Sofia Alonso Wilson

We’re all too aware that Sydney isn’t a cheap place, but if you know where to look you can find dinner any night of the week for under $20. Whether it's a two-for-one pub specials, all-week cheap eats, or require a little lateral thinking, Sydney is awash with budget-friendly feasts if you know where to look. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have pulled together our hit list for frugal dining. We'll see you on Tuesday. Want to know which cheap restaurants we rate most? Here's Time Out's guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

¡¿Una tortilla de patatas hecha con chips de bolsa?! Una retórica escandalosa que no es la primera; grandes chefs y 'celebrities' habían alardeado de esta versión antaño. El pionero de este fenómeno culinario fue nada más y nada menos que Ferran Adrià. Años más tarde, la Pombo lo dijo en un programa de TV y la receta se ha acabado viralizando en TikTok, justo después de que Lay's lanzara una campaña con video promocional que demuestra que incluso los más escépticos quedan encantados con una tortilla elaborada con sus patatas de bolsa, a través de una encuesta ciudadana con gente real. Un plato en frenesí que la marca ha aprovechado para hacer llegar a la carta de los siete mejores locales de tortillas de Barcelona seleccionados por los críticos de Time Out y con una de las chips más deliciosas del mercado, las Lay's. Durante tres semanas podréis probar tortillas gourmet reinterpretadas por el cocinero de cada local: con cebolla caramelizada, embutidos carnívoros, queso, al estilo de Galicia, con romesco... ¡De todos los colores!Es una colaboración de grandes nombres, con restaurantes brutales y chefs de titular: Los Tortíllez, Las Tortillas, Mantequerías Pirenaicas, Colmado Wilmot, Arume, Tremendo y Flash Flash. Os narramos como cada uno de ellos ha hecho volar la creatividad al servicio de una tortilla de Lay's exquisita. Vuelta y vuelta y... ¡Lista para comer!

Una truita de patates feta amb xips de bossa?! Una retòrica escandalosa que no és la primera; grans xefs i 'celebrities' havien promogut aquesta versió antany. El pioner d'aquest fenomen culinari va ser ni més ni menys que Ferran Adrià. Anys més tard, la Pombo ho va dir a un programa de TV i la recepta s'ha acabat viralitzant a TikTok, just després que Lay's llancés una campanya amb vídeo promocional que demostra que fins i tot els més escèptics queden encantats amb una truita elaborada amb les seves patates de bossa, a través d'una enquesta ciutadana amb gent real. Un plat en frenesí que la marca ha aprofitat per fer arribar a la carta dels set millors locals de truites de Barcelona seleccionats pels crítics de Time Out i amb una de les xips més delicioses del mercat, les Lay's. Durant tres setmanes podreu tastar truites gurmet reinterpretades pel cuiner de cada local: amb ceba caramel·litzada, embotits carnívors, formatge, a l'estil de Galícia, amb romesco... De tots els colors!És una col·laboració de grans noms, amb restaurants brutals i xefs de titular: Los Tortíllez, Les Truites, Mantequerías Pirenaicas, Colmado Wilmot, Arume, Tremendo i Flash Flash. Us narrem com cadascun d'ells ha fet volar la creativitat al servei d'una truita de Lay's exquisida. Volta i volta i... ja és al plat!

Summer 2023 update: Happy December! The sun is well and truly out, and the beers and schnittys are calling your name. From refreshing pints in a courtyard to a pizza and Margarita at your local, Sydney’s charming pubs are the place to be right now (post-swim, of course). We’re on our way. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a sunny day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure. Cheers. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Whether you've got a spreadsheet full of present ideas finalised in October, or you're the type to be hanging out waiting for inspiration to strike on December 24, we've got a gift guide to suit all your gift-giving, stocking-stuffing needs. Spread the festive cheer with our round-up of goodies to suit every personality type. Need to cool off after a big Christmas lunch? Hit up one of Sydney's best beaches.

Summer 2023 update: Start your summertime morning on the right note with a swim at one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches followed by a delicious brekkie and on-point coffee at one of the cafés below. Because who wants to cook eggs and bacon at home? Not us, that’s for sure. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee, we won't bat an eyelid over shelling out $30+ a head for brunch, and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, a quick caffeinated catch-up, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure. We'll have a B&E roll, please.  Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Summer 2023 update: Sydney is a lot of things. Drop-dead beautiful, for one. Safe and clean, for another. But it’s no secret that Sydney sure is exxy. The good news is that we’re lucky to have a huge amount of cheap eats. And often they rival any dishes you would find in a fancy fine diner. We've rounded up our favourite places with prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Happy eating. 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. Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. 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.

