Sofia Alonso Wilson

It’s nearly the (second) most wonderful time of the year, with Vivid Sydney kicking off on Friday, May 24 until Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Here are all the key things you need to know.) Sydney's epic festival will be lighting up the Emerald City once again for three weeks with dazzling displays, live music performances, gigs and parties and loads of fun, free and cheap things to do.  Good news for the greedy souls amongst us: this year’s line-up sees the triumphant return of Vivid Food, featuring chef collaborations of your dreams, cooking demonstrations from the best in the biz, fancy dinners at fancy restaurants and more. Below, we’ve rounded up all the hottest events happening for Vivid Food. And because we know you’ll work up an appetite with all that walking and snapping, if you keep on scrolling you can check out where to eat and drink during Vivid, including good-value offers. There’s lots of exciting and tasty things happening this year, so rug up, head outside and happy eating, Sydney. 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: These are the best bars and restaurants to see the Vivid lights from. Hungry? We are too. Here are Sydney's best restaurants that you can book right now. 

Vivid lights up a lot of Sydney city – the sails of the Opera House, the water at Darling Harbour and the shores of Barangaroo. The city goes mad for this constantly growing festival, so we don't blame you if you'd rather catch the lights from the comforts of a bar or restaurant. This year, Vivid Food is back with an exciting and delicious line-up (you can read about it over here). Below, we've rounded up the best venues that give you a good look at the lights and more.  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: Want more killer views? Check out these waterfront dining destinations. Don't mind about the view as long as the food is ace? Try one of Sydney's best restaurants.

Sentiu la paraula jazz i ja us tremolen els genolls de l'adrenalina? Si us apunteu a una 'jam' sempre que podeu i esteu assabentats de tots els concerts, no us podeu perdre el Festival Talents Jazz que tindrà lloc al terrat de La Pedrera tots els dijous i divendres del 16 de maig al 26 de juliol. Tres mesos per poder gaudir dels 22 concerts planejats, amb la participació de més de 120 músics! La falta de temps i planificació no serà una excusa per anar-hi. A més, us inclourà una copa de cava i un viatge a les golfes de l'edifici, anomenat l'àtic de la balena, l'espai interpretatiu de l'obra de Gaudí, on descobrireu alguns dels secrets de la vida i art de l'artista. El projecte aposta pel suport al talent i a la creació musical i és fruit de la voluntat de construir propostes amb l'ecosistema cultural musical de la ciutat, teixint una àmplia xarxa en què hi col·laboren les tres institucions educatives més destacades de la ciutat: el Conservatori del Liceu, el Taller de Músics i l'Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC). Us expliquem tots els detalls dels concerts!

Visitar el Monestir de Pedralbes és tota una experiència que ens transporta unes passes enrere en el temps. I, ara, aquesta regressió temporal s'accentua amb l'obertura al públic del nou hort que la institució ha fet recreant el que ja existia per abastir la comunitat del convent des de la fundació l'any 1327, fins a les darreries del segle XX. Us agradaria conèixer què menjaven de l'horta i quines herbes medicinals s'utilitzaven a l'Edat Mitjana? Doncs el Monestir de Pedralbes organitza tres tipus de visites diferents perquè conegueu de primera mà com era l'hort del convent, com afectava a la vida mística i contextualitzant-ho en el seu període històric.Quina activitat us crida més l'atenció? 'De l'hort a la taula' us descobrirà els trets principals de l'alimentació medieval. Passareu per l'hort, també pel magatzem i fins i tot, per la cuina, on aprendreu quines receptes eren les típiques de l'època. L'excursió acabarà al refetor, on s'explicaran les pràctiques ascètiques vinculades a l'alimentació en el món cristià medieval i en l'àmbit conventual femení. L'hort alimentava a les comunitats... però de què s'alimentava tot aquest hort per poder subsistir? Doncs de l'aigua, que hi arribava gràcies al sistema d'abastament d'aigua del monestir, que podreu recórrer amb la visita 'El fil de l'aigua', un element que, a més, té un fort component simbòlic en espais sagrats. El recorregut va des de la mina, el seu pas pel claustre, la cuina, el refetor, la cuina de la infermeria i l'h

If you haven't been to Redfern lately, you need to. The inner-city suburb is bursting with tasty eats, lush green parks and killer bars. From ramen to pasta, vego dishes and share plates that will make you not want to share, the 2016 postcode has got it going on. When it comes to where to eat in Redfern, these are the chart-toppers – pulled together by Time Out Sydney's critics and food lovers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, who once called Redfern home. 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 go on a cocktail adventure? Check out our guide to Sydney's finest bars. ALSO RECOMMENDED: The absolute best restaurants in Sydney.

