Alison Rodericks

Spring 2025 update: Spring has sprung so heading out early in the morning for a yum brekkie feels less chilly and more fun. Our current fave picks include sandwich and coffee spot Angus Marrickville, Potts Point's Room Ten, and Parramatta’s Middle Eastern-inspired go-to Circa Espresso (it's the people's fave, too – it took the title of People's Choice Favourite Café in this year's Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards). 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 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.

Nothing beats sinking your teeth into a good old-fashioned burger – whether it’s a classic cheeseburger with tangy pickles, a caramelised smash burger hot off the grill, or a true-blue Aussie piled with beetroot. Or maybe you’re team crispy fried chicken or halloumi? Whatever your protein, make sure your burg has a pillowy soft bun– and some fries, of course. When we asked food writer Isabel Cant to take on the delicious task of finding the best burgers in Canberra, she was only too happy to comply (all in the name of research, of course!). And luckily for her – and us – Canberra has more than its fair share of top-notch burger joints. So, dive into this list when those cheat-day cravings strike.   Editor's favourite burgers in Canberra 💰 Best cheap ’n’ cheerful burger: Mafia Buns 🍔 Best smash burgers: Pattysmiths 🧀 Best cheeseburger: Brodburger For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Canberra🍽 Canberra's best restaurants🥐 Canberra's best bakeries

Are you loving the warm weather and longer days? I sure am. You know what else is good? All the fab new Sydney openings. Currently, I’ve got my eyes on The Corner, a breezy café, bistro and wine bar now open in pretty Palmy; The Shire’s cool new Greek restaurant Homer Rogue Tavern; and Grandfather’s, the new Chinese restaurant by the Pellegrino 2000 team. You’ll find Sydney’s best new restaurants below. Enjoy. 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.

What makes a bangin’ burger? Is it the pillowy soft bun, the perfect condiment combo, the choice to add or subtract toppings (hello, beetroot!) or that first juicy bite? We'd say all of the above, plus a hefty dollop of secret sauce and the vibe of the venue. When we asked local food writer Madeleine Gasparinatos to taste-test her way through the best burgers in Hobart, she was only too happy (and hungry!) to comply. Have a read of this definitive list – there’s sure to be a burger here with your name on it. Editor’s favourite burgers in Hobart:  🍔 Best American-style burger: The Standard 🍻 Best pub burger: Moonah Hotel ✨ Best fusion burger: Devil’s Kitchen Café For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 Hobart’s best Italian restaurants🍣 The best Japanese in Hobart

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 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.

Sometimes, all you need is a mammoth mouthful of deliciousness. Flame-grilled. Dripping in sauce. Oozing with cheese. With or without beetroot – oh yeah, we’re talkin’ about burgers. Once the cravings hit, there’s just no going back. From proper American classics to novel vegan offerings, our food writer Dale Anninos-Carter has sunk her teeth into these juicy numbers to round up the very best burgers in Adelaide right now. All you need to decide? Do you want fries with that?    Editor’s favourite burgers in Adelaide 🥗 Best vegan burger: Two-Bit Villains  🕺🏻 Best late-night burger: 99 Gang Social 🍔 Best cheeseburger: Cheeseburger Adelaide For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Adelaide🍽 The best restaurants in Adelaide🍣 Adelaide's best Japanese restaurants

If Canberra had to pick a culinary crush, it would be Indian. The city is full of curry-craving residents, many of whom would much rather indulge in the real deal than settle for their own half-hearted attempts at home (let's face it, it just never tastes quite as good). Luckily for them, Canberra has a plethora of places serving everything from the smoky flavours of the tandoor oven and the fiery heat of a North Indian curry to South Indian dosas and a cooling lassi. We asked ex-MasterChef contestant and food writer Mimi Wong to recommend the best Indian restaurants in Canberra, and her list takes you right across our capital. The only question is, can you handle the heat? Editor's favourite Indian restaurants in Canberra: ✨ Best local favourite: Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant 😋 Best cheap and cheerful: Indian Pantry Restaurant 👌 Best institution: Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Canberra🍽 Canberra's best restaurants🍝 The best Italian in Canberra

