Avril (she/her) grew up reading food reviews before school. She learnt about balancing flavours during cooking classes in Indonesia with her mum, dived into the importance of heritage on food tours in Hawaii, and fell in love with fine dining after going to Aria at 15. No two meals were ever the same in the Treasure household, and some of her most special memories are with her loved ones are around a table laughing, eating (probably too much salt and butter) and drinking (anything, though she loves a Negroni).

Avril studied media and communications at the University of Notre Dame Sydney and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism. She’s been a freelance lifestyle writer for a decade, writing for the likes of Broadsheet, Concrete Playground, Delicious, Urban List NZ, and the Saturday Telegraph’s At Home magazine on food and drink, travel, culture and gardening. Avril also had a brief stint in food PR, has lived in New Zealand and travelled to every continent bar Antarctica (though, it’s on the list).

Throughout uni and her freelancing days, Avril worked in hospitality here in Sydney for close to eight years, from waitressing to hosting, enduring many a (hungover) 12-hour shift. Her respect and appreciation for chefs, as well as the front and back of house, was cemented during this time, and her love of wining and dining, grew.

Avril joined Time Out Sydney in August 2022 in the Creative Solutions team, became the Food & Drink Writer in March 2023, and the Food & Drink Editor in January 2024. In her role, Avril eats and drinks her way throughout Sydney to inspire people to get out, explore and eat and drink well. Because life’s too short for lacklustre meals. She has never loved a job more. And she probably still eats too much salt and butter.

Avril Treasure

Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney

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Articles (272)

The 25 best luxury hotels in Australia right now

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, choosing where to stay can be a bit of a challenge. That's where we come in – our expert travel writers have slept their way across every state and territory to bring you the ultimate list of Australia's best hotels. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our top picks for a luxury stay in Australia right now. ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 All the best places to visit in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The best new restaurants in Sydney

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

The 72 best cheap eats in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: Life in Sydney is fun and fabulous, but it can also be expensive. The good news is you can dine out affordably if you know where to look. Keep this guide handy next time your friends suggest a catch-up. As for me, I’ll be hitting up old-school Italian spot Bill & Toni's, Emma’s Snack Bar (found in my new ’hood, Enmore), and for banging tacos, I’m heading to Mami’s in Bondi. Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this list, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. These are the ones well worth their salt. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

The best late-night food in Sydney

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

The best French restaurants in Sydney

France – the home of love, day drinking, red berets and impossibly stylish people. It’s also home to fine French fare: everything from soft cheeses and fresh baguettes to bouillabaisse bursting with the flavour of the sea. When your annual leave is all dried up, Francophiles can get their fix at one of Sydney’s many excellent French restaurants. Here are the best places to dine on French cuisine, from steak frites to silky crème brûlées, so you can feel oh-so French any day of the week. 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. While you're here, check out: These are the best Italian restaurants in Sydney Here's where to find the tastiest Greek food in Sydney Quench your thirst with our list of the best bars in the city

The 30 best restaurants in Australia right now

April 2025: Since our last update, we've added up-to-date opening hours, addresses and how much you should expect to pay at each spot, along with our top tip for each restaurant to ensure you have the best dining experience. What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia, we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 34-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of South Australia's countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ Australia's most luxurious hotels🥐 The best bakeries Down Under For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.

The best dancefloors in Sydney

Dancefloors come in all shapes and sizes in Sydney – sticky-floored pubs can double up as heaving rave caves, small bars morph into late-night party dens on sporadic Wednesdays, and on most Friday nights, warehouses across Sydney's Inner West transform into laser-lit super-clubs (though we can't spill too much on that front). Sydney cops a lot of flack for its nightlife, but we think it's all about just looking in the right places. Here are our picks of the most reliable dancefloors to break some shapes in the Harbour City right now. 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. Looking for somewhere more chill to whet your whistle? Here are our favourite hidden bars in the Harbour City.Want a live show? These are the best bars and pubs with live music in Sydney.

The best places for pasta in Sydney

Whether it’s a simple spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli, ravioli stuffed to the high heavens, or lovingly layered lasagne, few foods give us the feels quite like pasta. Let’s be real – Sydney’s Italian restaurant game is seriously strong on all fronts, but when the hour calls for carbs, these are the spots that turn flour, eggs and water into small miracles. Time out Sydney's food writers and pasta lovers – including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure – have smashed their fair share of pasta in town, and here are our favourites. 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. Need an aperitivo before you chow down? Knock back a cocktail at one of the best bars in Sydney. After a slice of two? Here are the best pizza joints in Sydney.

The best Italian 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 Food & Drink 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.

