Elizabeth McDonald

People are choosing plant-based eating for its softer step on Earth, concerns about animal cruelty, and the health benefits of vegetable-rich diets. Plus, there's been a rise in flexitarian diets – you might not be a full-time vegan, but where you can, you opt for more plants on your plate. Only a few years ago, vegan dining meant a whole lot of pulses and sprouts, but now Sydney is home to plant-based burger shops, classic Italian pizzerias that showcase cheese and meat alternatives, gelato shops that favour coconut bases and a growing contingent of fine diners offering fancy degustations for vegans. Cool with eggs and dairy? Check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. Got a mixed group? Head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney. On a budget? Have a look at the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want to shop sustainably? Check out our guide to ethical shopping in Sydney here.

Finding booze on Good Friday can be a little tricky. NSW has strict laws on alcohol sales on Christmas and Good Friday, which boil down to the following: absolutely no takeaway alcohol, and licensed venues can only serve on premises from midday-10pm. So, in other words, bottleshops are closed. And while pubs are open, they can't serve takeaway alcohol. But – there's one loophole: venues that have a producer's license (ie: that brew/distill/ferment) may be able to sell their wares. So get ready to stock up on fresh growlers of cracking local brews, some craft spirits or even pre-mixed cocktails. Looking for more to do on the long weekend? Here's our guide to Easter in Sydney. If you want more craft beer, check out our guide to Sydney’s best brewery bars. If the vinous life is the life for you, head to the best wine bars in the city.

'Tis the season for sweet, buttery, spiced baked goods, and we've sorted out the best hot cross buns in the biz. We've rounded up raisin enthusiasts, as well as others that take it a little easier when it comes to dried fruit. We've got everything from HCBs high on fluffiness and nutty spice, to tart sourdough buns scattered with candied orange peel. Whatever your flavour, we've got you covered. Including the evident theme of the year, the bun mash-up. This is your guide to the best boxes of buns you can take away or get delivered to your door this Easter. Don't forget to stock up for the long weekend. This is where to get take away booze for Good Friday.

When it rains in Sydney, it pours. So it pays to have a few wet-weather tricks up your sleeve for when the cartoons and colouring-in book at home just aren't cutting it for the kids anymore. Luckily, our city is brimming with indoor playgrounds and kid-friendly museums – as well as craft workshops, leisure centres and active areas – so you can keep ’em busy 'til the clouds clear. That's the kids sorted, now what are you going to do? Check out our top picks of things to do in Sydney when it rains. Then when it stops raining, run off some steam at these outdoor playgrounds. 

March 2023 update: Summer might be over, but the warm days and nights aren't. It still feels like summer, so people are out and about, and street-side dining is being encouraged by a City of Sydney policy. Our recommendation: it's best to book in advance at these best restaurants in Sydney, because dining-out season is still in full swing. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, ranked by our expert local editors. How did we narrow it down? When ranking, we considered fun, flavour, creativity and value for money – at every price point. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Opera House here, but you’ll find neighbourhood pizza, hole-in-the-wall Thai and lunch-only ramen, too. Bon appétit.  After something more casual? Check out our favourite cafés in Sydney. Or: Our list of the best cheap eats.

There's a lot of good reasons to head down rather than up to a rooftop bar when you're feeling parched. Underground, it's always party o'clock because, even if it's 2pm, it feels like after dark. Plus you have no external cues as to the lateness of the hour, so a quick drink can turn into a big night very easily. Drinking below street level is also deliciously climate controlled so on a blazing hot summer's day, or in a torrential downpour, your best bet is posting up in one of Sydney's best booze bunkers. Need something to line that stomach? Choose from this list of late-night eats in Sydney.

Some of the best drinking dens in the city are clustered inside the 2010 postcode, which means a sip trip around Surry Hills bars involves a whole lot more excellent cocktails, biodynamic wines and craft brews with a whole lot less trekking between venues. If you like vino adventures, there's ample opportunity to spend max cash on amazing, hard-to-find vintages at the suburb's killer wine bars; there's a rum distillery if you like a sugar cane spirit; and the snack action is nothing to sneeze at when you get hungry and need something to right your sails. Want to spread your wings beyond Surry Hills. Here's our list of the best bars throughout in Sydney.