When it comes to Indian food, variety is the spice of life. And in Adelaide, we have tons to choose from. Some restaurants are kicking it old-school, while some are elevating tradition – either way, your spice fix awaits. We’re here to steer you in the right direction with this guide to the very best Indian restaurants in Adelaide.  We asked writer and self-confessed foodie Dale Anninos-Carter to recommend her top picks. With a slew of awards for its authentic North Indian fare and stellar service, Jasmin Indian Restaurant is a long-time favourite. Want a curry after a night out? Join the steady stream of hungry locals queuing up in front of Indian Temptations – it’s open till 2am daily. Love dosas and samosas? Chow down on fiery street food at Chaska Chaat Ka. Ready, set, gorge! Editor's favourite Indian restaurants in Adelaide: 🥘 Best budget: City Indian Cuisine ⭐️ Best special occasion: Daughter In Law 💎 Best local gem: Indian Temptations For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍣 Adelaide’s best Japanese restaurants🍕 The best pizza in Adelaide🍝 Adelaide's best Italian restaurants

Finally settled on Chinese? Now, it's time to decide how fancy you want to get. Luckily, Canberra houses a full spectrum of Chinese restaurants to cover every craving and every budget. Expert foodie and MasterChef alumni Mimi Wong, who loves her dim sum and Peking duck, has rounded up the best spots, whether you're after an affordable weekday lunch or a festive spread. At CBD Dumpling House, you can watch skilled chefs make wontons from scratch before demolishing a dozen all on your own. For something totally different, go to Au Lac Dickson, where the offerings are all vegan (hello, soy 'pork' dry noodles). Want to go fancy? A fine dining Nonya-style feast awaits at Lanterne Rooms. Here's our pick of the best Chinese restaurants in Canberra right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍝 The best Indian in Canberra🍜 Canberra's best Japanese food🍝 The best Italian in Canberra

There’s no better feeling than your sinuses getting a well-deserved cleanse, and we’re happy to report that a feast at any of Perth's best Indian restaurants will do the trick. Yep, there are venues for every kind of curry craving, Indian street food and fusion fare in the world's most isolated major city. To help find the spot that's right for you, Time Out has enlisted Dale Anninos-Carter, a food writer who loves her dosas and hot samosas, to come up with a list of the best Indian restaurants in Perth that will knock your socks off. Her top pick is Sauma, a contemporary Northbridge eatery serving up Indian street food with elevated flair. Other favourites include  Chutney Mary’s, an Indian institution in Subiaco that has stood the test of time, or no-frills GamaGama, which specialises in South Indian cuisine (love that goat parotta!). Ready to hit flavourtown? Here are the best Indian restaurants in Perth. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 The best Italian in Perth🍷 The best Japanese in Perth

Sydney has a bewildering range of eateries and cuisines, with almost every style of restaurant and region of the world represented. Many of them are looking to serve you and the people of Sydney for the cheapest price possible, you just need to know where to look. Choosing the best cheap eats is like picking the greatest songs ever made, there are countless options, and everyone will have a different opinion. Compiled by a team of Time Out experts, this list brings together eateries from all regions of Sydney, with each pick being an outstanding option for that cuisine or style of eating. It’s not the cheapest meals in Sydney, but the best affordable options. We’ve tried, as best as possible, to include only venues where you can get a meal for one for under $20. We didn’t include many bakeries or cafés in the list, but you can find more affordable eats in our list of best bakeries in Sydney and best cafés in Sydney. 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.