The best vegan restaurants in Sydney

People are choosing plant-based eating for its softer step on the Earth, concerns about animal cruelty, and the health benefits of vegetable-rich diets. Plus, there's been a rise in flexitarian diets – you might not be a full-time vegan, but where you can, you opt for more plants on your plate. Only a few years ago, vegan dining meant a whole lot of pulses and sprouts, but now Sydney is home to plant-based burger shops, classic Italian pizzerias that showcase cheese and meat alternatives, gelato shops that favour coconut bases, and a growing contingent of fine diners offering fancy degustations for vegans. Below, we've rounded up the best vegan restaurants in Sydney. Cool with eggs and dairy? Check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. Got a mixed group? Head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney. On a budget? Have a look at the best cheap eats 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 shop sustainably? Check out our guide to ethical shopping in Sydney here.

Where to play two-up in Sydney on ANZAC Day 2025

There are many ways that countries around the world honour their veterans and the sacrifices they make as members of the armed forces. One of the ways we do it here in Australia is with the fairly odd, gloriously raucous tradition of ANZAC Day two-up – betting on the flipping of two coins.First, of course, Sydney starts ANZAC Day with the big Dawn Service, which will take place this year at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, commencing at 4.20am. The ANZAC Day March through the Sydney CBD kicks off at 9am and ends with a 12.30pm commemoration service by the Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. Then, after you've formally paid your respects, it's time for the coin toss. From rooftop parties to coastal rings and a beer garden with a grandstand for big-group viewing, we've scoured Sydney for the best two-up venues in town.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere else to grab a drink? Check out the best bars in Sydney right now, and these are all of our favourite pubs in the city.

Sustainable restaurants, bars and cafés in Sydney

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.

Listings and reviews (408)

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

There’s an earthy brown and blue snake out my window. Its thick body gleams in the sunlight as it curves and slithers around the trees. I’m not, of course, talking about the kind you wouldn’t want to come face-to-face with in the bush, but Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River. It looks remarkable from this view – 30-something floors above ground. The whole city does, really. That’s because I’m staying at Grand Hyatt Melbourne, which boasts a prime CBD address on Collins Street and some of the best views of Melbourne I’ve seen. Down below, there’s the whimsical Forum and Fed Square. I spot the trademark dome of Flinders Street Station, and in the distance, I can see the MCG. And now, it’s time to hop into a fluffy white robe and drink up those views – alongside a glass of chilled bubbles. Why stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne? Grand Hyatt Melbourne is one of the city’s landmark hotels, offering elegance and five-star hospitality in the heart of Melbourne. As well as its grid-worthy views, one of the best things about this luxe spot is its stellar location. How good is it being close to the action when you’re on holidays – where you can lace up and immerse yourself in the energy and magic of the streets? With Grand Hyatt Melbourne being walking distance to excellent restaurants and bars, top-notch attractions, and easy access to trains and trams, you can do just that here. And in case the name didn’t give it away – it’s also a pretty luxe experience. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne

My friend texts me asking where I’m staying the night. “Mövenpick,” I reply. “Isn’t that an ice-cream brand?” they reply. And they’re right. Although many associate the Swiss company with scoops of creamy, icy goodness, Mövenpick actually began as a restaurant in 1948. The standalone ice-cream brand came next in the 1960s, before Swiss hotelier Ueli Prager opened two hotels near Zürich in 1973. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2018, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts was acquired by Accor, and these days there are more than 80 hotels dotted across Australia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia – including the one I’m at right now: Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer. And you know what? The hotel – just like the ice cream – slaps. (Love you, pistachio.) Why stay at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne? Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne was the second property to open in Australia when it first welcomed guests in June 2021, following Mövenpick Hotel Hobart. Situated within the six-level podium of Melbourne's Premier Tower at the corner of Spencer and Bourke Streets (and just across the street from Southern Cross Station) Mövenpick is an ace place to stay for those keen on exploring the city and beyond. Sports fans will be pleased to know it’s also 500 metres away from Marvel Stadium. Plus, the stylish hotel is home to a 24-hour gym, glistening pool, modern Asian-inspired restaurant Miss Mi, and perhaps the best thing of all: a daily complimentary chocolate hour. How sweet’s that? What are the

