals here are laid-back, friendly and proud of their beautiful coastal suburb, and after one visit here, you’ll soon see why. Over the past decade, the dining scene in Cronulla has been turned up a notch, with restaurants popping up that rival those found in the big smoke. Time Out Sydney's food writers, including one who calls Cronulla home, has rounded up the best places to eat and drink. Hit the surf then hit up one of these spots. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Six ways for nature-lovers to get the best out of the Sutherland Shire. These are the best restaurants in Manly. Check out our guide to the best beaches in Sydney here.

The five days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a strange, awkward, in-between time for everyone. Most places have closed shop for the summer, while others have new holiday hours that are tricky to wrap your head around. At this time of year, Sydney tends to feel more empty than usual as most locals make a mass exodus for elsewhere, but if you plan on sticking around and having a lovely summer holiday in a whole city that you're likely to get (probably, mostly) to yourself, we have put together a list for you of all the coolest things for you to do in town between Christmas Day and NYE. You're welcome.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more culture? Check out our guide to the best art exhibitions and theatre and musicals on in Sydney this month. 

Contrary to contemporary yarns, there are still pubs and bars that host live music in Sydney. Many of them have successfully lashed back at the encroaching frontline of pokie machines.  We're all for it. So Time Out Sydney's writers – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, and resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

Winter is well and truly here, and if you needed a reason to leave the warmth of your home, we’ve got you. This June and July, South Eveleigh will be transformed into a winter wonderland with its brand new offering, Loco Markets. Inspired by the charm of European street markets, Loco will have a rotating lineup of themed nights, live entertainment, artisan stalls selling handmade goods, delicious food and drink, and family fun from June 19 until July 27. Yes, that’s every Thursday to Sunday for six glorious weeks.  What’s more, each week is a fresh experience with new themes to keep you coming back. The music has been curated by ARIA-nominated Stu Hunter to match each week’s theme, and there will be kid-friendly activities like face painting and creative workshops. Entry is free, though some workshops require bookings. Here’s what’s on each week: Artisan Design (June 19–22)Kick things off with bath bomb workshops, live cartoonists and jazz harp performances. Shop 3D-printed gifts from Mewse, playful cardboard costumes by Paper Pops, and stunning jewellery from Stof Studios. Produce & Wellness (June 26–29)Get your glow on with seasonal produce and health products. Don’t miss natural skincare by Stori of Africa, wholesome foods from Soka Pantry, and tea-based wine alternatives by Junco Drinks. Design & Sustainability (July 3–6)Celebrate slow fashion, botanical beauty and sing-along art workshops. Market picks include earthenware from Ignem Terrae Ceramics, sustainable style fro

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. When Google Maps recently revealed their list of Aussie restaurants with the most customer reviews, one name rose above the rest: Dosa Hut in Harris Park. That was all the convincing we needed – off we went, with empty stomachs and high expectations. We’re in Harris Park, AKA ‘Little India’, on a Sunday and Wigram Street is where the action unfolds. Think chaat vendors, sari-clad women drinking cups of chai, men chatting in Hindi or Urdu as they chew paan, kids eating kulfi, families browsing mithai counters, and the unmistakable scent of spice lingering in the air. We arrive at Dosa Hut in time for the lunchtime rush. It’s in a white weatherboard cottage-turned-restaurant like many of its neighbours in the area. We’re met with a “there’s a 25-minute wait”, so we plop down on the plastic chairs in the courtyard and watch an endless stream of Uber Eats drivers pick up their spicy parcels. Just under the restaurant’s name we read the phrase ‘Indian multi-cuisine’ – and that’s exactly what they offer. Unlike Chatkazz just around the corner that serves vegetarian-only street food, Dosa Hut claims to do it all: vegetarian and non-vegetarian, North Indian, South Indian and even Indo-Chinese. Soon enough, we’re shown to our table and handed the menu. Grabbing our at

