Verificat

There are many ways countries around the world honour their veterans and the sacrifices they make as members of our armed forces. One of the ways we do it here in Australia is with the fairly odd tradition of ANZAC Day two-up – betting on the flipping of two coins. First, of course, Sydney starts ANZAC Day with the big Dawn Service, which is back at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, commencing at 4.20am. The ANZAC Day March through the Sydney CBD kicks off at 9am and ends with a 12.30pm commemoration service by the Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. Then, after you've formally paid your respects, it's time for the coin toss. From car park parties to beer gardens with grandstands, we've scoured the best Sydney venues for a rowdy game of two-up this ANZAC Day.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere else to grab a drink? Check out the best bars in Sydney right now.

Sydney's CBD possesses one of the best bar scenes in the country, from underground hideaways to cool-as-hell speakeasies to lofty cocktail lounges with mixology maestros at the helm. You can drink life-changing wines, the freshest ales, and fruity elixirs made from seasonal harvests – and sometimes you can do it all in the same place. When you're out and about in the CBD and feeling thirsty, these are the very best places to take an elbow and indulge in a few drinks in the heart of Sydney, curated by Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. So, who's getting the first round? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED READS: Want more? Check out the best rooftop bars here. Plus, these are Sydney's best beer gardens.

No one is pretending that cocktails are a cost-effective way to relax or party in Sydney. In a city where a $25 cocktail isn't an uncommon price tag, you really want to know that what's in your glass has been shaken and stirred by the best in the business. Here, Time Our Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have put together a list of the best places for cocktails in Sydney that you can always trust to give you an outstanding drink in exchange for your hard-earned. You're welcome.  Want something a bit stiffer? Try one of the the best bars in Sydney. Or still hungry? Try one of Sydney's best cheap eats. Or head up to one of Sydney's best rooftop bars.

Sure, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but lunchtime is arguably the most exciting. You shouldn’t have to settle for soggy sandwiches and last night’s leftovers when there are fresh and fun eats existing in all pockets of the city. Whether you’re craving elevated sandwiches on oven-fresh bread, inspired savoury pastries, hearty bowls of laksa or build-your-own bentos, there’s something delicious on for lunch in Sydney every day of the week. We've rounded up our favourite places to grab a lunch on-the-go in Sydney's CBD. Whether its old, new, tucked away in the city's heart, or sitting on the fringe, we've got you covered when it comes to making the most of your lunchbreak, every day of the week.  After a liquid lunch instead? Here are the best bars in the Sydney CBD right now.

In very exciting news for those among us who are Big Kids, Melbourne has just got its very first Hijinx Hotel. Not familiar with the Hijinx? Well, let’s start by saying it’s not like your regular hotel. In fact, it’s not a hotel at all. More so, an extravagant, magical, and fully immersive experience where games and challenges rule supreme and fun is pretty much guaranteed. Oh, and there’s delicious food and ‘grammable cocktails, too. Located at Chadstone, the Fashion Capital's Social Quarter, the new Hijinx Hotel is the first of its kind in Victoria, and only the third to open in the country, so you can understand why we’re giddy just thinking about it. Upon entering, you and your fellow game players will step into what looks like a fabulous and quirky New York Hotel, complete with hilarious artworks, statement lighting and theatrical design (are the framed pictures real?!). There, you’ll adventure through a series of ten hotel rooms which house quick-play immersive games. Expect to find everything and anything in the nostalgia-inspired rooms from a ball pit to a massive piano and your favourite cartoon characters. The rooms are designed for between two and six players – so you can bring your mates or go with the family for a day out – and you’ll work together to complete and score points on a leaderboard. Though be warned: Hijinx Hotel will test and challenge your mind, sanity and quite frankly, your relationships. While we don’t want to give too much away, the games will h

Crustless cucumber sandwiches, fluffy scones with jam and cream and tiered plates of petit fours. Sydney loves a pinky-lifting high tea, and with good reason. With bite-sized treats, tea selections for every palate and picturesque surrounds – maybe the stunning harbour views at Mosman Barracks or the tranquil gardens of historic Vaucluse House – you've got all the elements of an aspirational afternoon of ever-so-fancy leisure. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. In search of more food and tea? Get around Sydney's best cafés here. What about more booze? These are Sydney's best bars.