At 42 degrees south of the equator, Hobart may be known for its pristine wilderness and cool-climate wines, but its Indian food scene packs some serious heat. Whether you're craving the fiery kick of a vindaloo, the comfort of a dal or seriously spicy chaat, the best Indian restaurants in Hobart have you covered.  Our local food writer Madeleine Gasparinatos has eaten her way through the city's top Indian diners to bring you this ultimate hitlist. Her advice? Arrive hungry and leave room for kulfi (Indian ice cream). Go to Dawat The Invitation for fiery North Indian fare (hello, dal makhani), visit Sacred Bites for Indian classics with an Asian twist, or grab takeaway from Magic Curries, a family-run restaurant where you can dial the spice level up or down, depending on how daring you feel. Strap yourself in for a taste bud tour of the best Indian restaurants in Hobart. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 Hobart's best pizzas🍣 The best Japanese food in Hobart🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart

The Comedy Store in Moore Park has been Sydney’s go-to spot for belly laughs since 1981. Venture inside and watch the stage come alive with top-notch talent with comedic timing – think homegrown favourites, international stars, rising newcomers and the occasional surprise guest. The Comedy Store Showcases run Thursday through Saturday, packing in 90 minutes of back-to-back stand-up with plenty of comedians on the bill. In fact, you can even catch The Saturday Late Show at 8.30pm if you prefer a later line-up. No two nights are the same, but each one guarantees tons of chuckles with new acts added constantly. RELATED READ: Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West, featuring a rotating line-up of cracking comedians – plus, you get a free drink. The calendar is also dotted with solo shows and special events, from household names debuting their latest routine to the next big comedian testing out fresh material. What’s more, all tickets come with an alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage. Still feeling thirsty? Get more drinks and nibbles at the Lounge Bar that keeps cocktails, cold beers and wine flowing with tasty antipasti also on offer. They even have table service, so you’ll never miss a punchline. It’s true what they say: laughter really is the best medicine, so gather your mates and go. Find out more and book your tickets here. Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney. Looking for weekday fun? Th

Jazz lovers and New Orleans dreamers, this one’s for you. This year, a super immersive live music experience is landing in Sydney – brought to life by Fever, the team behind Sydney’s much-loved Candlelight concerts. ‘The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans’ is swinging into town after wowing audiences across Europe, the UK, and the US – here’s what you need to know. Fittingly, the shows will be held at the glamorous Albert Palais, a beautifully restored heritage-listed 1920s Art Deco venue in Leichhardt. The soul-stirring musical performances will transport you back to 1920s’ New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.  A talented lineup of musicians will perform so many of the iconic jazz, rhythm and blues’ classics you’ll recognise including Hello Dolly (Louis Armstrong), On the Sunny Side of the Street (Jimmy McHugh) and When The Saints Go Marching In (Jazz Standard). Think jazz is all about the riff? You're not wrong, and the artists will be breaking into spontaneous improvisation (the hallmark of the genre) throughout.  Ready to travel back in time? Book some tickets, grab a cocktail, and settle in for an evening of toe-tapping rhythm, ragtime vibes, and all that jazz. ‘The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans’ will run on various Friday nights from August through December, with two seatings (one at 6.30pm and one at 8.30pm) every evening. Tickets start at $49, and you can snap up yours over here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney

✍️ 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 poetry of Tagore. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. The roar of a cricket match at Eden Gardens. Kolkata – once the capital of British India and formerly called Calcutta – pulses with poetry, politics and passion. And now, you can have a taste of the ‘City of Joy’ on Newtown’s vibrant King Street. After spearheading Colombo Social, Kabul Social and Kyiv Social, man on a (social justice) mission, Shaun Christie-David, founder of Plate It Forward, opened Kolkata Social in March. You might remember Ukrainian eatery Kyiv Social won Time Out Sydney’s Impact Award 2025, so we’re excited to see what’s on offer. It’s a sunny Sunday when we are seated in a cobalt blue room with a view to the open red-tiled kitchen where the chef Ahana Dutt is in charge. Kolkata-born, Dutt earned her culinary cred at Firedoor and Raja before Christie-David roped her in. With every set menu ordered, Kolkata Social donates meals to those in need – one in Sydney and one in Kolkata via their charity partner, Calcutta Rescue. This isn’t your typical Indian restaurant There’s no chicken tikka from North India, or idli sambar from the South. Instead, Kolkata Social is a celebration of Bengali cuisine – and we’re here to savour it. First up, our entrées. The dry chilli chicken featu