Showbags, woodchopping contests, baby animals, roller coasters, stunt cars, showbags, fruit and veg displays, cake decorating comps, fireworks... did we mention showbags? Yep, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is back at Sydney Showground from April 11-22 2025 with all the old-time favourites – and plenty of new offerings as well. Whether it’s your first time or a long-standing family tradition, it’s time to book those tickets. Here's our essential guide to the Sydney Royal Easter Show 2025 Did you know that the Show dates back to 1823? Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), it’s been celebrating the hard work of our NSW farmers and producers and contributing to the RAS and its agricultural initiatives ever since. Plus, it gives us city folk a chance to see farmyard animals and fresh produce up close and personal.  All the big crowd-pullers will be back for 2025. Make sure you line up early to see the baby animals before the rest of the crowd does, catch those cowboys at the rodeo, and marvel at world-class showjumping. A new attraction this year: Jamison Station, a 2.5-acre working farm. We’re talking sheep shearing, tractor rides and panning for gold. See more than 400 different animal breeds in the livestock competitions, from dairy and beef cattle to sheep, goats and even alpacas.  There’s also the kids’ rides section – and the option to take the action up a notch over on the big-kids rides. The Sky Flyer XXL will take you to dizzying heights, and there’s a bra

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. The folks of Redfern are spoilt. Spoilt, that is, for choice when it comes to eating out with its slew of cafés, restaurants and bars at their doorstep. And now, they have a shiny new dining and retail precinct Wunderlich Lane on the Redfern/Surry Hills border that’s home to the gorgeous Greek tavern Olympus (from the folks behind The Apollo), chic boutique hotel The Eve, the slick and playful Bar Julius, and our hangout for today, Island Radio. It’s Sunday, 12.30pm, and Island Radio is buzzing. Think two kitchens under one roof: a casual, wallet-friendly noodle bar for walk-ins who can feast on things like prawn and pork wonton laksa, and raw kingfish skewers, plus a swish eating house where booking ahead is not just a suggestion – it’s mandatory, going by how crowded it is when we visit. As we’re shown to our seats, an expanse of fibreglass full moon pendant lights grab our attention. Eye-catching yet ethereal, they set the tone. Every little detail is considered We’re talking bright orange tiles adorning the bar, a funky playlist, and disco lights in the toilets because – why not? This kind of eclectic-meets-elevated aesthetic is what we’ve come to expect from the crew at House Made Hospitality, the same team behind the likes of Grana, Apollonia, Martinez

Fresh-out-of-the-oven sourdough. Insta-worthy matcha lattes. Custard-oozing cruffins. Bakery lovers on the Northern Beaches, rejoice. Frenchs Fair in – you guessed it – Frenchs Forest is a brand-new bakery and café that’s bringing a bit of fine dining flair to baked goods.  Chef Max Bean, formerly of Est., Calla and The Bridge Room, has swapped silverware for sourdough, teaming up with his hospitality wife Vicki (both Roseville locals) to create this carb-lover’s paradise. Their menu is a good mix of over-the-counter sweet and savoury offerings and café classics. Think iced strawberry matcha lattes made with premium Uji matcha, or raspberry-and-custard cruffins. Prefer to munch through lunch with family or friends? Try the peach, honey and lemon thyme toast with whipped ricotta on house-baked sourdough, or the loaded Wagyu pastrami Reuben sandwich. Our pick would be the baker's brunch, featuring house-made pickles, hash brown bites, shaved leg ham, piccalilli chutney, hot honey ricotta, soft boiled egg and fresh bread.  The couple's commitment to sourcing produce locally shows: the butter is from CopperTree Farms, the stone-milled flour from Wholegrain Milling Co. and the coffee from Reuben Hills.   Max and Vicki’s combined expertise, honed from working in some of Sydney’s top-notch kitchens like Bar Topa and Palings, ensures that Frenchs Fair offers delicious baked goods in a stylish-yet-casual setting. It’s kid- and dog-friendly, with indoor-outdoor seating – perfect for a

