Avril Treasure

Looking for weekend fun? You've come to the right place. Are you running the City2Surf this Sunday? I am, and between you and me, my training isn’t where I’d like it to be. But who cares! It’s the world’s largest fun run. You can read all about it here (including where to celebrate after) – and if you’re in the blue bibs, I’ll see you there. Good luck! (I’ll need it.) If you're keen to support Sydney's running community from a seated position this Sunday, we'd suggest booking tix for Nedd Brockmann's 'Nedd and Mates' takeover of the Opera House, where he'll be joined by friends including Hamish Blake and Lizzie Pearl for a one-off chairty special (you'll find tickets from $40 over here). This Saturday, Watsons Bay Hotel is hosting a free harbourfront après-ski party with falling snow, cosy fire pits, winter cocktails and live house music. Kicking off from 2pm, the free party will be headlined by Club Sol & Friends. Don’t have a snowy Euro holiday on the cards this year? No worries. Woollahra Hotel is bringing après ski vibes to Sydney for two weeks from now until August 9, with a winter chalet takeover, mountain-inspired cocktails and jaffles. The party really kicks off with with Yolanda Be Cool taking over on Saturday, August 8. I saw Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at the Opera House recently and LOVED it. Five knock-out performances, a fresh retelling of a classic and plenty of laughs. Elsewhere, The Addams Family has landed at Hayes Theatre and Bennelong in London is on n

From glitzy musicals and Shakespearean reimaginings to fresh new plays and laugh-out-loud comedies, Sydney’s theatre scene is packed with reasons to put down the remote and head out. Whether you're after a big night out, a thought-provoking drama or a show that'll leave you grinning all the way home, these are the best theatre shows and musicals to see in Sydney this month. Did you know Australia’s last remaining pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find yourself with a free night and feel like something different – and supporting indie work – check out what's on here. Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

Camping is truly one of the best ways you can spend a weekend out of Sydney, but if you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble bath and high thread-count linen, let this list serve as your bible.Time Out Sydney's team of local outdoors enthusiasts (including Travel and News Editor Winnie Stubbs) have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo to the see-through spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2026 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you. A notable mention goes to Reflections Holidays, who operate 60 (super comfy, super afforable) glamping sites across NSW – from Byron Bay to Seal Rocks. I stayed at their Bonny Hills site with my family on a recent cycling holiday, and the site hit all of the right notes without blowing our budget. 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 camping sites near SydneyThese are the best luxury stays around NSWAnd these are the best motels in NSW worth the road trip

Looking for a fab new restaurant to check out? You’ve come to the right place. The other week I went to Trattoria Da Orazio – a new Italian restaurant from chef Orazio D’Elia in Rushcutters Bay – and it was excellent (order the bombetta pugliese and whimsical dessert platter). Surry Hills fine diner Arthur has reopened after a big reno – still serving a 100 per cent Aussie menu across food and drinks, now in a more accessible way (and a happy hour with $3 prawns!). And you need to make a booking at Ashe – the new Southeast Asian grill from the Bentley Group, led by talented chef Khanh Nguyen. It’s my pick of the new openings of 2026 so far. Enjoy. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Winter 2026 update: Sydney’s bar scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops – if anything, it gets even better. Think cosy corners, silky red wines, smoky whiskies and perfect Martinis. Whether you’re chasing a hidden speakeasy, a buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, rooftop cocktails with your girlfriends or a proper pint, we've got your winter watering holes sorted.  These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your coat, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for Martinis: Bar Planet 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland ☀️ Best for views: Opera Bar 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Famelia 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 😎 Best for friend's catch-up: Old Mate's Place 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. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out Sydney's Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Editor's favourite restaurants in Sydney: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Bennelong 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Fontana ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Corner 75 🍝 Best for an Italian feast: Fratelli Paradiso 🫒 Best for a friends' catch-up: Grandfathers Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READs: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want more? These are Sydney's best new restaurants and bars.

Sydney's love affair with Indian food runs deep – and with one of the largest Indian diasporas in Australia calling the city home, it's never tasted better. Nowhere is that more evident than in Harris Park, AKA Sydney's Little India, where the scent of spice lingers in the air. But beyond this western Sydney hotspot, there are exceptional Indian restaurants from the CBD to the Northern Beaches. Sydney's best Indian restaurants will make you forget the notion that Indian cuisine begins and ends with butter chicken. After all, India is a country where every region has its own culinary identity. You can feast on crisp dosas and fluffy idlis at cheap and cheerful South Indian chains like Saravanaa Bhavan and A2B, discover bold Bengali flavours at Kolkata Social or try something new at inventive restaurants like Flyover Fritterie and Sketch Manly that are giving traditional recipes a contemporary spin without losing sight of their roots. Of course, there are the stalwarts like Urban Tadka, Abhi's and Nilgiri's that have consistently served some of the finest Indian food for years together. Whether you're craving a budget-friendly thali or modern flavours that rewrite the rules, Sydney’s Indian restaurants deliver. Come hungry – and wear stretchy pants. 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: The best cheap eats in Sydney to try today Sydney's mega museum, Powerho

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 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.