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

While the Eora people have called the Sydney area home for 60,000 years, its colonial history began with the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788, making it Australia's oldest colonial settlement in what was called Sydney Cove (current-day Circular Quay). Sydney as a city grew quickly, acquiring its own set of “firsts”. These “firsts” are woven into its streets, shores and skylines –  some of them are long gone, others have grown into beloved icons, but all of them helped shape the city we know today.  RELATED READ: Seven Sydney Opera House designs that never saw the light of day First school Ready for a history lesson? After the First Fleet arrived in 1788, the Female Orphan School (1801) and Male Orphan School (1819) were set up to educate destitute children. Botany Public School, founded in 1848 with just one teacher and 30 students, holds the title of Sydney’s oldest public school still in operation. Before that, education was mostly church-run. Sydney Grammar (1825) is the oldest-running school in the city area; The King’s School, established in 1831, was the first independent school; and Fort Street High School was established in 1849 as a boys’ school. Today, our education system looks very different. Sydney is home to more than 2,200 public schools across NSW, generally free apart from voluntary contributions. Of course, parents know all too well the challenge of securing a spot in highly sought after selective schools or footing the bill for elite private ones.

Sydneysiders, your Friday nights just got a whole lot more delicious (again). Put a recurring calendar reminder for every Friday from 5pm and head to Chinatown because the much-loved Chinatown Friday Night Markets are back.  RELATED READ: These are the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney. Now in a new temporary and super-convenient location right next to the Paddy’s Market Light Rail stop, this vibrant, bustling and tasty market features more than 40 stalls serving up authentic Asian street eats and handcrafted goods.  After a pause for major precinct upgrades, the market reopened at the start of September in the pedestrian area around Hay and Harbour Streets. Get there for your fix of all your faves like chargrilled skewers, bubbling hotpots, fluffy bao and the very Instagrammable dragon beard candy. From old favourites to the next gen of food creators – the food-lovers fest celebrates the best of old and new Chinatown in one spot. Photograph: Supplied/Chinatown Night Market And while you’re there, don’t forget to also take a wander down busy Dixon Street with its Asian restaurants and herbal medicine shops before your fun-filled and food-fuelled night ends. RELATED READ: Work your way through our guide to Sydney's best yum cha Chinatown Friday Night Market kicks off from 5pm each week and runs until 10pm – so it's a great option for a post-sesh feed. From catching the light rail to the bus – or hitting the pavement – it's easy to get to. So, do you have plans this Friday

There was a collective groan among Cronulla locals when the much-loved Pilgrims closed in December 2024 – where would they go for their veggie fix? After seven long months, Pilgrims has relocated, revamped and has now reopened. Yes, Cronulla’s only vegetarian café has returned – and it’s bang opposite Cronulla Beach. Photograph: Supplied/Pilgrims Its new digs are an easy-breezy modern space on the ground floor of the Sage building. There’s a mix of indoor-outdoor seating that’s perfect for people-watching, and an earthy palette that feels welcoming. Big windows let the sea breeze in, and there are plenty of power points for the WFH crowd. Owner Anthony Grewal says:“We’ve kept the classic Pilgrims menu items you know and love, we now have 55 undercover outdoor seats with heaters so you can enjoy the view – and you can even bring pets.” The menu still has Pilgrims’ favourites like the bliss burger (first created at the OG Pilgrims in Milton), halloumi stack, acai bowls and giant salads. The best bit? Breakfast is now served all day, so there’s no need to race the clock for your chilli-parmesan scrambled eggs. Photograph: Supplied/Pilgrims Drinks include freshly made juices, smoothies and shakes, as well as coffee and loose-leaf tea. New on the menu is the falafel sambo with smashed falafel, fresh veggies, tomato and eggplant relish on bread; the veef burger; and the Sage salad (named after their new location). Vegan pancakes are also on the horizon. Shire locals are sure to