In a city like Sydney, with its kilometres of waterfront, truly great restaurants and consistenly gorgeous weather, long lunches should be on your regular to-do list. Whether you're overlooking the Harbour, sitting by the beach or exploring the depths of the city, here's our list of where to spend lazy, sunny days sipping, eating and lounging around in good company.  Is it ticking over to dinner time already? Check out one of Sydney's best restaurants with a view. Thirsty for more? Check out our pick of the absolute best bars in Sydney right now.

It's ticking over to a shameful hour, and you've smoke-bombed from the party in search of sustenance. Is it fried chicken you're after, that fail-safe absorbent of sin and too many cocktails? Or maybe you've been working late, and you're looking to redeem a day of fluorescent-lit corporate drudgery with the perfect plate of spicy noodles? Or maybe you've landed in the city late and you just want to sink into a steamer of pillowy dumplings, soft and plush and... mmm, sleep... Before you hit the hay, though, here are the spots you'll find what you're craving, way up late. Still feeling snackish? Take yourself out to peruse our list of the very best cheap eats you can get in Sydney.

Whether you're an Irish ex-pat, have Irish blood, or just love a good ol' Gaelic knees-up, St Paddy's Day, on March 17, is a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle. In Sydney, there are a bunch of ways to get involved. There's the official St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on the weekend (Sunday, March 19), which transforms the Rocks into a St Patrick's Day-palooza of live music, Irish language sessions, Irish dancing, stilt-walking, face-painting, handicrafts, festival bars and food stalls. But if you want to observe the saint's day itself, this year March 17 falls on the Friday, and since the time-honoured way to toast ol' St Pat is with a well-poured Guinness, you can expect great craic and pints aplenty in Sydney's pubs on the day and through the weekend also. Here's where to cheer "Sláinte!" on the big day in Sydney. Looking for the best watering holes in Sydney? Check out our favourite pubs.

With the kind of weather Sydney's ordinarily blessed with for about 11 months of the year, it's a wonder our restaurants had roofs to begin with. There's a certain quintessential Sydney-ness about sipping a drink in the breeze of a balmy evening or taking your first bite of dinner knowing you're free from the curse of unflattering overhead lighting. This city (and its gorgeous climate) is made for outdoor dining, and we've rounded up some of the best spots around town for taking full advantage of alfresco living.  Thinking of new places to try? Check out Sydney’s best new restaurants.

March 2023 update: A lot of people are having a tough time financially at the moment, and although Sydney is an expensive city, we're also lucky to have a huge amount of options when it comes to cheap eats. We've rounded up our favourite places of the moment at prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.   Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. These are the ones well worth their salt. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks. Looking for a café to sit down at for coffee and brunch? Here's our guide to the best cafés in Sydney.

Sydney’s Cantonese offering went up a notch in 2022 with the opening of Jinja, a killer Asian restaurant for when the mood strikes, which, to be fair, could be breakfast, lunch or dinner any day of the week. Found within the Governor Hotel in Macquarie Park, Jinja is named for owner and entrepreneur, local Sydney legend Jinghua (more often dubbed “Jinja” due to her obsession with ginger spice), the muse of Sydney-based artist Ronnie Samuels, whose paintings pepper the restaurant space. Leaning hard into food-meets-style, Jinja is all about super traditional dishes like gentle steamed market fish with shallots and, of course, ginger; crisp Peking duck; and honey glazed Kurobuta pork; as well as a few less conventional numbers like lobster san choy bao; truffled spring rolls; and prawn mousse fried brioche. Now, seven months after opening, the team has launched a yum cha offering, created by hatted chef Sebastian Tan (Silks). Featuring over 30 plates of traditional Cantonese brunch dishes and dim sum hits, the new menu is available weekly for lunch, Wednesday through Sunday. Order fluffy pork buns; pork and chive dumplings; crispy-skinned Cantonese roast duck; and honey glazed char siu pork. Of course, Chinese pastries will be served (custard buns, we’ve got our eyes on you), and for an additional $5 you can pair the plates with bottomless Keemun black tea, a famed black drink with a light aroma and sweet, toasted notes. If you come along with a group of four or more, which, l