Porkfat

✍️ 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. Update: Swinging open its doors in 2022, Porkfat is one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants. Chef-owner Narin 'Jack' Kulasai and Tanya Boon are as kind and warm as they come – in fact, the whole team is – and the food here is so damn delicious, even Nigella Lawson is a fan. There are always new specials to try, but we always have to order Porkfat’s larb. Featuring ground pork coated in pork fat, smoked chilli and roasted rice powder, with snake beans, cucumber, iceberg and fragrant herbs for freshness and crunch, it’s a flavour and texture bomb. ***** We’re about three mouthfuls into a brilliant dish of deep-fried barramundi with a mango salad – a tumble of sweet fruit matchsticks intertwined with fresh mint and coriander, lemongrass and crunchy cashews licked with nahm jim dressing sitting on top of crisp, succulent fillets of barramundi. I look up and see my dining companion with his eyes closed, hands at his temples, tiny droplets of sweat forming on his forehead. The truth is my nose has started to run like someone on a Codral commercial and the room is beginning to look hazy. It’s abundantly clear the chefs at Porkfat mean serious business, and I, unlike perhaps my date (who at this point are now onto their fourth glass of water) am absolutely here for it

Single O Surry Hills

✍️ 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 Purveyors of excellent specialty coffee and good times, Single O has been a pioneer of Sydney’s café scene since it opened with a bang in 2003. Found on a cool, industrial-style corner space on Reservoir Street in Surry Hills, this place pumps with both Sydneysiders and tourists from morning until it closes at 3pm. Sustainability has been at the heart of Single O since its inception, with the team committed to sourcing ethically and environmentally responsible beans. They also have a solar-powered roastery in Botany, co-created an innovative milk-on-tap system that swapped plastic milk bottles with 10L bladders – creating an 80 per cent reduction in plastic wares – and their current mission is to halve carbon emissions by 2026 and achieve Net Zero by 2030. How good’s that? The food Single O has an all-day menu, which is great news if you’ve had a big one and still feel like eggs and bacon at noon – just a note that the kitchen closes at 2.15pm. Expect jazzed-up café fare featuring Aussie ingredients and Asian flavours, like their take on eggs Benedict with smoked pork, yuzu hollandaise, cucumber, mint, coriander, pickled apple and chilli oil. Or try the crisp corn fritters, which come topped with romesco sauce, avo, guindilla and a coriander vinaigr

Newcastle Food Month

We’re big fans of Newcastle at Time Out. Located a little over two hours north of Sydney, the seaside city boasts pumping surf and pristine ocean pools – including the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – and a vibrant township, minus the traffic. The region is the birthplace of some seriously talented chefs (hello, Josh Niland and Brett Graham), and boasts a cracking food and wine scene. It’s also home to Newcastle Food Month – a month-long celebration of the best things in life: great food, booze and your people. The good news? Newcastle Food Month is returning for its fifth year, with the festival kicking off April 1. If it’s been a while between visits – or if you’re due for a weekend getaway – Newy this April is where it's at. This year’s festival will feature more than 80 local venues – including Time Out favourites Arno Deli, Humbug, Flotilla, Frenchie and Alfie’s Italian – spanning newcomers like old-school cocktail bar Roxanne and old faithfuls like on-the-water Scratchleys. More than 70 feature events will come to life throughout April, from fun-loving street parties to boozy long lunches, as well as 50 plate dates. Not sure what we’re on about? Plate date is where Newcastle’s cafés, restaurants and bars put their best foot forward, offering brekkie, lunch or dinner and a drink for $30. It’s a fab way to tick off the places on your hit list, and revisit the OGs, all while doing a food tour of Newcastle. And if you don't feel like cooking for the month (and doing th

Quest Orange

I’ve woken up with a smile on my face for a few reasons. For one, I’m here in Orange for Food Week – Australia’s longest-running regional food festival – and today’s my second-favourite day of the year: Forage. Picture this: 1,500 well-dressed, Country Road-type people traversing Orange’s picturesque vineyards, enjoying tasty snacks from the region’s best producers and sipping on delicious drops while slowly getting more and more tipsy. The second reason? I feel fresh and clear-headed, which I probably don’t deserve considering the dent my friends made at Hey Rosey and Hotel Canobolas the night before. And the third? I’m staying at Quest Orange, a modern accommodation offering on Kite Street. Because I’m right in town, I can walk to a nearby café for my morning oat cap without having to get in the car, find a park or – worse – get public transport (sorry, bus lovers). Plus, the sunlight streaming through the windows right now looks really pretty. See? Lots to be happy about. Why stay at Quest Orange? Quest Orange has 77 room options, ranging from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – making it an ideal and affordable option whether you’re travelling solo for fun or work, on a friend’s trip, or away with the gang on a family holiday. It’s walking distance to the centre of town, so the only driving you’ll need to do is to the nearby wineries. Got a furry best friend? Quest also lets you bring your dog – just be sure to let them know when booking. I’m also a fan o

