Avril Treasure

Fresh autumnal mornings. Warm ocean temperatures. And three public holidays. There’s a lot to like about April. The beloved Sydney Royal Easter Show is back at Sydney Showground from April 2-13, and the Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Show is lighting up the Entertainment Quarter from April 2-19. Bring on endless snacks, rides and baby animals. We've also rounded up the best hot cross buns and Easter treats. It’s no secret that the news is a little dire at the moment – so the annual Sydney Comedy Festival, which kicks off on April 13, couldn’t come at a better time. The schedule is bloody packed with laughs – there are more than 400 shows! – so you can go to town. ANZAC Day is also on this morning. We’ll be updating our guide to where to play two-up in Sydney soon. Hopefully you have better luck than me. Culture-wise, you need to check out My Brilliant Career, on now at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. It is bloody brilliant. And if you’re after a spectacle, The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour is delighting audiences (though tickets are expensive). Plus, make a booking at one of Sydney’s best restaurants, check out the hottest new bars and restaurants, and eat well for less with our guide to Sydney’s best affordable eats. If you need to keep the little ones entertained these school holidays, we’ve rounded up fun things to do here. Craving a nature hit before winter sets in? These are the best camping sites close to Sydney, and these are the best day hikes near the city

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. If there’s one thing Australians will happily cross state lines (or book flights) for, it’s a very good meal – ideally paired with an equally excellent drink in hand. In 2026, the festival calendar is once again stacked. Nearly every state, city and regional town now has a signature food and drink celebration, many built around what grows best in their own backyards: cool-climate pinot in Victoria, seafood pulled straight from the ocean in Queensland, tropical flavours in the Top End and produce so fresh it barely makes it off the farm. These events bring together the country’s best chefs, winemakers, farmers, brewers and producers – often in places you’d happily plan a long weekend around anyway.  So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the food and drink festivals in Australia that turn a good weekend away into the whole point of the trip. Editors' favourite food and drink festivals in Australia: 🍷 Best for wine lovers: Orange F.O.O.D Week, NSW 🍽️ Best for serious foodies: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, VIC 🍜 Best for something new: Darwin International Laksa Festival, NT 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 The best music festivals in Australia

I hope you’re having a happy and delicious April. I’ve been out non-stop checking out Sydney’s best new restaurants and bars to bring you this up-to-date list, including Turkish restaurant Hamsi Taverna by Somer Sivrioğlu, and Southeast Asian restaurant Lua by Luke Nguyen – both of which are now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. I really love affordable new Indo eatery Temu Kangen in Haymarket, and my favourite new bistro, South End in Newtown. Plus, there’s Las Palmas, a holiday-coded Mexican spot in Manly, a fancy British restaurant called The James, Besa, a hot new tapas bar from the Aalia team, and Vitelli's Upstairs, a New York-style Italian restaurant. We really do live in a delicious place, don’t we? (Yes, I’m full.) 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.

Autumn 2026 update: Enjoy the change of seasons at one of Sydney’s cracking pubs. From sun-dappled beer gardens to refreshing pints and heart-warming roasts, these pubs are warm, welcoming spaces built for a good time – and even better if they’re pokie-free. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray, and we're fans of weekly trivia. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Bat & Ball Hotel ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for top-notch feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Lord Gladstone 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Golden Barley 🍻 Best for a post-surf beer: Harbord Hotel 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

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 local 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 $25. 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.

Autumn 2026 update: Whether you’re planning the perfect date night, a catch-up with the girls or a special celebration, you’ll find Sydney’s best spots to wine and dine below. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out Sydney's Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Editor's favourite restaurants in Sydney: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Bennelong 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Vin-Cenzo's ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Sean's 🍝 Best for an Greek feast: Olympic Meats  🫒 Best for a friends' catch-up: South End 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: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want more? These are Sydney's best new restaurants and bars.

The word sustainability gets thrown around a lot – and so it should. We know our oceans are filled with plastic, the Earth is warming each day, and weather conditions are becoming more and more destructive. The good news is that Sydney’s restaurants, bars and cafés are taking sustainability seriously – not just talking the talk by posting an Instagram tile, but doing the hard, often more costly and time-consuming work to do their bit to care for our planet. From cutting down on emissions to drastically reducing waste, reusing water, working with local suppliers, cooking with whole animals and using biodegradable packaging, Sydney’s top spots are paving the way for a greener future. Below, you’ll find some of our favourite sustainable venues 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. RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a celeb-approved stay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an easy breezy escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and News Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots

You know what’s great? The weekend. What’s even better? A four-day weekend. And we’ve got one, thanks to Easter (hoppy Easter, and all). Let’s get into the fun to be had. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back – and the opening weekend is sure to be fun, but packed. BYO snacks and water, I reckon, and save your money for a yum lunch, rides and showbags. I’ll be heading for the baby goats. Elsewhere, Watsons Bay Hotel is serving up hot cross ice cream sandos throughout the long weekend, and on Saturday, an Easter Dog Show will be going down at Forrester’s from 12–5pm – including a best-dressed parade. Woof! Plus, we’ve rounded up our favourite hot cross buns and sweet treats – from crème brûlée buns (yes, really) to spice-rich classics. Hop to it. Want a chocolate fix? Australia's biggest Easter egg (a 3-metre masterpiece from Hugos Chocolates) is being unveilled at The Grounds of Alexandria at 5pm on Easter Sunday. The 25th Biennale of Sydney (named among the best exhibitions in the world for 2026) is back. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day. Free Friday night? Art After Dark is going down at White Bay Power Station – one of Syd's coolest venues – with gigs, art and food. Plus, take a dip at one of Sydney’s best beaches, enjoy some fish and chips and make the most of the air con at an exhibition. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat and Ron Mueck: Encounter – both showing at the

Located on a sparkling harbour and fringed by idyllic beaches, Sydney is a true seafood city. We’re home to many cracking waterfront restaurants, and our fish and chips are top-notch. So, where are the best spots for enjoying the ocean’s gifts? Whether it’s a perfect piece of fish with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil at Margaret, Josh Niland’s legendary tuna cheeseburger at Saint Peter’s bar, or a waterfront feast that’s nearly as good as a trip to Italy at Ormeggio at the Spit, we’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. The only catch? The seafood has got to be fresh-as, bro. Cast your net and 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. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants.

Did you know Australia’s last-standing pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find a night free, and feel like something different – and supporting indie work! – check out what's on here.  Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.  If there’s one thing you do this week, book tickets and go see ‘My Brilliant Career’ – a joyous Australian show at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. I went last week and it is BLOODY BRILLIANT. Sorry for the caps – I just love it that much. Read our reviewer’s five-star piece here and get your tickets here. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back, baby! Are you going? I sure am. I’m looking forward to trying all the delicious eats, going on the rides, and seeing the baby goats. Plus, we’ve rounded up our favourite hot cross buns and sweet treats – from crème brûlée buns (yes, really) to spice-rich classics. Hop to it. The Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival – is back for its 25th edition, and it’s completely free. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day. Free Fri night? Get tickets to Art After Dark. Hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time. For a culture hit, check out two fabulous exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. First up is Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers. Next up is Ron Mueck’s Encounter – a stunning sculptural exploration of the human condition. Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restau

✍️ 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.  If you’ve been to Italy, you’ve probably been to All'Antico Vinaio, the famous Florentine sandwich shop, which now has more than 30 stores dotted all over the world. Will O’Brien vividly remembers trying his first one in Florence when he and his wife were travelling around Europe for six months. He reckons it was the best sandwich he has ever had. On that trip, they were always drawn to local delis, where locals linger over hot espresso in the morning sun and pop in the afternoon for an aperitivo. During that holiday, his dream to open an Italian-style deli serving Florence-inspired panini was born. Fast forward a decade, and Will, who spent years working as a chef at top Sydney restaurants, moved up the coast with his family to Newcastle. And in 2022, Arno Deli opened up inside a building the colour of whipped butter, located on 181 King Street. I’ve been a fan of Will’s sandwiches ever since I first tried them back in February 2023. Every time I’m in the area, and really, even when I’m not, I make sure to drop in. Florence may have David, but Newcastle has Arno. Add it to the top of your hit list. The vibe Arno isn’t big, and it’s often filled with couples on a morning walk, friends catching up, and road trippers. There’s an exposed brick wall on one side;

Fact: Sydneysiders love sipping sparkling wine and Champagne; it only takes the sun to come out or for freshly shucked oysters to grace a menu for us to order a bottle of bubbly. So it’s good news then that a festival entirely dedicated to bubbles is returning to Sydney this year, and yes, we would like a top up, please. Organised by The Bubbles Review, a website devoted to the enjoyment of Champagne and sparkling wine, the first Bubbles Festival was held in Melbourne in 2017. Since 2021, it's been travelling to other cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. This year's Sydney event takes place at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, a gorgeous heritage-listed building right by Circular Quay, on May 22 and 23, so gather your bubble-loving pals and get there. What can you expect? How about some excellent sparkling wines from NSW producers as well as bubbles from across Australia and internationally, including Champagne. Each ticket includes a two-hour tasting session where you’ll enjoy more than ten types of sparkling in a Riedel Champagne tasting glass. You'll also get to chat to the growers and producers, plus enjoy tasty canapés.   Says Natalie Pickett, founder of The Bubbles Festival, "I think that Champagne and sparkling wine are one of the joys of life and something to be shared. We love bringing all of these superb sparkling wines together with our followers at The Bubbles Festival." Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or looking for something different to do