Good news, springtime lovers: we’re in the last month of winter for the year, and it’s shaping up to be a goodie. August kicks off with a bang, with the world’s largest fun run going down on Sunday, August 9. If you’re doing the City2Surf (like me), here’s everything you need to know. I better start stretching. It’s nearly cherry blossom time, with Auburn’s magical festival returning this month at Sydney’s Auburn Botanic Gardens. Book your tickets and see the whole park covered in a bubble-gum-pink blanket of flowers. It’s still whale-watching season – there are plenty of places to see the big beauties in Sydney! Here are some of our faves. This last month of the cold season will be delivering the culture goods, with an incredible round-up of theatre shows keeping us entertained, and the city’s best restaurants and bars serving up happy hour specials and price-slicing deals to keep the cost of living woes at bay. For a nature hit this August, we’d suggest taking an icy dip at one of Sydney’s best ocean pools, or getting some mountain air on one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains. If you need some help warming up, work your way through our guide to Sydney's best Sunday roasts, or settle in with a glass of mulled wine at one of Sydney’s cosiest pubs. Calling all Ted Lasso fans: Woollahra’s Lord Dudley is transforming into the Crown & Anchor this month (Aug 5-7) with themed pub grub, trivia, darts and free pies for the first 100 people through the door.Scroll on for our fu

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on. Free Monday night? Head to Newtown's Bar Planet and lap up $13 Martinis all night long. And you can suss out other Sydney happy hours here, too. Calling all Ted Lasso fans: Woollahra’s Lord Dudley is transforming into the Crown & Anchor this week (Aug 5-7) with themed pub grub, trivia, darts and free pies for the first 100 people through the door. Bennelong in London is playing now at Sydney Theatre Company, with our reviewer saying the bold new show is  packed with humour and surprises. Check out the best shows to see this month in Sydney here. If you'd like to learn more about Chinese mythology, head to Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery and see its new exhibition, Black Myth. Love wine but not the snobbery? Newtown favourite Famelia has launched a fun new wine school with guided tastings designed to build your confidence. It’s happening every second Tuesday from July to October – find out more here. Need a laugh? The Comedy Store in Moore Park has been Sydney’s go-to spot for belly laughs since 1981, with affordable shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Plus, check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here. Acclaimed First Nations artist Tony Albert has opened his largest-ever solo exhibition at the MCA. Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir explores the stereotyping and commodification of Aboriginal culture while celebrating survival, resilience and pride. Alongside the exhibition, Albert and the MCA have launch

Wanna know what's on in Sydney today? You've come to the right place. If the weather's average, close Netflix and check out our guide to 52 fun things to do indoors. But if the sun's out, lace up and tackle one of these beautiful walks. Hungry? Time Out's ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants is a good place to start, and we've rounded up all the hottest new spots here too. If you're after a tasty but affordable eat, this cheap eats guide is the place to start, and we've got guides to the top bars, pubs and cafés, too. And if you feel like a boogie, check out the best bars and pubs in Sydney for live music, or our guide to the city's best nightclubs. Or grab the crew and head to one of the coolest hidden bars in Sydney. For a culture fix, dive into the fab shows in Sydney right now, and if you need to reset, book in at one of Sydney’s top day spas. Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney today.   Want to get your weekend plans in order, right now? Check out our pick of the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.Rain putting a dampner on your plans? These are the best things to do indoors. On a budget? These are the Time Out team’s pick of 25 things to do in Sydney for under $25. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. 

Everyone's got their favourite neighbourhood when it comes to eating out in Sydney, but let's not deny it: none rival the CBD for the sheer number of world-class restaurants you can choose from. Time Out Sydney's local writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have discovered the best tables to book in the heart of the city, whether you're primed for a quick power lunch with the boss, a cruisy date night somewhere swish and satisfying or a degustation experience that'll blow you away. 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 READS: Want something a little more casual? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in the city. Nightcap anyone? Polish off your meal with a drink at one of these fine cocktail bars. 