Stickybeak Festival

Keep Friday, April 4 and Saturday 5 free in your diary, as Stickybeak Festival – a two-day food, booze and music shindig spearheaded by the legends behind Archie Rose and P&V Wine – is once again returning for its fourth year of delicious fun. This year, the fest will be coming to life at The Goods Line in Ultimo, a five-minute walk from Central, from 5-10pm each night. Bring your pocket money and comfy pants, ’cos the line-up is bloody beaut, with food stalls by Firepop, Bessie’s, Flora, Kiln, Lankan Filling Station, Attenzione Food & Wine, TBC by Grape Garden, Takam, Gelato Messina and more. Drinks-wise, expect fun, fruity and refreshing tipples from Archie Rose, as well as PS40, Baptist Street Rec Club, The Waratah, Double Deuce Lounge, Little Cooler, Maybe Sammy and more, plus vino from P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants and cold beers from Grifter Brewing Co. Time Out Sydney’s lifestyle writer Winnie Stubbs popped her Stickybeak Festival cherry last year – and loved it, saying: “If your dream Sydney dinner features a Martini from an Inner City cocktail bar, starters from a wine den in Newtown, mains from a Redfern pasta palace and dessert from a Darlinghurst bakehouse, Stickybeak is a dream come true. It would be a logistical impossibility to hop between 20 venues in one night, but this glorious fest brings them together all in one place,” she added. Ain’t that the truth. Throughout the event, there’ll be DJs and live performances curated by FBi Radio for you to bop along to, a

Dry-Aged Steaks & Stories

Keen to take your Sunday barefoot barbie skills to the next level? Curious about dry-ageing? Want to learn how to cook meat perfectly from the best in the biz? If yes, then you're in luck. Two of Australia’s leading experts in quality meats and cooking them bang-on – butcher and entrepreneur Anthony Puharich of Vic’s Meats, and Chiswick and Aria chef-owner Matt Moran – are teaming up for a super special night next month at Moran’s Chophouse. Our knives (and tastebuds) are ready. Called Dry-Aged Steaks & Stories, the evening, happening on Wednesday, April 2, will feature an exclusive masterclass from the fellas on the art of dry-ageing, peppered with insights, stories and tips that are sure to take your steak skills from good to bloody delicious. Guests will also sit down to a four-course meal showcasing the techniques discussed in the masterclass. Think: Sonoma sourdough with beef tallow butter; Moran Family Farm dry-aged pork with cider jus; and a dry-aged O’Connor rib beef – both 30- and 100-day-aged, with Bordelaise sauce. Dessert will be an apple tarte tatin with crème Normande. From cut to cooking, seasoning to serving, Dry-Aged Steaks & Stories is sure to be a delicious and fun night for all the carnivore lovers out there. Dry-Aged Steaks & Stories costs $175 per person, which includes the masterclass by Matt Moran and Anthony Puharich, a cocktail on arrival and a four-course dinner, with wines available to purchase on the night. You can book your spot at Dry-Aged Steak

Re:Purpose dining experience at Avia

Chef Stefano Marano is passionate about sustainability, particularly when it comes to minimising food waste in the kitchen. This ethos comes to life at Avia, his charming 60-seat neighbourhood restaurant, which he co-owns with Jack Reid. Here, food scraps are repurposed into sauces, whole animals are used and waste is kept to a minimum. Now, he’s taking things one step further with Re:Purpose, a new monthly series where Avia’s team will collaborate with a top Sydney chef and restaurant to create a low-waste and delicious meal at the Darlinghurst diner. The chefs will take inspiration from food waste they currently see in their own kitchens and turn it into something special. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) “Think fun vibes, delicious food, juicy wines and a good cause at the base of all: sustainability and repurposing,” the team said in a statement on Instagram. The first Re:Purpose lunch is happening on Sunday, April 13 at Avia, featuring Korean-born Jun Hwang, the head chef of The White Horse. While the menu is still being finalised, we do know the teams will be working with local farms, bakers and suppliers to repurpose produce that would normally go to landfill. There’s no set menu, so you can choose and order what you want. Now, this is cool: Sydney-based creatives – including potters and ceramicists – are also getting in on the fun, turning glass and other material waste from Avia into crockery and

Lakemba Nights

For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back. This year’s event will be a little different, and instead of daily markets, Lakemba Nights will be running every Thursday to Sunday from now to March 30, 2025. RELATED READ: The 5 must-try dishes at Sydney's Lakemba Nights Ramadan markets. What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close? From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. Time Out tip: We recommend getting there early, around 6pm, and making a beeline straight for the busiest stalls (they're the ones with fences up for lines!). It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street. What started as a single street barbeque back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with last