Gymea’s got a new kid on an old block. We’re talking about the recently opened Hazel Kitchen & Bar found within the Hazelhurst Arts Centre. Its backstory? The property originally belonged to Ben and Hazel Broadhurst, who gifted it to the community in the ’90s to create a vibrant arts hub. Today, Hazel Kitchen & Bar, named after its benefactors, celebrates their legacy with great food and creative vibes. Chef Nils Herold serves up fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the beautiful Hazelhurst gardens – think vibrant, local produce transformed into seriously delicious plates. With training from his uncle’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Clos St Dennis in Belgium, he’s got the chops to make every bite impressive. Drinks? Sorted. Sommelier Michael Hannken (yep, he’s worked at Quay and Bennelong) has handpicked a killer wine list packed with organic and sustainable drops from small, family-run wineries. For cocktail fans, bar manager Khye Saunder reimagines the classics with house-made liquors and drinks that are guaranteed to delight. Owners James Lancaster and Zoe Wall (the duo behind Audley Dance Hall Café) want Hazel to be a welcoming space, offering good times and great flavours. With Insta-worthy mid-century interiors (that stunning Breccia Rose marble bar is calling out to us), and gorgeous gardens, all you need to decide is whether to sit at the bar, grab a table, or chill on the deck with views of lush surroundings. What’s more, you can even say ‘I do’ here – yes, the venu

If you're into spicy curries, cool cocktails and late-night vibes, Sydney's newest hotspot Kasippu is calling your name. House of Pocket, the group behind Stitch Bar and YCK Laneways, has opened its doors to a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar that blends spice with spirit in a beautiful heritage building in the CBD. So, what’s behind the name? In Sri Lanka, Kasippu is moonshine that’s brewed illicitly in homes. The restaurant borrows the concept of making as much as it can in-house, from the food to the syrups and herbal extracts. At the helm is chef Amila Hemachandra, who recently spearheaded a team trip to Sri Lanka. From street eats to high-end plates, the team ate their way through everything to get to the heart of the island nation’s food and culture, before nutting out the concept of their new venture, Kasippu.  Front and centre is the wadiya or curry house, with dishes like sambol, devilled chicken and tempered potatoes on the menu, as well as the pepper beef stew, which is House of Pocket CEO Karl Schlothauer’s go-to order. Tucked behind the restaurant area is the bar with a drinks menu that’s a love letter to the island nation. Expect inventive twists on classic cocktails. How about a Siyambala Julep that features tamarind syrup and curry leaves? Kasippu’s menu is available all night long, making it the perfect place for kicking back with nibbles and drinks once their live entertainment starts. Yes, karaoke nights, local bands and DJs will soon be part

There’s a fresh new vibe on the Shire’s waterfront, and it’s called Pippis Cronulla. Sitting pretty on the newly renovated Calico Marina, this family-friendly waterfront venue is the brainchild of Adam Choker, the hospitality guy behind BarLume and Flower Child cafés.  Pippis Cronulla is a family affair, from the crowd it attracts to the team behind it. Adam got his brother Ramzey Choker, co-founder of The Grounds of Alexandria and the recently opened, The Grounds Coffee Factory, to help bring his vision of a relaxed waterfront dining hub to life. He also roped in his sister Caroline Choker and her husband Vince Alafaci of design studio Acme & Co to create a space that’s inviting yet stylish. Think modern coastal vibes paired with family-friendly touches like a play area for the little ones and a BYO policy that makes it wallet-friendly (they don’t sell booze, so bring along a chilled bottle or two of your fave bubbles or rosé).  Being a Cronulla resident meant that Adam wanted to give his community a space where locals could unwind with delicious food by the water. With this in mind, head chef Carlo Della Sala has crafted a menu that marries modern Australian cuisine with his Italian heritage. The Mediterranean-inspired fare features acai bowls and shakshuka for brekkie, while kingfish ceviche, wood-fired pizzas and, yes, pippis are on offer for lunch and dinner.  Pippis Cronulla joins a wave of great new eateries that have opened in The Shire, including Pino's Vino e Cucina