2023 UPDATE: The crew at La Salut is now serving up a great-value $50 'Del Dia' (fixed price) lunch every Saturday and Sunday. For a fifty, you get a three-course meal and a vermouth. The menu changes every week, but the price stays the same. If you didn't know already, this budget dining experience comes with its very own fascinating origin story. Spain's 'Menu Del Dia' translates directly to 'fixed-price lunch', and comes from a mandate that existed in Spanish law from the 1960s to early 2000s. This multi-course menu allowed people to dine at some of Spain's best and most exclusive restaurants without breaking the bank, effectively ensuring that everyone got the chance to eat well.  “You can go to Michelin-starred restaurants and get a sick feed for a good price," says La Salut's executive chef Scott McComas-Williams. "It’s such a great way to dine at lunch; we used to do it all the time when I worked in Barcelona and Madrid.” La Salut's fifty buck lunch is for walk-ins only and available each weekend day from 12pm until sold out – it's first in, best dressed. To stay up to date with each week’s Del Dia menu, follow La Salut on Instagram. Read on for our original 2021 review of La Salut. ***** The folks that brought us Love, Tilly Devine, Ragazzi and Dear Sainte Èloise have set the standard pretty darn high in terms of Sydney wine bars (and the snacks aren't bad either). Their latest venture is a Catalan-inspired watering hole that isn't taking itself too seriously.  La Sal

Grab your shin-grazer jeans and tie-dye shirts! California quartet the Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced a 2023 tour Down Under. The tour kicks off in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium and hits Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on February 7 and 9, 2023. The tour is to promote the band's new album, Unlimited Love, which we're betting approximately zero people are there to hear, but in excellent news, musical genius John Frusciante will be re-joining the band and playing songs from across the group's prolific 40-year career. Along for the ride is mumble-rapper and face tattoo enthusiast Austin Richard Post, aka Post Malone, who is known for mixing genres, much like the Chili Peppers themselves, and we reckon it'll be worth the price of admission just to see the confused looks on the crowd's faces. General public tickets are on sale now. If you prefer your music local, check out our pick of the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.

If you've even been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you've probably been ushered into a bigtop or an arena to watch the ultra-limber Montreal-based acrobats perform gravity-defying and breathtaking acts of magic. The circus company has been touring and delighting for years, and now, they've taken to the ice. For the first time in the company's history – and a first for Australian audiences – Cirque du Soleil: Crystal will head Down Under and onto the frosty stage. Kicking off in NZ on June 16, the death-defying show will head over to Brissy on July 21. The story follows the show's namesake, Crystal, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the age old medium of bendy dance. The show, which has toured other parts of the world, features remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', yet another first for the company. The sub-zero show has toured 115 cities world-wide to an audience of over 1.8 million dazzled onlookers, and now – we finally get a taste. Head to the show's website here to get more information and to book your tickets. Don't forget a jacket.

If you've even been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you've probably been ushered into a bigtop or an arena to watch the ultra-limber Montreal-based acrobats perform gravity-defying and breathtaking acts of magic. The circus company has been touring and delighting for years, and now, they've taken to the ice. For the first time in the company's history – and a first for Australian audiences – Cirque du Soleil: Crystal will head Down Under and onto the frosty stage. Kicking off in NZ on June 16 before heading over to Brissy on July 21, the death-defying show will hit Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena from August 3-6, 2023. The story follows the show's namesake, Crystal, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the age old medium of bendy dance. The show, which has toured other parts of the world, features remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', yet another first for the company. The sub-zero show has toured 115 cities world-wide to an audience of over 1.8 million dazzled onlookers, and now – we finally get a taste. Head to the show's website here to get more information and to book your tickets. Don't forget a jacket. Want more magical theatre in your life? Don't forget to check out the best theatre in Sydney this month.

