Avril Treasure

You know you've reached peak Sydney when you're sipping a crisp vino over a beautiful meal and outside the windows is the big blue. Perhaps it's three courses of modern Aussie fare from Sean's overlooking North Bondi Beach? Or maybe you prefer the gentler harbour vistas you get at Chiosco or Catalina, or spots that are right on the sand like Bobby's and The Boathouse Shelly Beach? One thing's for sure: eating by the water gives your meal that extra shine, which is why so many Sydneysiders flock to the shores for a special occasion, year-round. For your next extra-special soiree, book a table at one of the best waterfront restaurants Sydney has on the books, rounded up by Time Out Sydney's editors, including Editor and ocean-lover Avril Treasure, who has had her fair share (and then some) of long, boozy lunches by the sea. 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 an epic place for a drink? Here's our guide to Sydney's very best bars.

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor, Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Want more options? Here's our full guid

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydney town

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.

What makes a great steak? Well, these days, the benchmark of a good steak is no longer tenderness alone. Now, restaurants are more concerned with flavour being at the forefront. Flavour derived from dry-ageing, exploration of lesser-known cuts, and of course, how and where the meat was raised. It’s not uncommon for chefs to swap their whites for farm gear in order to get to know their produce, as well as the land that it comes from.  More than anything, Sydney's great steakhouses are highlighting the old-world ritual of a steak dinner, elevating the craft from a quick sizzle and a bucket of peppercorns, to a practice of respect for both the diner, and the beast. From the prime ribs to the charcoal grilled and the extremely dry-aged, Time Out's local food writers have picked out the best red meat Sydney has to offer. Clear your schedule, loosen your belt and get ready for a delicious iron hit. We promise you’ll love these spots. And don’t just take our word for it — Sydney has officially been crowned the best steak city in the world for 2025. You beauty! 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. Keen to read on? Here's what else you might like: Hungry for more? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now Feel like a drink and snack? Get around the coolest wine bars in town here.

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.

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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 Hotels 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 spot

What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping harbour views? Where else could you organise a long, lazy lunch for a group of friends? Or an impromptu dinner date, al fresco? For all this, and more head to one of Sydney's very best picnic spots. And don't worry, we've done the research on if there’s parking, toilets and barbecues available. All you've got to do is pop the champers, sit back and have a right good picnicking time.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: We also have you covered for where to find Sydney's best parks.  Don't go past Sydney's best National Parks either. 

There's nothing quite like spending an entire arvo luxuriating over good food and wine with your nearest and dearest. And in a city like Sydney, with its bountiful waterfront real estate and world-class restaurants, you've no shortage of excellent spots to try. Time Out Sydney's writers and editors have put in the hard work, visiting the loveliest lunch spots in Sydney, and we reckon these are the ones that won't disappoint. Whether you're planning a special family occasion or simply looking for a new spot to wine and dine next Sunday away with your best pals, here's a list of our tried-and-tested faves. 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. Thirsty for more? Check out our pick of the absolute best bars in Sydney right now.

Australia’s charming climates and picturesque landscapes are a recipe for some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll find more than 100 grapes grown across our leading wine regions, which are concentrated in South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, NSW’s Hunter Valley, Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Western Australia's Margaret River, and beyond. You could spend weeks jumping between cellar doors in each region, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our 30 top picks, and take it from there? Whether you opt to journey as part of a group or embark on an impromptu self-guided tour, these are the wineries to uncork. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍹 Australia's top bars for a tipple☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne's Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2025 – Pleasure Club and Caretaker's Cottage – made the list. But there are so many more gems to explore! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