Tucked away in Surry Hills, Le Salle Dining by Bar Chaplin is the kind of place you’ll want to frequent with your foodie friends. Run by the dynamic duo of chef Patrick Dang – who has more than 30 years of culinary experience under his belt with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Luke Mangan – and co-owner and partner Ederlyn Oloresisimo, who has worked at both Vue de Monde and Firedoor, Le Salle Dining offers an exclusive, reservation-only experience with just 10-14 seats each night. Think less “restaurant” and more of a cosy dinner party – and a really special one at that. Le salle means ‘the room’ in French, and that’s exactly the vibe chef Dang wants to create. During Covid lockdowns, he enjoyed cooking for friends at home, and now he’s inviting Sydneysiders into this neighbourhood venue with a promise of good food, good wine and good vibes. The menu? Ever-changing, always seasonal and inspired by the flavour profiles of wines from around the world. One night it might be crystal crab with smoked oyster ice cream (yep, you read that right), and the next, venison with parsnip and coffee. You can opt for a four-course menu or five courses if you’re feeling particularly peckish – and you can even customise the dining experience. Le Salle Dining promises an intimate, modern European meal with old-world charm. Leave your dining room and come check this one out instead. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity

Sydneysiders on the Northern Beaches, rejoice! If you’ve been missing the OG Boathouse café in Palm Beach, you’ll be stoked to know that The Boathouse Palm Beach reopened on November 8, bringing its signature coastal charm back to the area. While it’s no longer in its former waterfront location, it has found a beaut new home in a 1920s beach shack at 1 Beach Road, which was previously a homewares-only store. After six months of renovations, the much-loved spot has been transformed into a refreshed café and homewares destination, blending its rich history with a modern, beachy vibe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Boathouse Palm Beach (@theboathousepalmbeach) While the space now boasts a new roof, balcony, kitchen and bar, it retains its laid-back style. The relaxed interiors feature a 100-seater café serving breakfast and lunch to locals, with the menu crafted by The Boathouse Group’s head of culinary, Mark La Brooy. What’s for brekkie? Try the mango bircher with macadamia crunch; corn fritters with avocado salsa; or the crab scramble with sriracha and peanut crunch. The coffee is Single O and there’s a selection of smoothies to cool you down while you enjoy the ocean breeze on the balcony. When lunchtime rolls around, dive into coastal classics like kingfish tostadas; potato scallops with whipped roe; or stuffed zucchini flowers. In the mood for something heartier? Try their fish and chips; Wagyu beef burger; crab toast and more. An

Mark your calendars: celebrated chef Dan Hunter of Brae – the award-winning restaurant in regional Victoria – is teaming up with Danielle Alvarez for an exclusive four-night dining residency under the white sails this summer. Alvarez is the culinary director of the Sydney Opera House, a cookbook author (her Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking is one of our all-time faves), and the former head chef of dreamy Paddington diner, Fred’s. Excited? We are too. Called ‘Harvest of Purpose,’ the one-off event will take place in the stunning Yallamundi Rooms of the Sydney Opera House from January, 17-20 2025. If you’ve ever dreamt about dining at Brae, this is pretty damn close. Maybe even better. This dynamic duo is teaming up to showcase a six-course menu inspired by the chefs’ shared philosophy of sustainability and purpose-driven cuisine in Australia’s most iconic venue. Each dish will highlight local, ethically sourced, seasonal produce that celebrates the farmers, growers and landscapes that define our region. Set against the grid-worthy backdrop of Sydney Harbour, diners can enjoy a six-course meal for $450 per person, with the option to add organic, sustainably produced wine pairings by Handpicked Wines for $265 per person, or non-alcoholic pairings for $195 per person. Each guest will also receive a personalised gift, reflecting the event's ethos of sustainability and connection to the land. Renowned stylist Fiona Rae will transform the Yallamundi Rooms to reflect the n