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. Love Chinese food? Us too. These are the best Chinese restaurants in town. Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Sydney

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.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydneytown

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. 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. Our picks right now include the hot new diner from the Bentley crew, King Clarence, seafood haven Saint Peter, NY-style steakhouse Clam Bar, fiery Thai joint Pork Fat, and gorgeous trattoria Palazzo Salato. (Be sure to check out our guide to Sydney's best new restaurants, too.) Happy dining, Sydney. RECOMMENDED READS: After a drink? Check out our favourite bars in Sydney. Or: Our list of the best cheap eats.

If you find yourself hungry and thirsty in Surry Hills, never fear – you're in one of the best places in all of Sydney to get your coffee and brekky fix. From silky scrambled eggs at Bills, to a killer breakfast plate at A.P. Bakery, on-point coffee at Single O and a picture-perfect blueberry tart at Lode, we've compiled a bumper list of all the excellent Surry Hills cafés. Lace up, grab a mate, and eat and drink your way around the tree-lined streets. RECOMMENDED READS: Want the best of the brunch? Check out our guide to the best breakfasts in Sydney. Keen for lunch of dinner? Here are the best restaurants in Surry Hills. After a dining hit list? Brush up on our guide to the best restaurants in Sydney. 

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. Spilling over. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, these slick haunts are also some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge, Merivale's new restaurant, is now open. Located in a hidden basement below the historic Burns Philp & Co building in Sydney's CBD, this head-turning venue is a project three years in the making by executive chef Mike Eggert (also of Totti’s) and CEO Justin Hemmes. The name pays homage to Eggert’s former Good Luck Pinbone pop-up. Hemmes wants Good Luck Restaurant Lounge to feel like you’ve walked into a time capsule and stepped into a wild 1970s Tokyo underground scene. And with pumping music, kitsch ornaments and retro touches alongside traditional Japanese artworks, we reckon the brief has well and truly been met. The food is equally impressive. Eggert is a formidable chef, and his talent is on display at Good Luck alongside head chef Prince Jeganathan (formerly of MuMu and Mr Wong). Come for pan-Asian cuisine, big, bold flavours, and lots of seafood, fresh herbs and punchy sauces and sambals. Highlights on the opening menu include smoked pork spring rolls with a creamy pâté dipping sauce; fried eggs with whipped tofu and crisp chilli; ling karaage with anchovy XO; ginger, shallot and sesame linguine; and fire-roasted fish collar with lemongrass and green chilli jam. For dessert, go for the ’grammable milk and chocolate soft serve with caramel. “It’s going to be a fun vibe, maybe a bit wild but not stuffy or elitist. It’s got that feeling where you know you’ll lose track of time...it’s just great food with a side of party,” Eggert adds. Time Out

If you’re a cocktail lover, listen to this: a bright and tropical Mango and Yuzu Martini served with a white chocolate-stuffed olive; punch made from Loulou’s golden croissants swirled with rum, passionfruit, vanilla, garnished with meringue and passionfruit gel; and a strawberry and basil twist on an Americano featuring forgotten fruit and house-made basil cordial. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? And you’re right – they are. These and more are some of the cocktails you can find at the CBD’s European-inspired Charles Bar, found right next door to its flash Charles Brasserie. The exciting tipples are created by Colin Tam, who’s been mixing and shaking drinks at some impressive Sydney haunts including Charlie Parker’s, Lotus, Little Felix, and Hilton’s Zeta Bar. The cocktails at The Charles are layered, considered, and elegant, and well and truly put a vodka soda to bed. “Flavours are extracted from real ingredients that we’re juicing, infusing, and washing in-house rather than using bought juices and syrups. It allows us to create a really clean taste with a delicious texture,” says Tam. As well as cocktails, there are seasonal Charles Cellos – a play on the beloved citrusy limoncello – using fruits like mango and honeydew melon, which take three days to make using no preservatives. And while the Brasserie’s wine list may make your eyes water, here the list is more approachable, featuring mostly Australian, French, and Italian vinos – with bottles starting at $50. It’s not just