Summer 2023 update: The warm sunny weather is here, and we don’t know about you but we’re ready to crack a cold one (or several). Whether you’re heading out on a date, want an after-work tipple, or in for a long session, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ace bars in Sydney. Below, you’ll find the very best ones. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, ranked by our local editors, critics and fellow booze hounds including Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. At the moment we're digging killer sake bar Ante, Freshwater's beloved Stowaway Bar, PS40 for brilliant cocktails and Bar Copains for excellent vino (and vibes). Cheers to you, Sydney. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

Summer 2023 update: Summer is here! And so too are the longer balmy days, feel-good atmosphere, and yes, OK, some sweat. We’re here for all of it. Make the most of the gorgeous weather, get out of the house and check out Sydney’s fine establishments. Not sure what restaurant to book? You’ve come to the right place. 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 Writer 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 spots right by the sea. Right now, we're loving relaxed coastal restaurant Sean's, retro NY-style steakhouse Clam Bar, and with this weather, you can't go wrong with a long lunch at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, of course. (Be sure to check out our guide to Sydney's best new restaurants, too.) Bon appétit. Recommended: After a drink? Check out our favourite bars in Sydney. Or: Our list of the best cheap eats.

Contrary to contemporary yarns, there are still pubs and bars that host live music in Sydney. Many of them have successfully lashed back at the encroaching frontline of pokie machines.  We're all for it. So Time Out Sydney's writers – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, and resident booze-lover and Writer Avril Treasure, have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

We know the rising cost of living is on everyone's minds at the moment – it's on ours, too. But, as a champion for good times, good food and good drinks here in Sydneytown, we also don't want to stay indoors each evening. So, Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have done the hard yards and rounded up the very best happy hour deals here in Sydney, where you can snag a schooner for $6, snacks for $5 and cocktails for $10. It's fun you can feel good about.  We say have a squiz, head out, and we hope you have a happy time at these happy hours. We sure have.  After more fun for less? Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Sydney, the best op shops, and (of course) Sydney's best cheap eats. Thirsty for more? Here are the best bars in Sydney right now.

There’s a lot to love about bottomless brunch. Firstly – and perhaps the most obvious one – is the allure of free-flowing booze enjoyed with your best mates over a few glorious hours, be it Champagne, Aperols, Margaritas or beers. Secondly, Sydney’s cafés and restaurants sure do put on a show with their bottomless brunch, with generous and delicious dishes, as our Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure can attest to (and, she’s tried a lot). Plus, they’re excellent value, when you consider you get a feast and a bunch of tipples. We’re collated our top bottomless brunch picks below, which include everything from pretty Middle Eastern restaurants to classic watering holes, chic wine bars and relaxed coastal eateries. Round up your gang, make a booking and get stuck in. Bottoms up.  RECOMMENDED: These are the best happy hours in Sydney right now Start your morning on the right note with our guide to the city's finest cafés Love a long lunch? Have a look at our guide to the top set menus in Sydney at all price points

Sunday Seoul was the name of a popular Korean magazine that was in its heyday back in the 1970s. It’s also the name of a new Korean bar and restaurant in Sydney by a husband and wife duo, Jiyoung ‘Victoria’ and Andy Han. Together, they wanted to create a space with a retro feel that will transport punters straight to Seoul’s electric streets. And decked out with kitschy decor, antique furniture and printouts of the old mag, we’d say they’re channelling nostalgia in all the right ways. And don’t worry about Sunday – if you’re keen on a cracking Korean feed and drink, we reckon you should come check out this spot any day of the week. As well as co-owner, Andy is the head chef at Sunday Seoul. One of his signature dishes is the spicy tomato mussel stew with squid in a tomato sauce – and you can add pasta for an Italian remix. Warm your soul with a gochujang-based soup with sliced beef and udon noodles; and try the minari pancake with dried shrimp. Made with the Korean herb, the pancake is golden and crisp with a rich umami flavour. And it wouldn’t be a Korean joint without some damn good fried chicken. Order half or a whole chook, served with crunchy radish, and pair it with a Cass beer or shot of peach-flavoured soju (we'd go both). The booze menu at Sunday Seoul also features other Korean beers, Highballs, spirits and vino. Found in a somewhat hidden location in Chatswood, Sunday Seoul isn’t the easiest place to find – but the journey is half the fun of going somewhere new, is

