Avril Treasure

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a solid list of the top wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round – special mention has to go to Fayshell, whose membership option has totally changed the game (and improved my own skin immeasurably). Read on for our round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Need a new hair do? These are the best hair salons in Sydney.Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. 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.

Keen for a fun weekend? You've come to the right place.  A new Banksy exhibition has landed in Sydney, featuring more than 250 provocative works by the world-famous elusive street artist – and it looks very cool. If there’s one thing you do this weekend, book tickets and go see ‘My Brilliant Career’ – a joyous Australian show at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. I went the other week and it is BLOODY BRILLIANT. Sorry for the caps – I just love it that much. Read our reviewer’s five-star piece here and get your tickets here. Want more? These are the best shows to see in Sydney this month. The 25th Biennale of Sydney (named among the best exhibitions in the world for 2026) is back. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day. Free Friday night? Art After Dark is going down at White Bay Power Station – one of Syd's coolest venues – with gigs, art and food. Plus, take a dip at one of Sydney’s best beaches, enjoy some fish and chips and make the most of the air con at an exhibition. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat at the AGNSW is my pick. If you'd like to spend some time in nature, check out our guide to the best walks in Sydney – BYO snacks and hat. If you're up for a road trip, you can also cool off with our guide to the most magical swimming holes in NSW. Or clock a few saltwater laps with our guide to Sydney's best ocean pools.  And if you want more boozy fun, you can work your way thr

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.  If there’s one thing you do this week, book tickets and go see ‘My Brilliant Career’ – a joyous Australian show at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. I went the other week and it is BLOODY BRILLIANT. Sorry for the caps – I just love it that much. Read our reviewer’s five-star piece here and get your tickets here. A new Banksy exhibition has landed in Sydney, featuring more than 250 provocative works by the world-famous elusive street artist – and it looks very cool. The Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival – is back for its 25th edition, and it’s completely free. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day. Free Fri night? Get tickets to Art After Dark. Hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time. For a culture hit, head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and check out Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat – a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers.  Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars. Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week. Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time O

No plans today? We've got you covered. Autumn is in full swing, and I'm personally loving the cooler mornings and warm days. Plus, the ocean is lovely for swims at Sydney’s best beaches. 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, explore the best shows in Sydney right now. And if you feel like dancing, hit up these 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. 

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

Sydney sits on Gadigal Country, part of the wider Eora Nation, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived for tens of thousands of years. And you can call us biased, but we reckon it’s one of the greatest cities in the world. Yes, Sydney is ridiculously beautiful – with cracking beaches, a wow-worthy harbour and bushland parks. But the city doesn’t rest on its good looks, with a thriving cultural and arts scene, a world-class dining offering spanning acclaimed restaurants and diverse, affordable eats, and a melting pot of cultures. The truth is, like any great city, there’s so much to see and do in Sydney it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. The activities we've chosen will give you a varied experience of the city – everything from tourist attractions that are actually worth your time (hello, Taronga Zoo, Bondi Icebergs and Luna Park) to secret swimming spots that locals know and love. Whether you’re a just-hopped-off-the-plane tourist or a long-time local ready to fall back in love with Sydney, this 2026 Time Out Sydney round-up of must-do activities will help you experience the city from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel insp

Why spend your Sunday elbow-deep in chores when you could be tucking into a proper Sunday roast at the pub? It's a chance to settle in somewhere cosy, drink in hand, while the pros take care of the cooking. Across Sydney, pubs lean into the tradition during the cooler months, serving up hearty plates with a side of English charm. This is comfort food at its finest. Think thick-cut slices of beef, slow-roasted legs of lamb, pork belly with crackling or golden-skinned chook – all served with generous helpings of roasted veggies, gravy and pillowy Yorkshire puddings, of course.  For the ultimate Sunday feast, you've got to try a Sunday roast this winter – and a good pint to go with it. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more? Work your way through Time Out's guide to the best pubs in Sydney. Also check out the Best Bar & Pub nominees for the Time Out Sydney Food & Drink awards 2026. 

Time Out Sydney's Best Destination Venue Award recognises the exceptional venues in regional areas across New South Wales. They’re the types of places that are worth taking a little getaway to dine or drink in. In the past 12 months, we've travelled the state and identified those special venues that are making a mark on their towns. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter.

