Avril Treasure

Leafy and buzzing Surry Hills might just be the neighbourhood with the very best of what this city has to offer in terms of eating and drinking. Whether it’s homestyle, hole-in-the-wall Korean or an all-out chef’s menu from a kitchen with nothing but open flames, each and every price point and palate is catered to on these streets, from the fringe of the city down to the bottom of Crown. Time Out Sydney's editors and local food writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have chosen their favourite picks from the 2010 postcode. Go forth and eat well.  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. Feel like a drink? These are the best bars in Surry Hills. After a bargain? Check out Sydney’s best cheap eats

Ramen, more than any other soup, will divide people. Are you after an opaque tonkotsu or a brighter chicken shoyu broth? Firm hand-cut noodles or soft squiggly noodles? Do you add in some intense black garlic or keep it simple? Would you like your chasu extra fatty or thinly sliced and lean? Each ramen house will have its own distinctive broth, but toppings (mushrooms, eggs, seaweed, bamboo and corn) and seasonings (soy, miso, salt) let you cater to your own tastes. Need a winter challenge? Find your favourite ramen in Sydney the old-fashioned way – try them all. We did, and regret nothing except that we now need to buy bigger jeans. 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? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in town.

How good is the springtime weather? If you feel like going for your first dip of the season, our guide to Sydney's best beaches is a great place to start – I went last weekend, and the water is fresh and invigorating. Or enjoy the beautiful outdoors with these fab hikes, and pick up a few treats at their joyous markets. Sydney Fringe is on right now, and runs for the whole of September – there are 460 events featuring 3,000 artists, so if you're keen to get out of the house and watch anything from comedy to theatre, dance, and burlesque, you’re in for a treat. My pick is the dazzling Burlesque with Evana De Lune, running only this week. While we’re here, check out our guide to the best shows on right now – STC’s The Talented Mr. Ripley is my pick. Sydney Design Week is happening right now and runs until September 24. Spearheaded by Powerhouse, with events popping up all over the city – including Western Sydney – it celebrates innovation, creativity and community-driven design, with plenty of talks sure to leave you inspired. Hungry? Work your way through our guide to the best affordable eats, and if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, here’s our guide to Sydney’s best restaurants. Do you love Negronis? Same. Good news – it’s Negroni Month at YCK Laneways. The independently operated small bars, restaurants and creative spaces spanning York, Clarence, and Kent Streets will be serving the classics all month long, along with two riffs on the beloved bittersweet cocktail. O

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 sky-high tower with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an intimate 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 Hotels 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 for a

Do you possess freakishly accurate knowledge of the Simpsons oeuvre? Do you know your Australian cricket captains better than you know your own uncles? Are you totally up to date on current affairs and '90s pop culture? Use all the weird, wonderful and utterly useless facts in your arsenal to win cash, booze and glory at one of Sydney's best pub trivia nights, where knowledge really is power. The Time Out team has hit the streets (and the pubs) to bring you our guide to the best pub trivia nights in Sydney, where good times and random facts reign supreme. Round up your gang and may the best team win. 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. Like drinking up high? These are Sydney's best rooftop bars. And for something closer to sea level these are our favourite beer gardens in Sydney.

I’m not saying we should live for the weekend – but then again, how good are weekends? You know what else is good? Yum cha on a Sunday – here are our favourite ones. Fan of drone shows? You’re in luck. Two dazzling weekly drone shows will light up Sydney Harbour every Saturday evening throughout September. Get down there early for 7.30pm or 9.30pm – and sorry in advance if you end up with a sore neck. Plus, it's free. Wanna see a show this weekend? Good news: Sydney Fringe is here with an epic line-up of boundary-pushing entertainment and good old-fashioned fun. You can check out our top picks – but don’t stop there, as there are more than 460 events and shows to see. Ready for your first swim of the season? Choose from one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. After, head to one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars for a Spritz in the sun. Speaking of drinks, this September is Negroni Month at YCK Laneways. The independently operated small bars, restaurants and creative spaces spanning York, Clarence and Kent Streets will be serving the classics all month long, along with two riffs on the beloved bittersweet cocktail. On top of ace Negronis, expect burlesque performances, live music and master classes. And if you want more boozy fun, you can check out Sydney's best bars here as well as the best clubs here. Scroll on for other fun things to do this weekend. Hope you have a blast. Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney. Looking for we