Winter 2026 update:  Surry Hills fine diner Arthur by hospo couple Tristan Rosier and Rebecca Fanning is back after a big reno. Two things have stayed the same: the name, for starters, and the fact that the restaurant – which is a sibling to Jane down the road and Italian restaurant Fior in Gymea – will continue to serve a 100 per cent Australian menu across food and drinks. The set-menu-only format is out, and guests can now order from an à la carte menu, making the restaurant a touch more accessible. My favourite dishes? Fried potato hash topped with sea urchin and chives; mussels with an earthy curry sauce; potato scroll with smoked seaweed butter; and the wattleseed custard tart. The team has also introduced Australiano Hour, just like at Jane. Available from 5-6pm Tuesday-Sunday, it features $3 fresh Australian prawns served cold and peeled, plus snacks under $10, $10 wines, $7 beers and a line-up of dishes from the main menu with reduced prices. If it’s been a while between visits, come say hi to Arthur. Make a booking here. Read on for our write-up from 2024. ***** Since 2018, chef Tristan Rosier has been quietly trying to define what Australian cuisine actually is. He’s been doing this at his Bourke Street restaurant, Arthur, which he co-owns with his partner, Rebecca Fanning (the duo are also behind the charming-as-hell Jane and The Shire’s cheery Italian diner, Fior). His finesse and skills – some of which were honed working alongside Peter Doyle at the award-winnin

Winter 2026 update: Grilled bread topped with whipped cod roe, plump, sweet tomatoes and white anchovies. Creamy stracciatella with persimmon, smoked almonds and nasturtium. Mafaldine with a lush, milk-braised pork ragu with sage and pecorino. Sounds like something you’d like to snack on after work with a chilled red? Me too. These are a few of the new plates on the line-up at New York-inspired bar and restaurant Arms Length in Potts Point. That’s because former The Waratah and Three Blue Ducks chef Dipti Karnad is now leading the kitchen of the Kellet Street spot. “The wine bar concept is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do,” Dipti says. “There’s both that community feel and a focus on creating technical dishes that showcase beautiful Australian produce, but it isn’t restricted to fine dining. “The variety of the different spaces – from the front room and bar to the outdoor terrace and booths – means you can sit for hours over a few bottles of wine and share plates and just enjoy the vibe,” she adds. Arms Length first opened in Redfern in 2021 by sisters and hospo pros Rebecca O’Shea, Rosie O’Shea, Danielle Sue and her husband, former Ormeggio at The Spit chef Jeff Sue, before moving to Potts Point in 2024. “We like to describe it as elevated comfort food, but Arms Length is also the type of place where you’re welcome to come just for drinks, like you’d do in downtown New York,” says Jeff. As well as Australian wines, the drinks menu features a dedicated Martini menu, with

Winter 2026 update: If it’s been a little while since you’ve been to Kiln, the rooftop restaurant atop the forever-cool Ace Hotel Sydney, we’ve got a top reason to come back. Isobel Whelan-Little, the former head chef of LP’s Quality Meats, is the new culinary director – and she’s steering things in a delicious new direction. Her new menu includes things like the bun mi – a fun riff on a banh mi – featuring soft buns stuffed with LP’s mortadella, fragrant herbs and pate. Plus, there are steamed pippies with sambal butter and seablite; succulent, dry-aged duck with a glossy rhubarb glaze and pickled condiments; golden potato fingers swiped through a rich, silky miso-cured egg; and almond nougat parfait with a burnt honey caramel. Izzy is the first female chef to lead the kitchen at the Surry Hills hotspot, following in the footsteps of Beau Clugston, former Noma chef and owner of Iluka in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Kiln founding chef Mitch Orr. “Most chefs would say their kitchen is produce-driven, but it’s truly what this menu is about. It’s collaborative with experts in their trade like Gold Street Dairy, Living Earth Farms, LP’s Quality Meats, and the team in the kitchen with me,” says Isobel. “There’s a seasonality I learnt at Brat in London, a use of flavour I learnt at LP’s Quality Meats and a technique that’s always evolving. I want the menu to be really nimble, to be reactive to what our producers bring in that week. “The harissa paste ended up on the menu as we wanted t

Back in May, sommelier Nick Hildebrandt and chef Brent Savage announced they would be closing their fine diner Bentley Restaurant and Bar this winter after more than 20 years at the top of its game (and five-star reviews from Time Out). The award-winning restaurant, which originally opened in Surry Hills in 2006 before moving to its current home in Sydney’s CBD on O’Connell Street in 2013, is housed within a heritage sandstone building dating back to the 1850s, now part of The Paradox Hotel Sydney. It will have its final service at the end of August. But because this is the Bentley Group we’re talking about – talent who are always one step ahead of the curve and not afraid to change things up, close the curtains when the time is right, or start fresh when opportunity arises (see: Monopole, Cirrus, Yellow, King Clarence, Watermans, and the soon-to-open Ashe and Bar Vespertine, for example) – this isn’t goodbye for good. Instead, Hildebrandt and Savage are on the lookout for the next perfect home for Bentley’s third act. “This feels less like an ending and more like a natural moment to pause and reset,” says Hildebrandt. “The move from Crown Street to the CBD was a defining evolution for Bentley, and now it feels like the right time for that next transformation.” For the final few months of service, Bentley Restaurant and Bar has rolled out the culinary red carpet with a greatest hits menu for both the tasting menu and bar menu – featuring the restaurant’s best dishes over its