Berto’s Espresso is a lovely little corner café on Surry Hills’ Crown Street. The exterior is painted a soft butter yellow colour, evoking slow and sunny mornings – just how we like them. Co-owner and operator Robert Salas has more than 12 years of experience under his belt at top Sydney spots like Gypsy Espresso and Flour & Stone, where his passion for all things espresso was well and truly cemented. Take a seat outside and enjoy an excellent brew made using Gypsy Espresso beans. As well as coffee, Berto’s Espresso has an all-day menu, with breakfast, sambos, salads and sweet treats. We’ve got eyes for the leg ham and gruyère toasted sandwich with seeded mustard aioli; avo toast amped up with feta, housemade chilli oil, heirloom tomatoes and lemon; and creamy, buttery scrambled eggs on sourdough. Next time you’re in the area – or even if you’re not – pop in and say hi to Rob and the team – we’re sure they’ll be chuffed to see you. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Want more? These are the best cafés in Surry Hills. Hungry? These are the best breakfasts in Sydney.

Found on the corner of Buckingham Street, Cook & Archies Café is a relaxed, family-owned spot that has been a fixture in the Surry Hills community for more than 20 years. The Mediterranean-leaning menu features hearty breakfast and lunch options, along with a solid selection of delicious sandwiches and fresh, vibrant salads for those on the go. Light-filled and lush with greenery, Cook & Archies Café fills up quickly with friends and colleagues catching up during peak times, but the wait for food is never long. For something sweet, try the ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter, chantilly cream, maple syrup, honeycomb, and fresh banana. If you prefer a fiery kick, go for the chilli scrambled eggs with sambal, avo, coriander, goat’s curd, and Iggy’s sourdough. Feeling hungry at lunch? Order the Reuben sandwich loaded with Black Angus corned beef, Swiss cheese, slaw, and Russian dressing on rye. It's a close-your-eyes kinda sambo. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Recommended reads: These are the best cafés in Surry Hills Check out our guide to the best cafés in Sydney

You’ll find the rustic Italian restaurant Grana within the historic walls of Hinchcliff House in Circular Quay – and we reckon you should. Once you’re there, you’ll soon see why. Firstly, the space is gorgeous, with sandstone- and exposed-brick walls, warm moody lighting, and striking dried floral displays, channelling a country house in Tuscany. But the food is what will make you return. Grana is home to its own mill, which the chefs use daily to grind New South Wales' grains – such as spelt, emmer, and khorasan – into flour to make their own pasta and pastry. (If you’re wondering about the name, Grana is the Italian word for ‘Grain’.) Here, lesser-known Italian shapes are spotlighted – like the silky sheets of fazzoletti and the flower-like gigli – and then paired with fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and punchy flavours. Elsewhere on the menu, there’s octopus, king prawns, barramundi, as well as quality steaks, pork, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. The wine list champions mostly Italian producers. Plus, Grana is a shell’s throw from the harbour, making it a solid option for a work lunch or a central dinner spot. Love pasta? That’s a trick question – of course you do. Well, good news for us carb admirers: Grana has a rocking offer available on Sundays called Pasta Club. For $99 per person, guests can enjoy three pasta courses – yes, three bowls of pasta! – plus salad and tiramisu cannoli for dessert, and matching alcoholic drinks. When you break it down, it works out to b