The Greek Islands are heaven on earth, and Athens is one of the world’s greatest cities. But if a holiday in the Mediterranean isn’t on the horizon, Sydney’s top Greek restaurants will help fill the dolmade-shaped hole in your heart. Time Out Sydney’s food writers and editors, including Editor Avril Treasure (who has a Big Fat Crush on Milos), have rounded up the best Greek restaurants in town. So, how did we narrow down the list? Well, below you’ll find everything from Sydney stalwart The Apollo (and its much-loved saganaki and slow-roasted lamb shoulder) to an old-school gyros joint where you can smash grilled Greek pita bread jammed with crisp, fatty pork bits. But they all had two things in common: they’re delicious and sing the flavours of Greece. 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. If you're working on a budget try one of the best cheap eats in Sydney.  After Italian? Here's our guide to the tastiest Italian restaurants in Sydney. Keep eating at the absolute best restaurants in Sydney.

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.

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros? In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. 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.

Spring 2025 update: I’m bloody stoked spring is here – and I bet you are too. Other than ocean dips, one of my favourite things to do is eat. And if you’re the same, you’ve come to the right place. From date-night spots to restaurants for special family lunches, you’ll find Sydney’s best 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. 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: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Is there a better way to start the day than a torrent of fluffy pork buns, sea-sweet prawn har gow, chewy siu mai, slippery cheong fun, silken tofu, hearty beef tendon, braised chicken feet, tropical mango pancakes and canary-yellow custard tarts? We don't think so. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their fair share of the city's yum cha (and then some). Below, you'll find our list of the best spots in Sydney to relish this morning ritual. So, bring your strongest hangovers, a whole bunch of mates and an appetite for destruction and gallons of tea. 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. Love Chinese food? Us too. These are the best Chinese restaurants in town. Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Sydney

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. 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. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

I’ve recently returned from my first-ever trip to Japan, and, like the rest of Australia, am now obsessed. The bright flavour of dashi, chew of udon and crunch of tonkatsu! Shiny white Shinkansens! 7-Eleven’s soft-sweet egg sambos! Vending-machine ramen! The pulsating late-night energy! Sake! You get the gist. I’ve written about how Jetstar offers business class flights to the Land of the Rising Sun (complete with free-flowing bubbles, super comfy seats and top-notch meals) at a fraction of the cost of other airlines. I’ve covered the Very Exciting News that Time Out has launched the first-ever market in Asia Pacific, aptly called Time Out Market Osaka – which brings together the city’s top chefs and restaurants under the one roof. And, I’ve covered the best things to see and do in Osaka. But, if you're heading to Osaka, also known as Japan’s kitchen (and I really recommend that you do so), where should you stay? I’m so glad you asked. I spent three nights at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, and can truthfully say it’s one of the best hotels I’ve been to. Here’s everything you need to know. Why stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda? Welcoming guests from September 2024, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is the first hotel of the brand to open in Asia outside of China. The five-star hotel is inspired by Osaka’s cultural heritage and vibrant, eclectic energy, with playful local art and motifs featured throughout. Expect Hilton’s signature hospitality and premium offering, delivered with

August 2025 update: Three things are front and center at Bar Copains, the eternally pumping wine bar on the corner of Albion Street in Surry Hills. And those are extremely delicious plates of food, a strong wine list and all-round good times. Sure, it’s hard to get a seat, but if you do, those crisp nuggets of shredded pork topped with a zingy sauce gribiche and pickles will make all the effort worthwhile. I mean, I love Bar Copains so much I came here on my most recent birthday. Make sure you also check out its sibling venues Bessie's and Vin-Cenzo's. But come here first. Read on for our review of Bar Copains  ***** ✍️ 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. It’s about as difficult to define 'cool' as it is to pin the tail on the donkey blindfolded after a coupla Negronis. Crocs were not but now they are; laughing emojis are (apparently) not; and even the humble burrata looks like it’s on its way out (RIP). If it’s difficult to define, it’s even more challenging to manufacture, as the action of trying to be cool is very much uncool. When you see cool, you just know. And that’s exactly what will happen if you stroll into Bar Copains, Surry Hills’ new friendly neighbourhood wine bar. 'Copains' means 'friends' in French, which is an apt name for this gem by longtime mates and chefs Morgan McGlone (culin