✍️ 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 first time I had cochinita pibil, I was three Dos Equis deep at a roadside stall after spending the morning diving into the electric-turquoise waters of Tulum’s Playa Paraíso. I remember the spiced, juicy pork, brightened with citrus, and the crunch and zing of the pickled red onions. I practically inhaled it. The most recent time was at Newcastle’s new Mexican restaurant, Papalote. Here, pork shoulder is marinated in achiote, garlic and orange before being cooked for eight hours in a traditional brick pit oven. It arrives wrapped in banana leaf – like a hunger-inducing Mayan gift – and crowned with sliced fresh and pickled red onions, with Marydia’s corn tortillas and non-wallflower salsas on the side. It’s a brilliant rendition of one of my favourite Yucatán dishes, and it also disappears quickly. Anyone who hasn’t visited Newcastle recently is missing out. I could point to the rolling waves, incredible ocean baths and the lack of Big City Rush. But really, you should come here for the food – and make sure Papalote is high on your list. The vibe Last November, locals and long-time friends – sommelier-chef couple Stephanie Wells and Michael Portley from Hunter Street’s pasta and vino palace, Humbug, and the charismatic Eduardo Molina from easy-breezy fi

Flying 1,000 feet above water, past sandy half-moon coves dotted with white sails in the turquoise sea, lush bush-cloaked headlands, and soaring above the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, I thought to myself: Sydney is bloody beautiful. Based in Rose Bay and operating since the mid-2000s, Sydney Seaplanes runs scenic flights and fly-and-dine experiences daily. Passengers can take the ‘Sydney Highlights’ journey ($310), flying above the curve of Bondi Beach before looping back over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Or try the ‘Sydney Secrets’ route ($440) which begins at Rose Bay, follows the Northern Beaches to Palm Beach (the birthplace of Home and Away), glides over the waterways of Pittwater, and finishes with Sydney’s biggest landmarks. Before boarding, our friendly pilot Nick Amey runs through a safety briefing, and then it’s go time. Along the way, he points out landmark beaches from Camp Cove to Shelly Beach, Avalon to Palm Beach, peppering his commentary with insightful facts from high in the sky. At one point, a pod of 20 dolphins frolics around Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Nick tilts the plane so passengers can capture the best photos as the flight returns to the inner harbour at 1,000 feet. The Manly Ferry looks like a tiny toy boat from above. The grand finale circles the fortress island of Fort Denison before the plane lands on the water in a rollercoaster-like rush. Back on land, the Sydney Seaplanes terminal houses a high-end waterside dining spot where locals a

Hotel Harry, a good-times-only Surry Hills pub on the corner of Wentworth Ave and Goulburn Street, owned by The Point Group (also Shell House, The International, The Dolphin, Hotel Canobolas), has reopened after a massive reno. So, what’s new? Well, firstly, the name – the Aussie pub just goes by Harry’s these days. It’s had a fresh, modern spruce-up, thanks to talented interior stylist Anna Hewett (the eye behind Shell House’s groovy, immaculate fit-out), while still retaining its retro charm that nods to its 1912 inception. Culinary director Joel Bickford and executive chef Danny Corbett are behind Harry’s jazzed-up menu, with standout dishes on the opening line-up including Bannockburn organic rotisserie chicken with garlic caper butter, ’nduja pangrattato, roast potatoes, fried Brussels sprouts and a roast chicken jus; a whopping 750g grain-fed bistecca Fiorentina; and a wood-fired Calabrese pizza with sausage, ’nduja, pancetta and vodka sauce. Come for sun-dappled lunches with cold beers, a full-blown feast with your friends and vibey late-night DJ sessions. Co-founder of The Point Group Brett Robinson says: “For over 15 years we’ve watched this precinct grow into one of Sydney’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhoods, thriving with quality restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels. The evolution of Harry’s not only moves with that energy; it creates a true focal point for it. A place to meet. A place that anchors the area. A pub made for Surry Hills.” Let’s go, Harry.