Forget about putting your records on and come to Jam Record Bar, Merivale’s new Tokyo-inspired pink bar filled with 15,000 vinyl records spinning albums from every genre, era, style and artist. Shimmy on down for a boogie, listen to your favourite album (hello, Rumours), and snack on Japanese-style sandos and skewers with highballs and sake. Sounds like a good time to us. Located in Merivale’s high-octane Ivy precinct on George Street – home of Bar Totti's, Mumu, Oti', Felix and Jimmy's Falafel– Jam Record Bar will swing open its doors this Friday, April 19, playing tunes and serving eats and drinks seven nights a week. Sushi E head chef Michael Fox is behind the Japanese snack-and-plate menu, and the booze list has been put together by Merivale’s creative cocktail lead, James Irvine. Merivale’s head of music and entertainment, Nick Van Tiel, is spearheading the tunes, which will be played on a vintage JBL sound system. A passion project for CEO Justin Hemmes and sister Bettina, the pint-sized Jam Record Bar is named after their parents, John and Merivale. As well as founding Merivale in the ’50s, the couple ran a successful clothing shop called Jam, and released their own record titled Jam. (Justin also started a music label in 2003 called Jam Recordings.) This news comes off the back of Merivale announcing that their Tokyo-inspired Totti’s, called Good Luck Restaurant Lounge, will be opening on Wednesday, April 24, in a hidden basement below the historic Burns Philp & Co bu

There’s a block of charcoal apartments along the esplanade at Ettalong Beach that I reckon is home to the second best views in the coastal village. The kind of ones Joseph Puchberger was dreaming of when he first invented the panoramic camera, with calm water, yachts bobbing gently and a blush-cloaked island in front. I say second, because sitting at the wooden bench in front of Nicola Coccia – watching him cook in harmony with the roaring open flame, tenderly, carefully glaze a succulent and caramelised pork chop, and sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over a seared and rosy-hued steak – has got to be the best view in town. We’re at Osteria il Coccia, the chef’s rustic fine diner that he owns with his French/Italian wife, Alexandra. Inside is all creamy tiles, terracotta accents, fresh linen curtains and light timber, channelling understated coastal elegance with a nod to Tuscany. From the butter knife carved out of wood to the ceramic plates you can tell weren’t picked up at Kmart, attention has been paid to every detail. Osteria il Coccia is impressive for a bunch of reasons, but mostly because it’s one of the few kitchens in Australia to be built around a fire. Everything here is cooked exclusively over flames, fuelled by iron bark, stone fruit and olive wood timbers. Coccia’s CV will also make you raise your eyebrows. Born in Naples, he fell in love with cooking by watching his grandmother roll sheets of pasta in her kitchen. Coccia sharpened his knife skills in Italy bef

April 2024 update: After a big build up, highly anticipated Latin American restaurant Morena is finally now open. Headed up by esteemed chef Alejandro Saravia – the executive chef and owner of Melbourne’s award-winning restaurants, Farmer’s Daughters and Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters – the 200-seat diner is located in the gorgeous, heritage-listed GPO Building in Martin Place. The menu pays homage to Saravia’s home country of Peru, as well as the flavours found in Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and more. We’re excited about dining under the glass roof in the historic building, the outdoor terrace which overlooks Martin Place, and the food, of course. Standouts on the opening menu include a bunch of ceviches, including snapper ceviche with leche de tigre, sweet potato and chulpi, a type of Andean corn. Plus, Abrolhos Islands scallops with parmesan cream, lime, aji (peppers) and amarillo butter; Kaloola Farm suckling pig with mojo sauce; and Gundagai lamb picanha with a cachaca marinade. Wines will feature new and old-world drops with a focus on varietals from Latin American regions. Time Out Sydney went to the soft opening of Morena and can say it's truly special. - Avril Treasure Read on for our write-up from August 2023. ***** Just like during the good old times, Sydney's new restaurant openings just keep on coming – and we are most certainly here for it. Today, it’s been announced that Alejandro Saravia – the executive chef and owner of Melbourne’s aw

Surry Hills stalwart the White Horse is reopening this Wednesday, April 17, after a massive renovation with a fresh, new team holding the reins. The 170-seat venue will feature 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 will be 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, Gerrard says we can 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