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you've probably been ushered into a bigtop or an arena to watch the ultra-limber Montreal-based acrobats perform gravity-defying and breathtaking acts of magic. The circus company has been touring and delighting for years, and now, it's taking to the ice. For the first time in the company's history – and a first for Australian audiences – Cirque du Soleil: Crystal will head Down Under and onto the frosty stage. Kicking off in NZ on June 16 before heading over to Brissie on July 21, the death-defying show will hit Melbourne's John Cain Arena from August 17-20, 2023. The story follows the show's namesake, Crystal, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the age-old medium of bendy dance. The show, which has toured other parts of the world, features remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', yet another first for the company. The sub-zero show has toured 115 cities worldwide to an audience of more than 1.8 million dazzled onlookers, and now we finally get a taste. Head to the show's website here to get more information and to book your tickets. Don't forget a jacket. Want more magical theatre in your life? Don't forget to check out the best theatre in Melbourne this month.

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you've probably been ushered into a bigtop or an arena to watch the ultra-limber Montreal-based acrobats perform gravity-defying and breathtaking acts of magic. The circus company has been touring and delighting for years, and now, it's taking to the ice. For the first time in the company's history – and a first for Australian audiences – Cirque du Soleil: Crystal will head Down Under and onto the frosty stage. Kicking off in NZ on June 16 before heading over to Brissy on July 21, the death-defying show will hit Perth from September 15-17 2023. The story follows the show's namesake, Crystal, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the age-old medium of bendy dance. The show, which has toured other parts of the world, features remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', yet another first for the company. The sub-zero show has toured 115 cities worldwide to an audience of more than 1.8 million dazzled onlookers, and now we finally get a taste. Head to the show's website here to get more information and to book your tickets. Don't forget a jacket.

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you've probably been ushered into a bigtop or an arena to watch the ultra-limber Montreal-based acrobats perform gravity-defying and breathtaking acts of magic. The circus company has been touring and delighting for years, and now, it's taking to the ice. For the first time in the company's history – and a first for Australian audiences – Cirque du Soleil: Crystal will head Down Under and onto the frosty stage. Kicking off in NZ on June 16 before heading over to Brissy on July 21, the death-defying show will hit Adelaide from August 31- September 3, 2023.  The story follows the show's namesake, Crystal, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the age-old medium of bendy dance. The show, which has toured other parts of the world, features remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', yet another first for the company. The sub-zero show has toured 115 cities worldwide to an audience of more than 1.8 million dazzled onlookers, and now we finally get a taste. Head to the show's website here to get more information and to book your tickets. Don't forget a jacket.

A massive Christmas wonderland, Noël Sydney, has taken over the Royal Botanic Garden and some of Macquarie Street’s historic buildings. You can share in the Yuletide wonder with captivating Christmas-themed projections and lights leading to the Botanic Garden, where you'll discover a whimsical digital Christmas forest, Christmas market, magical drone sky show and nightly entertainment.   It just wouldn't be Christmas without Australia's answer to Michael Bublé, David Campbell. He'll be performing on December 21, with free nightly entertainment by a Noël House Band, Katie Noonan, Lucy Durack and a whole swag more. On Macquarie Street, Hyde Park Barracks leads the way, with festive projections of reimagined scenes from Christmas classic 'The Nutcracker'. While the State Library, Sydney Hospital and the Mint dazzle with their own jolly illuminations. The Conservatorium of Music has been transformed into a ‘Sweet Palace’, where characters from ‘The Nutcracker’ usher guests through to the digital Christmas forest and Noël Christmas market. Kick back at the Garden Grooves with a cocktail or two, and take in the variety show each night of the festival, where circus performers will dazzle, and choirs will sing merry carols. This is the perfect way to get a spot of Christmas shopping done too, with more than 40 stall holders selling a bunch of goods with the Buy From the Bush initiative, supporting merchants from flood affected areas around the country. For the full line-up, head over

Have you ever tried to get a reservation at Sydney's Firedoor? If your answer is yes, then you'll know that you need a series of alarms, a lunar calendar and – presumably – some knowledge of blood magick to score a spot at the world-famous steakhouse. For the mere mortals among us, we've got some good news. Your chances have just gotten a little bit better at chowing down on a five-course dinner by Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, with matching Balvenie whisky. For one night only, and exclusively via a ballot system (of course it is), Hastie is teaming up with Balvenie to bring a completely bespoke menu to a lucky few. You'll get your hands on ingredients such as aged barrel of pork and forgotten rum mustard to complement a rum barrel-aged 14-year whisky, oyster mushrooms in sherry caramel matched with a European oak dram, and plenty more. The dinner kicks off on February 28, 2023 at 7pm and you can jump into the draw at the event site here. Missed out on one of the best steaks in the world? Soothe your soul with one of the best steaks in Sydney.