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

Autumn 2024 update: Hey autumn, so glad you’re here, with your still-pleasant weather, fresh air and gorgeous leaves. Sydney’s dining scene is as red-hot as ever, and this guide is the place to start. Given the cooler weather, at the moment we’re crushing on pasta palace Palazzo Salato, cosy and delicious neighbourhood bistro Bar Vincent, and subterranean red-hued Hubert 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 local editors and critics who have tasted their way through Sydney, including Time Out's Food & Drink 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. (Be sure to check out our guide to Sydney's best new restaurants, too.) Happy dining, Sydney. 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: After a drink? Check out our favourite bars in Sydney. Or: Our list of the best cheap eats.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, 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

Is there a better way to start the day than a torrent of fluffy pork buns, sea-sweet prawn har gow, chewy siu mai, slippery cheong fun, silken tofu, hearty beef tendon, braised chicken feet, tropical mango pancakes and canary-yellow custard tarts? Absolutely not. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their fair share of the city's yum cha (and then some). Below, you'll find our definitive list of the best spots in Sydney to relish this morning ritual. So, bring your strongest hangovers, a whole bunch of mates and an appetite for destruction and gallons of tea. 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. Love Chinese food? Us too. These are the best Chinese restaurants in town. Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Sydney

At the foothills of the dormant volcano Mount Canobolas lies the picture-perfect vineyards and rustic, Federation-era houses of Orange. The surrounding area's varying altitudes and cool climate make Orange the perfect home base for produce like hazelnuts, truffles, cherries, figs and, of course, wine. Drive through cherry blossoms, wattle trees and gold mine adjacent creeks (that still yield a nugget or two) to find some of Australia’s most interesting winemakers, a bevy of up-and-coming designers and artists, and a thriving, locally-focused food scene.  So pencil in some well-deserved annual leave and hit the road with our complete guide to charming Orange. It covers everything from the best time to visit to things to do in Orange and where to eat and drink, curated by Time Out’s Editors and fellow wine guzzlers. 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: Want to extend your wine tour of Australia? Check our guide to the Hunter Valley.  Feel like something coastal? Have a look out our guide to Narooma.

France – the home of love, day drinking, red berets and impossibly stylish people. It’s also home to fine French fare: everything from soft cheeses and fresh baguettes to bouillabaisse bursting with the flavour of the sea. When your annual leave is all dried up, Francophiles can get their fix at one of Sydney’s many excellent French restaurants. Here are the best places to dine on French cuisine, from steak frites to silky crème brûlées, so you can feel oh-so French any day of the week. 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. While you're here, check out: These are the best Italian restaurants in Sydney Here's where to find the tastiest Greek food in Sydney Quench your thirst with our list of the best bars in the city

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 if you're wanting to let your hair down. 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, curated by Time Out Sydney's critics and fellow underground sleuths. 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: Need something to line that stomach? Choose from this list of late-night eats in Sydney. Want more booze? Get around our guide to the coolest bars in Sydney.

If you head to 19 Jamison Street in the Sydney CBD, you’ll find a discreet entrance that will lead you to Brooksy, an intimate speakeasy-style bar with nods to the prohibition era. Here, there’s a signature cocktail served in an Absinthe fountain, a roving whisky trolley, oysters that are freshly shucked to order, and fortune tellers ready to look into your soul. Award-winning shaker and maker Brendon Hill is behind the cocktail list, which is inspired by the Golden Age of travel. On the line-up you’ll see the Uluru, a refreshing tipple featuring a eucalyptus leaf, green grapes, lemon, Campari, gin, and white vermouth, set to evoke the Australian landscape. There’s also cocktails inspired by the beauty of Japan, Greece, Italy, America and more, in case you're dreaming of an overseas adventure but your annual leave (and budget) says otherwise. The jewel in the crown is the Absinthe fountain, Brooksy’s signature cocktail featuring the potent spirit and designed to share with friends. The snacks menu has been created by executive chef Hemant Dadlani and includes plates like beef tartare with anchovies, black garlic and a baguette; burrata with heirloom tomatoes and cured beets; and yuzu scallops with salmon roe and wasabi. Adorned with velvet draped curtains, marble tables and Art Deco-style interiors, Brooksy is elegant and classy and has a touch of 1920s charm. Plus, with fortune tellers, tableside entertainment and live music, there’s more than a few tricks up Brooksy’s sleev

It’s early on a Wednesday night and it’s absolutely pouring with rain. Two factors I hope will deter people like repellent and allow me to secure a hot seat at Derrel’s, Parramatta Road’s new late-night Indian diner, next to The Lady Hampshire. Though one peep through the turmeric- and paprika-coloured plastic curtains tells me: fat chance. The place is packed. I spot a few spare seats in the middle of the cafeteria-like shared tables, so just like a cat we pounce. Derrel’s is named after Brendan King’s grandfather, Derrel. The young chef says his nanna never cooked while he was growing up, and instead he remembers Derrel in the kitchen, preparing spiced tandoori wings and kick-arse pork vindaloo. King went on to sharpen his knife skills at Baba’s Place in Marrickville, a venue that’s big on celebrating Sydney’s suburban multicultural cuisine. The fact that this casual, colourful eatery is an ode to his grandfather, and inspired by his time growing up in an Anglo-Indian household, feels like a natural, delicious progression. (Derrel’s is a joint effort between Public Hospitality and Baba’s Place Creative.) Inside, marigold garlands hang from the walls alongside a framed Roy Keane Manchester United Jersey and old family photos. There’s a pink counter at the back with a bain-marie stocked with curries to grab and go. The dark-brown chairs look retro and cheap, and that’s probably the point. A television is playing one of the greatest films of all time: Bend It Like Beckham. It’