Established in 1857, the heritage-listed Dry Dock is the oldest licensed pub in Balmain. And now after a year-long renovation, it’s back better than ever, with a rocking fit-out, an ex-Rockpool Bar and Grill chef leading the kitchen, and a fresh drinks list. Staying dry? Forget about it. Hospitality duo James Ingram and Balmain local Mike Everett are the ones behind the massive refresh – they were keen to restore the historic boozer and ensure it has a place in the community for years to come. And they’ve done a brilliant job.The multifaceted venue is huge (it can hold up to 330 punters) and is made up of three distinct spaces. The jewel in the crown is the Dining Room – an elegant European bistro with lots of natural sunlight and a lush courtyard garden. Here, head chef Ben Sitton – who has worked at Rockpool Bar and Grill, Felix and Uccello – will be helming the kitchen, which features an oyster bar, a Josper charcoal grill, a wood-fired oven and a rotisserie, to bring char, character and flavour to fresh veggies and proteins. Talk about a dream set-up. “I loved James and Mike’s vision for The Dry Dock and their passion to create a classic pub experience based around great food, produce and service,” says Sitton. There’s also a Lounge Bar with a proper fireplace and leather booths – guests can order bistro and cocktail classics in the relaxed space. And if you’re after a drink and catch-up with a mate, head to the Public Bar, which has 16 drinks on tap and screens to cheer

This spot is tucked away right around the bend from beautiful Manly Beach, and trust us when we say it’s well worth the scenic walk over. Locals have been flocking here for years, tucking into eggs and bacon, beer-battered flathead and chips and fresh OJs right on the sand. Now, the Boathouse Shelly Beach is finally open for dinner – and to that we say, finally. Come for sunset cocktails and dinner overlooking one of Sydney’s – if not Australia’s – most beautiful beaches. RECOMMENDED: Check out the best new restaurants in Sydney right now.

Let the good times roll: the teams behind legendary Sydney bars Earl’s Juke Joint, Jacoby’s Tiki Bar and the Cliff Dive have opened a new live music venue in Enmore, and yes, we’re ready to dance. Called the Trocadero Room, the new joint has taken over the former HiWay digs on Enmore Road and is the place to catch up-and-coming bands, DJs, and comedy shows. Feel like a beer and boogie under disco balls after your shift? You can do that there, too. Spearheaded by Pasan Wijesena and Russell Martin, the Trocadero Room is named after the OG entertainment venue Trocadero on King Street, which was the spot to be in the 1940s. The team is keen to bring some of that magic back to the Inner West. “When I was younger I loved having some smaller places to check out new bands or DJs, or watch obscure movies and late night shows," said Wijesena. "Hopefully we can help bring a touch of that back with the Troc and add to the growing live music scene of the Inner West. People need a reason to get out and about, that’s experiential as well as about eating and drinking.” As well as late-night balmy action, come for jazzed-up retro cocktails: Frozen Midori Illusions, Frozen Negronis spiked with OJ, and Cosmopolitians.  In more fun news, at the front of the Troc is “Enmore’s smallest pub”, called the Magpie, which is inspired by classic pubs and sports bars. Stroll on in for a ploughman’s plate, pint of beer, and catch a game of sport before a live gig. Recommended: These are the best bars and p

Born in Malacca in Southwestern Malaysia, Azizah Mohamed and husband Mahdhar Mustapha love to cook the food of their homeland. So much so they began a small catering business, recreating traditional Malaysian dishes for friends and family, which then grew into a successful food-truck venture. Now, the duo has opened up their first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Sydney's south west, called Warung Taming Sari, inspired by the warungs dotted all over Malaysia. Found on Firth Street in Arncliffe, Warung Taming Sari serves up flavour-packed food for the soul using recipes that have been passed down through generations. Rempahs are the spice paste that form the foundation of Malaysian cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes. And here at Warung Taming Sari, Mohamed pounds the spices from scratch, cooking them low and slow to enhance the flavour. Taste it in the life-affirming beef rendang, served with a rich, sweet and salty sambal. Or Warung Taming Sari’s signature dish: charcoal-grilled meat skewers paired with a spicy peanut satay sauce, rice cakes and fresh cucumber. And, you can snag five chicken bad boys for just $15.  Another must-order dish is the nasi lemak, a coconut-infused rice with golden fried chicken, and honestly we would smash two. And be sure to take home some kueh – they're little sweet bites made with coconut and tapioca. “We only use fresh produce and ingredients. Nothing is mass-produced,” says Mohamed. Got plans this weekend? We say, head over to Warun

