Avril Treasure

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.

Keen for a fun weekend? You've come to the right place. The Archibald Prize 2026 has landed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with Richard Lewer taking home the top honour for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder Iluwanti Ken. Head to the gallery to check out the winning portrait in person, plus all the finalists and winners from the 2026 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. The exhibition runs until August 16, with tickets from $30. Find out more here. There are some awesome dining deals in Sydney this month, including $3 oysters at all Boathouse venues all day, every day. I also love the sound of Cantina OK!’s mezcal offer – they’re serving tasting flights with three $10 pours available all month long. 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. There are some excellent shows on in Sydney right now, including The Lion King. Check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here. 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. And if you want more boozy fun, you can work your way through Sydney's best bars here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best

Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.  Australian Fashion Week is here, with this year’s event taking place at the MCA. It’s on until May 15 – and you can find out more and get your tickets here. The Archibald Prize 2026 has landed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with Richard Lewer taking home the top honour for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder Iluwanti Ken. Head to the gallery to check out the winning portrait in person, plus all the finalists and winners from the 2026 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. The exhibition runs until August 16, with tickets from $30. Find out more here. There are some awesome dining deals in Sydney this month, including $3 oysters at all Boathouse venues all day, every day. I also love the sound of Cantina OK!’s mezcal offer – they’re serving tasting flights with three $10 pours available all month long. The Lion King is finally back in Sydney – and it's as moving and spectacular as you’d expect. Check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here. It's the last week of the Sydney Comedy Fest! If you’re overwhelmed by how many shows are on, this cracking round-up may help. A Banksy exhibition has landed in Sydney, featuring more than 250 provocative works by the world-famous elusive street artist – and it looks very cool. 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

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

Barbecue and fried chicken might have once been the most popular manifestations of Korean cooking in Sydney, but that’s not even scratching the surface. When your cravings take you beyond the communal grills, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure – who is a Big Fan of travelling in South Korea (read why you need to go Seoul here) – have rounded up the city’s top spots for platters of pork belly, hearty beef broths, kimchi hot pots, crunchy-leek pancakes, and cold buckwheat noodles, anju (Korean drinking food), and cheese-smothered rice-cakes.  And remember that restaurant-style Korean cuisine is often designed for big groups, so prepare for colossal hot pots and sizzling plates by bringing your gang with you.  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? Check out our guide to Sydney's top Korean barbecue joints here These are the best Japanese restauants in Sydney right now

For a hearty and satisfying feed, it’s hard to go past a steak – one that’s rosy and juicy on the inside with a consistent char, full of flavour and well-seasoned. Sydney’s home to many excellent steak restaurants (you can check out our guide over here). But this guide is not that. This guide is for when you want a damn good steak without the higher price point. A protein hit without breaking the bank! Time Out’s writers, including Editor and fellow carnivore Avril Treasure, have hit the streets (and yes, the pubs) to bring you the best affordable steaks in Sydney. Here are the ones that are a cut above the rest. Note: you will need to head out midweek to get these banging offers (but we can think of worse ways to spend a Tuesday). 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. After more bargain meals? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. After fun for nothing? Here's our list of the best free things to do in Sydney.

Cupid’s day of love is coming up. Forget the ridiculously overpriced red roses and take your loved one out for a delicious meal at one of Sydney’s most romantic spots instead. Don’t have a hot date? No worries. Take your best friend, your mum, or yourself out for a great night. And if you don’t believe in Valentine’s Day (fair), these gems are romantic year-round for your next date night.  So, how did we pull together this guide? All the venues are cosy and intimate, vibey and have low lighting (none of that fluorescent doctor’s waiting room stuff). And, of course, they all serve top food and drinks with warm, relaxed service – so your night can flow with ease. From classy cocktail bars to chic wine haunts and candlelit restaurants, you’ll find Sydney’s sexiest spots below. Bring a pack of mints and you're good to go. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to take the pressure off? This is our guide to Sydney's best restaurants. Wooing on a shoestring? These are the best cheap eats in Sydney.

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

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.