Pink Moon and Natural Wine

Picture this: you’re sipping on beautiful natural wines with your friends, overlooking Sydney Harbour while enjoying cheeses, pickles and seasonal vegetables curated by Aplenty. Then, you look up at the luminous moon in the sky while astronomers share what the planets and stars are up to this autumn. No, this isn’t your latest celestial dream, but a brand-new experience happening next month at Sydney Observatory to coincide with the full moon. Called Pink Moon and Natural Wine, the evening will feature Australian small-scale wine distributor Lo-Fi Wines, who will be offering tastings from low-intervention producers including Gut Oggau (Austria), Saep (South Australia), A.R.C. Wines (Victoria), and Château Acid (New South Wales). You’ll also get a chance to meet with the winemakers, chat about their drops, and deep-dive with sommeliers. Dreamy catering company Aplenty will be serving optional grazing platters and boxes featuring freshly baked focaccia, cheeses and other yum snacks. Guests will hear an insightful in-conversation between Tiffany Gardoll, an archaeologist and vineyard historian, and Shanteh Wale, host of the Over A Glass podcast, with Powerhouse food program manager, Xinyi Lim. The three will discuss viticulture in Sydney, winemaking in your backyard, and wine notes that Sydneysiders love (hello, juicy and fruity chilled reds). Next, winemaker and farmer Dave Gartelmann from South Australia’s Saep Wines, and James Audas from Victoria’s A.R.C. Wines and co-owner o

Turkish Street Feast

Got plans for Sunday? If not, great. And if you do, you may wanna reschedule because a one-day Turkish feast is happening at Marrickville’s Ester Spirits. It’s a collaboration between the small-scale distillery as well as female-led pop-up diner Babs. Throughout the day, the team will be serving $25 plates inspired by chef Ellie Hayes O’Brien’s travels throughout Turkey. Think: succulent, charred meats, earthy spices, zippy pickles and vibrant colours. Ester Spirits will be mixing and pouring cocktails inspired by Istanbul’s spice markets – so expect fragrant, aromatic flavours like rosewater, sumac, sour cherry and orange blossom in your tipples. The space will be transformed with beautiful mats for lounging and communal-style tables for a shared dining experience. It’s all going down at Ester Spirits Distillery, Marrickville, this Sunday, March 16, from 12-5pm (or until sold out). A handful of tables are available to book, but walk-ins are welcome. Find out more 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. RECOMMENDED READS: These are best Turkish restaurants in Sydney right now. Check out Time Out's guide to the best restaurants in Sydney here.

News (180)

Shuck yes: Eight Sydney and NSW venues are knocking out $2 oysters all of May

Here’s some fun, salty news for you: The Boathouse Group – the team behind rocking coastal venues in Sydney and New South Wales, including Manly Pavilion, The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, Mona Social, The Boathouse Rose Bay and the brand-new Boathouse North Wollongong – is offering a crazy good deal this May. Think: $2 fresh Sydney rock oysters at eight of their venues, all day, every day. There’s no catch, and no minimum spend. Shuck yes. Round up the gang and enjoy a dozen East 33 Sydney rock oysters with a bottle of crisp rosé at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, knock back a couple with a Spritz overlooking Shelly Beach at sunset, or pair them with golden, crunchy fish and chips at Manly Pavilion – with a side of ace water views. Photograph: Supplied/Manly Pavilion Considering Sydney rock oysters can go for up to $7 a pop these days, this is a pretty banging deal. Here’s where you can get your hands on $2 oysters this May: The Boathouse Hotel Patonga Barrenjoey House The Mona Social The Boathouse Shelly Beach Manly Pavilion The Boathouse Balmoral The Boathouse Rose Bay (Upstairs Restaurant) The Boathouse North Wollongong Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best cheap eats in Sydney right now. Check out our guide to the top waterfront restaurants in Sydney.

This charming new Italian spot by the Continental Deli crew is now open in an old Newtown butcher

Osteria Mucca, a 50-seat Italian restaurant by the Continental Deli team, has opened on Newtown’s lively Australia Street, joining also-new siblings: sunshine-warm veg diner Flora and seafood party Mister Grotto. Meaning "cow" in Italian, the charming trattoria is housed in a former butcher shop and is serving up regional Italian classics and home-style recipes, including handmade pasta, beautiful charcuterie and quality cuts from its in-house butchery. Photograph: Hugh O'Brien Leading the kitchen at Osteria Mucca is head chef Janina Allende, who's bringing a wealth of experience from running the kitchen at popular Pellegrino 2000 for more than two years, as well as spending time on the pans at Alberto’s Lounge and Bar Vincent. “Her vision for Mucca centres on creating honest, carefully crafted dishes that highlight regional flavours, with a deep commitment to technique, seasonal produce and knowing the origins of every ingredient,” the team has said. Photograph: Hugh O'Brien Opening menu highlights include pickled vegetables with fava bean purée; gnudi with brown butter and sage; lamb tartare with rocket and pecorino; veal tongue with salsa verde; and house-made sausage. Florence’s famous T-bone steak, bistecca alla Fiorentina, is also on the menu, and big enough to share between two. And we’d find it hard not to finish with a scoop (or three) of gelato. Drinks-wise, expect wines produced by small, family-run Italian vineyards, alongside party-ready aperitivo cocktails

