Avril Treasure

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime 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 help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

If you want a fuss-free feed come rain or shine, nothing beats golden, crisp, flaky battered fish and a hearty serving of chips. But what makes a really excellent fish supper? It's the quality of the batter through to the cut of the chip, the potatoes used and even the seasonings and sauces – are you for ketchup, vinegar, chicken salt, tartare or simply a squeeze of lemon juice? And it comes down to how fresh the fish is, of course. There’s a lot that goes into getting it just right and a wide gulf between the catch of the day and yesterday's chip paper. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have scoured the city to put together a list of the best to help you net the perfect catch. 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 fish and chips in NSW are found in this pretty seaside village These are the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. Check out our guide to the top waterfront restaurants in Sydney.

Did you know Australia’s last-standing pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find a night free, and feel like something different – and supporting indie work! – check out what's on here.  Now, let’s dive into more theatrical fun currently on in Sydney. If you loved & Juliet and Six the Musical, then I reckon you’ll love Head Over Heels, now on at Hayes Theatre. From the makers of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, this is a serotonin-spiking queer comedy musical with Shakespearean-style romance and ’80s hits. Get your tickets here. Afterglow is a striking new work, now playing at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst until March 22. The Broadway hit is said to be a “raw, funny and sensual exploration of polyamory, commitment and modern love.” Get your tickets here. In an exciting coup, the most awarded new American play of 2025, Purpose, is on now at STC's Wharf 1 Theatre. Our reviewer gave it five stars – you can read it here. The excellent Gatsby at The Green Light has returned to the Sydney Opera House until March 29, transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club plucked from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic world. 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

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

Brimming with boutique studios, sprawling mega-chains and everything in between, Sydney is a gym junkie's paradise. But the amount of choice can be overwhelming. Luckily, our Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis has worked in the fitness industry, so she knows what sets a mediocre, money-wasting gym apart from a gym that'll actually have you motivated to lace up those sneakers and head out the door. A good gym isn't necesarily the trendiest or most aesthetic one; it's the one you stick with so that you can achieve the results you're after (whether that's building strength, losing weight, getting your stress in check or trying out a new physical activity and connecting with community). Over the years, Time Out's team have covered a lot of ground when it comes to trying out Sydney gyms! So if you're ready to swipe that membership card and sweat, read on to find the right fit for you. Looking for a healthy feed? Here's our guide to healthy eateries that don't suck. Prefer to pound the pavements? These are the best run clubs in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  

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

Sydney is home to some stunning cinemas and beautiful picture houses, but you know what's even better than sitting in a darkened room to watch a movie? Being outside under the stars! Feel like enjoying a film in the great outdoors? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the open air across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots across the city.  Bring a rug and some snacks (or buy them from handy pop-up eateries) and settle in with the fam, a mate, or a date – some cinemas will even let you bring your dog. 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.  While you're planning your summer adventures, organise a trek to these majestic waterfalls near Sydney or on one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney.

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on. And hello, autumn! I was at Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday and it was such an epic, joyous celebration of love and acceptance, and made me so proud of Sydney. You can check it out here. Happy Mardi Gras. A dazzling blood moon eclipse is coming our way on Tuesday, March 3 – and the Sydney Observatory is inviting you to its watch party. Find out more here. Keen to learn more about the history of beer? Sydney local and Time Out freelance writer Benedict Kennedy-Cox is hosting a pubs and brewery crawl this Thursday, saying: “Some of Australia’s first beers were brewed in The Rocks. On this tour we get a chance to taste some beers that have been brewed the same way for over 100 years.” Find out more and book your place here. An incredible supermarket-like exhibition has popped up in Marrickville's Voluptuary Ceramics studio – and it's got aisles packed with realistic and retro food-themed art. International Women’s Day is this Sunday, March 8. There are many celebrations, events and talks held throughout Sydney, but perhaps the biggest one is All About Women at the Opera House. There are a handful of tickets available. YTG.Want to get glammed up for free? The Iconic is hosting an F1-inspired "pit stop" at 75 Elizabeth Street in the CBD – think on-the-spot beauty touch-ups, rapid-fire hair styling and fashion-related giveaways. You can find out more over here. If you're up for a delicious, cultural experience, I really recommend