Walking into most restaurants you’re either greeted by a smiling host or waitstaff, or maybe no one at all. At Kurumba, Sydney’s new Sri Lankan eatery, we are first met with a wave of spices – cumin, cloves and cardamom – being cooked down gently in coconut oil so it’s fragrant and hunger-inducing. We imagine it smells like dinner along the palm-fringed Unawatuna Beach and street food stalls in bustling Colombo. And after a year of new openings in Sydney filled with opulent brasseries and lavish steakhouses, it smells exactly like the kinds of things we want to eat right now. Kurumba is special in lots of ways, though perhaps the second most special thing is that the spot is a family-owned and run affair. And that family is the De Hoedts, who were behind Dulwich Hill’s beloved café the Fold. Here at Kurumba, steering the ship again is Augustus, who has more than 35 years of cooking experience under his belt. Joining him is son, co-owner and pastry chef Travin (ex Parlar, Bennelong, Bistro Guillaume) and his wife Saaya (ex-Sokyo, Quay and Sixpenny); and other son and co-owner Jason (ex-The Star and Franca). Rounding out the killer team is matriarch Dilki. Just like the spices, she too greets us at the door with a warm smile, and we know we’re going to like it here. The third special thing about Kurumba is its prime location on Surry Hills’ Crown Street. The two-storey Victorian townhouse has been reimagined into a modest yet polished 50-seat diner. Downstairs the walls are pai

Make the most of the glorious balmy weather at Sydney’s newest waterfront bar, Pier Bar, which opened with a splash in September. Located smack-bang on the water along the historic Pier One in Walsh Bay, Pier Bar offers gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour plus a prime spot to watch the flaming orange sunset with a cocktail in hand. Drawing inspiration from the rich marine history of Pier One – which was built in 1912 as a seafood and entertainment heaven – Pier Bar serves fruity cocktails and seafood as fresh as if it were just plucked from the sea. Not to be missed is the Avocado Mezcal Margarita – a fun take on the OG, made with avocado washed mezcal, avocado syrup, agave, lime and orange blossom. We also like the sounds of Kiwi to Sydney, made with kiwi-infused Ester gin, kiwi cordial, elderflowers, lime and apple. Pair your cocktails with snacks featuring native ingredients like calamari with nativeberry and saltbush; tuna and coriander tacos; and lemon myrtle-dusted school prawns. Come on down from 5 to 6pm weekdays to snap up the golden happy hour with $12 cocktails and $2 oysters, plus DJs will be hitting the decks on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome. Feeling bougie? You can also get to the bar by boat via a private pontoon. Now, that’s the kind of energy we’d like the channel into summer. RECOMMENDED: Thirsty? Check out our guide to the best bars in Sydney That's fresh: Here's our guide to Sydney's top seafood restaurants We love a happy hour. Here's our favou

Christopher Thé took some time to contemplate his next move after leaving the award-winning Black Star Pastry – which he founded in 2008 – back in 2019. After massive success, including creating the world’s most Instagrammed cake, Thé retreated to his roots and found that he was at his happiest when cooking honest, joy-sparking food with a small team to a local community. That’s when his latest venture, a gorgeous café and cake shop called Hearthe – a play on the words ‘Heart’, ‘Earth’ ‘Art’ and ‘Thé’ – was born. Found on Douglas Street in leafy, sleepy Stanmore, the sunny Art Deco-style space showcases local and native Aussie ingredients throughout Thé’s seasonal and spectacular menu. Take his signature cakes, for example. The geraldton wax cheesecake features dessert lime and strawberry gum biscuit, ermine cream, geraldton wax jelly bubbles and rose petals; and his paperbark cake is made with paperbark dacquoise, macadamia, smoked ganache, white Kunzea honey and eucalypt caramel. Also on the menu are bakery classics, like fresh loaves of bread and textbook-perfect croissants, as well as Thé’s brilliant creations, like a cinnamon spice stick with caramelised croissant dough rolled in cinnamon myrtle sugar; and saltbush scones with white peach jam and wattleseed cream. It’s not all sweet, of course. Keep an eye out for the daily meal of the day, which could be anything from paperbark lamb to roast pork with crackling, kangaroo wellington or a chicken tagine with couscous. Enj

Hospitality guns and long-time mates Lachy Sturrock and Sam Smith have teamed up to open Folly’s Bar and Bistro, a smart-looking neighbourhood venue, now found on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Named after nearby Folly Point in Cammeray, the 130-seater has taken over the former site of Epoque Belgian Beer Cafe on Miller Street, and the beautiful original timber flooring and chequered tiles remain. Maroon-banquette seating, a terrazzo-topped bar and wine bottle-lined walls make up the slick space. Sturrock has drawn on his experience as the former group bars manager at Applejack Hospitality (Rafi, Bopp and Tone) to create a succinct yet considered cocktail list which features Aussie spirits with things like charred peach, stewed strawberry and clarified watermelon. Standouts include the Rise and Fall with Rhubi Mistelle Rhubarb, sweet vermouth, blood orange cordial and prosecco; and the Barrel of Laughs with Morris Whiskey, Okar Island Bitter, charred peach, lemon and Capital Brewing Co’s Hang Loose Juice New England IPA. The Med-leaning menu has been created by three-Michelin star trained chef Antonio “Ace” Espiritu, who spent timing honing his knife skills in France’s L'Oustau de Baumanière, before stints at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, A’Mare and Fauna here in Sydney. There’s a bunch of great snacks to get the evening started at Folly’s, including Sydney rock oysters with Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, lychee and cucumber; salumi plate with prosciutto, mortadella, bresaola, cornichon