Housed within a converted 1800s two-storey terrace on the corner of Glebe Point Road and Mitchell Street is this beautiful wine bar and restaurant. No 92 has had quite the life, beginning as The Waratah pub before becoming a bank, boot factory and private investigator’s office, as well as a home. These days, it’s run by a team of women: founder Angela Kasimis, Sascha Neising leading front of house, and sommelier Isobel McFadden. Inside, it’s light-filled and elegant, the work of Sydney-based Pattern Studio – all dark wooden floorboards, round charcoal marble tables, pops of bright florals and warm sunlight streaming through the windows. If the weather’s warm, beeline it for the courtyard, featuring a giant elephant ear taro plant and lush greenery. Happy hour runs 5-6pm Wednesday to Friday, and 3-5pm on Saturday, with cocktails and snacks at a feel-good price point. The space, including upstairs, can also be booked for private events, long Champagne-fuelled lunches and celebrations. Drawing on Mexican flavours, the menu is fresh, seasonal and well-balanced. No 92 has launched a new bottomless brunch available on Saturday, featuring free-flowing drinks alongside flavour-forward share plates served over 1.5 hours. Priced at $99 per person, the package includes cocktails, prosecco and house wines, as well as bergamot and raspberry bellinis and non-alcoholic options. Menu highlights include tuna tostada with shoyu mayo, fermented chilli and shiso leaf; Wagyu tartare with green p

This no-frills shop has been serving classic Aussie-style hamburgers since 1957 – and it makes one of Sydney’s best. Burgers cost anywhere from $25-$30 these days, so getting a delicious, generous and freshly made burger for $15.50 makes you feel like you’ve won the day. Paul’s Famous Works burger, layered with a meat patty, fresh salad, fried egg, melted cheese, bacon and pineapple, is where it’s at. The worst bit? It’s over too soon. Pair yours with an old-school vanilla milkshake and it’s one seriously good meal. Time Out tip: Go at off-peak times and you may have the place to yourself, say, 4pm on a Friday. And they are mandatory on any South Coast road trip. 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 burgers in Sydney. Check out the best cheap eats in Sydney right now.

✍️ 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’d heard about the burger. Sydney is home to many mouth-watering options, but when Joe’s Tavern opened in the Inner West last October, word spread about its 50/50 one as fast as gossip at my all-girls’ high school. And it turns out, for very good reason. The Joe’s Tavern burger arrives with a pickle speared through it. Caramelised on the outside and pink in the middle, the patty is equal parts beef and lamb, the latter flavour carrying through nicely. It’s paired with sweet, jammy onions, chopped onions for crunch, melted nutty Ossau-Iraty cheese and Dijon for zing, all cushioned in a soft bun. Tomato, lettuce, beetroot? Forgetaboutit. Joe’s is rich, meaty and juicy – and doesn’t mess about. So yes, come for Joe’s burger. But there’s a lot more happening at this golden Australian Street spot. The vibe Joe’s Tavern is a 30-seat restaurant and bar from Paisano & Daughters – the team behind steak diner Porteño, as well as right-next-door siblings Continental Deli, seafood party place Mister Grotto and Italian restaurant Osteria Mucca. Originally, the site was home to sunshine-like plant-based diner Flora. But less than a year after opening, the team switched gears to a concept inspired by New York taverns serving the classics, with a focus on nose-to-tail cooki

If you haven’t yet been to Caness, Paddington’s excellent tapas bar, then here is the perfect time to do so. On Sunday, May 24, the sleek Oxford Street spot is throwing a big birthday bash to celebrate its first birthday – and you’re invited. Four top Sydney chefs will take over the kitchen, serving up $15 loaded Spanish sandwiches, as well as mussel crisps and a halva Basque cheesecake – with proceeds from the day being donated to OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. The line-up is killer, with Vinicius Oliveira (ex-Bar Vincent and Estela in New York), Diego Duarte (Shaffa), Damir Mujanic (Refettorio) and Caness’ head chef Jorge Alcala all creating their own spins on the classic bocadillo. Plus, guests can enjoy Caness’ G&Ts, $12 Spanish beers, wines plucked from the cellar and non-alcoholic sparkling Conscious Drink by Kakadu Kitchen x OzHarvest. A live jazz duo will be keeping the vibes high. One dollar from every one of Mujanic’s bocadillos and every Conscious Drink sold on the day will be donated to OzHarvest. And every dollar donated provides two meals for people in need. Caness co-owner Erez Nahum says: “We’ve been so heartened by the support we’ve received from the community over the past year that we want to share this day with them,” he says. “But we’re also very aware that people are doing it particularly tough. “We’ve been involved with OzHarvest for a long time, and we think this is the perfect occasion to shine more of a spotlight on the impo