Located on a sparkling harbour and fringed by idyllic beaches, Sydney is a true seafood city. We’re home to many cracking waterfront restaurants, and our fish and chips are top-notch. So, where are the best spots for enjoying the ocean’s gifts? Whether it’s a perfect piece of fish with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil at Margaret, Josh Niland’s legendary tuna cheeseburger at Saint Peter’s bar, or a waterfront feast that’s nearly as good as a trip to Italy at Ormeggio at the Spit, we’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. The only catch? The seafood has got to be fresh-as, bro. Cast your net and dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants.

A burger seems simple. Grill a patty, load it with cheese, condiments and other fun bits. Then pop this delicious mess between two buns and not many folks will complain. But to elevate a good burger to an exceptional burger? Now this is truly an art – one that Sydney isn't too bad at, given we were recently ranked third best in the entire world. Do you go with the classic sesame seed or the more gastronomic potato, milk or brioche buns? Do you prefer American cheese, blue or cheddar? How about caramelised onions, pickled or raw? Lettuce and tomato, or cheese and pickles? Is your protein power chicken, fish, beef, or mushroom? And we haven’t even gotten to the question of fries yet.  There are a thousand variations on a burger, but Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have tried all the top buns in town – and these are the best in Sydney right now. 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: These are Sydney's best pizza joints. Want more carbs? These are Sydney's best pasta spots.

Sydney has a bewildering range of eateries and cuisines, with almost every style of restaurant and region of the world represented. Many of them are looking to serve you and the people of Sydney for the cheapest price possible, you just need to know where to look. Choosing the best cheap eats is like picking the greatest songs ever made, there are countless options, and everyone will have a different opinion. Compiled by a team of local Time Out experts, this list brings together eateries from all regions of Sydney, with each pick being an outstanding option for that cuisine or style of eating. It’s not the cheapest meals in Sydney, but the best affordable options. We’ve tried, as best as possible, to include only venues where you can get a meal for one for under $25. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. I’ve had some of the best dining experiences of my life at Bathers’ Pavilion. One was many years back: a long Sunday lunch where warm sun poured through the windows overlooking Balmoral, and time flowed as easily as crisp Chablis. I was seagull-with-a-hot-chip happy to dine at both of L’Enclume’s residencies – a thrilling collaboration that saw one of the world’s best restaurants take over the seaside institution for winter (twice), giving Sydneysiders the chance to experience Michelin-starred dining, minus the jetlag. My most recent visit was just as exceptional. Clever, lively dishes. Service that elevates the experience. Golden, crunchy seaweed-dusted potato scallops humming with salt, vinegar and childhood nostalgia. As I’m about to leave, I overhear a woman say to her date, “The food is always delicious here. Beautifully paced meal. Lovely view.” The vibe Those cortisol-lowering Balmoral views really are lovely – and on a sunny day, there are few places I’d rather be. The elegant, coastal-chic dining room, all blue-and-white stripes, walnut furniture and snow-white orchids, makes you linger a little longer and order one more drink. I’d argue the team, overseen by restaurant manager Jessica Mead, is one of the finest in Sydney – polished, intuitive and ge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✍️ 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).

The world knows Sydney is beautiful – what a lot of people don’t realise is how delicious Sydney is. We’re lucky to have world-class restaurants and bars, across a huge diversity of cuisines and themes, using amazing produce. At Time Out, it’s our job to help people discover the best of Sydney, so we’ve narrowed it down to 32 restaurants and bars that our Time Out editors truly love – from affordable eats to special occasion spots, long-standing joints and hot newcomers.  Where will you eat next? Start sussing out these top Time Out Sydney Recommended Restaurants & Bars for 2025:  Ama, Surry Hills Albee's Kitchen, Campsie Banh Cuon Ba Oanh, Marrickville Bar Copains, Surry Hills Bar Planet, Newtown Cairo Takeaway, Newtown Chez Crix, Surry Hills Cho Cho San, Potts Point Chuck and Son's Brewing Co., St Peters Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Newtown Eat at ROBs, Rozelle Fontana, Redfern Duke's Providore, Cronulla Guildford Hotel, Guildford Island Dreams Cafe, Lakemba Jane, Surry Hills Mami’s Casa Latina, Bondi Medan Ciak, Sydney & Mascot Misc., Parramatta Nick & Nora's, Parramatta Pilu at Freshwater, Freshwater Porkfat, Haymarket Tan Viet Noodle House, Cabramatta The Bat & Ball Hotel, Redfern The Cumberland, Manly The Dry Dock, Balmain The Imperial, Erskineville The Wine Bar at The International, Sydney CBD Ursula's, Paddington Village (by Wildflower Brewing & Blending & Mountain Culture), Marrickville Where's Nick, Marrickville Woodstock Hotel, Rooty Hill Stay in the loop: sign up