We’re big fans of Newcastle at Time Out. Located a little over two hours north of Sydney, the seaside city boasts pumping surf and pristine ocean pools – including the largest in the Southern Hemisphere –  and a vibrant township, minus the traffic. The region is the birthplace of some seriously talented chefs (hello, Josh Niland and Brett Graham), and boasts a cracking food and wine scene. It’s also home to Newcastle Food Month – a month-long celebration of the best things in life: great food, booze and your people. The good news? Newcastle Food Month is returning for its sixth year, with the festival kicking off early this time on March 28 and extending all the way until April 30. This gives you a generous 34 days spanning the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day weekend and the April school holidays to taste your way around the area. If it’s been a while between visits – or if you’re due for a weekend getaway – Newy this April is where it's at. MasterChef alumnus Reece Hignell has just been announced as its newest Ambassador. Reece joins long-standing NFM Ambassador Jessica Farchione, and together, they will champion the town's thriving food scene. Things kick off with a brand new signature event, Sounds Bites. It will see Newcastle’s top chefs teaming up with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre on March 28 at Newcastle racecourse for a day of exceptional food, top drops and live music.  The Autumnal Garden Party is so good, it's one twice – on April 11 and 18 at the historic  Customs

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Stepping into Mister Grotto is like walking into an eclectic fisherman’s den. A curved, wood-panelled roof gives the 30-seat space a boat-like character. There are fishing nets, marine treasures, a wrap-around bar with a twisted rope edge, and a colourful map of Australia with under-the-sea creatures by Michael Wholley. Everyone seems to be having a whale of a time, packed in like sardines, with waiters just squeezing through while frosty Martinis are poured and glistening oysters are shucked. Stepping into Newtown’s Mister Grotto is also like walking into one of Sydney's most exciting restaurants. And if the surroundings don't give it away, they only serve (excellent) seafood here. The vibe Mister Grotto opened in March 2025 on Newtown’s small but mighty Australia Street. The spirited diner is from Paisano & Daughters – the team behind its knockout next-door siblings: Continental Deli, Osteria Mucca and Joe's Tavern, as well as some of the Humble, Porteño and Bastardo team. Like all their other venues, the considered, personality-packed space is thanks to co-owner and creative director Sarah Doyle, who drew inspiration from her memories of fishing with her father as a child. This isn’t the place to come if you’re after a quiet evening and a steak. But if yo

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Jellyfish has scored a new fan. Arriving piled high in a small white porcelain bowl, the marine creature comes tangled with soft, just-cooked king prawns, fragrant coriander, sliced green chilli and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s incredible: lively, tingling, textural. It's like an electric disco under the sea – and it's my favourite dish at Grandfathers, the CBD’s new Chinese restaurant from the team behind Sydney favourites Clam Bar and Pellegrino 2000. The vibe The 140-seat L-shaped restaurant, found in the former Long Chim home on Angel Place, is the fifth restaurant opening in five years from the trio Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift. Their latest venture is inspired by Clift’s Chinese grandfather, who sparked the chef's great love of food. Inside, red-and-black zig-zag carpet adds pizzazz, and moon-like orbs dangle from the ceiling. Pet-style fish swim in neon-blue fish tanks, while red-jacketed waitstaff whip around the room, refilling waters and running guests through the menu. The girls next to me are taking photos with a dish of glistening, bronzed pigeon. These Three Musketeers excel at many things – seasoning, soundtrack and drinks list, for starters. And they know how to create a fully realised venue, one that’s big on vibe. The kind of pl

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Sydney’s got its fair share of beloved restaurants – but few reached the cult status of Bar Vincent. The low-lit Italian haunt had chefs and food-lovers wrapped around its olive-oil-slicked finger, so much so that, when co-owners Andy and Sarah announced they were closing the doors for good, you could almost hear the city’s collective gasp. Good news, then, that it was snapped up by a trio who loved the restaurant as much as anyone else: Nathan and Sali Sasi and Morgan McGlone from Sydney favourites Bar Copains, Bessie’s and Alma’s. The guys initially kept things much the same, though they soon realised the business wasn’t sustainable. Plus, they wanted to create an offering that was authentic to them. So they stuck to their guns and, to many people's initial disappointment, transformed Bar Vincent into Vin-Cenzo’s. It’s still an Italian restaurant – just done their way.  There are similarities between the two. For one, they’re both bloody excellent. Some of Bar Vincent’s dishes live on at Vin-Cenzo's, like the vitello tonnato – reimagined into a cracking crudo with ruby-coloured Ulladulla tuna, dolloped with a creamy, anchovy-rich sauce. The curved arches remain, now painted a soft blue. And, importantly, they both have integrity – and that’s well worth its