Newcastle is a ripping place to visit year-round – home to my favourite sandwich shop, incredible ocean baths and pumping surf – but if I had to pick a month, it would be in April, during the city’s annual food and wine festival. When the ocean’s still warm, the mornings are fresh, and the city comes together to eat, drink and celebrate the best the region has to offer for Newcastle Food Month. It’s around a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney to Newy (including stops), meaning you could do the trip in a day, but that’s no fun. Enter Crystalbrook Kingsley – Newy’s first five-star hotel, conveniently located on King Street – with just the package for you. During April, the heritage-listed hotel is offering a ‘Foodie Sleepover’ – designed for food lovers, couples, or anyone looking for some rest and relaxation – complete with delicious cheese, cocktails and other treats. Here’s what’s included: 15 per cent off the best available rate on overnight accommodation for two at Crystalbrook Kingsley Two Earp Distilling Co x Crystalbrook Kingsley cocktails on arrival (yes, please) A cellar door wine tasting experience for two in the city with the award-winning First Creek Wines A delicious local cheese package featuring treats from Binnorie Dairy, Baked Uprising and Pukara Estate. Enjoy it in your room (and in your robe) – or take it to go for a picnic in the afternoon sun A bottle of First Creek vino If it’s been a while since you last visited Newcastle, or you’re just in need of a weekend g

Charcoal-grilled Wagyu skewers with zippy nam jim jaew, bronzed murtabak roti stuffed with soft-braised eggplant and spinach, plump spanner crab dumplings in bright tom yum sauce, and bass grouper wrapped in banana leaf with sambal and watermelon salad. These are just some of the vibrant, punchy dishes now on the menu at Rasa House – a “borderless Asian” restaurant and wine bar right on the water in picturesque Rose Bay. Leading the next chapter is new head chef, Philippines-born Keno Perlas, formerly of Margaret, Monopole and Cho Cho San, who is focused on “deliciousness without limitation” – an ethos shared by Rasa founder Vinay Matta. “Inspiration is all around, you just need to be willing to embrace it,” says Vinay. “The idea for Rasa House came from my travels, my art as a screenwriter, my heritage and my parents’ journey in hospitality – I’ve learnt a lot from them, but I’m also ready to make things my own. To do something that isn’t rooted in legacy but will create a legacy of its own.” (Wondering about Vinay’s parents? They founded Rose Bay institution, Jewel on the Bay, which is conveniently found right next door.) The funky dining room is decked out in earthy tones with fun, colourful accents and custom murals by local Sydney artist Mali Pilgrem Blasco, which bring life and warmth to the open space. Plus, the alfresco seating lets you and your date soak up sparkling views of Rose Bay Marina and Shark Island. Spanning drops from Australia, Spain, France, South Africa

Holy smokes – one of Austin’s best pitmasters, Kareem El-Ghayesh of KG BBQ, is coming to Sydney this May for the barbecue-laced collaboration of our dreams. Known as the ‘Egyptian Cowboy’, KG will be teaming up with Sydney’s own Lennox Hastie – from the award-winning Firedoor and Basque-inspired wine bar Gildas – for four massive and delicious events filled with honky-tonk parties, live music, masterclasses, and a hell of a lot of excellent smoked meats. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, KG moved to Texas to master the art of barbecuing, blending traditional smoking techniques with the bold spices and flavours of Egypt and the Middle East. He’s starred on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown and made waves in the US barbecue scene. Back in 2024, Lennox travelled through Austin hunting smoke, fire and the best meats in the biz. Now, he’s teaming up with one of the world’s most celebrated pitmasters. Hold onto your cowboy (or girl) hats – let’s get into the juicy bits. The low ’n’ slow takeover kicks off on Friday, May 1, with a Honky Tonk dinner featuring a full-blown feast cooked by KG and Lennox at Sydney Brewery Rozelle. Think show-stopping barbecue platters loaded with Central Texas-style smoked brisket, KG’s signature pomegranate and za'atar glazed pork ribs, and smoked lamb chops. It’ll come with a banging line-up of sides like Egyptian mac and cheese, cinnamon and turmeric rice, and traditional Egyptian salad. Plus, enjoy beers created in collaboration with Sydney Brewery, cocktails

Located within a 150-year-old former steel mill, this lively brewery and pub pours award-winning craft beers – plus a couple of limited-edition brews to try (would be rude not to).