Summer may be over for another year, but the good times keep on rolling. And TBH, March is one of my favourite months in Sydney – the weather is still warm, daylight saving is still here, and the water is the perfect temperature. Plus, there’s lots of fun happening. Kick-start the month with the annual All About Women celebration at the Sydney Opera House. There are still a handful of tickets left. YTG! One of my favourite food events of the year is happening right now – late-night food market Lakemba Nights. It’s on during the sacred month of Ramadan, when Muslims break their fast after sunset. Head to Lakemba now until March 15, dress modestly – and come hungry. Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival, the Biennale of Sydney, returns this March for its 25th edition – and it’s completely free. And you can check out our guide to the best shows to see in Sydney this month. Plus, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 kicks off in March. Go the Tillies! Plus, despite summer being over *by name*, there's still going to be plenty of time to frolic through the city's best beaches, splash around at one of Sydney's most beautiful swimming spots, and head off the beaten track at one of the city's most stunning secret beaches. Scroll on for the best things this month. Happy March! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Stay outside this March at one of Sydney's best (and easiest) day hikes, and book a night or two at on

It's (nearly) the weekend! Let's go. International Women’s Day is this Sunday, March 8. There are many celebrations, events and talks held throughout Sydney, but perhaps the biggest one is All About Women at the Opera House. There are a handful of tickets available. YTG. If you're up for a delicious, cultural experience, I really recommend heading to the late-night food market, Lakemba Nights. Running every Thursday to Sunday from now to March 15, Lakemba Nights is on during Ramadan, when Muslims break their fast after sunset. Dress modestly, and come hungry. An incredible supermarket-like exhibition has popped up in Marrickville's Voluptuary Ceramics studio – and it's got aisles packed with realistic and retro food-themed art. Come check it out this weekend – it'll be the most fun grocery run you’ll ever do. Broadway’s award-winning show Purpose has been brought to life by Sydney Theatre Company. It’s about a powerful African American family, and how it’s thrown into chaos when its estranged youngest son returns home with an uninvited guest. Oprah Winfrey said it’s “brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful” – and our reviewer gave it five stars. Get a ticket here, and you can explore our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here. Plus, take a dip at one of Sydney’s best beaches, enjoy some fish and chips and make the most of the air con at an exhibition. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat and Ron Mueck: Encounter – both showing at the AGNSW – are my

No plans today? We've got you covered. Autumn is here, and that means daylight saving is nearly over. Find out everything you need to know here. Thankfully, the ocean temperature is still warm and lovely for swims at Sydney’s best beaches, and there's still time to squeeze in a few more after-work picnics. If the sun’s shining, gather the crew and head to one of Sydney’s top rooftop bars, or knock back a pint in a sunny beer garden at one of the city’s best pubs. Afterwards, dress up and visit one of Sydney’s best restaurants – or save a few dollars and work your way through our guide to these fab cheap eats. Wanna visit a new spot? Check out Sydney’s best new restaurants and bars here. For a culture hit, check out the best shows in Sydney right now. And if you feel like dancing, hit up these fun and pumping clubs. Craving a bit of relaxation? These are the top day spas in Sydney. Want more? Check out Sydney's best yum cha, burgers and fish and chips. 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. 

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. Here are 50 of the best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Conditions not ideal? Urbnsurf is Sydney's epic inland wave parkHate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