Kimchi, soju and Korean barbecue are some of the very best things about South Korea’s pulsating capital, Seoul (alongside K-beauty, its incredible food markets and karaoke). And you can get all that at 789 Korean BBQ, now open in Darling Square. We’ll have one bottle of soju and a coupla glasses, please. The new Korean barbecue joint is by the same team behind 678 Korean BBQ in Haymarket and Eastwood, so you know they are experts in firing up the grill. If you’ve never been to a Korean barbecue before, you first need to know it’s not just a meal, but a cultural experience best shared with mates. Upon seating, plates of traditional banchan (side dishes) will land on your table, holding things like kimchi, pickled radish and salads. The sides elevate the meat, bringing flavour, textures, freshness and acidity to your meal. Then, the real fun starts. With one handing a beer (preferably a Cass), fire up the grill and get cooking your meat, whether that’s fatty and juicy pork belly, soy-marinated Wagyu short rib, or thinly sliced beef tongue. Once charred and caramelised, take your meat off the grill, put it in a lettuce leaf with a dollop of ssamjang (a spicy sauce) and whatever condiments your heart desires, and bottoms up. Repeat until you’re so full you can't possibly have anymore, and then have one last bite for good measure. 789 Korean BBQ also caters well to vegos, and they also have an ace traditional Korean-style seafood pancake. And while you’re there, another bottle of

Freshwater's cracking Stowaway Bar has been pouring locals beers and on-point cocktails ever since it opened in 2013. Just like the waves found down the road, the vintage boozer pumps daily with mates catching up after work or post-surf. Kill a few hours with tasty tacos, a couple of Margaritas and some old school tunes – this is the place to be in Freshie. RECOMMENDED: Freshie’s golden watering hole serves up a rocking schnitty, ice-cold local beers and a whole lotta old-school coastal charm Check out our guide to the best bars in Sydney right now  

Long time locals Adam and Kylie Micola have always dreamed of opening up a seafood restaurant right on Cronulla Beach. And when the perfect sight became available on the south end of Cronulla’s Esplanade – one that’s literally a shell’s throw from the sand – they knew they had to snap it up. Enter Bobby’s – a breezy, Mediterranean-leaning and seafood-championing café, restaurant and bar named after Micola’s dad, which is now open. Decked out with warm wooden furniture, natural stone and expansive open windows to allow for maximum surf and people watching, the 115-seater has a relaxed yet chic coastal vibe. The couple are keen for it to be a spot where locals can stroll in (wrapped in a towel) for a coffee and B&E roll post-swim, or get dressed up for an afternoon of Spritzes and snacks while the sun sets. And they’ve brought in some formidable talent to drive the kitchen, including executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex executive chef Otto and Totti's) and head chef Shaun Baker (ex Bills). Together, the chefs have created a menu with an ocean-to-plate ethos, so you can expect seafood to taste like it’s just been plucked from the sea. Hits from the opening menu include squid with chilli, garlic and parsley; Bobby's prawn roll with iceberg lettuce and Sriracha mayo; and a crumbed barramundi burger with chive mayo. There’s beer battered fish and chips, of course, served traditionally with tartare and lemon, as well as a whole grilled spatchcock with tuscan herbs, garlic and lemon;

There’s no doubt about it, us Sydneysiders love a dinner with a view, whether that’s at sea salt-sprayed Iceberg’s, Circular Quay’s swish diner Quay or coastal chic Bathers' Pavilion. Now, you have the opportunity to dine inside Sydney’s most iconic landmark – the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and enjoy that view. For the second year in a row, celebrity chef Luke Mangan (Glass Brasserie, Luc-San) will be opening his ambitious restaurant in the Harbour Bridge's south-east pylon come December 7 – a project years in the making. Called Luke’s Table, the intimate 20-seat restaurant will offer three-course dinners paired with Champagne and Penfolds vino for $345 per person. And while exxy, it’s fair to say that eating dinner in the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn't something you'll find yourself doing too often.  Photograph: Shutterstock Diners will have to climb the 200 stairs to access the dining room, so we'd recommend wearing flats or sneakers. And while the menu is under wraps for now, we do know Mangan will be showcasing the best Aussie ingredients and produce. (And did we mention Penfolds wine?) Reservations for Luke’s Table are now open, and you can make a booking for this extraordinary dinner here. Last year they sold like hotcakes, so don't wait. RECOMMENDED: Check out our guide to Sydney's best new restaurants. Have a look at these rare and wonderful photographs of the Sydney Opera House. These are our favourite restaurants in Sydney with a water view