There’s a lot to like about Lokal, a tiny wine bar situated on a sunny corner in Surry Hills, across the road from The Cricketers. But at the top of the list is that it’s a two-man operation. There are no other floor staff, no kitchen hands, nada. It's all run by Patrick Frawley and Nelson Cramp, who met moons ago working overseas and reconnected over their shared dream of opening their own place. Like hot chips and tomato sauce, their skill sets complement each other well. Frawley, an expert on grown-up grape juice, previously served as head sommelier at top hotels in London and Hong Kong, like the Mandarin Oriental. Meanwhile, Cramp feels at home over a chopping board, after earning his stripes at Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada and Porch and Parlour here in Sydney. Together, they opened Lokal in late 2022. Lokal is truly tiny, seating just 20, so the place lends itself well to date nights and overdue catch-ups. The interiors feature a neutral color palette – warm timber, a concrete and terracotta-coloured floor (there are a few scuff marks), and duck-egg blue walls – with a turquoise-tiled bar. We take a seat at one of the handful of tables outside, the sun’s soft rays nearly wrapping up for the day, with 50 Cent’s tunes on in the background. It’s time for a drink. Frawley warmly welcomes us and shares a bit about his background. Here’s the second thing to like: he’s picked grapes at 12 of the 14 wineries that feature on the by-the-glass list (made up of the usual suspect

Over the past five or so years, diners’ demands for food that’s been plucked from local waters, or grown on trees here in Australia, has been growing like bamboo shoots. Which makes sense, when you consider produce that’s been sourced closer to home supports small businesses, is better for the environment and – let’s be frank – tastes better. Though, while some restaurants talk the talk, less are fully walking the walk (if I got a $1 coin every time I saw the phrase ‘locally sourced produce’ I would nearly be able to afford a home in Sydney). So, to see on the back of The Cowrie’s menu a list of 16 local suppliers they work with (from Little Feet Gourmet and Super Green Farms on the Central Coast to Shane's Seafood in Newcastle) is as refreshing as a four-day weekend. The Cowrie has been open for more than 30 years, making it a long-time Terrigal local. Executive chef/co-owner Dimitris Aronis took over the reins post-Covid. The fine diner is located in a residential area, perched on a hill overlooking Terrigal Beach. With a charcoal and wooden exterior, The Cowrie looks more like a stylish house than a restaurant, and inside is just as welcoming, with local artworks, modern seats and the kinds of trinkets you’d see in a homewares shop. But it’s all pale in comparison to the jewel in the crown: the outside deck, which seats about 20 lucky ducks.  We’re taken to a table in the corner right by the edge, which has got to be one of the best seats in the house – quack quack. In fro

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

Here at Time Out Sydney, restaurants are our bread and butter. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall Thai joint, a pasta palace, or a stylish seaside diner, we love them all. But we have a soft spot for those run by families, small operators, and those who do it out of love. But with cozzie livs pressures continuing, it’s no secret that Sydney’s restaurants are doing it tough. So, if you’re a small restaurant owner, we are chuffed to bring you some jolly good news. American Express – the lords behind those silver cards – is giving away ten grants of $21,500 to restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. The grant is intended to be a helping hand during an economically challenging time, allowing you to invest where it's needed most to improve and grow your business. Run in partnership with the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation and supported by Mainstreet Australia, to date the program has provided $240,000 in financial support to Sydney restaurants, and it’s now being extended to Melbourne for the first time. Past Sydney venues that benefited Big Time from the game-changing grant include Plate it Forward’s Kabul Social, which is run by Afghan refugees, as well as Potts Point’s tiny but mighty Small’s Deli (and our personal favourite place to get our sambo fix). Photograph: Supplied/Small's Deli Robert Tedesco, Vice President of Global Merchant Network Services for American Express Australia and New Zealand, said: “Small independently run restaurants are at the heart of

While Easter may be over for another year, that doesn’t mean the good (egg) news stops. Quay, one of Australia’s best restaurants overlooking Sydney’s aquamarine harbour, is bringing back its iconic snow egg dessert for a limited time next month. Created by executive chef Peter Gilmore back in 2009, the dreamy dessert – which was catapulted to national fame after its guest appearance on MasterChef in 2010 – was a signature on the fine diner’s menu until it was retired in 2018. Now, in truly eggcellent news, Gilmore is bringing it back for a good time but not a long time: the snow egg will be available in Quay’s Green Room over 10 nights from May 25 to June 15 during Vivid. Photograph: Nikki To Consisting of a cloud-like sphere of poached meringue and custard-apple ice cream, sitting on a nest of fruity pink fool and granita, the snow egg is an impossibly beautiful dessert, one which took Gilmore more than two months from ideation stage to conception. Peter Gilmore said: “I am honoured to be bringing back the snow egg for a very limited time. It has had a cult following since the early days of it being on the menu at Quay and holds such a special place in my heart.” Ears pricked? Quay is offering four options where diners can taste the snow egg, which will be served in a Riedel wine glass alongside a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne or a non-alcoholic pairing. For more information and to make a reservation, click here. Run, don’t roll. Stay in the loop: sign up for our