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

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

Getting a group of friends together for a weekend away is often more difficult than year-12 algebra, yet more rewarding than a Wim Hof-style cold plunge. But like all things in life, good things are always worth the effort. The fact The Boathouse Hotel Patonga features accommodation for up to six guests, serene water views, a downstairs restaurant and a bar makes it a no-brainer in my books. Armed with three of my best high-school girlfriends, off we went for a weekend – safe to say, it was a bad time to be an Aperol Spritz. Why stay at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga? If you’re looking for a relaxing escape with a side of water views, this is your place. Located in a quiet seaside village of Patonga on New South Wales’ idyllic Central Coast, The Boathouse Patonga is 1.5 hours from Sydney, making it an accessible spot for weekend getaway. My favourite bit? You can catch a ferry from Palm Beach over to Patonga – the wharf is right across from the hotel. The boutique accommodation, which overlooks Patonga Bay and the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, is part of The Boathouse Group – the team behind waterfront venues Manly Pavilion, The Mona Social, The Boathouse Shelly Beach, The Boathouse Rose Bay, Barrenjoey House Palm Beach and more. So as well as having a dreamy space to chill, relax and sleep, below you’ll find a restaurant and bar (which closes at 9pm).  What are the rooms like at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga? The Boathouse Hotel Patonga features three waterside apartments built

✍️ 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. Michael Chiem and Tynan Sidhu first spoke about opening a bar together while cooking a backyard barbie and sipping Champagne on New Year’s Eve some years back. Great mates for a decade – and bringing serious bartending cred to the table (Chiem being the force behind Sydney’s award-winning PS40, and Sidhu perfecting his craft at places like The Waratah, PS40 and Saint Peter Bar) – they were aligned in their dream to open a community-focused boozer in the Inner West, where they both call home. A place where locals can drop in and feel their worries melt away like an ice cube in an Old Fashioned. It didn’t happen overnight, with the guys signing the lease in November 2022 and opening the doors to Silver’s Motel in September this year. There are plenty of excellent bars along Enmore Road worthy of your time and dime, but this one is something else. The vibe You could walk past Silver’s Motel and easily miss it – that’s how nondescript the front is. Just look for the black. But once you step through the door, you’re greeted like a long-lost mate.  Inspired by ’80s motel bars, the space looks sleek and old-school, with vintage artworks, wood-panelled walls and an Inner West warmth. Every item and piece of furniture has a story behind it. Take the carpet, for examp

✍️ 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.  Tom Colman, a trained viticulturist, and his father Bob started making wine together back in 2016 in a backyard shed. Frankly, This Wine Was Made by Bob was born, featuring natural, organically made wine. In 2023, the duo opened Frankie & Mo's – a wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop rolled into one. But just don't call it that to Tom. "We think of ourselves more like a wine pub – a place built on community, not exclusivity," says Tom. "Somewhere people can drop in, feel at home and explore wines made right around the corner or further afield, without the inflated markups or pretension that often come with “wine culture,” he adds. Inside is cosy and vibey, with electric artworks, pops of colour and a chef’s table where you can pull up a stool and watch the team in action. The food Fresh, seasonal ingredients are front and centre at Frankie & Mo’s. Their goal? Cook as locally and regeneratively as possible. The menu changes often, but you may enjoy things like radishes with butter and sea salt; beetroot carpaccio with almond ricotta and black garlic vinaigrette; line-caught bluefin tuna with harissa and olives; anchovy toast with pickled fennel and blood orange; lamb rump chop with smoked beans, carrot and herbs; and a flourless chocolate cake with berries. T