✍️ 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.  Does The Dry Dock in Balmain serve up Sydney’s best scotch egg? I haven’t tried them all, but I’d put my money on it. It’s fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with a savoury, juicy, well-seasoned pork filling and a gooey yolk. Sauce piquante brings sweetness and tang, balancing the richness and making it the perfect bar snack – even better with an on-point Bloody Mary after a big night out. But The Dry Dock does more than excellent British snacks. I’d also say Balmain’s historic boozer is one of Sydney’s finest pubs. Considering how packed it is with locals on a Sunday evening, I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so. The vibe Established in 1857, the heritage-listed Dry Dock is the oldest licensed pub in Balmain. In the mid-1800s, it was frequented by Mort’s Dock workers – Australia’s first ‘dry dock’ – in search of a cold ale. In November 2023, after a year-long renovation, the venue was reopened under new ownership by seasoned hospitality professional James Ingram (ex-Merivale, Rockpool, Solotel, Etymon) and Balmain local Mike Everett, with the main goal of creating a haven for locals. It’s a beautiful, multifaceted pub, designed by interior architect Bianca Isgro – the kind I wish was around the corner from me. There’s alfresco seating ideal

✍️ 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 vibe Located on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in the idyllic seaside village of Coledale, about a 20-minute drive from Wollongong, is Rosie’s Fish & Chips – home to the best fish and chips in the state, in my books (and judging by the line snaking out the door, half the South Coast might agree). The family-owned shop is run by British-born chef Ben Sinfield and his partner Tania Ho, and is named after their daughter. There are a handful of blue tables out the front, but your best bet is to waddle down the hill and enjoy your lunch on the grassy patch in front of Sharky Beach with front-row ocean views. And that lunch? It’s reely, reely good. The food Rosie’s Fish & Chips serves sustainable, wild-caught Aussie fish, depending on what’s fresh and available – such as gurnard, flathead, sea bream, blue mackerel and pink ling – all sourced directly from local fishermen. Opt to get it grilled or beer-battered in an ale from Wollongong’s Principal Brewing. The fish itself is pristinely fresh, succulent and delicious with a squeeze of lemon and dunked into a zingy, chunky tartare. The chippies take home my Best Chip Award. Spuds are cut by hand and cooked in Aussie beef dripping – adding an extra layer of depth and flavour. They’re triple-cooked until deeply bronzed,

✍️ 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.  “I’m in love. I’m having a relationship with my pizza.” Those are the words said by Julia Roberts’ character Elizabeth Gilbert in the 2010 romcom Eat Pray Love as she bites into a thin, floppy slice of Margherita pizza topped with summer-ripe tomatoes and melted mozzarella. She’s dining at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Naples, a family-run restaurant founded in 1870. That fleeting scene was enough to catapult Da Michele into global fame, with 80 pizzerias now found worldwide from London to Tokyo and Milan. Last December, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele opened its first-ever Australian venture on Sydney’s Pitt Street near Circular Quay. So, how does it stack up against the city’s already excellent scene? The pizzas are pretty great. And considering a classic – and ginormous – Margherita will set you back $18, it’s fantastic value. But it’s not all sunshine and tomatoes. We had to request serving cutlery for our starters. Our Montepulciano came in mismatched glasses, including one branded ‘Select Spritz’ (though, at $12 a pop, who really cares?). Instead of crisp cos, the ‘Original Caesar’ was made with what looked and tasted like a pre-mixed bag from Woolies. Still, if you’re after affordable Napoli-style pizza in the CBD – minus the jetlag – smashable Limonce

We’re all in need of some good news at the moment, don’t you reckon? Here’s some for you. The number of venues in New South Wales that have taken up the government’s live music incentive – including extending trading hours – has quadrupled since March 2023, after the lockout laws and Covid almost destroyed nightlife. Meaning: four times more cool places for NSW residents to get their live-music hit. Now there are 564 venues throughout the state – from Cooma to Coogee, Marrickville to Murwillumbah – taking advantage of the govt’s night-time economy vibrancy reforms. That equals a hell of a lot more live gigs and good times being had. Under the vibrancy incentives, eligible venues can access an 80 per cent discount on liquor licensing fees, reducing costs for businesses hosting live music. Plus, venues get an additional two hours of trade on nights they host live music, and an hour on every other night for venues in a Special Entertainment Precinct (like Enmore Road). Reinvigorating the state’s after-dark fun has been a key aim for NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham, who is stoked to see music at the centre of the night-time economy revival. “From pub rock in the ’80s and ’90s to the club scene in the 2000s, our state has such a rich history of live music. We’re bringing that back as we rebuild the night-time economy from a decade of lockouts and lockdowns. “To see the number of venues quadruple is a great sign our vibrancy reforms are working, and th