✍️ 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. February 2025 update: Potts Point’s Vermuteria has changed its name to Bar Hernandez. Co-owner David Spanton says: “We have returned the name to tap into the history of the place (formerly Café Hernandez for 50 years) and to have a name that is easier for people to say.” Nothing else has changed, including the great daily happy hour – featuring cheap cocktails, tapas, sherry, wine and vermouth. It’s also an excellent choice for a date. Read on for our review from 2023. ***** Deciphering how to say Vermuteria is about as difficult as defending against Sam Kerr. And we’re not the only ones who have found it challenging – the team posted a video on Instagram where they quizzed guests on how to say the name, with varying levels of success. When we visit on a Wednesday evening, it’s the second thing we ask our waiter. He answers with a warm, knowing smile: “Ver – mutt – err – ria.” Case closed. Now, we can focus on what matters most: drinking and eating. Located on Kings Cross Road, Vermuteria has taken over the former Cafe Hernandez site, which operated there for 50 years as a Spanish café. Before that, the building was home to a Polish deli. With Vermuteria, owner Dave Spanton (the founder of Australian Bartender Magazine, and hole-in-the-wall nearby spot Picco

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, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 19 to March 15, 2026. 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, India, 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 barbecue back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with the event from previous years drawing in more than one million people across the month.

Orange FOOD Week – the country’s longest-running annual regional food festival and my personal favourite food and wine party – returns this autumn, celebrating the area’s incredible produce, producers and chefs. Running from March 20-29, the 2026 edition of the festival will once again bring together local farmers, winemakers, coffee roasters, cheesemakers and food-lovers – AKA those in the food, wine and beer biz – for ten days of feasting and celebrations. Now in its 35th year, Orange FOOD Week 2026 will feature close to 100 joyous and delicious events happening across the small township and surrounding farmlands of Orange. Gather your mates and plan your road trip now. RELATED READ: I write about food for a living – and this is the NSW food festival I never miss. Most of the events at FOOD Week are ticketed (you can have a suss at all of them here). While some flagship events are sold out, there’s still the option to put your name on the waiting list. Plus, there are plenty of free happenings and even more great eateries to experience while you’re in Orange (Hey Rosey and The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank are my top picks). Highlights of FOOD Week include the outdoor Night Market (March 20), featuring food and wine stalls serving local delights under festoon lights in Robertson Park; the gorgeous alfresco long lunch, Sampson Street Lunch (March 21), which includes a three-course meal plus paired wines; and lots of meet the producer workshops, where you can meet

Calling all beer lovers: Brookie Fest, a three-day beer fest bringing together the ace breweries dotted around Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is back for its third year. This seriously fun shindig kicks off on Friday, February 13, and runs until Sunday, February 15 with Brookvale’s best breweries, distillers and eateries – including Bucketty's Brewing Co, Freshwater Brewing Company, Manly Spirits Co, Dad & Dave's Brewing and more – all getting in on the action – and you should, too. There will be lots of smashable ice-cold beers and live bands performing throughout the festival, but we’re big fans of the wacky entertainment. W're talking about dachshund racing (yep, those sausage dogs are set to battle it out), skating demos, a chilli eating contest, and the ever-popular Esky races. Got little ones? Bring them along on Sunday for kids’ karaoke, balloons and hair braiding.  You can check out the full line-up here. See you at Brookie Fest! 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: Thirsty? These are the best breweries in Sydney right now. Feel like a swim? Hit the surf with our guide to the top beaches in Sydney here. Check out our guide to the coolest bars in Sydney.

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  When was the last time you visited the quieter end of Newtown’s King Street? If it’s been a while, here’s a great reason to stroll past the few remaining vegan spots, colourful vintage stores and dodgy tobacco shops: a glorious, peach-coloured, seasonal bistro called South End that I reckon you’re gonna love. I sure do. The vibe Opened in October 2025, South End comes from three long-term hospo pros and friends. In the kitchen, you'll find Hussein Sarhan, former head chef of Fred’s in Paddington who also worked at the late Skye Gyngell’s Spring Restaurant in London, and Alex Tong, ex-Ester sous chef who’s also cooked at Ho Lee Fook and Belon in Hong Kong. Leading the floor and drinks is Paul Guiney – an award-winning legend whose CV spans Nahm in London, Embla, Town Mouse and Brooks in Melbourne, and A.P Bread & Wine and The Bentley Group in Sydney. If I could give six stars for Guiney’s service, I would. Inside, it's simple and charming, with cream curtains, coffee-bean-coloured wooden furniture, sage-green accents and white tablecloths. The staff, dressed in Powerade-blue jackets for a pop of fun, are warm and switched-on, chatting to guests with ease. At the centre is a bar where you can pull up a chair for a wine and snack. And I think in a few weeks,