Forget staying indoors this winter: one of Australia’s best food, wine and produce celebrations is on soon, with a handful of tickets still up for grabs. Noosa Food & Wine Festival, which began in 2003, returns from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, once again transforming the idyllic coastal town into a full-throttle food lover’s paradise. BYO thongs and breezy looks. Photograph: Supplied/Noosa Food & Wine Festival Across the four days, the laid-back holiday hotspot will host everything from world-class collaborations to sun-drenched long lunches, beachside parties and wow-worthy dinners – all paired with stunning coastal and hinterland backdrops. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out “Noosa’s dining scene is thriving, and the return of the Noosa Food & Wine brand this year celebrates our region’s legacy and culinary story. Our 2026 program is a dynamic mix of homegrown talent, world-class venues, and the unmistakable energy of Noosa Food & Wine Festival,” says festival director John Guise. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out RELATED READ: One of Australia’s best food and wine festivals is back – these are the events worth booking Celebrating the best local and international talent, as well as the incredible produce grown in the region, the festival is made up of three key parts: the Signature Events, the Restaurant Series and the American Express Festival Village. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out While some of the big-ticket signature events have al

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

Remember the Doom Juice pop-up? It was a few years back, when mates and winemakers Sebastian Keys and Zachary Godbolt took over the back of an old pub, serving their smashable wines and good times. Now, they’ve found their first permanent home – taking over the former Poor Tom’s site in Marrickville. Why? Well, the guys say that every great wine label deserves a home this fun. We agree. The full Doom Juice range will be poured by the glass and bottle – including natural reds and whites, plus ZZVINO, Doom’s latest non-alcoholic release. Expect a line-up of local beers too, from Grifter and Young Henrys, plus Reschs – “cause you just have to”, says Zac, who also co-owns The Bat & Ball Hotel in Redfern. There’s also exclusive Ester x Doom Juice vermouth, which you can enjoy as is or in the signature (and only) cocktail with Doom Juice Pet-Nat, finished with a raspberry sherbet rim. Photograph: Brewcasa Speaking about the space, which is next to Primary Espresso, across from Ester Distilling, and within walking distance of everything on the Ale Trail, Zac says it “feels quite surreal and very much like it was meant to be.” The bar and cellar door features a custom-commissioned replica of the iconic Skull Island disco ball from the Scooby-Doo live-action film, by local artist Taz Mackay. You can’t miss it. Vintage church pews are repurposed as intimate booths, there are picnic tables to enjoy your wine in the sunshine, and the walls are coloured by works by local creatives. Ever

Sydney just got a hot new underground Daiquiri bar hidden below the CBD. Called Razz Room, it’s from the Odd Culture team – the group behind Odd Culture Newtown, Pleasure Club, The Old Fitz and Bistro Grenier – so you know it’s worth a visit (or five). Come for live music, retro snacks (hello prawn cocktails and French onion dip) and 11/10 cocktails. The Dirty Daiquiri ($25) is a salty-sweet cocktail made with Bacardi white rum, lime and olive brine – and I reckon it’s going to be the drink of the year. Just try to stop at one. Photograph: Andrea Veltom Located on York Street in the CBD and taking inspiration from underground New York City clubs, the snazzy new bar features an upper bar area and a sunken disco-ball-lit dancefloor with a stage for live bands and DJs, with music kicking off from 7pm every night. “The Razz Room programming is anchored in disco, funk, soul and early house-adjacent sounds, always approached through a contemporary lens,” says group entertainment and operations manager Sabrina Medcalf. “Expect soulful, genre-fluid performances deeply rooted in disco tradition, but also forward-facing, expressive and unafraid to blur boundaries.” Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney As well as Dirty Daiquiris, there’s the Razz Daiquiri (Bacardi white and dark rums, lime, pandan, banana and pomelo); the Strawberry Daiquiri (Bacardi white rum, lime, strawberry and Sichuan); the Pavlova Fruit Tingle (Grey Goose vodka, Marionette Blue Curaçao, passionfruit