✍️ 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’ve had some of the best dining experiences of my life at Bathers’ Pavilion. One was many years back: a long Sunday lunch where warm sun poured through the windows overlooking Balmoral, and time flowed as easily as crisp Chablis. I was seagull-with-a-hot-chip happy to dine at both of L’Enclume’s residencies – a thrilling collaboration that saw one of the world’s best restaurants take over the seaside institution for winter (twice), giving Sydneysiders the chance to experience Michelin-starred dining, minus the jetlag. My most recent visit was just as exceptional. Clever, lively dishes. Service that elevates the experience. Golden, crunchy seaweed-dusted potato scallops humming with salt, vinegar and childhood nostalgia. As I’m about to leave, I overhear a woman say to her date, “The food is always delicious here. Beautifully paced meal. Lovely view.” The vibe Those cortisol-lowering Balmoral views really are lovely – and on a sunny day, there are few places I’d rather be. The elegant, coastal-chic dining room, all blue-and-white stripes, walnut furniture and snow-white orchids, makes you linger a little longer and order one more drink. I’d argue the team, overseen by restaurant manager Jessica Mead, is one of the finest in Sydney – polished, intuitive and ge

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  If you’ve been to Italy, you’ve probably been to All'Antico Vinaio, the famous Florentine sandwich shop, which now has more than 30 stores dotted all over the world. Will O’Brien vividly remembers trying his first one in Florence when he and his wife were travelling around Europe for six months. He reckons it was the best sandwich he has ever had. On that trip, they were always drawn to local delis, where locals linger over hot espresso in the morning sun and pop in the afternoon for an aperitivo. During that holiday, his dream to open an Italian-style deli serving Florence-inspired panini was born. Fast forward a decade, and Will, who spent years working as a chef at top Sydney restaurants, moved up the coast with his family to Newcastle. And in 2022, Arno Deli opened up inside a building the colour of whipped butter, located on 181 King Street. I’ve been a fan of Will’s sandwiches ever since I first tried them back in February 2023. Every time I’m in the area, and really, even when I’m not, I make sure to drop in. Florence may have David, but Newcastle has Arno. Add it to the top of your hit list. The vibe Arno isn’t big, and it’s often filled with couples on a morning walk, friends catching up, and road trippers. There’s an exposed brick wall on one side;

Been wanting to try the hugely popular Olympic Meats? Now you have an exclusive, one-night opportunity to reserve your spot. To mark Time Out’s Food Month (and our Food & Drink Awards), we’re hosting a Time Out Social Club dinner at this special Award nominee restaurant. Come find out why it’s one of our Food & Drink Award nominees for 2026 – and why there’s always a huge crowd out front. They don’t normally take bookings, but now you don’t have to line up! For one night only, Olympic Meats will be serving a generous Greek feast, designed as a greatest-hits tour of the menu. Bring yourself, bring your mates, bring your yia-yia or your papou! Book over here. When Tuesday, May 12Times 5:30pm & 7:30pm seatingsWhere Olympic Meats, 12 Dudley St, MarrickvilleCost $70 pp set menu(wine, beer & non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the menu)Book here Menu: Pita | Sourdough pita breadFava | Split fava dip, wood-fired mushrooms, bukovo, all spiceTarama | Smoked roe, queen may potatoOlympia’s Spanakopita | Wild greens, feta, circa 1961Htapodi Xidato | Pickled octopus, green chilli, onionChips | Tallow, nostimini, triple-cookedKreas | Pork & chicken on the spit, lamb leg kondosouvliTsigaridia me badzaria | Escarolia, fennel tops, dill, shallots, beetrootBougatsa me krema | Wet phyllo, vanilla custard Secure your table over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more fun stuff to land in your inbox.

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

Three Blue Ducks have opened a 45-seat restaurant inside a beautifully restored 1823 heritage farmhouse, just 90 minutes from Sydney. It’s found on Burradoo Park Farm – a 600-acre working regenerative farm founded and operated by Annie Cannon-Brookes, where produce is quite literally plucked from the soil and carried straight to the kitchen for that day’s service. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyThree Blue Ducks Burradoo restaurant The intimate restaurant’s menu celebrates what’s growing, grazing and being harvested onsite, backed by delicious vino and magical, storybook-like views. The Burradoo restaurant joins The Bakehouse and The Farmhouse by Three Blue Ducks, completing its offering at Burradoo Park Farm, as well as its sibling venues in Byron, Rosebery, Melbourne, Nimbo and Bellingen, all of which are grounded in the same farm-to-plate ethos. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyAndy and Avril “It’s the most elevated experience that we’ve ever put our hand to, and it all revolves around the farm we’re standing on,” chef and co-owner Andy Allen tells me. “Every dish on the tasting menu features something from the farm, from your snacks right through to dessert.” “It doesn’t get much better.”  Photograph: Kitti GouldMain dining room of Three Blue Ducks Burradoo As well as Andy and co-owner Darren Robertson, the food direction is led by group executive chef Troy Crisante and new head chef Rhys Connell (formerly of Sepia, Society, Cutler & Co an