The Pellegrino 2000, Clam Bar and Neptune’s Grotto team set to open a Chinese restaurant in Sydney

The gun trio behind some of Sydney’s best restaurants (and my personal fave spots) – including Neptune’s Grotto (winner of Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year 2025), NY-style steakhouse Clam Bar, Pellegrino 2000 (Taylor Swift’s go-to), and the now-closed French Bistrot 916 – is set to open a Chinese restaurant in Sydney this winter. Admittedly, this wasn’t on our bingo card for the year, but considering every venue chefs Dan Pepperell and Mikey Clift and sommelier Andy Tyson open turns to dining gold, we’re chuffed. Here’s hoping there will be lazy Susans, too. Focusing on Cantonese and Sichuan flavours, the restaurant – which will be called Grandfather’s – will open in Martin Place, taking over Thai stalwart Long Chim’s former digs. Pepperell and Clift – with Clift having spent time on the pans at Spice Temple – are currently on the hunt for a head chef to steer the 120-seat venue, their most ambitious yet. Grandfather’s will join other recent(ish) high-profile Chinese restaurant openings, including Golden Century at Crown Sydney, Neil Perry’s Song Bird in Double Bay, Good Luck Restaurant Lounge and The Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant. As for the menu and opening date, we’ll keep you posted. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best new restaurants in Sydney. Check out our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney here.

JUST IN: This unique Sydney spot has been named one of the world's best new restaurants

Us Sydneysiders are a pretty lucky bunch. We’re home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth, one pretty sweet white house with sails – and many of the world’s greatest restaurants. Plus, we’ve got more new restaurants than we can throw a Croc at. We’ve always known our dining scene is world-class, and so do the reviewers at Condé Nast Traveller. Last week, the award-winning travel publication dropped its 2025 Hot List of the best new restaurants that have opened (or reopened) in the past 12 months – and one Sydney venue made the cut. Saint Peter, Josh and Julie Niland’s game-changing seafood palace in Paddington – and Time Out Sydney's Best Special Occasion Restaurant 2025 nominee – was named as one of the best new restaurants in the world (read our five-star review here). And while the OG Saint Peter opened on Oxford Street way back in 2016, Saint Peter 2.0 reopened in 2024 at a brand-new address inside The Grand National Hotel. Photograph: Christopher Pearce A project five-and-a-half years in the making, the new Saint Peter came complete with a slick bar and a 14-room luxury boutique hotel. The revolutionary scale-to-tail restaurant has changed the way we view and consume creatures of the sea – while championing sustainability one delicious bite at a time – with Niland serving up a dazzling menu featuring noodles made from coral trout bones, charcuterie from fish offcuts and Murray Cod fat caramel. Though this is special-occasion dining – the nine-course tasting

Two Sydney steak restaurants have just been named among the world’s best

Two Sydney venues have just been named among the world's best steak restaurants for 2025. Overnight, The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants – a highly esteemed guide to the world’s top places for an iron hit, founded in 2018 in London – released the rankings for the world’s 70–101 best steak restaurants, with one Sydney newcomer and an old faithful making the red-hot list. Ranked as the 93rd best steak restaurant in the world for 2025 is Marrickville’s 20 Chapel – winner of Time Out Sydney’s People’s Choice Award 2025. Co-owned and headed up by former Rockpool chef Corey Costelloe, the smart neighbourhood bistro specialises in wood-fired proteins and premium steak. Our tip? You also gotta order the golden, crunchy wedges cooked in beef fat and served with Coppertree Farm crème fraîche and a fiery chilli sauce. Photograph: Buffet Digital In 99th position was Bistecca by the Liquid and Larder crew (who are also behind The Gidley, The Rover and the brand-new Lottie and Bar Julius). The hidden, candle-lit spot is renowned for serving Florence’s preferred cut: bistecca alla Fiorentina – and the staff take your phone away while you're dining so you can enjoy some much-needed time off the ’gram. Bistecca's placement on the list is a drop for the Sydney stalwart, having come in at 45th place in 2024. Melbourne also scored a win, with Chris Lucas’s luxe, Italian-style Grill Americano coming in at 92nd place. The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants aims to celebrate and spotlight the

Hell yeah: Sydney icon Freda’s reopens today, bringing good times, killer music and yum eats and drinks to Chippendale