Our Best Bar & Pub Award recognises wine bars, cocktail bars and local pubs with that X-factor. They’re innovative and exciting yet always welcoming and fun. Each of the nominees is a cool space to hang out at, offers a diverse drinks list that caters to all tastes and has friendly, welcoming staff that add to the good vibes. Their bar teams are adept at shaking up something new as well as demonstrating a well-rounded mastery of the classics. Many of them serve up excelllent food, too. While the nominees in this category may differ wildly in their offerings, each of them can be relied on to deliver a great time, every time. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter.

The nominees in the Affordable Eat category are well-loved restaurants or takeaway joints that offer up great-value meals – including some decent feeds for $25 and under. Our nominees in this category represent a broad diversity of cuisines and locations and are treasured within their neighbourhoods for consistently delivering on quality, value, service and flavour. They're the places our writers want to return to time and time again (and are affordable enough to do so!). The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter.

Time Out Sydney's Best Restaurant Award recognises exceptional Sydney restaurants that elevate the dining experience to new and exciting heights. They are the types of places respected for their world-class kitchen and bar talent, imaginative offerings and stunning venue design. In both service and setting as well as culinary technique, all nominees in this category have displayed outstanding attention to detail and masterful execution. These places have made unforgettable impressions on Time Out's food and drink writers. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter.

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

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  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;

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  The first time I had cochinita pibil, I was three Dos Equis deep at a roadside stall after spending the morning diving into the electric-turquoise waters of Tulum’s Playa Paraíso. I remember the spiced, juicy pork, brightened with citrus, and the crunch and zing of the pickled red onions. I practically inhaled it. The most recent time was at Newcastle’s new Mexican restaurant, Papalote. Here, pork shoulder is marinated in achiote, garlic and orange before being cooked for eight hours in a traditional brick pit oven. It arrives wrapped in banana leaf – like a hunger-inducing Mayan gift – and crowned with sliced fresh and pickled red onions, with Marydia’s corn tortillas and non-wallflower salsas on the side. It’s a brilliant rendition of one of my favourite Yucatán dishes, and it also disappears quickly. Anyone who hasn’t visited Newcastle recently is missing out. I could point to the rolling waves, incredible ocean baths and the lack of Big City Rush. But really, you should come here for the food – and make sure Papalote is high on your list. The vibe Last November, locals and long-time friends – sommelier-chef couple Stephanie Wells and Michael Portley from Hunter Street’s pasta and vino palace, Humbug, and the charismatic Eduardo Molina from easy-breezy fi

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

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

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

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

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

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

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Does The Dry Dock in Balmain serve up Sydney’s best scotch egg? I haven’t tried them all, but I’d put my money on it. It’s fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with a savoury, juicy, well-seasoned pork filling and a gooey yolk. Sauce piquante brings sweetness and tang, balancing the richness and making it the perfect bar snack – even better with an on-point Bloody Mary after a big night out. But The Dry Dock does more than excellent British snacks. I’d also say Balmain’s historic boozer is one of Sydney’s finest pubs. Considering how packed it is with locals on a Sunday evening, I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so. The vibe Established in 1857, the heritage-listed Dry Dock is the oldest licensed pub in Balmain. In the mid-1800s, it was frequented by Mort’s Dock workers – Australia’s first ‘dry dock’ – in search of a cold ale. In November 2023, after a year-long renovation, the venue was reopened under new ownership by seasoned hospitality professional James Ingram (ex-Merivale, Rockpool, Solotel, Etymon) and Balmain local Mike Everett, with the main goal of creating a haven for locals. It’s a beautiful, multifaceted pub, designed by interior architect Bianca Isgro – the kind I wish was around the corner from me. There’s alfresco seating ideal

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  The vibe Located on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in the idyllic seaside village of Coledale, about a 20-minute drive from Wollongong, is Rosie’s Fish & Chips – home to the best fish and chips in the state, in my books (and judging by the line snaking out the door, half the South Coast might agree). The family-owned shop is run by British-born chef Ben Sinfield and his partner Tania Ho, and is named after their daughter. There are a handful of blue tables out the front, but your best bet is to waddle down the hill and enjoy your lunch on the grassy patch in front of Sharky Beach with front-row ocean views. And that lunch? It’s reely, reely good. The food Rosie’s Fish & Chips serves sustainable, wild-caught Aussie fish, depending on what’s fresh and available – such as gurnard, flathead, sea bream, blue mackerel and pink ling – all sourced directly from local fishermen. Opt to get it grilled or beer-battered in an ale from Wollongong’s Principal Brewing. The fish itself is pristinely fresh, succulent and delicious with a squeeze of lemon and dunked into a zingy, chunky tartare. The chippies take home my Best Chip Award. Spuds are cut by hand and cooked in Aussie beef dripping – adding an extra layer of depth and flavour. They’re triple-cooked until deeply bronzed,