Japanese flavours, sake and a vibey, intimate 50-seat dining room. That’s what you can expect to find at Aenza, a new Japanese wine bar in Darlinghurst’s Oxford & Foley building from the team behind Amuro. Drinks, overseen by restaurant and beverage manager Paul Beaton (ex Tetsuya’s, Quay), are a serious focus. The wine list features 120 bottles and 38 by-the-glass options, spanning drops from Japan, France and Australia. Plus, there’s Japanese whisky, gin, shochu, an evolving line-up of sake and highballs. Photograph: Ethan SmartDishes and drinks at Aenza The menu is made up of small, snacky plates with Japanese flavours and an Aussie touch. Think kingfish sashimi with fresh mandarin and ponzu dressing; twice-cooked sweet and sour lamb ribs; and chiffon cake with miso caramel and candied walnut. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyDrinks at Aenza Other highlights include umeshu tomato with miso cream cheese and white anchovy; paradise prawn with pickled chilli and shiso; karaage chicken with spiced salt and takana mayo; and charred cauliflower with brown butter and Comté. And there’s a black truffle Basque cheesecake on the dessert menu. Photograph: Ethan SmartDessert at Aenza Liu, the owner of Amuro and Aenza, said: “Amuro showed us how much people wanted to connect with each other over food, and we didn’t have the space to do everything we wanted. Aenza gives us that room, a bigger kitchen, a longer bar, and space for a proper wine list, while keeping the s

You may have tried chef Orazio D’Elia’s pizzas at his popular Bondi eatery, Da Orazio. But you won’t find them on the menu at his classy new 80-seater, Trattoria Da Orazio, now open in Rushcutters Bay. Photograph: Jason LoucasSnacks at Trattoria Da Orazio Instead, come for regional Italian dishes, including bombetta pugliese – pork neck stuffed with provolone before being crumbed, fried and served with smooth fava bean puree and bitter chicory. A vibrant green tortellini is filled with rich osso buco, served on a creamy saffron sauce. And you need to order dessert. D’Elia serves a platter of mini pastries – his favourite childhood dessert – and it’s as whimsical as it is impressive, with mini rum babàs, maritozzi and sfogliatella riccia (that look like lobster tails).  Photograph: Jason LoucasDessert platter at Trattoria Da Orazio Plus, try the ’ndujella – a mix of mortadella and ‘nduja which has a nice bit of chilli heat. The site, redesigned by Adrian Condina Design Studio, features glass doors that open all the way up and will be the spot to sit come springtime. It’s an extra special space for Orazio, who was head chef of Popolo at the same location 14 years ago. “This is a real pinch-me moment. The journey to opening the doors of Trattoria Da Orazio has been a labour of love. To create my own menu and design a space from start to finish in the site where I found my voice as a chef is a dream come true. Photograph: Jason LoucasInside Trattoria Da Orazio Each dish has

Update Monday, July 27: The world’s longest-range commercial aircraft officially touched down in Australia last Friday, having completed its first journey from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne. The 19-hour, 12-minute flight was tracked on Flightradar24 by more than 2.9 million people, making it the second-most-tracked flight of all time. From October 2027, the new Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR will operate the world’s first non-stop services between Sydney and London. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, the Sydney to London route will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but after new supply chain hiccups, take-off of the first route is now expected in October 2027.  Photograph: Supplied/QantasInside “project sunrise” Airbus A350-1000 jet Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in roughly 18.5 hours. Qantas’ 17.5-hour journey from Perth to London is t

When I think of off-grid, my mind tends to wander to long-drops. This couldn't be further from the truth at Ashwood AFrame, a luxury riverfront cabin in Upper Macdonald, about a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. Yes, there’s fresh country air and views for days – the property is set on a bushy 45 acres to wander and explore. Then, as night falls, the panther-black sky glitters with thousands of stars. You’re also surrounded by a heck of a lot of wildlife – cows and ’roos and wombats and birds and nearby horses. Photograph: Ashley DavisInside Ashwood AFrame But on my last off-grid stay, there wasn’t a bathtub. At Ashwood AFrame, there are two freestanding ones – one in the chic, modern bathroom, and one on the deck for golden sunsets with a side of bubbles. There are two extremely comfortable beds with quality linen, making the cabin a top stay for both romantic couples' getaways and friends' weekends. And there’s a bar area, air con for the warmer months and a hanging fireplace come winter. Plus, satin eye masks. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyOne of the tubs at Ashwood AFrame The property really is fully off-grid, powered by solar and gas with filtered rainwater for drinking. You can choose to log on to the speedy wi-fi, or spend a weekend switching off devices and diving into your latest page-turner. Owners Ann and Andrew have created a bushland sanctuary. The beautifully designed A-frame architecture is coupled with warm timber interiors, earthy tones, floor-t