From sweet mangoes to prawn rolls, ocean dips and backyard barbies, there’s a lot to love about summer in Sydney. And, of course, daylight saving – where, thanks to clock wizardry, we make the most of the longer hours of sunlight during the warmer months (hello, after-work swims and picnics). Alas, we’re now in autumn, and cooler days are around the corner. The end of daylight saving is near, too. Wondering when the clocks go back? Here’s a handy explainer covering what you need to know about the end of daylight saving in NSW... Photograph: Destination NSW When does NSW daylight savings end? Mark your calendar: daylight saving in NSW ends on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Clocks will move back one hour, marking the end of those long evenings and the return of cooler, bright mornings. Make the most of the extra night light while you can and squeeze in a few more swims and alfresco fun. Do the clocks go forward or backward when daylight savings ends? Clocks fall back at the end of daylight saving in NSW. Do you always forget which way the clock goes? A handy way to remember is with this saying: “Spring forward, fall back.” So, in spring, at the start of daylight saving, the clocks spring forward. In autumn ("fall"), they fall back. What time do the clocks change in NSW? In NSW, the clocks go back at 3am at the end of daylight saving. So, at 3am, the clocks will move back to 2am. Essentially, the hour from 2am to 3am happens twice. Why do the clocks go backward? The clocks go backward

April means a few things in Sydney. The end of daylight saving for another year (RIP). The Easter Show, Sydney Comedy Festival and my personal favourite thing: hot cross bun season (though, if you’re my dear old dad, that season is year-round). Whether you’re a purist and prefer yours soft and spiced, or like to change it up (hello, dulce de leche hot cross buns), we’ve rounded up Sydney’s best. Plus, we’ve included a few extra fun treats to try. The only rule? Heaps of butter on your buns. We don’t make the rules. Happy Easter. Tuga Pastries The pastel de nata gods don’t mess around at Easter. Case in point: this Dubai chocolate hot cross bun, which is as ridiculously delicious as it looks. Yes, you should go get one. Or several. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Cafe Margaret Hot cross buns by star chef Neil Perry? Yes, please. These ones are soft and plump, with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, candied orange and Earl Grey tea. Fancy. Best enjoyed with lots of butter and sea salt. While you're there, try Perry's award-winning burger, too. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney A.P Bakery The team at this legendary Sydney bakery is sticking with tradition this year. Their buns feature Aussie sultanas, are fragrant with spice, and finished with a brown sugar, citrus and cinnamon glaze.  Photograph: Andrew Kirk Humble Bakery We love this bakery and their buns. Dotted with raisins, sultanas, apricots, cranberries and orange peel, plus cardamom, cinnamon,

Sydney is an incredible city – but there’s a serious issue that’s not talked about enough: how many young Sydneysiders are living on the streets, and the stats are heartbreaking. According to research by YFoundations – the peak body for youth homelessness in NSW – 40 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Australia are under 25. Approximately 43,000 young people in the country seek help each year, with one in three of those having experienced domestic and family violence. And here’s another blow: around half of children and young people are turned away when seeking crisis accommodation because the system isn’t adequately funded to respond to their needs. Spearheaded by YFoundations, the Young & Alone campaign’s goal is that every child and young person will have a safe place to go – and they aim to do that by raising awareness about youth homelessness in Sydney and throughout Australia. One of the ways they do this is by shining a light on Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD). Started in 1990 to raise awareness of youth homelessness, YHMD is a national movement led by YFoundations – and the next one is coming up on Wednesday, April 15. Yfoundations also partners with many charities supporting the country’s homeless youth, providing housing and support services to young people in crisis across Sydney. YFoundations CEO John MacMillan says: “The majority of people don’t know the extent of the issue of youth homelessness, and when they learn about it, they’re shocked th

If you haven’t yet checked out the new Sydney Fish Market, here’s another reason to visit. Celebrated Vietnamese-Australian chef, restaurateur and television presenter Luke Nguyen has opened a 300-seat Southeast Asian restaurant overlooking the shimmering water at Sydney’s new fish haven, in partnership with Doltone Hospitality Group. Called Lua, meaning “fire” in Vietnamese, the new restaurant is inspired by Nguyen’s heritage – he was born in Bangkok to Vietnamese parents before moving to Australia and growing up in Sydney’s Cabramatta area. Fresh, vibrant and full of flavour, seafood is a big focus of the menu, with dishes given added character thanks to an open hearth and charcoal fire pit. Photograph: Steven Brown The opening of Lua comes off the back of the closure of pioneering Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern – which Nguyen co-founded with his sister and her husband – which had its final service in November 2025 after 23 years. Nguyen is still involved with Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Fat Noodle at The Star Sydney, as well as having stalls at Hay St Market, plus Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City. Photograph: Steven Brown Nguyen says: “I’ve looked at the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, looking at dishes from not just one region, but all regions of Vietnam, from north to south. But also getting my inspiration from the Mekong River – so many Southeast Asian countries snake through that river. Travelling down that Mekong really brought all th