✍️ 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. In case you were wondering, the bros behind ‘Pizza Bros’ are actually real-life brothers, Joey Pepperoni and Marty McFly. And I’m not joking about their names, either – they got them legally changed to live and breathe the dream. The bros have worked at a bunch of top Sydney pizza joints – including Bella Brutta, Gigi’s and The Dolphin Hotel – before starting Pizza Bros as a pizza truck in 2019. Their first bricks-and-mortar venue opened on the rooftop of The Imperial Erskineville at the end of 2023 – and I say: long may the good times (and slices) continue. The vibe By 6pm on a Saturday, every table at Pizza Bros is pretty much full, plus there’s a bunch of people hanging by the bar knocking back Spritzes and ales and just basically having a whale of a time. Under the red-and-white striped awning at the back of the space is where the magic happens. You’ll see the chefs cooking the pizzas in that bedazzled gold wood-fired oven – a wink to their home in the fabulously queer safe space, The Imperial Erskineville. It’s a pretty casual, laid-back affair, and that includes the service, with ordering done by QR code, and you head up to the bar to get your table water. It feels like a pizza party at your friend-of-a-friend’s house where (mostly) anything goes. The f

Tuesday nights get a bad rap – and fair enough. Mondays hold the promise of the week, and Wednesdays get that hump-day energy hit. But Tuesdays? They can feel a bit meh. Not in the Inner West, though – because once a month on a Tuesday, the Enmore Comedy Club goes down at the Enmore Theatre, and it’s about as much fun as $25 can get you. Held in an intimate space inside the iconic entertainment venue, the Enmore Comedy Club features a rotating line-up of six or so comedians – usually a mix of local Sydney talent, joke-slingers from across the country, and even the odd big-name international act. We love so many things about this night, like how you can watch fab comedians and have a good ol’ belly laugh for less than the price of a pub meal. We also dig that every ticket comes with a complimentary boozy drink. And the show’s super fast-paced, so you don’t have to worry about committing to a full hour of just one comic. It’s an excellent date idea – and we know because we’ve done it a bunch of times. You get to see if your sense of humour aligns, enjoy a drink or two and support the arts? How good. It’s also a fun and cheap night out with your mates – and something a little different from the usual dinner catch-up (though we love those too – and with Enmore and Newtown right there, you’ve got some of Sydney’s best restaurants at your fingertips). This is one of our fave ways to spend a Tuesday night in Sydney – get around it. Get your tickets here. Weather not looking so hot?

Opened in 2007 by restaurateur Javed Khan, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi has been bringing the flavours, spice and soul of India to Newtown for more than 18 years – an incredible feat in the world of Sydney hospitality. Khan says he is just as excited today as he was when he first opened. There are lots of things to like about this sun-lit restaurant on Erskineville Road, including its modern takes on traditional family recipes. Take the goat aloo, for example. Slow-cooked tender goat comes with a fragrant and aromatic curry that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a dish Khan remembers his late mother making for his eight siblings and himself growing up, and it's one he now serves to his guests with pride. The excellent butter chicken is another reason to swing on down. Not as sickly sweet as some you may find elsewhere, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi’s version sees tandoor-roasted thigh fillets bathed in a creamy, tomatoey sauce flavoured with fenugreek leaves and topped with melted Pepe Saya butter. There’s a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and a set menu for $60 per person (minimum four guests). Bring a big group and get stuck into Delhi 'O' Delhi’s signature lamb dish, featuring a whole leg of lamb infused with cinnamon and marinated in spices for a day. It’s then slow-cooked in a clay oven so it’s fall-apart tender and big on flavour (you do need to give the team 48 hours’ notice though). The dining room is both elegant and old-school, with white tablecloths, jet-black furnit

July 2025 update: Lottie, the Mexican rooftop restaurant perched atop Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane, has a new chef leading the charge. Joe Valero, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico – and was previously loading corn tortillas with delicious toppings at Potts Point’s hit Tacos Tacos Tacos – says, “Lottie's menu is inspired by the flavours I grew up with, but reinterpreted through the way I cook now – it’s layered and always evolving.” Expect creative dishes with bold Mexican flavours, such as kangaroo tail sope with fermented potato and Mexican chillies; ocean trout tostada with habanero, mandarin, Mexican furikake and avocado; celeriac al pastor with pickled and roasted pineapple and  guacachile; and goat barbacoa served with consommé, miso black beans, charred salsa and pickled eschallot. We’re big fans of the corn tortillas, which are made in-house using masa imported from Mexico – and taste like the real deal. We also love that the entire menu is 100 per cent gluten free (tell your friends!). Plus, there’s a $55 set menu available for Thursday and Friday lunches – perfect for your next catch-up during a school day. And those smashable cocktails remain (order the Paloma – we reckon it’s one of the best in Sydney). Read on for our original write-up in January  ***** Say hola to Lottie, a sun-drenched rooftop Mexican restaurant, now open atop the soon-to-launch Redfern hotel, The Eve. The 107-seat open-air diner is the latest from the Liquid & Larder crew – the team behind The