Good news for those of us who are keen to eat more sustainable seafood and support local businesses: it will soon be compulsory for restaurants, fish and chip shops and other hospitality venues across the country to label where their seafood was caught. Essentially, diners and customers will be able to know whether their prawns and snapper have been plucked from Australian waters (A), are sourced internationally (I), or a mixture of the two (M). In Sydney, Josh and Julie Ninland's restaurant Petermen and Neil Perry's Margaret have been setting the gold standard for this kind of practice – their menus already outline where each piece of produce is from. Photograph: Anna Kucera The federal government announced that country of origin labelling would be made mandatory for the whole seafood industry after state and federal consumer affairs ministers voted unanimously for the change on Friday, November 24. It’s been a long time coming – in 2017 the West Australian government pushed to make origin labelling compulsory, and for many years the fishing industry has been an advocate for origin classification, acknowledging the growing trend of diners wanting transparency around where their food comes from.  While the exact date for AIM labelling is not confirmed, West Australian commerce minister Sue Ellery reckons there will be around a 12-month transition period for businesses, as reported by the ABC. How this change will impact businesses and indeed seafood prices we don’t yet know

Did you know that in 2023 solo dining in Australia rose by about 14 per cent year-on-year? That’s right – more of us are taking ourselves out on dinner dates than ever before, according to a new study shared from OpenTable, and we are absolutely here for it. Based on data from 110,000 diner reviews, OpenTable has also announced its Top 50 Restaurants in Australia for 2023 (if you're after Sydney's top restaurants, take a look at Time Out's guide here). More than half the venues were regional, and NSW had 13 restaurants in the Top 50, including Time Out Sydney's Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2023 nominee Clam Bar. Pellegrino 2000 and Osteria di Russo and Russo were also among several Sydney restaurants that nabbed top spots in 2023, proving our love affair with Italian food continues. Victoria took the crown as the state with the most restaurants on the list at 17, and Queensland had 15. Country wineries also shared the limelight, making up 14 per cent of the top 50. You can check out the full list here. Using data from its extensive diner network, the restaurant booking platform has also revealed some interesting insights into Aussie dining trends. The food items we’re mentioning more in reviews include ramen (which topped the list with a 19 per cent increase year-on-year), followed by spaghetti, mushrooms, burrata and curry, while modern Australian was the most popular cuisine on this year’s Top 50 list. Other trending cuisines include Afghan (which saw a 73 per cent increase)

Jamie Oliver – the OG naked chef, dad of five, and the person responsible for improving the lives of millions of people around the world – was just in Sydney (we’re not blushing, you’re blushing). Oliver was in town for a bunch of things, including an in-conversation with the formidable Melissa Leong at the Sydney Opera House, as well as spruiking his new cookbook, 5 Ingredients Mediterranean. And of course, he was here to explore our Big Beautiful City. (We chatted to Oliver ahead of his trip, which you can read about here.) Time Out Sydney’s Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure and Sydney Editor Alice Ellis caught up with Oliver onboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation Of The Seas, and can attest that he was even better in real life. Not only did Oliver make time for everyone, he was warm and down-to-earth, cracking jokes and sharing stories about his life. And, most importantly, he was kind. No wonder the chef/ author/ game-changer is so universally adored.  While in Sydney, Oliver ate and drank his way around our Emerald City, and did a bit of sightseeing. Below, we’ve rounded up everywhere Jamie Oliver went and where he ate, in case you want to follow in the superstar chef’s footsteps. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb One of the very first things Oliver did when he landed in Sydney was the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb with his eldest daughter Poppy and her boyfriend Ben. It’s his second time tackling the stairs, and he said it was a pleasure to be in awe of our beautiful city. “A m

From charming heritage boozers to watering holes with sunny courtyards, it’s no doubt that pubs are the cornerstones of our city, and here in Sydney we have some absolute doozies. When it comes to pub meals and drinks of choice, we all have our go-tos – whether that’s bangers and mash with a glass of pinot noir (hello), golden schnitty and an ice-cold pint, or juicy steak and a (likely underdressed) salad. Have you ever wondered what the most popular meal and drink of choice is? Well, wonder no more. New research by pub app the Happiest Hour has just revealed Sydney and Melbourne’s respective favourite pub meals and drinks (as well as those we're now shunning). Parmi lovers, the results may surprise you. In sad news for pies, the flakey hand-held bite ranked at the bottom of the list in both cities, and the legendary parmi (Melbourne calls it “parma”, but we reckon they’re wrong) only got a vote of love from 26 per cent of Sydneysiders, and 39 per cent of Melburnians. RIP. Photograph: Supplied/The Old Fitz Tacos and pizza are the most-loved meals of choice in Sydney pubs, and anecdotally that checks out. Over across the border, burgers are the favourite meal in Melbourne at 53 per cent, with pizza following closely at 50 per cent. Joonas Karppinen, founder of the Happiest Hour, reckons this could be because tacos and pizza are shareable dishes, and best enjoyed with mates (unlike, say, a steak). You heard it here first, folks: Sydney is better at sharing (Melbourne, please