Soon, Sydney is about to become a sparkly city on steroids as the Southern Hemisphere's largest multi-platform festival lights up the sky for 23 nights from Friday, May 24 to Saturday, June 15. While Vivid initially began as a light show, over the last few years it’s transformed into so much more, with the introduction of Vivid Food (my personal favourite), a pillar that showcases the best eats and drinks in the city and beyond. Calling all food and wine lovers: today, the first line-up for Vivid Food 2024 has been announced and as expected, it sounds absolutely delicious. Strap in. Similar to 2023, this year there are three parts to Vivid Food: Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, which all will tie back to the 2024 festival’s theme of ‘humanity’, highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience and how it brings people from all over the world together. Here’s what we know so far. What you can expect from Vivid Residence Manoella Buffara, Latin America's Best Female Chef 2022, will be taking over Greek diner Ploós for an exciting two-week residency during Vivid. Renowned for her passion for sustainability and boundary-pushing Brazilian fare, in Sydney, Buffara will be spotlighting the best NSW produce with a Brazilian twist, all surrounded by the dazzling lights of Vivid. Photograph: Supplied/Ploós What you can expect from Vivid Chef Series Vivid Chef Series, which sees top chefs from Sydney’s finest restaurants collaborate with some of

Sydney is home to some truly exceptional restaurants, from the red-hued Parisian Hubert to the resplendent Bennelong under the sails, and the retro NY-style steakhouse Clam Bar. Now, an expert panel from the leading international dining publication Food & Wine has revealed the top 20 restaurants worldwide – and a Sydney restaurant has claimed the second spot. Champagne, we’re ready for you. Josh and Julie Niland’s fresh and sophisticated diner, Petermen, has been crowned the second-best restaurant globally – and the only Aussie venue to make the coveted top 20 list. The experts praised Niland’s steadfast commitment to sustainably sourced local seafood and his fin-to-tail cooking style. Petermen, located north of the bridge in St Leonards, also won acclaim for Niland’s innovation and creativity, seen in dishes such as empanadas filled with saltbush and bonito served with a sauce made from steeping the fish’s bones in soy sauce. Photograph: Josh Niland Food & Wine's second annual Global Tastemakers Awards aim to celebrate diverse restaurants worldwide. So, on the list you’ll find a boundary-pushing izakaya in Tokyo without a website, a contemporary Caribbean restaurant in Colombia using indigenous ingredients, and a Italian diner spotlighting vegetables and herbs – as opposed to pasta and pizza – in a historical villa. Mérito, an exciting addition to Lima’s food scene showcasing Peruvian and Venezuelan cuisine, claimed first place. Third place went to SodaBottleOpenerWala in

Vegemite smeared on thick, buttered toast is a peak Aussie comfort food. We’re also Big Fans of soft and sweet cinnamon buns. But what if you combined both? This isn’t some kind of imaginary witchcraft, but real life – and the umami-rich creation even had global superstar chef Gordon Ramsay weak at the knees on a recent episode of Channel 9’s new reality show, Food Stars. Competitor Sina Klug, founder of the beloved Sydney vegan bakery Miss Sina, is the pastry wizard behind this creation. Last week, Food Stars contestants were tasked to make a Vegemite dessert, which was a challenge for the German-born baker who says she is not personally a fan of the thick, salty spread. Alas, Klug didn't let her aversion to the yeasty spread get in the way. She ended up creating a twist on her popular cinnamon bun, adding Vegemite-candied pecans, chantilly cream, and a smooth, glossy Vegemite caramel. Well, it knocked Ramsay’s socks off – the chef said he absolutely loved it. (Pack your bags, Marmite.) Sina told Time Out Sydney: “Gordon called my buns ‘exquisite’ and ‘absolutely delicious’, went for seconds, and I even got a few fist bumps behind the scenes!" Photograph: Avril Treasure The Time Out team was lucky enough to try these bad boys, and we totally second what Gordon Ramsay said. Big time.  We have good news for you: Sina and the team are now selling these wacky, delicious creations at their Marrickville bakery, so you can get a taste of the bun that made Ramsay fall head over h