How good are road trips? Here’s another one for you. Round up the gang – a brand-new food, wine and music festival is going down this October at Bowral’s ridiculously pretty Centennial Vineyards. And the best bit? It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney – making Horizontal Festival perfect for a weekend getaway. The Southern Highlands’ best producers, distillers, creators, artists, DJs and more will be out in full force for a killer two-day celebration of food, wine, art, music and culture, all surrounded by ’gram-worthy vines. The festival will be broken up into different sensory zones – so you can wander, sip, snack, dance and experience as you please. There’s the ‘Sparkling Bar’ featuring classical music, freshly shucked oysters, truffles and sparkling vino. Other highlights include the ‘Cheese Den’, where you can feast on sweet, salty, hard and soft fromage; the ‘Hops Garden and Concert Stage’, where you’ll go for a boogie (with headliners to be announced soon), burgers and local drops; and the ‘Barrel Room’ – a red wine haven with jazz and New Orleans energy. Plus loads more. RELATED READ: Old-world charm meets a breath of fresh country air at this Bowral stay. Horizontal Festival is going down on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. Day sessions run from noon to 4pm, while evening sessions take place from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost $59 per person and include entry to the festival, all musical acts, wine and cheese tastings, a take-home festival glass and other

✍️ 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. There are a lot of beautiful dining rooms in Sydney – the kind that, when you step inside, whisk you away to another world; where thoughts of to-do lists and Everest-like piles of laundry melt away like lemon granita under the Amalfi sun. Bennelong, tucked within the city’s white sails, is one of them. So too is the coastal kitsch of Sean’s in Bondi. Osteria Mucca, a charming trattoria from the Continental Deli crew that opened in April this year, is another such room. Found on Newtown’s happening Australia Street, the 50-seat Italian restaurant had a past life as a butcher. Those 114-year-old forest-green-and-white tiles on the walls are the originals. Candles flicker on top of white tablecloths, Art Deco-style vintage lights hang from the ceiling – creating the perfect dinner-date glow – and vintage plates jazz up the walls. This is the work of Sarah Doyle, co-owner and creative director of Paisano & Daughters, who has a knack for creating venues with their own soul. (It just takes one peep into siblings and neighbours – eclectic fisherman’s den Mister Grotto, honey-hued plant celebration Flora, and Continental Deli with its big Euro energy – to fully appreciate her talent.) The room feels like an occasion, so we bypass the Limoncello Spritz and Mucca Marti

I’ve just stepped off a humid, tree-lined street in Tokyo and into what can only be described as a luxurious and calming sanctuary. But I’m not talking about an onsen – this is The Tokyo Edition, a stylish five-star hotel in the heart of fashionable Ginza. I’m welcomed by at least five staff. Within seconds, I hear a “pop” and a flute of Champagne is offered to me; my bags are whisked away to my room. It’s perhaps the most dazzling lobby I’ve ever stepped into – all plush white couches, a dramatic staircase and warm, shimmering light – and the warmest welcome. This will do me just fine. Why stay at The Tokyo Edition? Sleek, chic and fit for the Japanese Imperial Family, The Tokyo Edition ticks all three boxes: location, comfort and aesthetics – making it the perfect base for your next Tokyo stay. Spearheaded by visionary hotelier Ian Schrager and renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it’s the second Edition hotel to open in Tokyo, joining The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon. This five-star hotel blends minimalist Japanese design with fresh, cool New York flair – and looks like it could’ve been plucked straight from the world of Gossip Girl – Tokyo Edition. The Tokyo Edition, Ginza is located just off Chuo Street, right in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s fashion district and seconds from luxury boutiques (hello, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Chanel), galleries and Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as cracking ramen spots (Tsujita is my pick). Adventuring around one of the world’s