Forget maybe – you should definitely make plans to head over to Sydney’s schmick and glamorous bar Maybe Sammy, now also known as the Best Bar on Earth (though, be prepared to line up). That’s because Top 500 Bars just announced Maybe Sammy as the winner of their prestigious awards at a recent ceremony in Paris, with venue manager Sarah Proietti and bar manager Hunter Gregory there to collect the coveted gold star. The Rocks boozer jumped up from its 17th spot in 2022 to beat a whopping 500 bars across 122 cities and 53 countries, coming out right on top. If that’s not calling for a cocktail or three, we don’t know what will. Top 500 Bars compiled the thirst-inducing list using results from more than 2,000 sources, including reviews from liquor experts and journalists, as well as data from online reviews, search engine results and social media channels. Essentially, they wanted the list to reflect what bars the people actually loved – and the results are in. Maybe Sammy it is! Photograph: Daniele Massacci “It’s such an honour for our bar team to be recognised for the time and effort they put into making the experience at Maybe Sammy exceptional, and for that to be acknowledged on a global scale is so humbling,” said co-founder of Maybe Sammy Stefano Catino. "We couldn’t be happier to top the list this year, it’s a very special moment for the whole team.” The next Sydney bar to make the list was sepia-hued the Baxter Inn, which came in at number 87, followed by sustainable w

Is there life outside Earth? What do aliens look like? Will Beyonce ever visit Down Under? If you too lay awake at night pondering the Great Big questions of the universe, then you’ll be stoked to know a top Sydney bar has just created 17 wild and wacky celestial-inspired cocktails – including one that's an edible astronaut. And yes, we know the mind-boggling drinks may not hold the answers to your deepest, darkest questions, but you’ll sure as hell have a great time knocking them back while you ponder on it all. Called ‘Above the Clouds’, the fun cocktails have been created by the award-winning Dean and Nancy on 22 team, who want to invite their guests on a 'celestial journey' beyond level 22. Think Aladdin and Jasmine’s magic carpet ride, but right here in Sydney, and with more booze. Photograph: Supplied/Dean and Nancy on 22 Take a (return) trip to the moon with the Rocketman, Dean and Nancy’s first edible cocktail shaped like a buttercup-yellow astronaut and presented to you in a cloud of smoke. The chilled cocktail is made up of vodka, lemon and fior di latte ice cream, violet liqueur, ginger, and vanilla with a white-chocolate mould (and we reckon after a few of these you may be seeing stars). Make friends with outer space folk with the Alien on Holiday, a fantasy-style fruity cocktail featuring gin and sherry, plus lime, kiwi and pistachio. We’ve also got our eyes on the Ray of Light, a whiskey highball complete with its very own whimsical illuminated LED circle. Rea

Think you know food pronunciation? Can you confidently say everything from tagliatelle to tteokbokki? Just weeks after we revealed all the pasta names we mispronounce, yet another study has just dropped the bombshell that there's a whole linguistic universe of food-related words that are tying our tongues up in knots. Whether you'd rather avoid the embarrassment of getting your favourite meal wrong when you ask for it at a restaurant, or you're simply curious to see the results of the research, we'd bet there's at least one of these words you haven't been saying the right way.  Topping the list for most mispronounced dishes is gyros (correctly pronounced as “yi ros”), that famous hand-held Greek snack made up of a soft pita bread stuffed with grilled meats, fresh salads, and piping hot chips. The second hardest dish to say is pho (pronounced correctly as "fuh"), the Vietnamese bowl made up of soul-enriching broth, noodles, rare beef, and fragrant herbs. And coming in third place is gnocchi ("no kee") from Italy, those delightfully pillowy dumplings made from potato. Remitly, a US-based financial services provider for immigrants, conducted the research by pulling together the names of 2,700 dishes from more than 165 countries around the world and then combined that with search terms including "what is" and "how to pronounce". The team then analysed the data to see what dish names were searched for most regularly over the previous year – and now the results are in. Photograph:

