Avril Treasure

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.  There are some excellent shows on in Sydney right now, including My Brilliant Career, Gutenberg! The Musical! and Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett. Check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here. Oh, and that’s not even mentioning Sydney Comedy Fest, which is on right now. I’ve bought a bunch of tickets! If you’re overwhelmed by how many shows are on, this cracking round-up may help. 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

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a celeb-approved stay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an easy breezy escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and News Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. Spilling over. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, these slick haunts are also some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. 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. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

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

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

Keen for a fun weekend? You've come to the right place.  Petrol may be expensive, but dining out doesn't have to be. I've rounded up 11 of the best restaurant and bar deals in Sydney worth knowing about right now. From $1 gyoza to $5 bubbles – dining on a shoestring never looked so good. A huge Filipino festival is happening this Sunday, April 19, at Paddy's Flemington. Called FiloFomoFest, there will be more than 30 stalls serving traditional eats, open mic karaoke and a massive kids' area. Find out more 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. 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 t

Australia takes its baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily, Australia's best bakeries are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods that taste as good as they look. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky croissant, pie and sausage roll, our expert food writers, including big bakery fan Melissa Woodley, have narrowed it down to a handful of the best bakeries in Australia right now. NB: There are so many incredible bakeries scattered across the country, but this list focuses on highly-rated spots in Australia's major cities. We'll leave the hidden gems and regional favourites for you to discover for yourself. Want more? Here are the best bakeries in: Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Sydney | Perth

I hope you’re having a happy and delicious April. I’ve been out non-stop checking out Sydney’s best new restaurants and bars to bring you this up-to-date list, including Turkish restaurant Hamsi Taverna by Somer Sivrioğlu, and Southeast Asian restaurant Lua by Luke Nguyen – both of which are now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. I really love affordable new Indo eatery Temu Kangen in Haymarket, and my favourite new bistro, South End in Newtown. Plus, there’s Las Palmas, a holiday-coded Mexican spot in Manly, a fancy British restaurant called The James, Besa, a hot new tapas bar from the Aalia team, and Vitelli's Upstairs, a New York-style Italian restaurant. We really do live in a delicious place, don’t we? (Yes, I’m full.) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Fresh autumnal mornings. Warm ocean temperatures. And three public holidays. There’s a lot to like about April. Feel like getting out of the city? Consider a trip to the eucalyptus-cloaked Blue Mountains – and be sure to visit Scenic World at the Three Sisters in Katoomba. It’s home to fun mountain adventures ranging from an exhilarating railway ride to a butterfly-inducing aerial cable car that lets you appreciate the beauty – and scale! – of the heritage-listed national park. The beloved Sydney Royal Easter Show is back at Sydney Showground from April 2-13, and the Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Show is lighting up the Entertainment Quarter from April 2-19. Bring on endless snacks, rides and baby animals. We've also rounded up the best hot cross buns and Easter treats. It’s no secret that the news is a little dire at the moment – so the annual Sydney Comedy Festival, which kicks off on April 13, couldn’t come at a better time. The schedule is bloody packed with laughs – there are more than 400 shows! – so you can go to town. ANZAC Day is also on this morning. We’ll be updating our guide to where to play two-up in Sydney soon. Hopefully you have better luck than me. Culture-wise, you need to check out My Brilliant Career, on now at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. It is bloody brilliant. And if you’re after a spectacle, The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour is delighting audiences (though tickets are expensive). Plus, make a booking at one of Sydney’s best restaurants

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

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.

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

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

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

✍️ 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.

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

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

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

✍️ 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

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.  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,

Have you heard of Apéritif & Co? It’s a European-style wine bar in Summer Hill, founded by three friends and hospo professionals: Valerie Deeks, Versha Gupta and Camille Bahier in September 2025. It recently won Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 50 Wines) at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – and took home three goblets, the highest you can get. Speaking about Apéritif & Co, the judges said: “There are lots of interesting wines, including quirky Greek and Portuguese varieties. Naturally though, you need to start with an apéritif, of which there is a vast range of options, including a barrel-aged selection of cocktails and absinthe fountains.” Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The vino list, curated by sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak, also features drops from France, Austria, Italy, Spain and Argentina, with tongue-in-cheek nods throughout, including a playful ‘F*ck the Patriarchy’ pinot noir – a 2024 vintage from Geelong. They also offer weekly wine flights showcasing female producers from Australia and Europe. And, yes, you really can order an absinthe fountain – with water dripping over a sugar cube, turning the emerald-green liquor into a cloudy elixir. Cocktails, created by Julien Perrimond, include riffs on the classics plus their own creations, like the Apple Pie Spritz (Pommeau de Normandy, house-made spice-infused vodka, vanilla syrup, lemon juice and finished with French sparkling). The globe-trotting food menu, curated by executive chef Luca Melis, is

Hamsi Taverna, a breezy new Turkish restaurant by celebrated chef Somer Sivrioğlu, behind Sydney’s Anason, Maydanoz and Efendy Istanbul, is now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. Found in the back right-hand corner – just look for the sunshine-yellow umbrellas – Hamsi Taverna boasts waterfront views and a relaxed vibe, perfect if you’re looking to unwind amid the bustling market. Named after Turkey’s Black Sea anchovy, Hamsi is inspired by the seaside taverns dotted along the Aegean coast, serving up the flavours of the Mediterranean with plenty of fresh seafood. On my visit, Somer points to a boat pulling up and tells me that’s one of his suppliers. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. Photograph: Stanley House Studios Menu highlights include whipped taramasalata with lemon oil and cured roe; OB Bakery rustic bread rolls with clarified butter and oregano; white anchovies pide with roasted cherry tomatoes and caramelised onion; Murray cod with charred scallion and lemon; Tasmanian lamb shoulder with pickled cabbage, labne and lavash; and dakos salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red shallots, feta and peksimet. “Hamsi is a celebration of where Aegean tavern culture meets contemporary Australian dining,” says Sivrioğlu. “It’s about sharing seafood straight from the market, fresh, smoky and full of life.” Photograph: Stanley House Studio Raki, the traditional anise Turkish spirit, is served at Hamsi, alongside Australian and European vino, with a thoughtful selection

A sexy new Martini bar from the team behind some of the city’s best has opened in the CBD. Called Bar Bridge, after its location on Bridge Street in the former home of Double Deuce Lounge, it’s by the Mucho Group – the team behind some of the city’s finest drinking establishments (hello, Bar Planet, Cantina OK!, Centro 86, Bar Herbs, The Cliff Dive and Tio’s). While the Martinis are extra dirty at Bar Planet thanks to olive brine, at Bar Bridge they’re served extra dry – meaning they’re clean-tasting and pretty stiff. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Inspired by cocktail bars in Paris and New York, the space is candlelit, sexy and moody, with comfy booths and cute red frilly lampshades. Be sure to check out Penny, the massive bow-tie-wearing penguin on the wall. I reckon it’s a great spot for a date – and it’s table service, so you can sit and relax. The menu features Bar Bridge’s take on three extra-dry Martinis, plus a rotating monthly special – kicking off with a Passionfruit Creme Martini (yum) – alongside five signature cocktails. If it’s your first visit, start with the Bridge Martini – a bone-dry, Vesper-style tipple with seasonal vodka, London Dry Gin and a house-made Aussie Brut “Tres Sec” in place of vermouth. Photograph: Dexter Kim There’s also the zesty Citron Martini (yuzu gin, citron vodka, Lillet Blanc) and the savoury Kimchi Martini, with oyster shell gin and seaweed vodka. I’m also a fan of the Concorde, with Calvados, raspberry eau de vie,

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