Smash burgers get their name from how they’re cooked. Beef patties are smashed onto a blazing hot grill and sizzled until golden brown. The outside ends up with a crisp, caramelised lace-like crust – the best bit about a smash burger. Eat at ROBs, located in the front window of Darling Street Meats butchery in Rozelle, specialises in Oklahoma-style smash burgers. And you're gonna wanna try them. Eat at ROBs (short for Rozelle’s Original Burger) was born when owner Michael Carter returned home from travelling and found a lack of good smash burger options. What began as a market stall has now grown into a burger shop with many loyal fans (including us). The menu is short and simple. Choose from a grilled chicken or a smashed burger, featuring 100 per cent grass-fed beef, caramelised onion and melted cheese on a Martin’s Potato Roll that are soft, squishy and a little bit sweet. A single cheeseburger will set you back $10.50; make it a double for $12.50, or go all out and order the combo, which comes with chips and your choice of soft drink. There are also off-menu items, like the Aussie burger, the Big Rob and loaded fries – just ask. Extra toppings, like lettuce, tomato, pickles, guac, beetroot, bacon and more, are available starting at just $1. And there’s a bunch of sauces to choose from, like ROBs mayo, tomato sauce, smoky barbecue, garlic aioli and spicy ROBs. But if it’s your first time, we reckon you should start with the classic and add pickles, lettuce and ROBs sauce.

✍️ 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 spent five weeks travelling around Mexico in 2019 – diving into blue-jewelled cenotes, lazily sipping smoky mezcal over card games, and gawking at ancient ruins. But mostly I was eating tacos (plus tamales, chilaquiles and tostadas) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I fell in love with the warm corn tortillas loaded with charred beef or spice-rich chorizo, paired with crunchy white onion, fresh coriander, creamy avo and zingy lime. Or spit-roasted pork with hunks of juicy, sweet pineapple. And crisp, golden, sweet-tasting battered fish with pico de gallo. You get my gist. The tacos I had at El Taco Grill – a food truck parked at Marrickville Metro, just outside the hustle and bustle, among grocery-shoppers and admin-doers – took me back to the streets of Mexico City quicker than I could say: muy bien! The vibe El Taco Grill is a new Mexican food truck by cousins Edson Dominguez Tapia and Miguel Seynos, who hail from Puebla — an incredibly vibrant city southeast of Mexico City, framed by views of Popocatépetl volcano and the birthplace of mole poblano. First firing up the grill this April, it’s located outside Marrickville Metro – a shopping and dining hub in the Inner West – under a big leafy tree, and there’s a handful of makeshift wooden crates to sit on.

Café by day and charming bistro by night, Bitton has been offering Sydneysiders a taste of France for 25 years. Loved for its friendly community vibe, warm service and delicious food, must-orders include the tableside beef tartare; the Bitton croque monsieur with ham, Gruyère cheese, Mornay sauce and Bitton’s tarragon mustard; and the cheesy French onion soup – which Time Out’s Winne Stubbs calls “perfection”. Chef-owner David Bitton also creates a bunch of beautiful products to take home – including chutneys, tapanedes, oils, spies and jam – that are perfect for the condiment fiends among us. You'll find the OG Bitton in Alexandria, with a second venue found in the heart of Rose Bay. 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: Check out our guide to the best cafés in Sydney right now. Get around our guide to the top wine bars in Sydney

Forget cooling your jets – Sydney Airport is set to undergo its biggest expansion since the 2000 Olympics, 25 years ago. The ambitious plans will see the creation of a brand-new terminal connecting the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, along with 12 additional gates, forming a single mega-hub for domestic and international passengers. A further two gates are planned at the T1 international terminal. RELATED READ: Sydney Airport’s T2 terminal is getting a major $200-million upgrade As well as improving connectivity, Sydney Airport’s expansion plans aim to meet growing demand – the airport has predicted a 75 per cent increase in passengers by 2045, taking it to 72 million annually. For context, London’s Heathrow Airport is on track to welcome 84 million passengers this year. Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, said the expanded airport will unlock greater capacity for all terminals, make more efficient use of the runways, and get passengers from the ground into the air more quickly. Holidays, here we come. RELATED READ: Sydney Airport's T3 domestic terminal has just dropped details of its new foodie line-up Construction is slated to commence in late 2027, but the exact completion date for the entire project has not been finalised. The announcement comes as Western Sydney International Airport, located in the suburbs of Luddenham and Badgerys Creek, prepares to welcome its first flyers next year. “We know [Western Sydney International Airport] is going to capture a certain share of