A few years ago, I called Paddington home. Most days, I’d ride my moped along Oxford Street, turning into South Dowling Street, passing a seemingly endless construction site cloaked in dust and hi-vis, and wondering what might rise from it. The heritage-listed building at 1-11 Oxford Street has lived many lives as one of Sydney’s cultural landmarks. In the late 1800s, the site housed Marshall’s Paddington Brewery before transforming into West’s Olympia Theatre in 1911. By the mid-20th century, it had become Sydney’s first twin cinema, followed by later incarnations including the famed Grand Pacific Blue Room nightclub. In 2025, after years of planning and construction, the building was reborn as 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia – an impressive 109-room boutique hotel complete with first-class restaurants and bars. It also marks the first Australian outpost from 25hours Hotels, the cult European brand celebrated for its imaginative design and deep ties to local culture. And I reckon they’ve nailed it. But before we get into the good bits – and there’s a lot – let’s get the only two faults out of the way. For one, the name is a bit of a mouthful. And two, there’s no dedicated hotel car park. The team recommends arriving by Uber, taxi or public transport – though if you do want to bring your car, there are neighbouring car parks just a short walk away. What is 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia like? 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia is bold and playful, with clever nods to the bui

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 sixth year, with the festival kicking off early this time on March 28 and extending all the way until April 30. This gives you a generous 34 days spanning the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day weekend and the April school holidays to taste your way around the area. 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. MasterChef alumnus Reece Hignell has just been announced as its newest Ambassador. Reece joins long-standing NFM Ambassador Jessica Farchione, and together, they will champion the town's thriving food scene. Things kick off with a brand new signature event, Sounds Bites. It will see Newcastle’s top chefs teaming up with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre on March 28 at Newcastle racecourse for a day of exceptional food, top drops and live music.  The Autumnal Garden Party is so good, it's one twice – on April 11 and 18 at the historic  Customs

✍️ 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.  Stepping into Mister Grotto is like walking into an eclectic fisherman’s den. A curved, wood-panelled roof gives the 30-seat space a boat-like character. There are fishing nets, marine treasures, a wrap-around bar with a twisted rope edge, and a colourful map of Australia with under-the-sea creatures by Michael Wholley. Everyone seems to be having a whale of a time, packed in like sardines, with waiters just squeezing through while frosty Martinis are poured and glistening oysters are shucked. Stepping into Newtown’s Mister Grotto is also like walking into one of Sydney's most exciting restaurants. And if the surroundings don't give it away, they only serve (excellent) seafood here. The vibe Mister Grotto opened in March 2025 on Newtown’s small but mighty Australia Street. The spirited diner is from Paisano & Daughters – the team behind its knockout next-door siblings: Continental Deli, Osteria Mucca and Joe's Tavern, as well as some of the Humble, Porteño and Bastardo team. Like all their other venues, the considered, personality-packed space is thanks to co-owner and creative director Sarah Doyle, who drew inspiration from her memories of fishing with her father as a child. This isn’t the place to come if you’re after a quiet evening and a steak. But if yo

✍️ 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.  Jellyfish has scored a new fan. Arriving piled high in a small white porcelain bowl, the marine creature comes tangled with soft, just-cooked king prawns, fragrant coriander, sliced green chilli and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s incredible: lively, tingling, textural. It's like an electric disco under the sea – and it's my favourite dish at Grandfathers, the CBD’s new Chinese restaurant from the team behind Sydney favourites Clam Bar and Pellegrino 2000. The vibe The 140-seat L-shaped restaurant, found in the former Long Chim home on Angel Place, is the fifth restaurant opening in five years from the trio Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift. Their latest venture is inspired by Clift’s Chinese grandfather, who sparked the chef's great love of food. Inside, red-and-black zig-zag carpet adds pizzazz, and moon-like orbs dangle from the ceiling. Pet-style fish swim in neon-blue fish tanks, while red-jacketed waitstaff whip around the room, refilling waters and running guests through the menu. The girls next to me are taking photos with a dish of glistening, bronzed pigeon. These Three Musketeers excel at many things – seasoning, soundtrack and drinks list, for starters. And they know how to create a fully realised venue, one that’s big on vibe. The kind of pl