Sydney’s nightlife is about to get a whole lot more fun as Bar Freda’s – an evolution of Chippendale’s OG party bar Freda's, as well as Darlinghurst’s go-to Cafe Freda’s – officially opens its doors today (Thursday, April 24) in Chippendale. Expect high-energy dance hits, backed up by groovy interiors and excellent eats and drinks. Bar Freda’s has taken over a two-level heritage terrace connected to The Abercrombie, in the former home of Lil Sis, with co-founders David Abram and Carla Uriarte aiming to create a cool space that brings people together over a shared love of good times. DJs will be playing every Friday and Saturday night, from 8pm 'till late. Photograph: Maria Boyadgis To celebrate the launch, the team is throwing a 'Festival of Freda’s', kicking off tonight, and running until Saturday, April 26, featuring a line-up of non-stop bangers and disco vibes. Tickets cost $20 – you can snap up the remaining ones and check out who’s playing here. Plus, there’s a fun happy hour on offer that we reckon you should get around: $7 schooners, $12 frozen cocktails and $15 Tommy’s Margs, available Tuesday to Saturday, 5-7pm. Cheers. “It’s remarkable that we’re coming back just a few hundred metres from where the original Freda’s was. That venue had a big impact on the nightlife scene at the time, and with Club Freda’s nights in the works, I’m beyond excited to be back in a position to provide opportunities for young DJs, promoters and creatives in Sydney and help give them

I went to Australia’s best beach for 2025 – and this is what shocked me

I don’t have kids, but I reckon deciding on Australia’s best beach is kinda like choosing who you like more: Sally or Ronny. On an island nation fringed with 10,000+ beaches – spanning the rolling blue waves of New South Wales to the sugar-white sands of Far North Queensland and the calm turquoise sea of Western Australia – it’s a bloody tough question. (Freshwater Beach would be my pick, for the no-one-cares, yes-I’m-biased record.) Though each year, the good people of Tourism Australia undergo this near-impossible task, with this year’s top honour going to the Bay of Fires, located on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. Brad Farmer AM, conservationist, professional beach spotter and Tourism Australia’s official ‘beach ambassador’ (side note – how do I apply for that job?) looked at 130 key factors – including aesthetics, safety, history, facilities and weather – across 12,000 beaches to conclude that Bay of Fires was the winner for 2025. I was lucky enough to be on a road trip in Tassie earlier this year and spent a couple of days hiking, swimming and frothing on Australia’s best beach – here’s what shocked me the most. RELATED READ: This award-winning Tasmanian winery has now launched a dreamy cellar door experience. First of all, Australia’s best beach in 2025 is not one beach – but 10 kilometres of them For the first time ever, Tourism Australia has awarded the best beach in the country to, well, multiple beaches, as the Bay of Fires is actually a ten-kilometre stretch o

Sydney’s epic new multi-venue from the Rockpool team is now open in The Rocks

Say hello to The Collective, Sydney’s newest dining precinct by the team behind Rockpool Bar & Grill, now open in The Rocks. The ambitious multi-venue hub – which encompasses five distinct and stunning venues and covers a massive 1,800 square metres – has taken over from late-night haunt The Argyle, breathing new life into this historic part of Sydney. Photograph: Steven Woodburn First up is The Dining Room, a beautiful 225-seat restaurant set in a former wool store, featuring heritage pillars, plush booths, a wine cellar that can hold more than 500 bottles, and original sandstone walls dating back to 1881. Heading up the kitchen is Hunter St Hospitality’s all-star team of chefs: Santiago Aristizabal, Andy Evans and Shimpei Hatanaka. They’re joined by The Collective’s new executive chef, Mike Flood, who has previously been on the pans at Firedoor, Quay, Felix and The Ivy. Giddy up. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Expect luxe snacks like caviar tartlets and baby abalone schnitzels, fresh seafood towers, go-big-or-go-home steaks (hello, 1.5kg Wagyu MB9+ tomahawk) and more. For dessert, we have our eye on the light-as-a-feather banana mille-feuille. Be sure to head upstairs to level one and check out the sleek and sexy cocktail spot The Bar, right next door to the floating DJ who’ll be playing hits daily. After one cocktail? Make it the Strawberry, a cracking riff on a Negroni that heroes the sweet and juicy fruit. Photograph: Steven Woodburn There’s The Gar

This magical NSW farm-to-table spot is a must-visit destination on your next getaway