Have you ever been ripped off by a cab from the airport? Me too. Well, good news – the New South Wales Government is finally introducing a $60 fixed fare from the airport to the CBD, starting November 3. The flat rate aims to crack down on dodgy taxi practices – including overcharging and refusing to use a metre – that leave a sour taste in both tourists’ and locals’ mouths. First-time visitors to Sydney are usually the prime targets, with the NSW Point to Point Commission frequently receiving complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of arrivals, such as fares exceeding $150 for the 13-kilometre trip. More than 1,100 fines have been issued to taxi drivers since the introduction of the Taxi Fare Hotline in November 2022. Earlier this year, a Sydney cabbie copped a $2,000 for refusing to use the metre and charging a holiday-going family $188.76 from the airport to the CBD. Yikes. RELATED READ: Sydney Airport’s T2 terminal is getting a major $200-million upgrade Time Out’s Editor in Chief Alice Ellis has also fallen victim to questionable taxi prices. "I live in Marrickville (only 6 km from Sydney Airport), so any time I used to catch a cab from the airport, the driver would spend the whole trip telling me my fare wasn't worth their time and that I'd need to pay extra. I felt intimidated a number of times before I swore off ever opting for the convenience of jumping in a cab from the airport again. I now only catch Ubers." Photograph: Evy Prentice via Unsplash Minister for

Neil Perry’s legendary American Cheeseburger at Next Door, the sibling venue to his flash fine diner Margaret, is officially the best burger in Australia, according to The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, an internationally renowned publisher. I’ve had the burger before and can agree it’s bloody delicious – so much so it’s been a fixture on Time Out Sydney’s best burger list for yonks. When asked about the secret to creating one of the world's best burgers, Perry had one clear answer: “Only the best ingredients.” “For the cheeseburger at Next Door, we take CopperTree Farms’ beef – a mix of brisket and chuck – grind it daily and hand-form the perfect 160g patty, cook it to medium, and serve it with melted American cheese, rose mayo (spiked with umami and tomato sauce), onion and pickles in a milk bun, with the option to add fresh chilli and bacon,” he adds. At $25, it’s not the cheapest burger in Sydney, but the quality of the produce and ingredients, perfect balance of flavours and bang-on seasoning are what make this burger a banger.  Photograph: Supplied The World’s 25 Best Burgers list, by The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, celebrates excellence in food across the globe, spanning delicious burgers from Europe to Asia, the Americas and Australia – from street food to riffs on the classics. Hundred Burgers in Valencia took home the top gong for the world’s best burger, made with 100 per cent Spanish meat. In second place was London’s Bleecker Burger, followed by B

As a kid, my friend and I used to head to our local milk bar, our pockets jingling with our pocket money – a couple of $2 coins – and return home with what felt like a mountain of lollies (Pythons, Warheads, red frogs) – plus change. These days, $2 won’t get you much in Sydney, except maybe a Woolies paper bag. This is all to say, sh*t's expensive – and this includes our favourite morning friend: coffee. But there’s one Sydney café where you can get your hands on a $2 coffee – and the best bit? The price isn’t going anywhere. Phew. RELATED READ: These are the best cheap eats in Sydney right now Family-owned Genovese Coffee House, housed in a light-filled warehouse on Alexandria’s Lawrence Street, sells $2 espressos and macchiatos – about half the price of most other Sydney spots. The piping-hot shot of perfectly bitter coffee is served to guests standing up, just like in Italy, and arrives on a silver platter with water and cold milk. As well as being affordable, it helps on an environmental level too, cutting back on takeaway cups and waste. If you want to sit down, it’ll set you back $3.50 Photograph: Supplied/Genovese Coffee House Over the last few years, global coffee prices have been steadily increasing, thanks to a myriad of reasons – including higher-than-usual rainfall followed by drought in places like Brazil, which has driven up the cost of coffee beans, as well as rising production costs like rent, wages and takeaway cups. A few years ago, you could snag a cappu

Devo Vivid’s drone show was scrapped this year? You’re in luck. Australia’s first weekly drone show is happening all September, with a dazzling 10-minute spectacle over Sydney Harbour. RELATED READ: These are the best cheap eats in Sydney right now. Kicking off at 7.30pm from Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour, each show will feature a vibrant, fun and spring-themed performance – making it a cracking option for a night out with family, friends, or a date. Shows run every Saturday night throughout September – and they’re free to enjoy. As well as the 7.30pm show, there's one at 9.30pm – so choose your fighter. Photograph: Supplied The sparkly initiative is brought to life by Aura Drone Shows in partnership with Placemaking NSW, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Square, King Street Wharf, New Sydney Waterfront, Novotel Darling Harbour, The W Hotel and Platinum Restaurant Group. Go team.  Photograph: Adam Scarf Be sure to arrive early – it's going to be busy in Darling Harbour. Public transport is recommended with Town Hall and Central stations just a short walk away.  It’s (nearly) time to look up! Sorry in advance to those with a sore neck. Time Out tip: Looking for somewhere to eat before the show? Malaysian eatery Mamak and Indonesian go-to Medan Ciak would be my picks. Or head to Darling Quarter for a bunch of options. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best things to do in Sy