✍️ 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.  Sydney’s got its fair share of beloved restaurants – but few reached the cult status of Bar Vincent. The low-lit Italian haunt had chefs and food-lovers wrapped around its olive-oil-slicked finger, so much so that, when co-owners Andy and Sarah announced they were closing the doors for good, you could almost hear the city’s collective gasp. Good news, then, that it was snapped up by a trio who loved the restaurant as much as anyone else: Nathan and Sali Sasi and Morgan McGlone from Sydney favourites Bar Copains, Bessie’s and Alma’s. The guys initially kept things much the same, though they soon realised the business wasn’t sustainable. Plus, they wanted to create an offering that was authentic to them. So they stuck to their guns and, to many people's initial disappointment, transformed Bar Vincent into Vin-Cenzo’s. It’s still an Italian restaurant – just done their way.  There are similarities between the two. For one, they’re both bloody excellent. Some of Bar Vincent’s dishes live on at Vin-Cenzo's, like the vitello tonnato – reimagined into a cracking crudo with ruby-coloured Ulladulla tuna, dolloped with a creamy, anchovy-rich sauce. The curved arches remain, now painted a soft blue. And, importantly, they both have integrity – and that’s well worth its

Cue the jingle bells for your office commute: the beloved annual Martin Place Christmas Markets are back for 2025, kicking off on Thursday, November 27 and ending on Saturday, December 20. The merry CBD markets will then be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (and on one Sunday, November 30) leading up to Christmas (AKA the biggest day in Mariah Carey’s calendar). It's your chance to get gifts for your loved ones and support small businesses at the same time. How’s that for Christmas cheer? From ripe and juicy cherries to festive wreaths, deliciously scented candles, boutique wines, Christmas puddings, handcrafted jewellery and chic homewares, these markets are stacked with excellent stalls and passionate stallholders, set to bring festival cheer to even the most Grinch-identifying CBD worker. This year, they will also introduce a washable service system in partnership with Betizen, aiming to significantly reduce single-use waste.  You’ll find the Christmas markets in the pedestrian boulevard of Martin Place in the heart of the city – just above the huge Martin Place metro station.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Get in the festive spirit with these Christmas markets running all throughout the November and December.

I’m lying on a sand-coloured sunlounge overlooking lush tropical vegetation, the afternoon sun soft and warm on my skin. I can’t hear any cars, just the gentle rustle of trees in the breeze and local kookaburras gasbagging. I’m facing two dilemmas. First, I need to somehow muster the energy to get dressed for dinner at The Rooftop Bar & Grill, though a Spritz and prawn linguini does sound good. The second? I’ve got to figure out how I can move to Mollymook. The good news is there’s Bannisters Pavilion, where I’m staying, and, of course, its local sibling Bannisters by the Sea – for now. Why stay at Bannisters Pavilion? Well, firstly, the banging location. Just 500 metres from Mollymook Beach – one of the South Coast’s most beautiful stretches of sand – Bannisters Pavilion is an ideal base for when you want to go on holiday and let the car keys gather dust on the kitchen bench. The hotel is fresh and contemporary, featuring light-filled rooms, a rooftop pool for daily dips, an upbeat restaurant and a bar. As well as pristine beaches, Bannisters Pavilion is close to a golf course and cafés – so you’ve got everything you need for a laid-back escape at your fingertips. Plus, Bannisters Pavilion is a more affordable and family-friendly option than its famous sibling, Bannisters by the Sea – but you still get the signature style and quality hospitality. What are the rooms like at Bannisters Pavilion? There are 35 rooms and suites at Bannisters Pavilion, decked out in beach-shack ch