STOP EVERYTHING: Gravy Day has come early this year! Australia's favourite troubadour Paul Kelly is joining festive forces with the legends at the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre for a one-off Christmas special on December 19 at the Marrickville brewery. This is your chance to belt out Kelly's questionable gravy recipe with the man himself, some very special guests, as well as a climate-focus panel, ‘Undo the Dumb Things’, presented by Groundswell. A few frothies and a succulent Chinese meal courtesy of the Hawke's crew doesn't hurt at all. Make sure to peep the giant golden prawn while you're there. As if it couldn't be a more Aussie Christmas, MC duties will be handled by the Betoota Advocate gang so you know there will be laughter with a side of seasonal cheer and climate-change awareness. Kelly approached the venue after learning that his name was in a list of legendary Australians scribed on a wooden honour board at the bar, titled ‘Who We Would Like to Have a Beer With’. The list is led by former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, who co-founded the company after two homesick Australians approached their “fantasy beer mate” to launch Hawke’s Brewing Co. in 2017. Hawke gave his endorsement to the company on the condition that his royalties be donated to Landcare Australia, the environmental not-for-profit Hawke helped establish in 1989. Access to tickets will be exclusively via ballot, which you can enter after you purchase some cute Paul Kelly merch. How bloody good is that? Th

Aw, yis! Sydney's favourite natural wine/vinyl/masterful cinematography creators, Built to Spill Wines, are putting on an all-killer, no-filler pop-up shop tour to wrap up 2022. Just in time for the ramp up to Christmas, some of the Inner West's most beloved venues will be taken over for a day of wine tastings, vinyl-spinnin' DJs, shopping, and good old-fashioned human interaction.  Kicking off on the Lansdowne Hotel rooftop on November 26, you can bring summer in with a bang, grab your stocking stuffers for the wine quaffers in your life, and generally just enjoy the sunshine and good times with a glass of seriously good vino in hand.  Longstanding home of rock'n'roll, the Duke of Enmore will host next, on December 3, before things go bush at the Great Northern Trading Post in the Hunter Valley (ooh, fancy) on December 10. The next stop on tour is the family- and budget-friendly Leichhardt Bowlo on December 17 (FYI, there's an enclosed kids' play area with tables, shady umbrellas and jungle gyms for ultimate Cool Parent vibes). Final stop on this rock-and-roll pony express will be at a TBC location somewhere in the Blue Mountains on December 23 – we're looking at you, holiday makers who forgot to pack the good stuff. Notorious for slinging some of the most diverse wines and vinyl you'll find anywhere in Sydney, Built to Spill Wines was established by Tai Tate (ex-Porteno, Mary's) mid-pandemic 2020. It's quickly gained traction as the place to get all your hipster needs cater

Returning bigger and better, the multi-level heritage-listed Abercrombie has undergone an incredible transformation, with three venues now under the one roof to create one big party palace that will open in December. On the ground floor is the Abercrombie’s incredible performance and club space, public bar and beer garden, which should flood a few elder millennials' brains with memories. The rave-cave of yesteryear will play host to some of the best party crews in Sydney – including House of Mince, Sweat it Out, Future Classic, Purple Sneakers and Motorik – to put on an incredible, curated roster of events. With the reopening comes a 24-hour licence, so expect some epic, non-stop parties. Venture upstairs to Casa Rosa, a playful, late-night Italo-disco cocktail lounge and rooftop terrazza with DJs. Then sidle into the adjoining terraces, which expand the footprint of the new Abercrombie, for an aperitivo wine bar and shop, Lil Sis, also open until the early hours. To mark the opening, the Abercrombie, FKA "Scabbers", is getting ready for a 36-hour party, kicking off at 5pm on December 23 and running non-stop until 5am on Christmas Day. Look forward to a packed line-up of some of Australia’s best tastemakers, including Mike Who, Andy Garvey, Ayebatonye and Dameeela. Closing out the year, hit up a seven-day run of events from Boxing Day through to New Year's Day. International heavyweights Webbha and Jaytech (Anjunabeats) join a stacked NYD party; record label 'Sweat It Out' re