What began as a humble weekend pop-up is now a fully fledged eatery. Eat Ozzo in Pyrmont started with a simple idea: baking Neapolitan-style bread-based sandwiches that are anything but basic. Six months ago, owner Chandni Thakur swapped corporate spreadsheets for sandwiches – and the result is this Italian-inspired go-to you need to swing by. Photograph: Supplied/Eat Ozzo The bread is the real MVP. Their dough is fermented for at least 48 hours with just flour, water and salt as ingredients (no additives allowed), then wood-fired at 400°C until it’s pillowy, chewy, blistered – and ready for action. Their signature wallet pizzas are folded – as the name suggests – like a wallet, and packed with punchy flavours. Try the mortadella mayhem with whipped ricotta and a slather of Gelato Messina (yes, really!) pistachio butter; the Spanish roast beef with potatoes and salsa verde; or the cowboy chicken loaded with spicy chook, slaw and honey mustard. Vegetarians can grab the Greek cauli with cauliflower that’s roasted in their wood-fire oven to get that charry goodness, and vegans will be pleased with the satay tofu number for a protein-fuelled (and tasty) meal. But Eat Ozzo is more than just sandwiches. They serve up Five Senses coffee, nourishing grain bowls and takeaway treats that are worth slowing down for – especially with those water views. Photograph: Supplied/Eat Ozzo Speaking of which, Eat Ozzo is in a prime location. It’s tucked under The Star, next to the Sydney Lyri

If the name ‘Gran Torino’ rings a bell, you might be thinking of the vintage car or the Clint Eastwood movie by the same name. But now, there’s another reason to remember it: Neil Perry’s latest restaurant. Taking over the former home of his Cantonese diner Song Bird in the heritage-listed Gaden House in Double Bay – which recently had its final flight less than a year after its shiny big opening – Gran Torino serves up Italian classics with a modern Australian spin and that unmistakable Perry polish. Gran Torino is a one-minute walk from Perry’s cream-accented flagship diner Margaret – voted the second-best steak restaurant in the world – as well as his casual outpost Next Door (get the burger) and excellent bakery, Baker Bleu. Photograph: Yusuke Oba The elegant two-storey dining room has been reimagined by long-time collaborators, fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and food photographer Earl Carter. Think bold red accents and striking black-and-white photographs from the 1950s and ’60s that adorn the walls and add a touch of la dolce vita The menu, crafted by Perry with executive chef Richard Purdue (Margaret, ex-Rockpool, ex-Rosetta) and Margaret’s current head chef Ervin Mumajesi, champions seasonal produce from Perry’s trusted local suppliers. Dishes are kept authentic to highlight the freshest seafood and prime cuts of meat.  Photograph: Yusuke Oba Perry says: “The basis of all Italian cooking is to work with the seasons, so Gran Torino’s menu will reflect what’s av

Say yasou to Homer Rogue Taverna – Cronulla’s newest 100-seat Athenian restaurant and wine bar from local legends Harry and Mario Kapoulas (yep, the brothers behind HAM café). Fresh from a culinary journey through Athens (we’re sensing parallels to Homer’s The Odyssey), they’ve brought back the Greek capital’s culture and flavour to The Shire – minus the Mykonos clichés. RELATED READ: These are the best Greek restaurants in Sydney right now. Homer is gritty, grungy and gloriously unpolished – hence the ‘rogue’ in its name. The fitout is deliberately unpretentious; we’re talking industrial concrete, mid-century chairs, a graffitied wall and a glorious three-metre wine fridge you’re encouraged to explore yourself. The music is a vibe – you might even find a bouzouki player meandering between tables. The food? Made to share. Head chef Kirri Mouat (ex-Icebergs) and chef James Watson have eschewed fine-dining fare in favour of a menu full of Athenian attitude. There’s charcoal-roasted chicken souvla, spanakopita, hand-rolled dolmades, saganaki flatbreads and family recipes like Mum’s moussaka. Photograph: Trent van der Jagt Feeling adventurous? Try the koulouri sesame (Greek bagel) with tirokafteri dip, the beef stifado (stew) wrapped in crisp chicken skin to resemble a cigar, or baked manouri cheese in kataifi pastry drizzled with hot honey. Yep, that custom-built wood-fire oven is working overtime. To drink, there’s Greek coffee, ouzo and mini Martinis. The wine list has a goo