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

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

From sweet mangoes to prawn rolls, ocean dips, backyard barbies, after-work picnics and the sounds of cicadas, Sydney summers are as good as they come. Sadly, our hottest season has officially ended for another year, and while it will stay warm for a while now, cooler times are on their way. The good news is that daylight saving is still here – just not for long. Wondering when the clocks go back? Here’s a handy explainer covering what you need to know about the end of daylight saving in NSW... Photograph: Destination NSW When does NSW daylight savings end? Mark your calendar: daylight saving in NSW ends on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Clocks will move back one hour, marking the end of those long evenings and the return of cooler, bright mornings. Make the most of the extra night light while you can and squeeze in a few more swims and alfresco fun. Do the clocks go forward or backward when daylight savings ends? Clocks fall back at the end of daylight saving in NSW. Do you always forget which way the clock goes? A handy way to remember is with this saying: “Spring forward, fall back.” So, in spring, at the start of daylight saving, the clocks spring forward. In autumn ("fall"), they fall back. What time do the clocks change in NSW? In NSW, the clocks go back at 3am at the end of daylight saving. So, at 3am, the clocks will move back to 2am. Essentially, the hour from 2am to 3am happens twice. Why do the clocks go backward? The clocks go backward in NSW at the end of daylight savi

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

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

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

A few weeks ago we brought the very good news that Sydney officially scrapped its remaining lockout laws – the mandated policy for 3.30am last drinks being the main one – ending a decade-long era of restrictions and doom and gloom. Unfortunately, we may be taking two steps back with the news that one of the city’s most lively pubs is facing strict regulation from the police. A Newtown icon, the Marlborough Hotel, known by locals as The Marly, has been in operation since 1860 and is one of King Street’s most recognisable pubs. Owned by hospo group Solotel, which is behind other popular venues like The Bank Hotel, The Abercrombie, Darlo Bar and more, The Marly can draw in 1,500 punters on a busy night, according to the SMH. However, due to “ongoing compliance issues” from alcohol-related incidents including assaults in the past five years, local police are now pushing the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority to introduce a range of conditions for the popular pub, such as alcohol restrictions, facial recognition cameras and dance floor limits. Photograph: Destination NSW Local councillors say the move would be at odds with the great strides the NSW government’s vibrancy reforms have made in recent times. These include venues no longer being able to be shut down due to a single noise complaint, the standing-while-drinking rule being scrapped, and the removal of sign-up rules at clubs and RSLs, as well as extended trading hours for venues that host live performances (to d

What makes a restaurant romantic? White tablecloths, flickering candlelight, Frank Sinatra and, hopefully, a cracking date? Well, the team at OpenTable has dropped its annual Top 50 Romantic Restaurants in Australia list – and they all have one thing in common: they’re perfect for your next date night. Photograph: Hugh O'Brien Nine restaurants in New South Wales – including three in Sydney – have been named among Australia’s most romantic, according to data from the online booking platform. Based on real guest reviews and booking data collected from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025, the team looked at a range of things, including ratings, five-star reviews, advance bookings and search interest, to narrow it down. The final 50 list was determined by the percentage of reviews tagged “romantic”. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney RELATED READ: The most romantic restaurants and bars in Sydney that couples will love Neptune’s Grotto, winner of Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year 2025, has been named one of the restaurants best for dates, thanks to its vibey dining room, delicious Italian dishes and, yes, soft candlelight. Following the Italian theme is Enmore Road’s Osteria di Russo & Russo, also named among the country’s most romantic restaurants. And Bathers’ Pavilion, which overlooks Balmoral’s idyllic cove, is also perfect for romantic long lunches and Cupid-approved dinners. Photograph: Destination NSW | Andrew GregoryViews of the Bathers Pavilion f