What a day to be a sports fan! Licensed NSW venues will be allowed to stay open if they are broadcasting the soccer (fine, football). The NSW Government has granted special trading extensions from midnight til 5am so that Sydneysiders can watch grown men run around for a while and sometimes score a goal! The extended trading hours will also apply to the World Cup final, with venues able to open from 10pm on December 18, through to 5am on December 19. It's basically government permission to pull an all-nighter. Bloody, cheers as to that! Is your local showing the FIFA World Cup? Check out which Sydney venues are gonna be up all night here.

In exciting news for the Sydney drinking and dining scene, twenty food and beverage operators have been announced today, November 29, as retailers at Sydney Place, a new vibrant precinct in one of Sydney’s most-loved waterfront destinations, Circular Quay. Some of Australia’s most recognisable and awarded chefs, restaurateurs and lifestyle retailers will open from March 2023 across the intimate laneways of Sydney Place. Renowned tenants include chef Federico Zanellato’s (Lumi Dining), much-loved pie and pastry store, Lode Pies; sophisticated rotisserie chicken shop, Sunday by chef Morgan McGlone (ex-Belles Hot Chicken); and a Japanese-inspired whiskey bar and dining by Joel Best of Besuto. They will be joined by Toby’s Estate, Kosta’s, Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, BoBo Dumplings, Toastiesmith and many more of Sydney’s casual dining favourites in some of the city’s newest laneways. The news of these quality food and beverage operators opening follows the announcement earlier this year of the much-anticipated rebirth of Jacksons on George by Maurice Terzini and DTLE, now set to open in mid-2023. Sydney Place also comprises a landmark 55-storey office tower designed by one of the world’s leading architecture firms, Foster + Partners. The 263-metre tower has officially completed construction and taken the title of Sydney’s tallest office building. At the base of the office tower, the precinct will include retail, community experience and intimate laneways, all designed to enhance th

Petty news today from the animal kingdom: a lyrebird at Taronga Zoo has been blasting the "evacuate now" alarm with eerie accuracy since the lions escaped their enclosure less than two weeks ago. Though according to an interview on ABC Radio with an expert on lyrebird language, the sardonic bird has been singing the alarm for some time: "The zoo and a lyrebird expert have thrown cold water on the reports, and say the bird is actually making the sound of the fire alarm – something it's done for years." It doesn't make the bird's antics any less amusing. The bird has swapped out its usual mimic of a baby crying for the blood-chilling alarm that also sounded when five lions slipped out of their exhibit around 6.30am on November 2. The lyrebird even has an Australian accent. Lyrebirds are one of nature's most impressive (and petty) mimickers and have been recorded copying sounds of construction, car alarms, other bird-folk like kookaburras, and now, the sound that will continue to send shivers down zoo handlers' backs for years to come. Shine on, you crazy diamond. May we all aspire to this level of deep-cuts. Want to get up close and personal with some of Sydney's wildest? Check out our top picks of where to see animals around town.

The unstoppable trio behind Pellegrino 2000 and Bistrot 916 are set to take over the coveted Art Deco-style Bridge Room space on York Street in a pretty slick homage to New York's steakhouses and grills. The yet-to-be-named new venue will be serving up superb steaks for two, whole turbot grilled over coals, and (praise be) a shrimp cocktail, complete with iceberg lettuce and pink sauce. This will be the third restaurant Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson have opened in as many years, and we are absolutely here for it. Known for nouveau approaches to Italian and French fare – and some absolutely killer wines to boot – the dream team are quickly becoming some of Sydney's most recognisable and respected restaurateurs, with both Bistrot 916 and Pellegrino 2000 housing some of the most coveted seats in town.  The Bridge Room is a highly prized and stunning location, with expansive windows and classic Art Deco features, and we reckon it'll be the perfect spot to throw back a few oysters and a Martini or two come February next year. Don't wanna miss a thing? Check out our top picks of the best new restaurants in Sydney right here.