October 2025 update: Nativo has moved! You’ll find the Mexico spot inside St Peters brewery, Future Brewing. Cold beers, tacos and no deadlines? Muy bien. Read on for our write-up from May 2023. ***** What do you get when you combine a Michelin-trained chef and a hole-in-the-wall taco joint? You get Nativo Mexican, a colourful and tiny taqueria, which opened in Sydney’s Pyrmont in late 2022 – and boy we're glad they did. The casual, alfresco spot is run by Oaxaca-born Manuel Diaz and his wife Diana Farrera. Diaz – who has worked in some of Mexico City’s best kitchens, as well as Michelin-starred restaurant La Chevre d'Or in France and Bar Patrón and Santa Catarina here in Sydney – has drawn on his experience and heritage to create the menu and space. What the eatery lacks in size – Nativo can seat just 14 guests – it sure makes up for in soul. The street-inspired menu of tacos and snacks features native Australian ingredients, like the al pastor pork shoulder tacos with saltbush morita salsa and guacamole with lemon myrtle oil. Other menu highlights include cochinita pibil tacos with slow-cooked pulled pork, pickled onions and saltbush morita salsa; beef birria with 12-hour slow cooked brisket, Oaxaca cheese, avocado and kunzea (a native Australian plant) salsa verde; and Tasmanian octopus with chimichurri, confit onions and potato. Diaz says, “The best of Mexican gastronomy is inspired by ideas developed by the Indigenous communities and ancestors of the country. I have craf

✍️ 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.  “It smells like my pop’s place,” my dinner date says after we sit down at Corner 75. We’re at the Hungarian institution in Randwick that’s been serving paprika-laced food for more than 40 years. This March, it reopened with a fresh lease on life (and a literal new lease), thanks to the team behind Marrickville’s Baba’s Place – Alexander Kelly and Jean-Paul El Tom – plus Daniel Puskas and Chris Sharp of Sixpenny. My friend says her pop moved from Hungary to Australia because of the war, and as a little kid, he would take her to Corner 75 with her dad for a taste of home.  The vibe When Kelly, El Tom and Puskas teamed up to take over the keys of Corner 75, they called it a preservation project, wanting to pay homage to the neighbourhood icon and Australian migrant culture – similar to their work at Baba’s. At first glance, not much has changed. The windows still wear frilly, white-lace skirts. Hundreds of old photos, sports memorabilia and ornate items decorate the oxblood-red walls. A vintage chandelier twinkles from the centre. Tables are topped with crisp tablecloths. But there’s fresh energy, partly thanks to restaurant manager Alice Tremayne, who brings a friendly, relaxed aura and years of fine-dining cred (hello, Attica) to the floor. Tonight, they’ve a

✍️ 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’re visiting Orange for a couple of days, I reckon there are a handful of truths. For one, you’re guaranteed to sip excellent cool-climate drops – the region produces some of NSW’s finest wine, after all. You’re also going to eat well: the regional city punches well above its weight, serving delicious, seasonal stuff grown down the road (case in point: Hey Rosey, winner of Time Out Sydney’s Best Regional Award 2025).  The third truth? You’re going to want to come back, and you might even start thinking about it before you hit the return road. And the last? You’re pretty much guaranteed to end up at Hotel Canobolas at some point. There are worse places to end your night. The vibe Hotel Canobolas is named after Mount Canobolas – an extinct volcanic mountain located nearby – but locals know it as The Nob. Established in the late 19th century and rebuilt in 1939 in an Art Deco style, it was the go-to place for VIPs visiting town, from politicians to royalty and celebrities. It’s still a cracking spot for both locals and out-of-towners to hang out, thanks in part to its primo location smack bang in the centre of town. The hotel and pub feature 45 rooms, plus a full bistro, pizza bar, sunny courtyard, front bar and a range of event spaces. There's also liv