From a classic mince pie doused with tom sauce after hitting the surf to a piping-hot pie from the servo on a road trip, pies are a near-perfect meal. And we’ve got some cracking ones in Australia – so it’s a bloody tough task to find the country’s best. Luckily, there’s a competition dedicated to doing just that. Now in its 36th year, The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition – Australia’s largest and longest-running contest for pies, sausage rolls and pasties – has crowned its 2025 winners. This year’s competition was fierce (and flaky), with hundreds of bakeries nationwide vying for a share of $50,000 in prizes and the ultimate bragging rights to Australia’s best pie. So, what exactly makes a “good pie”? According to chief judge Mike French, it comes down to several key criteria: “a base that is two to three millimetres thick with a nice even cooked-through bake. Good lamination on the lid with natural colour. Filling that doesn’t run, is stable and has good sensory appeal (taste, smell, texture and aftertaste).” Across three days of competition, all pies are judged anonymously by a panel of industry experts against a set of criteria: general appearance (shape, even colour), size (single-serve lunch pie), filling (meat quality, flavour, colour and texture) and pastry (a visual flake, colour and eating quality). Excitingly, The Piefather took home silver in this year’s awards for Australia’s best plain pie with its beef creation. The medal-winning pie features beef mince wi

Greek food is having its well-deserved blue-and-white-tinged moment in the sun in Sydney, thanks to a slew of recent big restaurant openings including Olympus, Ammos, Homer Rogue Taverna and Olympic Meats, joining staples like Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant. Now, there’s a new addition to the olive oil-laced line-up, and, thanks to its beautiful beachside location, it may be the closest thing you can get to experiencing a taste of the Greek Islands right here. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Found inside Bondi Promenade, smack-bang on Bondi’s sand, Etheus is the latest venture from House Made Hospitality (also Island Radio, Apollonia, Grana). The sun-lit restaurant, which has taken over the former Promenade dining room, serves up Greek favourites, led by executive chef Chris Benedet (ex-Cirrus, Yellow, Monopole) and head chef Stav Stavrou. Kick things off with warm oregano-flecked pita alongside nutty fava dip with zippy pickled onions, and creamy taramasalata with pops of Aperol-coloured roe. The saganaki sees kefalograviera – a type of Greek hard cheese – grilled, melted and perfumed with ouzo, honey and oregano. Sheftalies feature Cyprus-style pork sausages from Brighton-Le-Sands’ The Souvlaki Shop cooked over charcoal and served with cooling tzatziki. Other menu highlights include king prawns bathed in a rich tomato sauce with feta and orange; bronzed roast chicken lathered in a tomato butter balanced with a lemon herb yoghurt; and, of course, braised l

Great news for book lovers, nature enthusiasts and culture frothers: the State Library of NSW’s dreary forecourt is set to be completely revitalised, thanks to the government’s $27 million proposal, now given the green light by the City of Sydney. The forecourt, found at the front of the oldest continuously operating library in Australia, will be transformed into a 3,000-square-metre public and vibrant domain – doubling its current size – complete with native trees and plants, a lush grassy plaza and improved pedestrian access. With added seating, lighting and a new kiosk, the new space will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 people for cultural and community events. This comes as the State Library of NSW, founded in 1826, prepares to celebrate its bicentenary in 2026. Talk about a birthday present. Photograph: Supplied/NSW Government The revitalisation is part of the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a lively arts and culture destination while paying respect to the precinct’s history, for both locals and visitors. RELATED READ: Love to read? These are the best libraries in Sydney As well as a reimagined plaza, the plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers, as well as improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain, creating a vibrant inner-city hub. Minister for the Arts John Graham said: “For almost 200 years the State Library has been a