Hundreds of confirmed Covid-positive passengers disembarked into Sydney from cruise ship Majestic Princess over the weekend. On Saturday, November 12, approximately 800 of the ship's 4,400 passengers and crew were confirmed to have the virus. The passengers were instructed to not take public transport upon disembarking. The Majestic Princess had just completed a 12-night cruise to New Zealand and back to Circular Quay around 6am. The operator, Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement: "All guests disembarking have undertaken a rapid antigen test in the past 24 hours, which will determine how they will disembark the ship." The statement also confirmed all positive cases (around 20 per cent of the ship's population) were kept separate from negative passengers while disembarking. While isolation for Covid-positive cases have been scrapped across NSW, don't forget the ways we can limit the spread and keep vulnerable members of the community safe. Everyone should observe social distancing where possible, keep hands sanitised, and stay home if you have those two lines on your RAT. Ya' know. Feeling sicky? Here's our guide to having the perfect date night at home.

One of the first restaurants to open at the Barangaroo precinct back in 2016, Bel & Brio, has this week had its doors shuttered amid an ongoing lease dispute with landlords, Lendlease, with a staggering $1.8m in owed rent outstanding. Restaurateur Mark Richardson said in a statement to The Daily Telegraph that he was "blindsided" by Lendlease's decision to board the venue up on October 29, despite falling behind on rent payments for at least the last two years. “We’ve been in negotiations and mediations… to get the fee to something reasonable, however Lendlease had enough and pulled the plug and so they should have,” he told The Daily Telegraph. Staff of the restaurant claim they knew the venue was in dire straits and say they have not received paycheques for several weeks.  Richardson has assured them he is working towards getting the 140 staff what they are owed. "It is a shame for staff but I’ve lost the most. I’ve lost eight years and $11 million." Richardson at this stage has no intention of re-entering the restaurant business, citing the pandemic and the work-from-home culture that many CBD workers have adopted, opting for work/life balance rather than commuting daily. At the time of writing, reservations for the restaurant have been suspended until January 2023, but purchases can still be made on the Bel & Brio online market. Want to get more insights into the crazy Sydney hospitality business? Check out our Chef's Specials interview series here.

Stop the presses! Very big news has come to the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville! On Monday, November 7, the brewery named for the former Australian prime minister and beer enthusiast unveiled (or rather, unpeeled) arguably their biggest accomplishment to date. How? By way of a giant, animatronic golden prawn.  Affectionately dubbed "Shane Prawn" the crustacean is the crown jewel of the Centre's bistro, the Lucky Prawn. The dramatic deveining also marked the venue's first ever Monday service, a permanent addition which means you can cop an eye-full every day of the week. Sure, the brewery may have donated nearly half a million bucks to Land Care Australia, and yeah the team may have given away free slabs of beer to encourage people to get Covid-19 vaccinations, but frankly we reckon their greatest contribution to the community is the fact that the Big Prawn's arms move. Be gently swayed into a trance by your new arthropod overlord while smashing a schooner and a succulent Chinese meal. The prawn demands it. And we thought the Inner West suburb couldn't get any cooler!