Here are some pretty scary stats for you. Did you know NSW is projected to run out of landfill space by 2030? And more than two billion (!) coffee pucks (they’re the compact used coffee grounds) go into Aussie landfills every year. When coffee pucks end up in landfill, they release methane – a greenhouse gas about 30 times more harmful to the planet than carbon dioxide. Yikes. The good news? There are a bunch of passionate people doing something about it. Award-winning coffee purveyors Single O have been leading the sustainability charge since their 2003 inception. But it was a recent-ish lightbulb moment for founders Emma and Dion Cohen that saw them turn their attention to coffee pucks. They realised they were putting so much consideration into sustainably sourcing, roasting and brewing coffee – but when it came to waste management, the coffee pucks were going straight into the bin. Not anymore. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Single O has teamed up with social enterprise Reground to launch NSW’s first dedicated coffee waste diversion project. They’re calling on Sydney cafés and restaurants to participate in an easy-to-access coffee waste collection service, helping businesses significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Instead of going into landfill, the coffee pucks will be distributed to local gardens. RELATED READ: Sustainable restaurants, bars and cafés in Sydney. In the first five years, Single O and Reground hope to divert an estimated three

Beautiful Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most popular – and famous – holiday destinations for good reason. But if you’re craving gin-clear water, breezy beach days and top-notch eats without the crowds, we’ve got you covered. These five gorgeous NSW towns offer all the charm of Byron, with more room to stretch out. Surfboard encouraged. South West Rocks Up for a solid road trip? Forget the name and drive five hours north from Sydney to South West Rocks – a slice of laid-back paradise with golden beaches, a barefoot vibe and a small-town feel. For a bit of history, check out Trial Bay Gaol, and be sure to visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse for grid-worthy views. Popular swimming spot Horseshoe Bay has a big grassy patch, perfect for fish and chips and ice creams post-dip. Time Out tip: With calm, clear and warm waters, Trial Bay Gaol Beach is one of our favourite places for a swim. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Yamba Found on the northern NSW coast, around a seven-hour drive from Sydney, Yamba is like Byron’s cheeky little brother. Home to cracking surf beaches, a historic lighthouse, ace dining options and dolphins, this small town is gaining popularity – so get here before the secret’s out. Stroll down to the Yamba River Markets for farm-fresh produce, then lace up and spend a day exploring Yuraygir National Park. Looking for accommodation? The Surf Yamba and Il Delfino are our picks. Time Out tip: When it’s drink o’clo

There are few more glorious summer activities than relaxing in the great outdoors underneath a twinkling, panther-black sky and watching a movie – whether it's the latest hit or a cult classic. The temperature is balmy, the bubbles are chilled, and you don’t look at your phone for a couple of hours – bliss. You know what’s even better? Open-air cinemas set in breathtaking surroundings. From abandoned train tracks and cemeteries to grand castles and amphitheatres, Time Out’s global film editor worked with our team of travel writers around the world to curate a list of the 30 most beautiful outdoor cinemas on Earth – and there’s one cinema that took home the outdoor cinema cake. Or should I say golden choc-top. Photograph: Westpac OpenAir/Chris Grundy Sydney’s Westpac OpenAir was named the most beautiful outdoor cinema in the world. With the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its backdrop, this floating cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Point in Sydney’s Botanic Garden is nothing short of spectacular. The massive 350-square-metre, three-storey-high screen projects everything from the latest blockbusters to vintage classics. While relaxing, you can order a bottle of bubbles to wash down a picnic box or enjoy a delicious dining experience on the site’s waterside terrace. Good news – the summer season is about to kick off, running over 47 nights from January 9 to February 24 – and tickets are now on sale. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Three other Aussie outdoor