The weather may be getting cooler, but forget about staying at home. Shell House – Sydney’s second favourite house after the one with white sails – is throwing a two-month party celebrating good food, great music, incredible art and even better times. Called 'Our House,' the event is styled as a love letter to Sydney at the multi-level drinking and dining destination, and it’s got your name on it. Brett Robinson, owner and restaurateur of Shell House said: “Our House is a deeply curated festival of collaboration between our team and the valued, talented, and respected friends in our orbit. “Our House brings together the world’s finest visual artists, musical performers, culinary innovators, winemakers, industry icons and product kings and queens into a two-month-long feast for the senses presented in the place we call home – Shell House.” The line-up is packed with flash dinners, special performances and a whole lot of Champagne-fueled fun (our personal favourite). Starting with the food and beverage program, 'Wet, Cold, and Delicious' spans two events. There’s a dinner exploring Tasmania’s wonderful sea creatures, and a deep dive into tuna with chef Toshihiko Oe from Sushi Oe and Narito Ishii from Sydney Fish Markets, followed by a five-course fresh dinner curated by culinary director Joel Bickford and head chef Brad Guest. 'Prime Time: The Ultimate Beef Dinner' is for all the carnivores among us. Bickford will team up with the king of meat, Anthony Puharich from Vic’s Meats

Found on Redfern’s main drag, La Coppola is a hole-in-the-wall joint that serves delicious Sicilian-style pizzas. The father-daughter duo Stefano and Cassie have perfected their pizza, which features a crisp base with a with light a fluffy crust. We’re big fans of the Scopello with burrata, salami, spicy pancetta, garlic, parsley, and chilli. There are a handful of tables outside and one large communal table inside where you can BYO wine and make friends with your neighbour. No seats? Order a pizza to go and take it across the road to Noble Hops and enjoy it with a beer. 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: Check out our guide to the top pizza restaurants in town here. In the area? These are the best restaurants in Redfern.

Natural wine is all the rage these days and you'll find a glass or two of low-intervention drops on most Sydney wine lists worth their salt. But it wasn’t that long ago that earthy ferments and lo-fi drops were considered 'alternative'. If you love the taste of it, then listen up. Huge Moves is one of the country’s best natural wine parties celebrating the rise of minimal intervention wines, curated by DRNKS owner Joel Amos. And it’s happening in Sydney soon. This year Huge Moves is set to take place at Ace Hotel Sydney in Surry Hills on Saturday, May 18, kicking off from noon. Spanning two levels, the event will feature more than 35 natural winemakers, grape growers and distributors, with more than 100 drops for you to taste. Chat with like-minded wine lovers and producers from all across the country and the world, including Australia’s first importer of natural wine, Andrew Guard Wine Imports; the Hunter Valley’s Harkham Wines; South Australia’s Worlds Apart Wines and Alpha Box & Dice; and Japan’s Sinking Wines, plus loads more. Taste, chat, mingle, taste again and enjoy some boozy, natural-wine fun. It wouldn't be an Ace Hotel do without some dining along with your wining, so Loam will be serving bite-sized snacks throughout the day. Think: Yamba prawn rolls, LP's Quality Meats mortadella sandos, local oysters and a killer cheese stand by sister-brother duo The Studd Siblings. DJ Levins and friends will be hitting the decks, playing groovy tunes all day. Tickets to Huge Mo

Over the past 18 years, Luke Mangan has welcomed some serious celebrities into his Sydney fine diner, Glass Brasserie – everyone from Elton John to Priscilla Presley, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sir Richard Branson and Queen Mary and King Frederik. It’s easy to see why. The expansive dining room, located in Hilton Sydney in the centre of the city’s beating heart, is impressive. The glass-framed space has a towering ceiling, an enviable vino collection with more than 1000 wine bottles, and majestic views of the regal-looking Queen Victoria Building. The food matches the dining room. Glass Brasserie’s produce-driven menu showcases the best of Australian ingredients prepared with technique and flair, and while you can order your own meal, like most restaurants it’s best to share. We recommend selecting a bunch of dishes from the raw, small bites, and entree sections, followed by two or three larger plates from the mains and grill, depending on how many guests you’re with. Plus sides and dessert, of course. Highlights include kingfish sashimi amped up with a fiery and crisp peanut chilli oil and mustard pickle leaf; a silky crab omelette with sweet blue swimmer crab meat, fresh herbs and a miso mustard broth; and artichoke and ricotta ravioli with a buttery lemon sauce and shaved truffle pecorino. More substantial numbers include Wollemi duck breast with a golden skin, tart rhubarb, almond cream and Tuscan cabbage; and Borrowdale pork cutlet with red wine-braised onions, parsnip p