I think it’s when I’m onto my second Negroni, armed with a plate of snacks (warm pita, creamy taramasalata, lemon-spritzed asparagus and salty prosciutto), watching my colleagues-turned-friends in our tennis grand final (I was robbed), the sun starting to turn pastel, that I think: team retreats can’t get much better than this.  Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneySnacks at McGuigan House We’re staying at McGuigan House – a sprawling, enchanting Hunter Valley estate located 20 minutes from Pokolbin and two hours from Sydney – for a team getaway. Lucky ducks. Quack quack. Photograph: Supplied/McGuigan HouseInside McGuigan House Built in the 1980s as the home of fourth-generation winemakers Brian and Fay McGuigan, the historic property was reopened in September 2025 by its new owners, Meg and Luke Berry, after years of planning and renovations, as a luxury retreat and stunning wedding venue. Photograph: Supplied/McGuigan HouseOut the front of McGuigan House And it really is stunning. Set on 10 acres of manicured, English-style gardens and a private vineyard, the estate looks like it’s been ripped from the pages of Vogue Living, Kylie Jenner’s property portfolio, or the daydream of every diamond ring-wearing bride-to-be. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyOut the front of McGuigan House There are verdant green lawns, sweeping views of the Brokenback Ranges, a magnesium turquoise pool, a tennis court (where I lost), and an outdoor fire made for golde

How good are road trips? A few hours on the open road, fuelled with servo snacks and the excitement of what’s to come. That’s how I feel driving south to Huskisson, a pretty, laid-back coastal village found in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, near the world-famous beaches of Jervis Bay. Around a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, the award-winning spot (Huskisson was named Top Tiny Town in Australia in 2024, and has made the Top Towns Hall of Fame 2026) is home to bush-trimmed coves, vivid turquoise water, at least three fish and chippers on the main drag, a delightfully charming old cinema, and one of my personal favourite bakeries (more on that below).  If it’s been a while between weekend escapes, here’s everything you need to know about Huskisson, from where to eat and where to stay. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyFish and chips in Huskisson Where is Huskisson? Huskisson is a chilled-out seaside town on the shores of Jervis Bay, south of Sydney. It’s known for its ridiculously clear water, dolphin and whale cruises, independently owned cafés and some of the South Coast's best seafood. Husky is also a popular base for exploring the rest of Jervis Bay, including the famous Hyams Beach, which gets its brilliantly white sand due to the grains being made up of nearly pure quartz crystals that reflect a high amount of sunlight, as well as Vincentia and the surrounding national parks. How do you get to Huskisson? The easiest way is by car. From Sydney, it's around a 2.5-h

What do Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra, ABBA, Harrison Ford, Rihanna, Kerry Packer, Neil Armstrong… and my mum and her ex-boyfriend all have in common? They have all dined at Beppi’s – Australia’s oldest continuously owned Italian restaurant in Darlinghurst. I find this out when I mention to my mum where I’m off to for the evening, her eyes starting to glaze over with Barolo-laced memories. She tells me she can still remember the rich tomato sauces, the wine cellar dining room, the traditional flavours, and the warm hospitality. Though this isn’t all that unusual: mention the word Beppi’s to any Sydneysider and I pretty much guarantee they’ve had many memorable evenings there. If only the walls could speak. Photograph: Jason LoucasBeppi's dining room Beppi and Norma Polese opened a small Italian restaurant in Darlinghurst in June 1956 – the same year television broadcasting officially began in Australia and Melbourne held the country’s first Olympic Games. At the time, Beppi’s was serving things unfamiliar to many Australian palates, including olive oil, fresh pasta and regional Italian flavours that are commonplace today. Over the years, the warm, cosy restaurant drew a loyal following for its delicious taste of Italy, served with consistent old-school charm. Photograph: Jason LoucasA pasta dish at Beppi's Beppi’s is also home to one of Australia’s most impressive restaurant wine cellars, occupying half the dining room and stocked with thousands of bottles, including rare It

Where can you find the world’s best pizza? Most people would point to Naples, where pizza in its modern form first emerged in the late 18th century – built on flatbreads topped with summer-sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Neapolitans take pizza-making so seriously there are even strict rules defining what constitutes a true Neapolitan pizza, set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), covering everything from diameter and dough to fermentation time and ingredients. Now, you don’t need to jump on a plane to taste the best pizza in the world, with news that Simone Zullo, who owns Fratelli Pulcinella in Parramatta alongside his brother Alessio, has been crowned world champion for 2026 at the Trofeo Caputo World Pizza Championship in Naples, Italy. Simone won the coveted STG Neapolitan Pizza (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) category with his Marinara pizza, judged on dough preparation, fermentation, stretching technique (by hand only), cooking, balance and flavour. Photograph: Supplied/Fratelli PulcinellaSimone Zullo after his win “We are incredibly proud,” said Simone and Alessio Zullo, who both hail from the small town of Alife in southern Italy. The win follows Simone’s second consecutive world title, after his 2025 World Champion win in the Pizza Classica category. “This victory represents years of sacrifice, passion and hard work. It is not only a win for our family and our team, but also a celebration of