Vivid Sydney, Australia’s largest festival of lights, returns from May 22 to June 13 for its 16th year. The 2026 program is set to be ‘bigger and bolder’ than ever, featuring 23 days packed with installations, events and sparkly experiences spanning Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Minds and Vivid Food. For the first time ever, Vivid Sydney will also take place during the day – with a series of events, installations, talks and performances – before the city transforms into a technicolour spectacle of lights as the sun sets. There’s lots to like about this year’s fest, including that the drone shows are back after being cancelled last year due to safety concerns (fair). Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour will host 22 dazzling shows across 11 nights – the highest number of drone shows in the festival’s history – named Star-Bound. The Vivid Light Walk will also return to being a free, unbroken 6.5km journey of wonder and awe, transforming Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour with 43 light installations and large-scale projections, as well as laser and digital art. In fact, more than 80 per cent of the festival is free. Don’t miss the two showstoppers: Molecule of Light, the festival’s tallest installation at 23 metres, and Obstacle, one of the longest-ever works stretching 45 metres along the harbour. Plus, French artist Yann Nguema will light up the Sydney Opera House sails with a major new work, Opera Mundi, inspired by nature’s transformations and the element

Walking into The James, found on the ground floor of The Langham, feels like stepping into a beautifully whimsical British world. The dining room of the new 120-seat restaurant by SRG Hospitality – the team behind Aqua Dining, Akti, Sails Lavender Bay, The Nielsen, Noi, The Fenwick and more – is an impressive feast for the senses. Grandma-coded curtains, plush seating, 1940s-inspired artworks, soft golden lighting and mosaic tiles, all designed by Perry Drakopoulos, create an elegant, timeless space that deserves a spread in Architectural Digest. There’s even a custom family crest that appears across timber joinery, upholstery and menus. Fancy. Photograph: Daniel Chen Heading up the kitchen is Sam Tuchband (ex-Trinity London, Aria and Franca), whose menu showcases classic British dishes through a modern lens. Menu highlights include Welsh rarebit pain perdu; bubble and squeak Lancashire hotpot; blue mackerel niçoise with watermelon; and the signature James steak tartare. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The beef wellington, served tableside, arrives tender and pink on the inside, with a buttery, bronzed pastry shell. It’s a must-order – and even better with a side of rosemary roast potatoes and creamed spinach. For dessert, there’s a tableside knickerbocker glory – a remix of a British ice-cream sundae – a sticky toffee pudding soufflé; and fig tarte tatin. “I’m excited to welcome Sydneysiders, as well as guests from across Australia and beyond, to The James

Whoever says winter is about hibernation hasn’t met the Bathers' Pavilion team. The award-winning fine diner, which overlooks Balmoral’s picturesque cove, has teamed up with world-renowned British diner L'Enclume for winter sold-out residencies in 2023 and 2025.  Now, the coastal restaurant has announced its next move: SingleThread – the three-Michelin-starred restaurant from Healdsburg, California, recently named joint No.1 on global guide La Liste – is heading to Bathers’ Pavilion for an exclusive four-week winter residency. Led by wife-and-husband team, head farmer Katina Connaughton and chef Kyle Connaughton, who was formerly the head chef of Research & Development at The Fat Duck under Heston Blumenthal, SingleThread is a farm-to-table restaurant and inn, located on a 24-acre regenerative farm in Dry Creek Valley with vegetables, fruit, flowers, olive trees, beehives, chickens and more. Produce is currently growing on their farm for the Bathers’ residency, and executive chef Aaron Ward is heading to California in April for menu development alongside Kyle and his team at SingleThread. The winter residency at Bathers' Pavilion, which will run from Tuesday, July 28 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, will see the team relocate to Balmoral and serve up a stunning 10-course tasting menu to lucky Sydneysiders. Photograph: John Troxell Kyle Connaughton says: “SingleThread is about the dialogue between farm, kitchen and guest. Coming to Sydney allows us to explore that philosophy thr