Obviously, here at Time Out, we think Sydney is one of the world’s greatest cities (the beaches! the diversity! the delicious restaurants! the Opera House! etc). But we get it – the slow-paced life does seem appealing, and it’s normal to feel ‘the itch’: that restless urge to leave the familiar behind in search of a fresh start. If you’re ready to scratch that itch, new data reveals exactly where Aussies are relocating to – including three places in New South Wales – plus the regions people are leaving most. The removalist experts at Muval recently dropped their annual migration trends index, combining data from 400,000 moving enquiries with a nationwide survey of 2,000 Aussies. While demand for home removalists has dipped 22 per cent over the past five years, one trend remains rock solid: more Australians are swapping the city hustle for the slower pace of regional life. RELATED READ: This beautiful coastal NSW gem is one of Australia’s top tourism towns for 2025 Rising living costs and sky-high housing prices are undoubtedly the main drivers behind Australia’s current internal migration trends, with more Aussies chasing space, affordability and a more relaxed way of life that most regional areas provide. So, where’s everyone moving? South Australia’s South East – also known as the Limestone Coast, home to Mount Gambier, Robe and Coonawarra – leads with the highest inbound-to-outbound ratio of 1.59. In other words, for every 100 people leaving, almost 160 are moving in. Pho

It’s no secret that retail businesses across Sydney and the country are doing it tough, thanks to a challenging economic climate and the rise of online shopping (guilty). In 2025, a bunch of household names have closed physical stores across the country, from Rivers and Millers to Ally Fashion, Jeanswest and SurfStitch. Now, Country Road has joined the list. Founded in 1974, this beloved Aussie lifestyle brand is known for its farmhouse-chic vibes, comfy knits and those tote bags synonymous with the late 2000s, along with its sleek homewares sold under its sister brand Trenery. Country Road currently has 653 stores across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. But after a significant slump in sales, the lifestyle brand is preparing to close its first batch of stores, including a longstanding flagship store in Sydney’s CBD. Why is Country Road shutting stores? Sales across the Country Road portfolio declined by 6.2 per cent in the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, followed by a further 8 per cent drop in the 26 weeks to December 29. Meanwhile, operating profits also took a major hit, plummeting by a major 71.7 per cent to just $14.2 million.  Which Country Road stores are closing? For now, Sydney is the only city impacted by the store closures. In an attempt to minimise costs, Country Road will close down one of its longstanding flagship stores inside the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD. Additionally, its Pitt Street Mall store is set to close in 2028 when the lea

Koalas, one of Australia’s cutest animals (sorry, ’roos), are sadly under threat. Without action, these eucalyptus-munching marsupials could be extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050. To prevent this, the government is delivering on its election promise to establish the Great Koala National Park. Photograph: The Great Koala National Park The sanctuary will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and link with existing national parks, including Bellinger River National Park, creating a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in NSW and Australia. Alongside koalas, the lush area will protect 36,000 greater gliders and provide habitat for more than 100 other threatened species. Not everyone is happy, though. Timber harvesting within the proposed boundary has been temporarily stopped, affecting six of more than 25 timber mills and around 300 jobs. Support packages are available for workers, including JobKeeper-style payments, free mental health, financial and legal counselling and training assistance. The government has also committed an extra $6 million to support local communities and small businesses on the mid-north coast. Premier Chris Minns said: “Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around. We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.” Photograph: Martin Smith An additional $60 million has been announced f

Cinephiles, get ready: Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, celebrating homegrown talent for more than three decades, is returning to Sydney this summer after a six-year break. The Aussie-born festival, started by John Polson in 1993 with a screening for 200 people at Tropicana Caffé in Darlinghurst, will return to its roots with filmmakers challenged to create a brand-new short, seven-minute-or-less film. Each entry must feature the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) – and this year’s TSI is an Hourglass. Finalists will be selected from hundreds of entries and will have their world premiere at the free live event on Sunday, February 22, where winners will be announced – and everyone’s invited. Photograph: Vincenzo Amato Speaking on the return of Tropfest, renowned American filmmaker Martin Scorsese said, “For more than 30 years, Tropfest has been finding, discovering, launching new voices, and really being able to offer filmmakers a level playing field. Short films are where so many of us begin. That’s where you get to take risks, try different things… and importantly, tell the stories you want to tell.” RELATED READ: These two Sydney theatres have cracked the list of world’s 50 most beautiful cinemas Since its inception, Tropfest has kickstarted the careers of hundreds of filmmakers, staging 29 main events in Sydney as well as international events in the USA, China, Africa, South East Asia, Japan, New Zealand and more. Big-name stars including Nicole Kidman, Cate