Slick Japanese restaurant Oribu in Parramatta’s Heritage Precinct has not only scored itself three new head chefs – Jay Lee, Jaybert Teves and Bryan Paul Nery – but an all-new menu – Natsu no Yume  – that truly is a ‘summer’s dream’.  Chef Jaybert Teves (ex-Sokyo) is the sashimi maestro, chef Jay Lee (ex-Aria) brings fine-dining finesse, and chef Bryan Paul Nery spices things up with Southeast Asian vibes. In case you’re wondering, Oribu gets its name from the majestic olive tree front and centre of the indoor/outdoor restaurant, located on Church Street. Our hot tip? If you’re indulging in one of their set menus, go on a very empty stomach or wear stretchy pants. You have two options: the Oribu Signature Journey, and the more decadent Oribu Japanese Culinary Artistry, both of which take the greatest hits from the à la carte menu. The drinks menu features bold cocktails, like the punchy Wasabi Margin made with tequila, Cointreau, yuzu, fresh wasabi and cucumber. Back to the food. The Signature Journey tasting menu starts off with royal Miyagi oysters, mini sashimi, hiramasa kingfish carpaccio, ceviche, a crisp rice quartet, lotus chips and popcorn prawns – and that’s only the entreés. Every dish is a masterclass in plating and (almost) too pretty to eat. The more decadent Oribu Japanese Culinary Artistry takes things up a notch – think Oscietra black caviar on the oysters, and a choice between Hida A5 Wagyu or lobster tail for mains.  Prefer to mix and match? Oribu’s à la car

Small in size but big on flavour, Shang Lamb Soup on eatery-lined Forest Road in Hurstville brings the hearty fare of Shanxi province in northern China to Sydney. Opened in 2018, this no-frills, family-run eatery by Simon Jing and Suki Wu is beloved by locals for its authentic dishes – and it's an excellent cheap eat.  Photograph: Supplied/Shang Lamb Soup As the name suggests, lamb is the star of the menu – especially in the signature super lamb soup: a comforting bowl of lamb bone broth served with grilled lamb slices and sweet potato noodles, topped with spring onion and coriander. And our fave bit? It’ll set you back just $14.80. Boom.  Photograph: Supplied/Shang Lamb Soup Other lamb must-tries? Grilled lamb skewers fragrant with cumin – just like those you’d find on the streets of Shanxi – as well as lamb fried rice, lamb spine soup and lamb offal soup for the more adventurous. Prefer chicken? There are grilled chicken wings, plus hearts and feet if you’re so inclined. And if noodles are your thing, don’t miss the chewy Niujin cold noodles or the hearty braised beef brisket noodle soup. Live on the Lower North Shore? You're in luck – Shang Lamb’s sister venue, The Lamb Lab, has now opened in Chatswood. Find out more here. Address: Shop 6/380 Forest Rd, Hurstville NSW 2220 Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best cheap eats in Sy

When it first welcomed passengers back in August 2024, the new stretch of Sydney Metro sent Sydneysiders a tiny bit wild. Since then though, metro mania has somewhat died down, but there’s a new reason for hype. Our Sydney Metro city stations are now award-winning! Yep, they’ve collectively won two prestigious awards at the recently-held 2025 NSW Architecture Awards: The NSW Architecture Medallion and the Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design.  The stations at Central, Barangaroo, Gadigal, Victoria Cross, Martin Place, Waterloo, Sydenham and Crows Nest are being celebrated as shining examples of what creativity and collaboration can achieve. After all, it has taken a multitude of Australian architecture firms, engineers, landscape designers, and public art specialists to work across inter-connected disciplines. The judges described the stations as “legacy-making” – a nod to their lasting impact on Sydney’s urban fabric.  Photograph: Supplied | Transport for NSW These stations are more than just architecturally beautiful; they represent a shift in how thoughtful infrastructure can support efficient travel as well as enhance long-term city planning, cultural expression, and better connectivity. The project has been praised for creating public spaces that are welcoming, accessible and future-focused. In total, over 130 projects were shortlisted for the awards. Among the other notable winners was the first building in Bradfield – the city-in-the-making near our second airport in We