Our favourite thing about Zeta Bar, the smart and slick cocktail bar in Hilton Sydney, is the open-air terrace that looks across the green copper domes of the Queen Victoria Building directly opposite. It’s a cracking spot to knock back a bottle of Champagne with your friends during the day when the sun is shining. Come night, when the QVB is lit up looking grand and regal, the space feels romantic. Inside, the dark leather seats, flicking fireplace and low lights adds to its charm. Zeta Bar is all clean lines, high ceilings and expanses of glass, and while its decor does feel a little retro – the bar has been a part of Sydney’s drinking scene since it opened in 2005, after all – it’s still is a sophisticated space. And given its location in the heart of the city, it’s a stellar choice for a date or an afterwork cocktail. Speaking of booze, Zeta Bar’s happy hour is great. It’s on from Thursday to Saturday, 5-7pm, and you can get $14 Negronis, as well as house spirits, wines and beers for $12. The cocktails here are top-notch, so whether you want something classic like a Dirty Martini, or one of their specialty cocktails, including the Pina Mongibello, made with white and coconut rum, pineapple, vermouth, fresh lime and spices, you’re in for a boozy treat. Of course, you'll need a snack. The bar food menu spans salty, tasty things you want to enjoy with your drink. So there’s lobster rolls with fresh lime; a charcuterie board with soft cured meats and zingy pickles; and mushro

If there’s anyone who can take a former underground gentlemen’s club and turn it into a lava-hot spot right now, it’s Swillhouse. If you’re not familiar with the name, you sure as hell love their venues. Who amongst us hasn't had a romantic rendezvous at Hubert? Knocked back one too many Whisky Apples at The Baxter Inn? Reminisced about sweaty gigs at Frankie’s Pizza? You get the gist. Unlike most big openings, there was no carefully curated Instagram build-up about The Caterpillar Club, no months-long PR strategy. On a Wednesday in December, the team announced they were open with a walk-through video of the venue. Immediately, they caught us: hook, line and sinker. The excitement felt akin to New Year’s Eve when you’re 16 and about to see your crush, and by night two there was already a line snaking outside. Fast-forward a few months to April, and the caterpillar's tail is growing by the day. The Caterpillar Club’s entrance is just off Martin Place. Walking in you’ll first see a gigantic black and white piece by artist Allie Webb. Frilly lights hang from above and the walls are painted burgundy. We descend the stairs and open a door to get inside. It’s clear we’ve stepped into something special. The space is L-shaped and curves around like a caterpillar, anchored by the longest bar I have ever seen. Abstract works by Webb charm from the walls, and dozens more of those frilly lights create a warm glow. Behind the bar are thousands of old-school records. There’s a DJ booth dow

Get ready: Australia's biggest craft beer, cider and fun festival is coming back for 2024. If you haven't heard of GABS Festival, it's like Disneyland but for beer lovers – think more than 500 beer taps under the one roof at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour. And we don’t need to say it, but we will anyway: it’s hops of fun. Going down on Friday, May 31 to Saturday, June 1, the festival is an opportunity to go on a deep dive on all things beer, with pretty much every local, interstate and a fair few international brewers present. But the serious drawcard of GABS each year involves the roster of never-brewed-before beers and ciders made just for the festival. There are 120 different beers and ciders on tap that have been brewed exclusively for GABS, so this is your chance to try all sorts of weird and wonderful tipples. We’re looking at you, sushi and spaghetti beer. The festival also features masterclasses, roving entertainment, a silent disco, beer-hall games, eating competitions, an air guitar championship and live music. And to keep things on an even keel, food trucks and stalls will keep the masses well fed and energised throughout the festivities. This year’s festival is set to be the best one yet. One of the biggest highlights is GABS welcoming the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan. This 1000-year-old brewery was founded in a Monastery in Germany and joins as a special guest. If you want to pace yourself, more breweries will be offering creative non-alcoholic optio