Hospitality group The Grounds, which is behind The Grounds of Alexandria – dubbed the most Instagrammable venue in the world – as well as The Grounds of the City and The Grounds Coffee Factory in Eveleigh, will be opening a new venue at the entry to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The new hospitality space, called The Grounds in The Domain, will open at the 190-year-old Domain Gateway – part of the heritage-listed precinct near the Art Gallery of NSW, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Registrar General’s Building and Hyde Park Barracks. The area includes several historic buildings, including The Domain Lodge, a sandstone cottage dating back to 1835. Excitingly, parts of The Domain will be opened to the public for the very first time. Photograph: Supplied/The Grounds in The Domain The 25-year agreement follows a change in legislation and a rigorous two-stage procurement process, which saw The Grounds beat other hospitality groups to respectfully revitalise the Domain Gateway, with works set to begin this year. As well as transforming this pocket of Sydney into a vibrant cultural and hospitality destination at the gateway to Australia’s oldest botanic garden, revenue from The Grounds in The Domain will go towards supporting the horticultural, scientific and educational work of Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Photograph: Destination NSW/Daniel Tran Simon Duffy AM, Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney, said:“Botanic Gardens of Sydney is thrilled to announce these plans for the red

I bloody love a food festival – where people from all walks of life come together to eat (perhaps too much), drink (ditto), make memories, meet the faces who grew their food from the earth, and give the middle finger to big supermarkets and fast food chains. From Newy’s city celebration, Newcastle Food Month, to the salt-sprayed Narooma Oyster Festival, NSW is packed with top-tier shindigs. But if I had to pick just one, my favourite would have to be Orange FOOD Week. Beginning in 1991, Orange FOOD Week is Australia’s longest-running regional food festival, held in the picturesque, wine-loving regional city, 3.5 hours from Sydney. Contrary to the name, Orange FOOD Week runs for 10 days, bringing chefs, farmers, winemakers, locals and tourists alike together for brilliant food and wine events and to champion the best of the region. Somehow, the program gets better every year – but three things stay the same. All events celebrate local produce. Deliciousness is always front and centre. And having a good time is pretty much guaranteed. Photograph: Supplied/Orange Food Week This year, Orange FOOD Week returns on Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 29, 2026. There are many events to choose from, including dreamy long lunches, colourful markets, meet-the-maker workshops and more. But the jewel in the crown (plumpest grape on the vine?) is Forage. It’s where 1,500 people walk throughout Orange’s beautiful vineyards in the sunshine, eating, drinking and having about as much fun as yo

Pilu, a Sardinian fine diner overlooking the clear blue-green waves at Freshwater for more than 20 years, is one of Sydney’s best special-occasion restaurants. Now, owners Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have opened a new waterfront restaurant called Flaminia – the couple’s first venture across the bridge. Except this time, it’s not overlooking the beach, but Sydney’s sparkling harbour. Located on level two of the Pullman Quay Grand, perched over Circular Quay with its constant ebb and flow of boats and ferries, is a fitting spot for Flaminia – named after the ship that brought the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959. Inspired by Italy’s charming port-side cities, the new light-filled restaurant champions fresh seafood with a view. Photograph: Nikki To Chef Pilu says: “At Flaminia, we’re celebrating the kind of food that has always connected people. The ports of Italy have their own rhythm – bold flavours, honest cooking and a hospitality that makes you linger. We wanted to bring that feeling to Sydney’s spectacular harbour.” The menu draws on the flavours, produce and heritage of cities like Cagliari, Naples, Venice, Genoa and Palermo. At the heart of it is the crudo bar, lush with fresh oysters, scallops and fish – and even better enjoyed with crisp bubbles or a Spritz. Menu highlights include a Sardinian piccolo fritto misto with golden, fried seafood and a creamy bottarga-spiked mayo; paccheri allo scoglio, with the large tube-shaped pasta tossed through cala