The Inner West Council this week has unanimously voted to grant heritage listings to 27 pubs across Balmain, Leichhardt, Newtown, Petersham, Marrickville, Rozelle, Annandale, Enmore and Lewisham, joining the existing 31 pubs already listed. Mayor Darcy Byrne said on the progressive decision: "Our pubs are community institutions, many of which have been serving local patrons for more than a century. "It’s time for new heritage protections to make sure that our Inner West pub culture is still here for another 100 years to come."  The heritage listing ensures that not only do the facades of the pubs have to remain intact, but many elements of the interiors that identify the venues as pubs must remain.  So, what new pubs will be added to the heritage list? Annandale Hotel, AnnandaleNorth Annandale Hotel, AnnandaleUnity Hall Hotel, BalmainThe Balmain Hotel, BalmainDick’s Hotel, BalmainCat & Fiddle Hotel, BalmainTown Hall Hotel, BalmainCricketers Arms Hotel, BalmainEast Village Hotel, Balmain EastThe Milestone Hotel, LeichhardtVic on the Park Hotel, MarrickvilleThe Royal Exchange Hotel, MarrickvilleWebsters Bar, NewtownKelly’s on King, NewtownSandringham Hotel (former), NewtownCarlisle Castle Hotel, NewtownLivingstone Hotel, PetershamBridge Hotel, RozelleThe Welcome Hotel, Rozelle3 Weeds Hotel, RozelleSackville Hotel, RozelleGarry Owen Hotel, RozelleNative Rose Hotel, RozelleLewisham Hotel, LewishamWarren View Hotel, EnmoreDuke of Enmore Hotel, EnmoreQueens Hotel, Enmore  What doe

Welp. Nevermind. After the devastating announcement that one of Sydney's favourite cafés, Rolling Penny, would be closing down earlier this month, they've pulled the old switcheroo and have decided that they'll remain open after all. The news comes courtesy of an Instagram post by the team: "After an amazing closing down party on Saturday and all the community support we received in the build-up to closing, we’ve had time to reflect, pool our resources, and as a team have decided to re-open Rolling Penny." For those of you not in the know (we suggest you rectify that ASAP) the south King Street café has been a community-focused space where all are welcome since 2015 and the light, airy front room has played host to charity events, parties, and obviously more than a few recovery brekkies. The elevated offerings have made this coffee shop an absolute favourite and we can't wait to get back into the swing of things from November 7. Love your coffee hot and your cafés cool? Check out Sydney's best breakfast dishes here.  

If you're content with headlines of a dying Sydney nightlife, then this one ain't for you. However, if you're into the bright side of life and the unbelievable hard work of those breathing life back into our town then we've got great news! The first seven day a week, 4am license in Newtown has been granted in over 100 years. The lucky recipients? The group who brought us the Oxford Tav, the Duke of Enmore, Odd Culture Newtown and the Old Fitz. With a line-up like that, you know you can expect good things. The enigmatic new venue is described as an underground music venue somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Newtown train station. The move is a defining moment in the push for Sydney’s 24-hour economy by creating opportunities for more diverse, inclusive, and multi-dimensional late night hospitality offerings that will contribute to reinvigorating Sydney’s nightlife and making Sydney a global destination once again. Odd Culture Group is a new-age leader in the hospitality industry known for creating diverse andinclusive venues that strongly resonate with the needs and desires of their local communities. Michael Rodrigues, NSW’s 24-hour Economy Commissioner, said: "A major part of the 24-hour Economy Strategy is to encourage the diversification of activities and amenities at night, so today’s announcement is very exciting. It's great to see new venues opening that offer increased choice and flexibility for people when enjoying a night out." Can't get enough of that good Sydney

We know that Sydney loves a dinner with a view, namely the city's most famous landmark the Harbour Bridge. Now, you have the opportunity to dine inside that most iconic landmark. Celebrity chef Luke Mangan (Salt, Glass Brasserie) will be opening an ambitious new restaurant in the Harbour Bridge's south-east pylon come November 17, a project years in the making. Luke's Table, the 20-seat restaurant is lofty in both geography and price tag, starting at $295 per person.  Diners will have to climb the 200 stairs to access to the eatery, so we suggest leaving the heels at home folks. Once Luke’s Table opens, the menu will be made up of oysters, Champagne, sashimi, seared beef fillet and soft meringue dessert paired with Penfolds wine (Grange, of course) which will be served on one long table for diners. Details on when you can book for this extraordinary new haunt are thin on the ground but we're betting that these will be the hottest seats in town. Keep an eye on the Luke Mangan website here to snap yours up. In the meantime, why not get geared up and head to one of Sydney's best waterfront restaurants?