Cracking news for pizza lovers: Pizza’Mare, a more relaxed offering from Sydney’s award-winning Italian restaurant a’Mare, is now open above the harbourfront venue. Led by celebrated couple Alessandro and Anna Pavoni – the duo behind Ormeggio, Cibaria Manly, Chiosco, Postino Osteria and Vineria Luisa – Pizza’Mare aims to fill a gap in the Barangaroo market for those wanting a hearty Italian feed without dropping a week’s rent, with garlic and rosemary pizzas starting from $21. Photograph: Steven Woodburn Puglia-born head pizzaiolo Paolo Lacarpia and the team are creating pizzas with biga-based Neapolitan dough. It undergoes a long fermentation process, resulting in a lighter, more digestible base, and is fired in a pizza oven brought over from Modena. There are classic flavours, like Napoletana ($26), featuring San Marzano, yellow and cherry tomatoes, capers, oregano and extra virgin olive oil; and mortadella ($31), with smoked provola, fior di latte mozzarella, lemon zest and basil, alongside more creative offerings. Try the yellowfin tuna crudo ($38) with confit cherry tomatoes, stracciatella, lemon zest and basil. If you want to go all out, go for the Stone Axe MS9+ Wagyu carpaccio ($52) with cherry tomato salsa, buffalo mozzarella, salsa verde and mountain black pepper. For dessert, there’s the ‘Pizza’Misù’ ($24) with Nutella, coffee, hazelnut crumble and mascarpone. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Starters include deep-fried pizza dough balls ($9), fil

Garlic bread is inherently delicious (hello, bread, butter, garlic, salt). But when it’s done well, it can really kick-start the night (and lead you to eating too much early on – no regrets). The confit garlic bread at Fontana, for example, is one of my all-time favourites. And now I’ve got another: The garlic bread at Vitelli’s Upstairs – a new New York-style Italian restaurant in Redfern from the team behind Apollonia, Grana and Island Radio, in the former home of the (sadly) short-lived Baptist Street Rec. Club. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney A toasted bread roll comes cut into quarters, covered in garlic and herb butter and topped with melted cheese. It’s $5 per person – and for $7 you can (and should!) add a plate of rich, olive oil-laced tomato sauce with stracciatella to double-dip as you please. It’s ridiculously good and I’m still thinking about it. Elsewhere on the menu – curated by culinary Director Stephen Seckold and executive chef Elliott Pinn – there are fried lasagne bites with lemon; spaghetti with Vitelli’s pork and fennel meatballs and pecorino; and veal milanese served with blush tomatoes, pickled red onion, wild rocket and pecorino. All the pasta comes from CBD sibling Grana, which makes it fresh daily. RECOMMENDED READ: The best new restaurants and bars in Sydney 2026 You’ll probably have to order their signature dish too: pasta in a creamy vodka tomato sauce topped with chicken parmigiana (yes, really) – and you can opt to make it a do

The Cutaway – a cavernous space beneath Barangaroo Reserve on the edge of Sydney Harbour – is reopening this May after closing two years ago for a massive $100 million transformation. The venue, delivered by Infrastructure NSW in partnership with FDC Construction & Fitout, as well as architects fjcstudio in collaboration with First Nations artists and creatives Shannon Foster and Jake Nash, is set to become Australia’s largest and most versatile cultural and events venue, with a capacity of up to 3,000 people. Photograph: Toby Shain The multi-faceted venue, located a few minutes’ walk from Barangaroo Metro, includes multiple event spaces that can be used separately or all together, for everything from international concerts and fashion shows to gala dinners, weddings and more. The pièce de résistance is the Main Hall, which fits 2,300 guests and showcases the original 14-metre-high sandstone cliff wall. Another standout is the 13 striking custom-made trees that honour Saltwater Country. There are also gallery and exhibition rooms, a massive commercial kitchen, green rooms and a First Nations education space. Accessibility is a major focus too, with Changing Places facilities for people with disabilities and step-free access from Barangaroo Metro Station. Photograph: Toby Shain NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “The new Cutaway space joins the Opera House as one of the great cultural and event locations on the iconic shore of Sydney Harbour – confirming Sydney’s status as a wo

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