We’ve just finished a bowl of handmade fettuccine coated in a fresh-tasting sauce made from zucchinis grown about 100 metres away, paired with a glass of bright and elegant chardonnay, when we’re told it’s time for our garden wander. And don’t worry, they tell us – we can bring our glasses of wine. Sounds good to me. Soon, we’re strolling past nearly-ripe citrus, bushes dotted with lava-red chillies, rows of fragrant basil and glistening-black baby eggplants. I can spot leeks standing tall in the ground, tiny sunset-coloured crab apples, ruby-red rhubarb, and hundreds of olives nearly ready to have a starring role alongside crumbly cheese. Growing and cooking food from the land is nothing new – and we’re seeing more and more diners embrace seasonal, local ingredients – but Mudgee restaurant The Zin House takes it one step further by only serving produce from their organic and biodynamic farm, Tinja, located on Wiradjuri land. If they don’t grow it, they don’t serve it (save for honeycomb, cheese, truffles, poultry and dairy they get from friends and neighbours). Even the lambs are raised on the nearby pasture. (Sorry, vegos.) The only setback? I would like to wander around the garden armed with vino every time I have lunch, please and thank you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) The vibe The Zin House is a farm-to-table, family-owned restaurant overlooking the organic and biodynamic Lowe vineyard and far

South West Sydney has scored a stunning new $50 million mega hub with seven bars and two cinemas

One of Australia's largest and most ambitious hospitality and entertainment precincts has finally opened its doors in South West Sydney after close to four years of construction. Oran Park Hotel, located south-west Sydney's Oran Park, features seven bars, an all-day restaurant, an open-air atrium, an old-school pizzeria, a bottle shop and an Asian-inspired rooftop bar complete with an adults-only terrace. And in case that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to two cinemas perfect for private viewings, book launches and other intimate events, a grand ballroom for glittery, Champagne-fuelled nights, a bunch of function rooms, plus an indoor kids’ play area. Sounds good? We think so too. Spanning three levels across 7,500 sqm, Oran Park Hotel is one of the largest hospitality developments in the country, making its opening ace news not only for locals but for all of Sydney. RELATED READ: A huge new city is being built in Sydney – the first major city to be built in Australia in more than 100 years. Photograph: Steven Woodburn The beautiful new mega precinct, which reportedly cost a whopping $50 million, is owned and operated by Momento Hospitality, the group behind venues across New South Wales including local favourites like the Nags Head Hotel, Hills Distilling Co., Bella Vista Hotel and more. Photograph: Steven Woodburn As mentioned, there’s a bit going on at Oran Park Hotel – so we reckon you should grab your gang and check it out soon. While you’re there, swing by The Bistro

Civico 47 delivers Italian flavours and warm service in a historic Paddington setting

Long-term Paddington locals know the building at 47 Windsor Street well. For close to 40 years, the charming terrace was home to Lucio's, a beloved Italian restaurant and Sydney institution. It made sense that when it closed in 2021, another Italian restaurant took its place. That place is Civico 47, a warm neighbourhood diner which serves the flavours of Italy’s regions executed with beautiful Aussie produce. Leading the kitchen is executive chef Matteo Zamboni. Born in Serle in a small town in Lombardy, Zamboni brings two decades of experience to the kitchen, having worked at Ormeggio at the Spit, Pilu at Freshwater – where he was also head chef – and Jonah’s. Menu highlights include crisp zucchini flowers filled with creamy ricotta and drizzled in sticky and sweet honey; ribbon-like mafalde studded with plump prawns and bok choy stems in a bright tomato and shellfish bisque; and crisp-skinned dry-aged duck paired with witlof and mandarin dressing. Be sure to leave room for the silky-smooth house-made fig-leaf gelato with candied figs, amaretti and aromatic rosemary – it's bellissimo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Fan of lobster and treating yourself? We are too. Currently, Civico 47 has a lunch special featuring half an Eastern Rock lobster with spaghetti twirled in a rich and luscious sauce for $85. It’s big enough to share between two, though we won’t blame you if you want to have it on your own. Y

JUST IN: Global icon and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is coming to Sydney

Global superstar Martha Stewart is coming to Sydney this winter. The American lifestyle guru, home cook, author of 101 books and business mogul – who also served time in prison – will be hosting a super special, one-off in conversation event as part of Vivid. Stewart, 83, will be bringing with her a lifetime of stories and wisdom as she joins Nigella Lawson in this year’s epic Vivid line-up. Mark your calendars: In Conversation with Martha Stewart will be happening at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, May 28. “I have made some wonderful memories travelling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career,” says Stewart. “I’m always looking for inspiration when I travel so I’m excited to see what Sydney has to offer.” Vivid Sydney festival director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable and one-of-a-kind events to visitors. "It’s incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year’s theme of 'Dream' more than Martha Stewart.” Tickets for In Conversation with Martha Stewart go on sale today (Friday, April 4) at 9am – and you can get them here. Run, don’t walk. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straig