North Sydney’s dining scene keeps getting better, thanks to newish spots Rafi and Poetica (and there’s a new food and drink precinct currently getting built). Now, we’ve got another one for you. Bar Lettera, a modern Italian/Australian restaurant and wine bar, is now open in the Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel. The kitchen is headed up by head chef Ryan Perry, who has worked at highly regarded Sydney restaurants including The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo. Expect riffs on classic Italian dishes. So, instead of a caprese salad there’s a heirloom salad with kombu oil and Geraldton wax. And fritto misto will see Bay bugs fried until golden and served with a house-made XO sauce. Other menu highlights include ocean trout and cobia crudo with Calabrian chilli and preserved lemon; rigatoni with Wollemi duck ragu and Davidson plum gin; and for dessert, a Milo tiramisu served with a boozy, coffee gelato. Yum. Drinks wise, come for classic cocktails made using local spirits, and a wine list which marries Aussie and European drops, featuring new and old-world styles. Bar Lettera is also beautiful. Decked out in a Negroni-inspired palette, the space is all warm lighting, ceramic sculptures, striking marble and soft curves. It was designed by Jordan Design Studio, and spearheaded by director Sophie Jordan, who wanted to pay homage to Australian landscapes and local artists. Bar Lettera is open seven days a week, and for brekky too – so if you’re in the area and don't feel like cerea

Don’t wait until the middle of the day to check out Manly’s newest café, Noon. And that’s because it’s probably the most exciting morning offering we’ve seen in the coastal town of late – and this is coming from a born-and-bred Northern Beaches local. (Effie’s serves a cracking coffee and eggs with chilli jam, but they’re up the road in Balgowlah). Noon is by the Good Good Company, the team behind some of Manly’s best spots including the fun-times-only Japanese-ish Sunset Sabi, pasta and vino haven Busta, and OG date-night spot, Chica Bonita, spearheaded by owner Luke Miller. That’s all to say: you’re in good hands at Noon. The café has opened on a sunny corner on Raglan street – locals will know the location well – that used to be the former home of Deus. This isn’t your average café. There’s still avo on toast of course, and a bacon and egg roll made with focaccia from Pioik Bakery in Pyrmont, free-range eggs from Peats Ridge, and bacon from Marrickville’s Whole Beast Butchery. But it’s the other dishes that get us most excited. Take the mince on toast, a nostalgic plate made up of Blackmore Wagyu mince that’s spiced and served with toasted almonds, currants and crème fraîche on a thick slice of sourdough. Dads, eat your heart out. We also love the sound of the house-cured trout with a boiled egg, hempseed loaf with creamy Turkish tzatziki. Feel like something hearty? Go for the potatoes carnitas with crisp, golden spuds and pulled pork topped with a fried egg, hollandaise

Surry Hills stalwart the White Horse has reopened after a massive renovation with a fresh, new team holding the reins. The 170-seat venue features a stylish ground-floor restaurant, an upstairs bar, and a sun-drenched garden terrace complete with lush plants – the perfect place for sinking a couple of cold ones in the afternoon. Giddy up. The multi-million dollar glow-up has been spearheaded by director Craig Hemmings (Quay, Chin Chin Sydney, Guillaume at Bennelong, Bistro Guillaume) who has brought on impressive talent to lead the team. Heading up the kitchen is executive chef Jed Gerrard, who is currently the culinary director at Wills Domain in Margaret River, and has worked at Western Australia's finest diners including Wildflower, Ritz Carlton Perth, and Hearth, among others. Joining him is wine gun James Audas from Lo-Fi Wines, Bar Heather, Noma, and Tetsuya’s; top-notch cocktail maker Michael Chiem from PS40, Bulletin Place, Sokyo; and general manager Maureen Er from Tetsuya’s and Cho Cho San. Hemmings says: “We’re thrilled to bring this old girl back to life. We’ve approached the White Horse with a contemporary lens, elevating the offering without the price tag.” As for the food, expect to find ethically sourced produce from respected producers, as well as a spotlight on native ingredients. That looks like smoked eel dip with vegetables; roasted chicken skin with liver mousse and Davidson plum; and Abrolhos Island scallops with kohlrabi and wasabi leaf. Bigger numbers

It's the end of an era. Sydney’s iconic fine diner Tetsuya's will host its final service this winter after 35 years at the top of the game, as plans to relocate the restaurant have been unsuccessful. For close to four decades, Tetsuya Wakuda's Japanese oasis has been a restaurant known for starched linen, textural exploration and exquisite Japanese-inspired dishes executed with French technique. Its closure will be sad news for many Sydneysiders who celebrated milestones at Tetsuya's, from big birthdays to anniversaries. Trailblazing chef and owner Tetsuya Wakuda said in a statement: “Our plans to relocate Tetsuya’s to a new site after it closes at the end of July have unfortunately not worked out. I have made the very difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tetsuya Wakuda (@tetsuyasydney) Tetsuya’s opened in Rozelle in 1989 before relocating to its current home on Kent Street in Sydney’s CBD in 2000. In September 2022, we brought you the news that the location was slated for redevelopment, and in July 2023, it was reported that Tetsuya's reopening at a new location had been delayed but was still on track. Now, Tetsuya has made the decision to close it permanently. Tetsuya's was best known for its highly sought-after degustation menu and the chef’s signature dish: confit ocean trout with celery salad and roe. Tetsuya’s featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants from 2002 through to 2013, and t