Bombay Bloomers has been a part of the Randwick community since 1987. In 2022, Varinder Singh, the former head chef of cult Sydney sambo spot South Dowling Sandwiches, took over the reins of the Eastern Suburbs favourite. And now they’ve opened their second venue across the harbour – Bombay Bloomers Neutral Bay. “Neutral Bay felt like the natural next step for Bombay Bloomers,” Singh says. “It has such a vibrant dining scene, and we wanted to bring our style of Indian food here, dishes that are full of flavour, never overpowering and always cooked with care.” Photograph: Supplied/Bombay Bloomers The food here is aromatic, deeply flavoured – with a good kick of heat. Snack highlights include potato cakes with spiced lentils covered in three sauces, including a bubble-gum pink beetroot sauce, tamarind and mint yoghurt. Chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices and cooked in the tandoor is also a solid place to start. As for mains, there’s a nut-free butter chicken with a creamy tomato sauce; Kashmiri-style slow-cooked lamb rogan josh; chicken tikka masala with tomato, onion and spices; a South Indian-inspired fish curry with coconut milk, mustard seeds and curry leaves; and more. Go hard on the condiments, including a punchy sour eggplant pickle, cucumber raita, and sticky-sweet mango chutney, plus garlic naan and perfectly fluffy basmati rice, and you’re in for a treat. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The house-made ginger beer is a refreshingly balanced, booz

Hooly dooly, there’s a bit going on at Manly Wharf, thanks to the Artemus Group, who took over the historic precinct and ferry terminal in April 2024. Last year, Felons Manly opened up in the former Wharf Bar home, adding a levelled-up food menu, 150 new waterfront seats, lush plants and Felons beers to the iconic sunset-and-spritz location. Next was Felons Seafood, which took over from The Bavarian, bringing cracking fish and chips and top seafood to the wharf. Now, the biggest opening has arrived – say hello to Felons Barrel Room, a new microbrewery and 700-capacity live music venue set to seriously change the game in Manly. Photograph: Pat Stevenson Featuring a world-class audio and lighting system, the ambitious new venue will be the place for locals to see live gigs for free, with Winston Surfshirt, Mental As Anything and Yolanda Be Cool kicking off the opening-weekend party. There's going to be a focus on supporting up-and-coming artists, with trivia and movie nights, comedy shows and jazz evenings also in the pipeline. Inside, there’s a 300-seat restaurant serving fresh and vibrant Vietnamese fare. If you’re craving a burger and a schnitty, no worries – head next door to Felons Manly. Photograph: Supplied/Felons Barrel Room The new microbrewery, located where Aldi used to be, is the anchor of the beer haven, with a custom-built, steam-powered 18.5-hectolitre dry malt extract brewhouse and freshly brewed beer pouring from 3,600L tanks. The brewery, led by brewery di

Watermans, a vibrant Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, is now open in Barangaroo – steps from Sydney Harbour. The 120-seat venue, which features both indoor and alfresco spaces, is from The Bentley Group, led by sommelier Nick Hildebrandt and chef Brent Savage. If those names ring a bell, the dynamite duo is behind some of Sydney’s hottest restaurants, including King Clarence, Bentley Restaurant and Bar and the recently opened Eleven Barrack. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney It’s not the first Barangaroo venue for the group; their flagship seafood restaurant Cirrus lured in diners from 2016 until it closed last year. Expect bold, robust and technicolour dishes inspired by Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon at Watermans. Executive chef Darryl Martin is leading the kitchen, drawing on his time cooking in Marrickville’s now-closed Barzaari. Hildebrandt says: “2025 has been a huge year for The Bentley Group. We started the year with the launch of Eleven Barrack, and we’re ending it back in Barangaroo with Watermans, right in time for summer.” Savage adds: “I’m thrilled to welcome Darryl into The Bentley Group family. The menu for Watermans is inspired by the cuisine of the Levant and highlights the best of Australian produce. It has a strong emphasis on vegetable-forward dishes, and it’s been fun to collaborate with Darryl, whose cooking I’ve long admired, especially his work at Barzaari.” Photograph: Ethan Smart The opening menu features wood-fired sourdough p