No, you’re not imagining it – there’s a proliferation of shops selling tobacco products and nicotine vapes in your neighbourhood. Yes, even in close proximity to local schools. Across Sydney, nearly 20,000 businesses are now selling tobacco – both legal and illicit. This, despite just 10 per cent of Australians being smokers. Take Newtown, for instance. We love its cool cafés and quirky shops selling everything from boho clothing to boutique homewares. But an investigative piece in the Sydney Morning Herald has revealed that Newtown’s main drag now has around 20 tobacco outlets – many of which are selling black-market cigarettes from behind boarded-up windows and makeshift counters. The article revealed that for every McDonald’s restaurant in Sydney, there are 60 tobacco retailers. At outlets like ‘Red Shop’ in Newtown, business is booming – despite its sparse interiors and lack of clear signage. A plywood cut-out serves as the main point of sale, with overseas brands like Manchester and Double Happiness sold for as little as $15. Legal cigarettes cost closer to $50 and are often unavailable in many of these tobacco shops. The rise in tobacconists is not just a Newtown problem. According to industry reports, illicit tobacco now accounts for 40 per cent of national consumption, up from 28.6 per cent the previous year. The price gap and lack of enforcement have created a thriving underground market, costing the federal government an estimated $6.7 billion in lost excise duties

Mmm, truffles! Whether layered in a luxe lasagne, baked in brie, grated over scrambled eggs, or infused in oil, they get us drooling. With winter upon us, Central NSW is fast becoming a must-visit destination for truffle lovers.  Foodies will be delighted to learn that RedGround Australia in the high country of Oberon has a series of new truffle experiences including truffle hunting and tasting at their farm. While traditional farms have truffle pigs to forage for truffles, RedGround has Sarge and Scout, the resident truffle-hunting dogs who lead the way all year round.   This winter’s Truffle Hunt, Touch and Taste Experience ($220pp for three hours) includes a fireside tasting of truffle-infused bites, a guided walk through the truffière (a fancy French word for the place where the truffles are grown), an introduction to truffle farming and grading, a hands-on cooking session, plus a glass or two of sparkling. Photograph: Supplied | Red Ground Oberon Want to stay a little longer? The Ultimate Truffle Retreat ($795pp) includes two nights in a private guesthouse, a gourmet hamper and local wine, plus a three-hour private truffle hunt followed by gourmet meals of truffle-infused food ranging from entrées to desserts, plus bubbles. RedGround grows four truffle varieties – black, summer, burgundy, and the elusive white bianchetto. You can buy freshly harvested truffles, truffle oils, sauces, condiments, as well as accessories like shavers and graters to continue the gourmet fun

Longing to own a house within 10 kilometres of Sydney’s CBD and still have change from $2 million? Most Sydneysiders might quote Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle and say, “Tell him he's dreaming!” But this need not be a pipe dream. A recent SMH article says a few city-fringe suburbs still offer homes under $2 million – but not for long. Two interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia this year – and the possibility of more – mean there’s an influx of buyers trying to get a slice of Sydney’s affordable(ish) property pie. Says Dr Nicola Powell, Domain’s Chief of Research and Economics: “...as we see rates being reduced further, it will provide more momentum for the housing market. That will boost buyer sentiment and confidence as mortgage rates continue to fall. We won’t see a price boom, but we will see growth, particularly in those sub-$2 million prime locations.” Location, location, location: we’re talking inner-city suburbs like Redfern, Erskineville, Leichhardt and Newtown. These areas offer a taste of inner-city life, with terraces and townhouses that bring charm, character and convenience – plus a (relatively) cost-effective median house price under $2 million. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW In Erskineville, agents are reporting up to 40 groups at open homes – double what they were seeing just a few months ago. Good homes on good streets? Expect four to six serious buyers fighting it out at auction. Buyers range from first-home hopefuls to investors and kn