A new study has just revealed the world’s most mispronounced dishes, and yes, you might be saying your favourite meal wrong. We're lucky that Sydney is filled with a swathe of eateries slinging cuisines from all over the world, so are you keen to find out if you're saying the words right? Topping the delicious list for most mispronounced dishes is gyros (correctly pronounced as “yi ros”) the life-affirming hand-held Greek snack made up of a soft pita bread stuffed with grilled meats, fresh salads, and (crucially) hot chips. The second hardest dish to say is pho (pronounced correctly as "fuh"), the Vietnamese bowl made up of soul-enriching broth, noodles, rare beef, and fragrant herbs. And coming in third place is gnocchi ("no kee") from Italy, those pasta-adjacent perfect little dumplings made from potato with the consistency of a pillow. Remitly, a US-based financial services provider for immigrants, conducted the research by pulling together the names of 2,700 dishes from more than 165 countries around the world and then combined that with search terms including "what is" and "how to pronounce". The team then analysed the data to see what dish names were searched for most regularly over the previous year – and now the results are in. Photograph: Supplied/Pho Tau Bay  Below are the the world’s top ten most difficult to pronounce dishes:  Gyros, Greece – correct pronunciation “Yi ros” Pho, Vietnam – “Fuh” Gnocchi, Italy – “No kee” Pizza, Italy – “Peet suh” Quesadilla, M

Chuck on your finest frock or linen number and grab your sunglasses because Sunday sessions are back at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, and quite frankly we’re thirsty. Rub shoulders with the beautiful at one of Sydney’s best places to catch the sunset with a drink in hand while you listen to a line-up of top local and international DJs playing non-stop bangers. Seriously – Touch Sensitive, Yolanda Be Cool, Running Touch and more will all be spinning tunes each Sunday while the sun goes down. And the best bit? Entry is free, so you’ll only have to fork out for your Aperols and hot chippies. Photograph: Andrew Baldacchino We say make a day out of it and come for lunch beforehand. Us? We’d be going for a bucket of fresh Aussie tiger prawns, lobster rolls, and finishing with a prosciutto, rocket and buffalo mozzarella pizza. Located smack-bang on an idyllic harbour beach, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has been a Sydney stalwart for more than 100 years. Renowned for bringing the good vibes and great classic summer hits, we reckon this is a pretty good place to end your week on a high. Summer Loading will be kicking off each Sunday from 3pm. You can see the full line-up here. Catch you at the front for ‘Pizza Guy’. RECOMMENDED: These are the best rooftop bars in Sydney Quench your thirst with the top happy hours in Sydney right now Check out the finest and hottest new restaurants in Sydney

Today, renowned farm-to-table chef Danielle Alvarez has been announced as the new culinary director of the Sydney Opera House event venues, operated by hospitality group Trippas White. The cookbook author and founding chef of Sydney favourite Fred’s has created beautiful menus for all the private soirées to be held in the iconic building’s Yallamundi Rooms, the Utzon Room and Northern Foyers – think weddings, intimate cocktail events, corporate networking and gala dinners. So yes, we will now be booking an event at the House. Alvarez will be joining top chefs already in the House, including Peter Gilmore at Bennelong and Mark Olive at new restaurant Midden by Mark Olive. Alvarez’s passion for using fresh, seasonal produce, as well as working with local producers, will shine through in the menus. Trippas White chief executive officer Kevin Zajax said the partnership is a “perfect match”. “Danielle cares deeply about the connection between food and culture, and I can’t think of anywhere better to bring this together than arguably the world’s most recognisable cultural destination,” he says. “I feel tremendously honoured to have some impact on the food being served at the Sydney Opera House,” adds Alvarez. “It is a global icon of Australian culture, and my goal is to bring together people, produce and events that will further showcase all the incredible things this diverse country has to offer.” To celebrate Alvarez’s next chapter, as well as the release of her second cookbook,

Keen for some good, thirsty news to lift your spirits? The 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) just went down in London Town, and Australia's very own gin hero Four Pillars won International Gin Producer of the Year for the third time. That's right, Four Pillars produces the Best Gin on Earth. We're pretty chuffed.  While this alone is a huge deal in itself, the rocking distillery and gin brand also broke some records on the night. It's the first time any gin producer from around the globe has won the award three times, with Four Pillars having beaten out all other contestants in 2019 and 2020 prior to this year's event. The IWSC is the world's largest and most prestigious spirits competition and attracted more than 4,000 entries from international distilleries, with gin being the biggest category of them all. "Back in 2013, we set out with the ambition to make world-class gin, so to win this award three times is simply mind-blowing," said co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie, who was in London to accept the award. "I kind of knew we had a chance when two of our gins scored 98 points but kept it on the lowdown until last week when I dusted off the kilt! It’s a massive thrill for our team back at home and for the Australian spirits industry overall, and even sweeter that Four Pillars celebrates 10 years of making gin this December". The two gins that scored 98 out of 100 points were Four Pillars' Bloody Underhill Vineyard Shiraz Gin 2022 and Single Bar