Dreaming of a tropical winter escape? Hellooo, Noosa Food & Wine Festival. Since launching in 2003, the four-day culinary party has grown into one of Australia’s best food and wine festivals – and it returns Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14. From celebrity chef dinners to wow-worthy collaborations and beach soirées, these are the events worth booking. Photograph: Supplied/Noosa Food & Wine Festival The Festival Village I reckon everyone should get a ticket to the American Express Festival Village. Firstly, it’s the cheapest ticket you can get, and it comes with complimentary canapés, a cocktail to enjoy under the palms, plus vibey DJs and bands to have a boogie to. You’ll also catch live cooking demos from some of Australia’s best chefs, including Louis Tikaram (Stanley), Jason Barratt (Supernormal), Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks), Sarah Pound (Wholesome by Sarah), Ben Cooper (Chin Chin), Alessandro Pavoni (Cibaria) and Marion Grasby. And there will be 40+ food and wine stalls along the waterfront festival site to explore. When? Saturday, June 13, from 10.30amHow much? $49.50Book here Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Rickys x ESSA: A Collaborative Long Lunch Noosa’s waterfront stunner Rickys is teaming up with Brisbane’s award-winning ESSA executive chef Phil Marchant for a produce-led six-course menu that’s sure to blow your mind. The views alone are worth it. When? Sunday, June 14 at 12pmHow much? $280 per personBook here Photograph: Sabrosa Dim

You probably wouldn’t think some of Sydney’s best pizzas are found in a Redfern shopping mall, but here we are. To be fair, it’s not any old mall – it's Wunderlich Lane, the multi-million-dollar newish precinct home to Olympus Dining, Lottie, Bar Julius, Island Radio, Vitelli’s Upstairs, The Eve Hotel and more (plus Coles and Harris Farm too). I’ve visited all those venues, but I was yet to go to Regina La Pizzeria, by pizza chef Matteo Ernandes (formerly Matteo and Da Orazio) and Michela Boncagni, sommelier and co-owner of Sydney’s LuMi Dining. Until the other week. And I’m very glad I now have. Photograph: Ethan SmartPizza chef Matteo Ernandes In May, Regina La Pizzeria was awarded three slices in Gambero Rosso – the highest honour a venue can receive in the well-established Italian pizza guide. It was the only Aussie venue to receive the top recognition this year, with other Sydney venues recognised including Lucio’s, Via Napoli and Pompeii. The Redfern restaurant won points for its excellence across ingredient sourcing, service and dough. Matteo is pretty passionate about pizza dough – he wants it to have the perfect light texture and chew, without leaving you feeling overly full. That love began growing up in his family’s pizzeria on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, learning from his dad. At Regina, the team says they specialise in ‘contemporary pizza, redefining tradition with innovative dough techniques.’ Their high-hydration dough is 80 per cent water, which creat

When Prefecture 48 opened in late 2024 in a heritage-listed building in Sydney’s CBD, it flew under the radar. It shouldn’t have. Named as a nod to Japan’s 47 prefectures (similar to Australia’s states), Prefecture 48 from the Azabu Group is a six-in-one, multi-level Japanese dining precinct. I revisited it recently, and it blew me away. First up, we stopped at Dear Florence, an elegant, light-filled patisserie featuring elevated takes on the classics with Japanese flavours, by head pastry chef Chris Chua. If it’s your first time, try the Florence Cake, a multi-layered stunner featuring 70 per cent Valrhona chocolate mousse, hazelnut mousse and a white miso ganache. The Serenity, with matcha, hojicha, vanilla sea salt and chocolate, is another crowd favourite. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyThe Florence Cake at Dear Florence Then, we headed to the Whisky Thief, a sleek cocktail bar with an extensive whisky collection and date night written all over it. The Shibuya Highball (Toki whisky, toasted puffed rice, cream soda) is a subtle and smooth tipple, while the Whisky Thief Cocktail (Toki whisky, hojicha tea, fava tonka, wattleseed, cream) is a beautifully balanced delight. After a couple of cocktails, it’s straight to Garaku, a kaiseki dining experience where you can sit down and enjoy a multi-course contemporary Japanese meal led by Tetsuya's former executive chef, Derek Kim. The polished dining room, with its modern design, pops of neon colour and long, slee