It’s been a rough few months for Sydney’s train system. A series of strung-out disputes earlier in the year led to strike after strike after strike, and it’s not clear whether we’re out of the woods. That being said, Sydney’s train system gets 1.3 million Sydneysiders where they need to go each day.   Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains have set a benchmark to have at least 92 per cent of peak-hour suburban services arrive at stations within five minutes of their scheduled time. So, how did your train line measure up?  Topping the punctuality charts in 2025 was the T8 Airport and South line, with 91 per cent of services arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time – making a good first impression on inter-state and international tourists, we say. Coming in a close second was the T4 Eastern Suburbs line with 90 per cent, followed by the T2 Inner West and Leppington line at 86 per cent punctuality. In news that will surprise nobody, the only time when all six train lines ran on time was during the Covid years.  As more stations become interchanges between train lines and the metro, travelling on public transport across Sydney is getting smoother. For instance, if commuters use the ever-popular Chatswood interchange on the T1 North Shore line and Epping station on the T9 Northern line, they can shave 21 minutes off a trip from Epping to Victoria Cross – very handy for office-goers and school kids. Yes, we moan and groan every time we see ‘track replacement buses’ signs e

What do you get when you take a game that looks a lot like tennis, is played on a badminton-sized court, and uses table tennis-like paddles? You get pickleball – a high-energy racquet sport that’s sweeping across Sydney faster than you can say ‘dink shot’. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it has nothing to do with having a Federer-style forehand. Or pickles, for that matter.  Pickleball has been growing in popularity over the past few years. There’s even a National Pickleball League (NPL) running across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. All you need is a paddle (entry-level ones go for about $40), a pickleball, and some comfy sports shoes. Most venues will have nets set up and equipment ready to hire – so it’s as easy as booking in and showing up. You can play indoors or outdoors, singles or doubles, rain or shine. The rules are a blend of things you might recognise. For instance, the serve is underarm like in badminton (not tennis) and you serve diagonally to your opponent. Scoring is like table tennis where the aim is to be the first to get to 11 points with a minimum margin of two points. And, you can't volley in the ‘kitchen’. Say what now? Not your household kitchen; the area closest to the net is called the ‘kitchen’ and it’s a non-volley zone i.e., you can’t smash a shot out of the air – the ball must bounce first.  Photograph: Supplied | The Jar Pyrmont Keen to give pickleball a go? Check out these Sydney spots: The Jar Pickleball Club, Pyrmont: Great for work part

Dreaming of owning a home but feeling priced out of the property market? You're not alone. Last year, Sydney earned the dubious distinction of being the second most unaffordable city in the world for housing, after Hong Kong. Getting a foothold on that property ladder feels impossible for most Sydneysiders, but there is hope. A new report featured on 9news.com.au highlights inner-city suburbs across Australia where first-time buyers might still be able to snag a (relatively) affordable place.  Here in Sydney, Zetland – just 6km from the CBD – emerges as the most affordable inner-city suburb for houses, with entry-level prices around $1.4 million (around $350,000 less than the suburb's median house price). If you’re after an affordable unit, Ultimo is the ultimate choice, with entry-level prices starting at $556,000, followed by apartment units in Canterbury and Chippendale (which, incidentally, was ranked as the coolest suburb in Australia in 2024). Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW If you’ve got your eye on the Inner West, houses in Sydenham hover around $1.51 million, while edgy Newtown is closer to $1.65 million. Wondering how Sydney stacks up against other capital cities? Here's a quick snapshot: Melbourne: Maidstone offers entry-level houses at approximately $768,000, while Carlton's units start around $290,000. Brisbane: Rocklea offers houses at $673,000, and units in Spring Hill are priced at $462,000. Adelaide: Houses in Lightsview start at around $700,000, wi

If the walls of The Fortune of War pub could talk, they’d tell tales of sailors and soldiers from days of yore, and of stockbrokers and software consultants from modern-day Sydney – all united by cold beer and good times. Now, nearly two centuries since it first opened, Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub has had a big-deal makeover, featuring a revamped boutique hotel and new bistro beneath its heritage-listed roof. And it’s open now. When Fiona and Steve ‘Speedy’ Speed took over the historic Fortune of War in 2013, they knew that this venue in The Rocks was in need of a bit of a glow-up. And after a lot of work, guests are now able to eat, drink and stay under one roof. “It’s a place steeped in history, and now more people than ever will be able to enjoy it, whether they’re sitting at the historic hamper bar, relaxing in the bistro, enjoying the alfresco dining area, staying at the new boutique hotel accommodation or enjoying all four,” says Speed. Photograph: Supplied | Edoardo Capriotti Say hello to Bistro 1828, named after the year the pub was first built. The dining destination has soaring ceilings, original windows, an open kitchen and a footprint that includes spaces that once housed The Push bar and two retail stores. Executive chef Mark Williamson (formerly of Bistro Moncur) is at helm, dishing up Aussie pub classics like fish 'n' chips, burgers, bangers and mash, and beef and Guinness stew, alongside new fresh salads, pastas and shared starters, with a Sund