Does the name Chase Kojima ring a bell? The San Francisco-born Japanese chef cut his teeth working at Nobu all over the world, before helming the kitchen of Sydney’s award-winning restaurant Sokyo since its 2011 inception, winning praise and accolades for his innovative and creative take on traditional Japanese cuisine. In 2023, Kojima cut ties with Sokyo and The Star Sydney, and fans have been eagerly awaiting to see what his next move will be. Here goes: It’s now been announced that Kojima will be opening a 100-seat Japanese steakhouse with a Brazilian twist in Bankstown this winter, called Tokyo Samba. And, it will be completely booze-free to cater to the local demographic. The menu at Tokyo Samba will also be halal, and will feature the incredible sashimi that Kojima is known for alongside premium steaks and zingy ceviches. You’ll be able to pair your meal with zero-alcohol wines and innovative mocktails. Leading the floor team will be Thomas Malucelli as restaurant manager, who some may recognise from his days handing out roses on The Bachelors (he was one of three). Kojima said: “I am super excited as this is my sweet spot in flavour. I’ve been planning a Japanese steakhouse for a long time and have been working with our owners (who choose to remain anonymous) for the past seven months." “We have a lot of exciting new things coming as we roll out – I’m never shy with creativity - So watch this space!” Tokyo Samba is slated to open in June or July – we will keep you post

Manly has always had the babes, beaches and sun. And over the last few years, the dining scene has started heating up. This summer it’s set to get even hotter with the news that star chef Alessandro Pavoni – co-owner of Ormeggio at The Spit and Chiosco by Ormeggio, as well as executive chef of Crown’s A’Mare – is opening an Italian restaurant on Manly Beach. Excellent news for Northern Beaches locals and city slickers who enjoy the occasional Manly Ferry ride. Called Cibaria Manly, the new restaurant will be opening inside the recently renovated Manly Pacific, less than a minute’s walk from Manly Corso. Taking inspiration from the Italian piazza and European ways of dining – where a coffee and pastry turns into an aperitivo and then a bowl of silky pasta with vino and friends – Cibaria Manly will be relaxed, welcoming and breezy. Comfy lounges, counter dining, chic tables and a sunny rooftop terrace will make up the space. It’ll be the kind of place you can pop in after a swim for a Spritz and snack – just be sure to wipe the sand off your feet. Photograph: Supplied/Cibaria Manly Pavoni said: “As a Northern Beaches local I know what opportunity there is in the area. I can’t wait to add to the Manly dining scene, this is a restaurant that I am I'm looking forward to visiting myself, with friends and family.” Ormeggio’s head chef Gianmarco Pardini will lead the kitchen alongside Pavoni. The menu will be broken into various ‘- ria’s’, including ’braceria’ (grill), ‘forneria’ (

Pioneering zero-waste bar Re will reopen on Tuesday, May 14 inside Redfern’s The Norfolk Hotel. In February, Re – winner of Time Out Sydney’s Best Innovation Award 2023 – closed up shop in South Eveleigh. Thankfully, cocktail gun Matt Whiley found a new home for his cocktail prodigy, which is currently sitting at number 46 on the World’s Best Bars List. Whiley has teamed up with Public Hospitality – the Sydney group who have more than 16 venues under their rapidly going belt, including Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez, Busby’s, Ricos Tacos, Derrel’s, Lady Hampshire and Dean & Nancy on 22 – to make this happen. Sam McAdam-Cooper While Re will have a new address, its commitment to being a zero-waste bar will remain. Whiley has already begun to develop cocktails using waste from all of Public’s venues, and if they are anything like his cocktail with chicken feet caramel, prepare to be wowed. The green moves don’t stop there – Whiley will also oversee Public’s waste management to reduce its environmental impact. Wiley said: “We’ve given Re a new home, but our signature style of experimentation and sustainable practice is still paramount for us. We’ve already been able to redirect perfectly fresh waste and create cocktails and new dishes as part of our re-reopening. The team has had a lot of fun doing a lot of the work in the lab next door. We look forward to welcoming our new neighbours in Redfern.” Drink highlights on the opening menu include ‘Not Your Nannas Lassis’ using fresh

As soon as I step inside Beach Suites, located a shell’s throw from the sand at Byron Bay, I am met by two things. The first is general manager Helen Buckley, whose smile and warmth immediately make me feel at ease. The second is a scent that smells like coconut and vanilla and balmy summer days, and reminds me of an expensive popular candle – but even better. Helen tells me Beach Suites created its very own signature scent to use around the luxury waterfront accommodation, from linen sprays, to well, candles. If there’s a better way to indicate to someone they are now on holidays bar a Piña Colada, I would like to know about it. (And yes, I'd love a Piña Colada too please.) Photograph: Supplied/Beach Suites This is one of many small things that I love about Beach Suites, which really adds up to the Big Things. Take for example that the luxury penthouses and studios (which really are bigger than most one-bedroom apartments in Sydney) are serviced daily, so your dishes are done, beds are made, and the team will fold your washing for you at no extra charge. Most come with their own private pool. In fact, the four penthouses on top all have their own rooftop pool. I am not kidding. Coffee beans are sourced locally, the gorgeous wooden furniture was created from recycled red gum rainforest trees, and the toilets use grey water to save on resources (there are tanks on site underneath the car park). There is a dedicated room specially designed for disabled guests. The interiors a