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, one of the best-selling music artists of all time and everyone’s favourite first-dance singer, is performing in Sydney this week as part of his Loop Tour, before heading to Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. This force behind stick-in-your-head hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’ was last in Australia in 2023. Now, fresh off his New Zealand leg of the tour and shows in Perth, he’s heading to Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this week to belt out his absolute heartstring-pulling bangers. Expect to sing along to songs off his brand-new album Play – as well as his most-loved chart-toppers. Heading to see Ed Sheeran in Sydney? Here’s everything you need to know... Photograph: Supplied When are the Ed Sheeran Sydney shows? Ed Sheeran is performing three shows in Sydney: Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day!), and Sunday, February 15. How to get to the Ed Sheeran Sydney concerts Ed Sheeran’s shows are at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (which is free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). Parking can be a bit difficult, so the best way to get to the concert is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park Station, with trains also departing Strathfield every few minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to Accor Stadium. What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage in Sydney? Likely around 8pm. Doors open at 4pm, with the aw

Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper who is currently the world’s most-streamed artist on Spotify, is performing in Australia for the first time ever this month – and he’s only coming to Sydney. Fresh off the Super Bowl halftime show stage, where his epic performance layered with cultural storytelling drew in 135.4 million viewers and made history as the most-watched halftime show ever (surpassing Kendrick Lamar’s 133.5 million from last year), Bunny will perform two shows in Sydney at ENGIE Stadium (Sydney Showground) in Olympic Park as part of his 2026 world tour. This comes off the back of Bunny’s Grammy win for his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – becoming the first artist to win Album of the Year for a record sung entirely in Spanish. Bad Bunny What was the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show about? Before we hop into the key bits about coming to Sydney – if you haven’t watched Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show (his real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), you gotta. The performance, performed almost entirely in Spanish, spoke heartfelt messages about unity. A closing backdrop read “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE.” His performance used joy, cultural pride, and shared heritage to spotlight the diversity of the Americas, making it both a celebration and a powerful statement about inclusion and belonging. Keen to see him IRL? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Bad Bunny’s Sydney shows. Is Bad Bunny coming to Sydney? Yes! Bad Bunny will

At yesterday’s Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history as the first halftime headliner to perform entirely in Spanish. The Puerto Rican rapper’s epic performance, layered with cultural storytelling, drew in 135.4 million viewers (surpassing Kendrick Lamar’s 133.5 million from last year), making him the most-watched halftime act ever. Whether you're a long-time fan or new recruit, you’ll be stoked to hear that Bad Bunny is coming to Australia for the very first time this month and has locked in two shows in Sydney as part of his 2026 world tour. The tour supports his Grammy-winning album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which made history as the first Album of the Year award for a record sung entirely in Spanish. Keen to see him IRL? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Bad Bunny in Australia. What was the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show about? Before we hop into the key bits about coming to Australia – if you haven’t watched Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show (his real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), you gotta. The performance, performed almost entirely in Spanish, spoke heartfelt messages about unity. A closing backdrop read “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE.” His performance used joy, cultural pride, and shared heritage to spotlight the diversity of the Americas, making it both a celebration and a powerful statement about inclusion and belonging. Is Bad Bunny coming to Australia? Yes – but he’s only coming to Sydney. Bad Bunny will perform two

The term ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around a lot – and in the world of TikTok and Instagram, it’s not long until some slice of paradise gets fed into the algorithm. But true hidden gems – that is, beautiful destinations that are yet to blow up big time – are still out there, if you know where to look. Now, a new study has uncovered ten incredible yet lesser-known destinations in Australia that are still flying under the radar. And guess what? The country’s top hidden gem is right here in New South Wales. RELATED READ: NSW’s 8 most enchanting small towns revealed – bookmark for your next road trip. To determine these hidden gems, the team at Rollin’ analysed destinations across the country using five key factors: average monthly Google search demand (the lower, the better), social media visibility, the number of accommodations and attractions, distance from the nearest capital city and weather suitability. These scores were then combined to create an overall index, revealing the top ten under-the-radar locations in Oz. Photograph: Mcollison via Wikimedia Commons Dangar Island, a tranquil car-free island just an hour north of Sydney, claimed the top spot as Australia’s ultimate hidden gem for 2026. Loved for its sense of remoteness – you’ll need to drive or catch a train to Hawkesbury River Station, then hop on a boat to reach the island – and the fact there’s no traffic, it’s a low-key island dream. Plus, with lots of stunning trails throughout the bushy headland, turquoise wa