Bondi has welcomed a sexy new Spanish restaurant and bar inspired by Madrid’s electric underground scene. Called Besa, which comes from the Spanish word for kiss, this 65-seat venue is from the Esca Group, the team behind Sydney favourites Ito, Nour, Aalia and Joji. Come for vibrant tapas served in a lively, vibey dining room, with DJs spinning from Friday to Sunday. Executive chef Ibrahim Kasif (ex-Porteno, Bodega, Stanbuli, and currently leading the kitchens at Nour and Henrietta) and head chef Alan Kropman (ex-Aalia and Sean’s) are behind the oceanic, delicious dishes. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney “Tapas is about expression and community,” says Kasif. “Every region in Spain has its own language when it comes to food, and we wanted to honour that while cooking in a way that feels natural to Bondi. At its heart, Besa is a place where you can enjoy good food, conversation and late-night wine with friends.” Menu highlights include a pan con tomate that’s juicy and sweet, doused in olive oil and flecked with salt; gildas with a pop of fruity chilli flavour; blue mackerel with butter leaf and encurtidos; raw beef carpaccio with white anchovy and goat’s cheese anchoïade; fideuà negra of squid ink egg noodles with grilled chicken and aioli; and confit potato, onion and egg tortilla. Finish with a velvet-smooth, creamy flan with figs. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The striking design, led by architect Matt Darwin, features mid-century nods ble

Rockpool, one of Australia’s finest steakhouses – and winner of Time Out’s Legend Award 2023 – has launched a new five-course beef tasting menu celebrating wood-fired flavours, the best of Aussie produce and South American flair. Inspired by executive chef Santiago Aristizabal’s South American roots (he was born in Medellín, Colombia), along with chef Amy Milliner and in-house butcher Cristian Acero, formerly of Buenos Aires institution Don Julio, the menu features premium beef rarely experienced together in the same meal. Guests will enjoy cuts of David Blackmore Mishima, full-blood Wagyu, Cape Grim Black Angus and Rockpool Reserve F1. Carnivores – let’s go. Photograph: Chris Pearce Menu highlights include ash-baked potatoes with whipped bone marrow (as delicious as it sounds); buttery scotch with deeply flavoured Oaxacan-style mole; grilled rump cap with golden, crunchy arepas, pork-braised beans, bright tomato, jalapeño and coriander salsas, finishing with Rockpool’s take on a carlota cake with lime-clotted Jersey cream and sweet-corn ice cream. Photograph: Steven Woodburn “This menu lets me bring the flavours I grew up with into the Rockpool kitchen and show how they sit alongside Australia’s best beef,” says executive chef Santiago Aristizabal. “I spent time eating my way around South America last year – markets, street food, family restaurants, everything – and those experiences shaped the way each course has been put together. It’s a way for us to draw on those Sou

It's been almost three years since Ed Sheeran serenaded crowds of 110,000 and 108,000 people over two epic nights at the MCG in March 2023, and now he's back in Melbourne and ready to rock Marvel Stadium.  As one of the best-selling music artists of all time (not to mention everyone's favourite wedding first dance artist), Sheeran has already performed in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney as part of his Loop Tour – and from what we've heard, he does not disappoint. Expect to hear hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’, as well as songs off his brand new album Play. Excited? You bet we are. If you're heading to see Ed Sheeran in Melbourne, here’s everything you need to know... When is Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in Melbourne? Sheeran is taking over Marvel Stadium for three massive shows on Thursday, February 26; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28. How to get to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne concerts Marvel Stadium is right next door to Southern Cross Station, so public transport is by far the best option to get to the concert. Simply walk over the convenient footbridge to get from the platforms to the stadium entrance. For info on how to plan your public transport journey, head over here.  What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage? Gates open at 4pm, and Sheeran is expected to begin by around 8pm. The support acts will kick off around 5.15pm (more on that below). What can I bring to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne shows? There are specific rules for what you can an

Call me biased, but I reckon NSW is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. From Raes on Wategos to the Hunter Valley’s EXP and Sydney favourites like Quay, Saint Peter and Margaret, the state’s dining scene is hotter than the CBD in January. There’s one spot on NSW’s laid-back, sandy-footed south coast that’s been on my hit list for years: Rick Stein at Bannisters, a restaurant by British chef, TV star and author Rick Stein, housed in the five-star Bannisters by the Sea. (OK, yes, I’ve also dreamed about diving into that azure infinity pool, too.) Photograph: Supplied | Bannisters by the Sea When the world-famous seafood restaurant opened in 2009, it was Stein's first venture outside of the UK. Now, Stein, alongside his Aussie wife Sarah Stein, has 11 venues, including Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens. Excitingly, there’s another at our fingertips, with Rick Stein at Coogee Beach opening inside the beachfront InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach this December. I thought there was no better time to experience the OG. Safe to say my expectations were high. Photograph: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach After spending the day by the pool and deep in Sally Hepworth’s latest page-turner, we headed to dinner, the gum trees glowing gold in the sunset and the smell of sea salt in the breeze. We were warmly welcomed by the team before kicking things off with a Ginger Fusion – a cooling and balanced cocktail with notes of cucumber, ginger, grapefruit and lime – alongside pris