Since swinging open its doors in 2002, Bondi’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar has become as much a part of the Sydney landscape as everyone’s favourite house with sails. It’s big news that owner and restaurateur Maurice Terzini has announced the opening of a casual spin-off of the city’s famous restaurant by mid-2025. However, in a surprising move – and one sure to please jet setters – Terzini is swapping the turquoise ocean for the tarmac. That’s right, Icebergs Bar + Kitchen will be opening at Sydney airport – at Terminal 3 to be exact – as a collaboration with food and beverage operator Airport Retail Enterprises. Airport eats and drinks never sounded so good. Photograph: Supplied/Snack Kitchen While it won’t be a traditional restaurant, Icebergs Bar + Kitchen will embody the same look and feel as the original icon, with Terzini once again partnering with Carl Pickering, the Rome-based architect behind Icebergs. Expect a timeless, elegant space adorned in sea greens and cool blues reminiscent of Icebergs. Just don’t miss your flight. As the majority of the airport’s food and drink trade happens in the morning, Icebergs Bar + Kitchen will cater to this demand, with an emphasis on excellent coffee, Italian breakfast plates, fresh pastries and grab-and-go options. One can only hope the Iceberger, Iceberg’s cracking cheeseburger, makes it onto the menu. Photograph: Supplied/Icebergs Dining Room and Bar And because this is Icebergs, and the airport we’re talking about – where

Beer lovers and history buffs, this one’s for you. Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest existing brewery located in the German state of Bavaria, is coming to Sydney for the GABS Beer Festival. Held on May 31 to Saturday, June 1 at ICC Sydney, beer-enthusiasts will be able to taste four of Weihenstephan’s history-making brews – braupakt, wheat beer, pils and the original helles – at the booze party. If that doesn’t call for cheers, we don’t know what will. Located in an old monastery above the city of Freising on the Weihenstephan Hill, Weihenstephan has been operating for nearly 1000 years, making it the oldest existing brewery on Earth. Today, the brewery marries its age-old traditions with modern technology to craft award-winning beers. Photograph: Supplied/GABS Want more? On Thursday, May 30, Marcus Englet from Weihenstephan will be speaking at a special gala dinner, discussing all things Weihenstephan. You can get a ticket for that here. GABS Beer Festival is Australia’s biggest beer celebration, with more than 500 beer taps all under the one roof, and 120 beers exclusively brewed for the festival. And now with news that Weihenstephan will be making the journey Down Under, surely it’s time to dust off the red carpet and polish those glasses. If you’re keen to taste a bit of history – and have hops of fun along the way – you can get your ticket for GABS Festival here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and ac

Fior, a casual Italian restaurant by the team behind Jane and Arthur – Tristan Rosier and Rebecca Fanning – is now open in Gymea in the Sutherland Shire. The diner is an Australian riff on Italian cuisine, laced with charm, nostalgia and good times. Rosier is joined with head chef Will Lawson (ex-Arthur, Fred's, Ms G’s) in the kitchen. Expect rustic Italian antipasti, handmade pasta and casual plates at affordable price points, all made from mostly locally sourced ingredients, bar quality Parmigiano Reggiano and anchovies, of course. Oysters are freshly shucked to order, there is a roaming gelato trolley, and “the Shire’s best aperitivo hour”. Eduardo Conde from Paddington's El Primo Sanchez – also the current Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year – is in charge of the cocktails, so that sounds about right. Photograph: Supplied/Fior Head chef and co-owner Rosier grew up in Gymea, and has always dreamt of opening a restaurant in his home suburb. The couple nabbed the former home of Caruso’s and worked with award-winning architects and interior designers Luchetti Krelle to transform the space into Fior. Rosier said: “The menu will be full of the things that people love eating and we want people to have fun, feel at home and be on a first-name basis with our staff.”   Photograph: Keith Saunders   Fanning added: “There are a lot of locals that have been crying out for a concept like this a little closer to home and it’s different to anything that currently exists in the Sh