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach – the beautiful new beachfront restaurant spearheaded by legendary chef, TV star and cookbook author Rick Stein, alongside his Aussie wife Sarah Stein – is officially open. Always dreamt of tasting Stein’s world-famous seafood? Now you can. RELATED READ: I dined at one of NSW’s most famous restaurants – did it live up to the hype? Called Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, the 224-seat restaurant boasts a cracking location within the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. And although Stein has NSW restaurants in Mollymook and Port Stephens, his new venue is his flagship Australian restaurant.   Photograph: Jack Fenby   Featuring a coastal-chic dining room, a relaxed bar perfect for golden-hour cocktails, plus a sun-drenched courtyard, the new Rick Stein at Coogee Beach brings Stein’s signature fresh seafood and relaxed vibe to the Eastern Suburbs. Stein says: “Coogee Beach feels like the perfect home for us in Australia. Its connection to the ocean, its sense of ease and its warmth are everything I love about cooking seafood. We’re delighted to now be welcoming guests and we look forward to the summer ahead.” Photograph: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach Leading the day-to-day operations of the kitchen is head chef Colin Chun (ex-Hilton Sydney, Pullman and W Taipei), who shares Stein’s cooking ethos of honest food and celebrating incredible produce. “Opening Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is a privilege. Rick’s influence on my cooking runs deep, and it’s exci

A 120-year-old, heritage-listed Rose Bay church that’s been dormant for ten years is now home to Aambra – a restaurant spotlighting the ancient cooking traditions of the Levant, a region in the Eastern Mediterranean that includes Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Egypt (and more). It’s been a project more than three years in the making by owner Cristian Gorgees (also behind Emu Hall Bar & Kitchen), who hopes to showcase lesser-known flavours to Sydneysiders while paying respects to the building’s heritage. Photograph: Vincent Yeung “This property is such an important part of Rose Bay and indeed Sydney’s history, so we wanted to make sure there was something special about every inch of it,” he says. “It’s always been a place of sanctuary and that’s how we want it to live on, where people can escape reality for a few hours and come together with the people that mean the most to them.” The space, designed by Gorgees in collaboration with Paul Papadopoulos from DS17, is really something. Seating 140 guests both inside and outside, the dining room features pretty stained-glass windows, soaring 10m-high cathedral ceilings, arched doorways and custom-made marble tables. Outside is the “dining oasis” – an alfresco area with a wraparound timber deck dotted with olive trees. Take a seat there to enjoy a prime sunset view. Photograph: Vincent Yeung Gianluca Lonati, a former chef at Surry Hills’ pastel-pink Nour restaurant, is leading the kitchen at Aambra. The share-style menu features sn

“You couldn't have a bad time here,” my brother says to me as he looks out to Sydney Harbour. We’re sipping on a chilled Solaré Spritz, fresh and sweet with melon and cucumber flavours, while snacking on bottarga-dusted potato scallops and red prawn crudo with pops of finger lime – all soundtracked to vibey lounge house music. It’s A Perfect Sydney Day, the kind where the harbour shows off with its diamond-like sparkle and you wish your mates from Melbourne were in town. Except we’re not at one of Sydney’s cracking waterfront diners, but at Solaré, the city's first full-service restaurant onboard a 150-foot classic superyacht. Life’s good. Photograph: Jonny Valiantdefault Inspired by sun-splashed Italian restaurants and coastal Mediterranean day clubs, Solaré channels big Euro energy right on Sydney Harbour. The glamorous superyacht sails around Sydney Harbour Thursday to Sunday, with two cruises daily and three different offerings. On the bottom deck is where you’ll find The Dining Room, an upscale space serving a multi-course, seafood-leaning menu ($150 per person) created by executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-Totti’s Bondi) and head chef Nick Mathieson (ex-Bistecca, Otto). Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Highlights include mafaldine with tender Moreton Bay bug coated in crustacean butter and chilli; market-fresh fish served with clams, saffron butter, fregola and spring vegetables; and a chocolate cremoso with sea salt and olive oil. You can (and shoul