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  “I’m in love. I’m having a relationship with my pizza.” Those are the words said by Julia Roberts’ character Elizabeth Gilbert in the 2010 romcom Eat Pray Love as she bites into a thin, floppy slice of Margherita pizza topped with summer-ripe tomatoes and melted mozzarella. She’s dining at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Naples, a family-run restaurant founded in 1870. That fleeting scene was enough to catapult Da Michele into global fame, with 80 pizzerias now found worldwide from London to Tokyo and Milan. Last December, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele opened its first-ever Australian venture on Sydney’s Pitt Street near Circular Quay. So, how does it stack up against the city’s already excellent scene? The pizzas are pretty great. And considering a classic – and ginormous – Margherita will set you back $18, it’s fantastic value. But it’s not all sunshine and tomatoes. We had to request serving cutlery for our starters. Our Montepulciano came in mismatched glasses, including one branded ‘Select Spritz’ (though, at $12 a pop, who really cares?). Instead of crisp cos, the ‘Original Caesar’ was made with what looked and tasted like a pre-mixed bag from Woolies. Still, if you’re after affordable Napoli-style pizza in the CBD – minus the jetlag – smashable Limonce

There's a lot of shitty stuff happening in the world right now, and we're all feeling the pinch ($3.20 for diesel? Jeez). Thankfully, you can still have a night off the dishes and get out and about in Sydney if you know where to look. Many of Sydney's restaurants and bars are offering great deals right now – and I've rounded up a bunch of my faves. RELATED READ: The best cheap eats in Sydney right now $1 gyoza at Sakura House – Mondays Hell bloody yeah. Get down to Sakura House, the CBD's cool new izakaya from the Waratah team, and order $1 chicken gyoza served with sesame, la-yu and fried garlic. Minimum order five gyoza, but I'd be starting with 10. Photograph: Yusuke Oba $15 shaved ice Margaritas and $6 tacos at El Primo Sanchez – Thursdays This Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant, which moved from its original Paddington location to Surry Hills, is serving icy Margs all night on Thursdays. From 6-8pm, you can also grab $6 tacos at El Primo Sanchez – including cheeseburger with Wagyu mince, mac sauce, roasted onion and pickled cucumber, and lamb barbacoa with salsa de morita and jardín. $25 burger and boozy drink at The Charles Bar – Monday to Saturday Classy CBD hangout The Charles makes an excellent burger, featuring a wagyu beef patty, melted Mimolette and Comté cheeses, onions, pickles, mustard and tomato sauce on a brioche sesame seed bun. From 12-6pm it comes with house wine, beer or soft drink. Hello, work lunch. I'm also a fan of the happy hour, with $2 oysters a

Rick Stein is a big fan of Australia. The world-famous seafood chef, cookbook author and TV personality first fell in love with our sunburnt country at 19. He’s returned many times since – opening two successful Bannisters restaurants on the NSW South Coast, and more recently, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach in Sydney (order the spanner crab soufflé). Now 79, he’s just wrapped a road trip around New South Wales with his Sydney-born wife, Sarah Stein, for his new series, Rick Stein’s Australia. Landing on SBS on April 30, the six-part show follows Rick as he retraces his early travels on a 5,000km journey – spotlighting country towns, sparkling coastline, local chefs, producers, communities, as well as First Nations heritage that shape modern Australian food. Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “Rick’s journey is a celebration of New South Wales… and the way food can bring together culture, storytelling and experience. From Sydney’s multicultural dining scene to regional producers, First Nations custodians and sustainable seafood experiences on the Sapphire Coast, this is a series that will inspire audiences to plan their own NSW road trip.” Chef and author Rick Stein added: “I first came to Australia at 19 years old, and what I found here changed me. It was the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food. Travelling around New South Wales for this series reminded me how much there is to discover – from the incredible diversity of Sydney to the beauty of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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