If you’ve ever driven down the Great Ocean Road, chances are you’ve passed through Kennett River – a small coastal town nestled between Lorne and Apollo Bay. While it’s a popular stop known for its koala sightings and native birds, Kennett River gets a bad rap for its facilities – or lack thereof. When tour buses and large groups descend, this small town feels the pressure. To support the region’s growing visitor numbers, Colac Otway Shire Council secured funding in 2020 through the Geelong City Deal to improve tourism infrastructure in Kennett River. Now, the long-awaited $3.69 million ‘Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure’ project is finally underway. The project’s Precinct Plan covers public land, including the Kennett River Caravan Park and the Kafe Koala car park, extending right down to the river. Aimed at supporting tourism while preserving the natural beauty of the area, the project will deliver these upgrades: A new public toilet block (with two accessible toilets) and an upgraded wastewater treatment plant in the Kennett River Caravan Park to be used by the public and caravan park residents alike. An upgraded wastewater treatment plant to serve both the public and residents of the caravan park. Road and car park upgrades, including designated parking bays for various vehicles (excluding large tour coaches). Revitalised public spaces along the service road, riverbank and in front of Kafe Koala. Purpose-built pathways and pedestrian crossings to safely connect key

Ahoy, there! Anglers and sailors alike will be glad to know that works are officially underway to rebuild the much-loved Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour. The news comes off the back of two other Mornington Peninsula jetties – the Warneet North and South jetties – also receiving a fresh makeover. Living up to its name, Fishermans Jetty has been a favourite for casting a line or berthing a boat in the harbour. Originally built between 1880 and 1885, the jetty has been repaired one too many times over the years – and by 2020, it had deteriorated so badly that it had to be closed to the public. The Allan Labor government stepped in. As part of an $18 million investment in the 2022-23 Victorian budget, a project was developed to restore the area. It promises safe berthing access and improved public use, while supporting local tourism and creating jobs in the area. It’s a vital investment – Victoria’s local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million each year to regional and coastal economies through tourism, marine activities and commercial fishing. “The new jetty will provide safer access for anglers, boaters and tourists, continuing the momentum from completed projects around Port Phillip at Altona and the flagship $53 million St Kilda Pier redevelopment,” said minister for ports and freight, Melissa Horne. The first stage – dismantling and removing the old jetty – was completed in 2024. Construction of the new jetty began in April, with completion expected in the

There's nothing quite like going hiking by day and sitting around a crackling fire by night – getting off grid and connecting with nature. For many Australians, camping is one of the last affordable ways to get away. But it's about to become less affordable, as the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has proposed an overhaul of its pricing system across 365 campgrounds, the first significant change to its fee system since 2017. Why? To simplify bookings, standardise fees across all sites, and tackle big issues like “ghost camping” (that's when people book sites but don’t show up, which makes booking to camp difficult). The new tiered-pricing system would be based on facilities at any particular campsite. A basic bush clearing site in a national park would be free, while the next tier with pit toilets may cost $13 per night during low season and $22 during high season. Still not bad! That said, top-tier sites with showers, flushing toilets and barbecue facilities could jump to $89 per night during peak season (i.e. during school holidays). Photograph: Jem Cresswell/Destination NSW The issue of ghost camping is a big one – the low (or zero) cost of camping currently means that people book out a whole lot of spots, a long way in advance, that they may not even intend to necessarily show up for. And the NPWS says the change will bring fairness and transparency to a system where prices currently vary wildly. That said, of course there are critics of the new system – s