Calling all theatre lovers, there’s a new kid on the block to check out. Teatro, a new state-of-the-art theatre space, has officially opened its curtains in Sydney. This 300-seater venue in Leichhardt’s historic Italian Forum will set the stage for professional productions in the Inner West.  Taking its name from the Italian word for theatre, Teatro is the brainchild of international creative bigwigs, Nathan M. Wright and Andrew Bevis, who are on a mission to transform Sydney’s performing arts landscape.  Says Wright: “We’re creating the kind of theatre venue Sydney is crying out for – bold, professional and artist-led. Teatro is here to raise the bar for what audiences can expect from musical theatre in the Inner West.” From musicals and masterclasses to cabaret and comedy nights, Teatro will have a strong focus on nurturing homegrown talent and making theatre more accessible for all. Says Bevis: “We want Teatro to be a home for artists, audiences and everyone in between. We’re committed to providing a platform for emerging talent and creating a place that reflects the diverse, creative spirit of our community.” Photograph: Supplied First up, The Addams Family Musical, a fully staged production that’s set to open on October 3. This kooky-spooky Tony award-nominated musical will be brought to life by the stars of Theatre Bridge – Teatro’s in-residence training company. This production will offer audiences a first taste of the theatre’s commitment to championing the next gen

Looking for something new to do in the great outdoors? We’re here to help. Just north of Sydney, the Kangaroo Point Boardwalk in Brooklyn has just officially opened to the public. With gorgeous views along the Hawkesbury River, this elevated path meanders through mangroves, salt marshes, and bushland. Whether you're walking, riding, scooting or pram-pushing, you’ll love the serenity. Gather your crew and set off for a day out that’s just over an hour from Sydney’s CBD. Our tip: pack a picnic. Where is Kangaroo Point Boardwalk and how do you get there? You’ll find the Kangaroo Point Boardwalk in Brooklyn on the picturesque Hawkesbury River. It’s just over an hour’s drive north of Sydney’s CBD or a 20-minute drive from Wahroonga station. Don’t worry, there’s parking nearby. If you’re taking public transport, you’ll need to get the CCN (Central Coast and Newcastle) line to Hawkesbury River station in Brooklyn and walk from there.  How long is Kangaroo Point Boardwalk? The boardwalk itself stretches for one kilometre along the river foreshore between Kangaroo Point (south of Peats Ferry Bridge) and Seymours Creek (opposite Tom Richmond Oval). Even better? It links into a 3 kilometre continuous shared path that extends all the way from Baden Powell Avenue in Brooklyn Village to Kangaroo Point, making it perfect for a longer walk or ride. Designed to have minimal environmental impact, the elevated pathway protects delicate saltmarsh and mangrove ecosystems while offering a safe, fl

Parramatta is poised for growth – set to transform into a cultural and creative hub over the next 25 years. With a fast-growing population and a wave of major businesses moving in, it’s clear the area is on the rise. But with all this development comes the need for better housing and smarter transport. Transport for NSW has promised to bring to life a metro line that will take Sydneysiders from the CBD to Parramatta in 20 minutes flat in the form of the Sydney Metro West – and the people of Parra are waiting. In good news, there was tangible progress to celebrate earlier this week, with tunnel boring for the project now almost 90 per cent complete, and plans for the huge new metro station in the heart of "Sydney's second CBD" taking shape. After 17 months of grinding through solid rock, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Dorothy – named after human rights advocate Dorothy Buckland-Fuller – finally broke through at Parramatta. You might recall her journey hit a snag recently, with a six-week delay caused by concerns over the depth of foundations at a nearby Telstra building. Meanwhile, TBM Betty – named after Australia’s Olympic sprinting legend Betty Cuthbert – has already started her final leg to Westmead, having left Parramatta in mid-July. Operating 24/7, both machines have excavated an incredible 1.25 million tonnes of sandstone over seven kilometres between Sydney Olympic Park and Parramatta.  Parramatta’s metro station site has been taking shape through a ‘cut-and-cover’ c