Sydney has hit a six with the news that the iconic boozer The Bat & Ball Hotel, located on the corner of Cleveland and South Dowling Streets, is reopening this winter under new ownership. And these aren’t any old hands; they're well-seasoned hospitality professionals, including Rachael Paul, the previous venue manager of beloved neighbourhood spots the Golden Gully and The Sunshine Inn; Cameron Votano, the co-owner and executive chef of BTB Kirribilli and Lowkey; Zac Godbolt, the creative director and co-founder of Doom Juice and Enmore Country Club (a nominee for Time Out Sydney’s Best Casual Drinking Venue Award 2023); and Daniel McBride and Dynn Szmulewicz, the owners of Enmore Country Club, The Little Guy and The Sunshine Inn. Yeah, we know that’s a mouthful. But in short, the team knows what’s up. It’s long been a dream for the five friends to own a pub together, and they spent time finding one with character, old-school bones, and rich history. The Bat & Ball Hotel ticked all the boxes. When they open, expect classic Aussie pub fare and booze, plus some elevated offerings. We also love that the pokies are gone. Paul said: “We’ve all worked together a whole bunch over the years, on venues, pop-ups, and events, so we will lean heavily on that shared experience of hospitality among the five of us. It also helps that we are all great mates and love a beer together.” Godbolt added: “It’s going to be electric. The process has already been extremely fun. Lots of hard work, but

Josh and Julie Niland’s trailblazing restaurant Saint Peter will reopen this July in a larger space within Paddington’s The Grand National Hotel, close to its original location. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, we do know that the new restaurant, located in the historic and beloved pub, will include a 40-seat dining room crowned with an impressive skylight ceiling, a chef’s table providing front-row seats to the action, and a private dining room. Plus, the new Saint Peter will house a 30-seat bar where you can enjoy excellent cocktails alongside Niland’s boundary-pushing snacks. A 14-room boutique hotel is scheduled to open later this year. Saint Peter first opened in 2016 on Oxford Street, captivating Australia and the world with Niland’s revolutionary nose-to-tail approach to seafood. Niland says that the new Saint Peter will retain the same magic. “I don't want to lose what makes Saint Peter a special place, not only for guests but also for me and our team,” says Josh Niland. Photograph: Supplied/Saint Peter “We are excited about the challenge of not only moving into a beautiful new home for Saint Peter but also expanding our expression of hospitality to include a wonderful bar and boutique hotel. We are collaborating with incredibly talented individuals to develop a world-class wine and cocktail offering. The luxury accommodations have been beautifully designed; you'll feel like you're in Paris, but with the quintessential Paddington rooftops and beautiful g

We know Sydney is really, really good looking, so much so at the mere sight of Bondi’s famous turquoise pool we all whip out our phones faster than the speed of light. Earlier this year, we reported that Sydney was ranked as the 10th most Instagrammable place in the world. Now, we’re bringing you one better: Sydney is officially home to the world’s most Instagrammable restaurant. And it may not be the spot you automatically think of (hello, Icebergs). The Grounds of Alexandria, one of Sydney’s most well-known all-day eateries – known for its sprawling alfresco area, magical gardens and, unfortunately, queues – is the world’s most Instagrammable restaurant, according to a new analysis by online gambling company Betway (OK yes, random, we agree). The analysis reviewed the number of Instagram hashtags from the world’s 100 most popular restaurants, plus the 100 most popular in the US. And The Grounds came out on top – people have posted more than 120k Instagram posts from this Alexandria stalwart, which is twice the number of hashtags for Nobu Malibu. Photograph: Destination NSW In second place is Sketch in London, an 18th-century townhouse that transforms into a cocktail lounge every evening. And Catch in Los Angeles, home to one one of West Hollywood’s coolest rooftops, is the third most Instagrammable restaurant. Wondering about the other most photogenic spots? These are the ten most Instagrammable restaurants in the world: The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney Sketch, London C

Strapped for cash? We hear you loud and clear. When you’re not checking out one of Sydney’s best cheap eats, here’s another idea for you – Hey Chu, a fun and vibrant Southeast Asian eatery in the CBD, has just launched a cozzie-livs menu with tasty, salty, crisp snacks all under $10. Think $1 fried octopus balls; $3 tiger prawn skewers; $3 crisp pork ‘siu yuk’ cannoli; $5 spring rolls; and a $10 dry-aged beef burger. The menu is available between 5-6pm each night (except for Sundays, when they're closed). Plus, for ten bucks, you can also get a vodka-based cocktail with a fruity kick thanks to elderflower, fresh strawberries and lemon. The catch? The menu is cash only, meaning you will need to stroll by the ATM before you visit Hey Chu. But seriously, spring rolls, a burger and a cocktail, all for $25? How good. Photograph: Chad konik Executive chef/owner Cuong Nguyen (also of Penelope’s and Hello Auntie) wanted to create the cost-effective menu to celebrate Hey Chu’s first birthday, and to help Sydneysiders enjoy a great meal on a shoestring. Hey Chu’s cash-only cozzie-livs menu is here for a good time, not a long time. So if you’re keen to get amongst the action, get your friends together, stat. 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: Check out Time Out's guide to the best cheap eats in town. Get around our guide to the coolest happy hours in town.