No, you’re not dreaming; your suburb really is being taken over by cavoodles, collies, cats and even cockatiels. If you live anywhere near a major city in Australia, chances are you, your neighbour or your barista has a furry (or feathered) friend. In fact, new research shows more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Aussie households have one or more pets – putting Australia among the top pet-loving nations worldwide. Curious which Aussie suburbs are seriously pet-obsessed? Pet insurance provider Petsy has done the digging — read on to find out if your neighbourhood made the list! While Sydney might be known for its matchbox-sized apartments, it hasn’t deterred city dwellers from getting a pet. The inner-city suburb of Rosebery tied with beachy Maroubra for first place, while the bustling 'burbs of Alexandria (second), North Sydney (fourth), and Marrickville (fifth) rounded out NSW’s top five. Looks like high-rise apartment living hasn’t put a “paws” on pet ownership. In Victoria, it’s a similar story, with Melbourne City and Berwick (just outside the CBD) tied for first with the highest dog and cat populations. Other trendy spots like Preston, St Kilda and South Yarra also cracked the list. Meanwhile, over in Queensland, the Goldy is where pets reign supreme – Pimpama, Southport and Coomera have claimed their spots on the pet ownership leaderboard. In South Australia and Western Australia, where space isn’t tight, the trend flips – it’s all about suburbs with big backyards and

​​No, it’s not your imagination; there’s a proliferation of pugs, poodles, and pointers in certain Sydney neighbourhoods – not to mention doggy daycares and pet-walkers. Research shows that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world; two-thirds (69 per cent) of Aussie households are now home to one or more pets. Pet insurance provider Petsy has compiled a list of Aussie suburbs that are the cat’s pyjamas when it comes to pet ownership – read on to find out if your area made the list. While Sydney might be known for its matchbox-sized apartments, it hasn’t deterred city dwellers from getting a pet. The inner-city suburb of Rosebery tied with beachy Maroubra for first place, while the bustling 'burbs of Alexandria (second), North Sydney (fourth), and Marrickville (fifth) rounded out NSW’s top five. Looks like high-rise apartment living hasn’t put a “paws” on pet ownership. These are the top NSW suburbs for pet ownership: Rosebery & Maroubra (equal first)  Alexandria Macquarie Park North Sydney Marrickville We think two factors can be pointed to for the boost in our pet population. Firstly, in August 2021, the NSW Government put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata buildings, allowing more owners and tenants to get a pet. Secondly, there’s the not-so-small matter of the pandemic that saw many Sydneysiders adding a furry friend to their families. In Victoria, it’s a similar story, with the busy suburbs of the Melbourne CBD, Preston, South Yarra

Residents of the Waverton area, we’ve got good news. After a few years of uncertainty, the NSW Government has confirmed that they’ll be transforming the historic Berrys Bay into a beautiful foreshore public park area. Over the years, Berrys Bay has been integral to Sydney’s maritime manufacturing industry – it’s where boats, yachts and launches were built and serviced for more than a century. In the 1990s, the site retired from its maritime role, and when it was earmarked as a Western Harbour Tunnel construction site, dreams for the site becoming a community space were put on hold. In 2022, advances in technology (including the use of the two largest tunnel boring machines in the Southern Hemisphere) meant that this makeshift construction site was no longer required, and now it’s been officially confirmed that the area will be opened up to the public. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government The draft design of the park includes accessible foreshore pathways, family-friendly facilities like barbecues and play areas, as well as a new community pavilion. This joint effort by the state government, local North Sydney Council, and construction company Acciona aims to honour the area’s maritime history as well as its Aboriginal heritage, with an opening date yet to be confirmed. The opening of the park will mark the first time in more than 100 years that the park has been accessible to the public, with Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison describing the vision to create “an inviting s