Pioneer of the global Nobu restaurants (and creator of the cult black cod miso dish, so delicate it falls apart with a spoon), Nobu Matsuhisa is coming to Sydney on a tour of Australia this May. And the best part? You can meet Matsuhisa in person, and taste his exceptional food. Yes, chef! Matsuhisa, who has achieved worldwide success thanks to his trailblazing take on contemporary Japanese food, will be visiting Crown Sydney – home to the fine diner – on two occasions. On Thursday, May 2, Crown will be hosting a luxe pool party with live entertainment, top-notch food, cocktails by Don Julio Tequila, and Matsuhisa mingling with guests. Enjoy sushi and sashimi the colour of jewels while watching the sunset over Crown’s ridiculously stunning infinity pool (swimming togs optional). If you can’t make the pool party, Crown will also be throwing a one-off ‘Gochiso Lunch’ with Matsuhisa himself on Saturday, May 4. Diners will feast on signature Nobu dishes  – including that umami-rich cod number – while sipping on Oatley wine and chatting to Matsuhisa himself. If you’re a fan of Nobu – and who isn’t? – you don’t need us to tell you these will both be seriously special days. Photograph: Avril TreasureThe pool at Crown Sydney “I can’t wait to return to Australia," says Matsuhisa. "It's a place very close to my heart and I love visiting my team and local suppliers. The Australian dining scene and hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary t

Get your wine glasses ready. The Real Review, one of Australia’s leading authorities in wine, has just unveiled its highly anticipated annual list that ranks the finest grape juice purveyors in the country – and some gorgeous New South Wales wineries (that are a reasonably short drive from Sydney) have made the cut.  The family-owned Tyrrell's Wines, located in the Lower Hunter’s Pokolbin, has been awarded the best winery in NSW for 2024, and also placed as the 12th-best winery in the country. By now, you’re probably well acquainted with the Tyrrell’s name, which is loved for their affordable yet quality vino. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant took home 14th place, followed by fellow Hunter Valley cellar door, Brokenwood Wines, in 17th place. This can only mean one thing: our arms are twisted, and we're heading to the Hunter Valley. Photograph: Avril Treasure While, yes, it’s true that Victorian winery Yarra Yering did take home the coveted number one spot, and NSW didn't manage to get any wineries in the top 10, we’re choosing not to focus on that, and to celebrate our wines – sorry, I mean wins – because there are a bunch of them. Completing the top five of this year’s list was Henschke in second place (Eden Valley, South Australia), Wine by Farr in third (Geelong, Victoria), Penfolds in fourth (South Australia), and Oakridge in fifth (Yarra Valley, Victoria), which was last year's winner. Each year, a panel of the nation's top critics try more than 10,000 wines – but their fina

Calling all hot chicks (and roosters): Surry Hills' golden charcoal chicken shop Henrietta is launching an all-you-can-eat charcoal chicken offer for $48 per person. As well as unlimited charcoal-roasted chooks, the spread also includes traditional Lebanese sides, including fresh fattoush salad, creamy garlic sauce, Henrietta’s signature hummus, crunchy pickles, and sumac-dusted hot chips. Hungry? Us too. If you feel like a drink, you can also opt for bottomless wines and beers for an extra $35 per person. This offer kicks off from April 13, and will be available for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays – so send a group text now. The snazzy Middle Eastern chicken shop is a step above your local, which makes sense when you consider it’s by ESCA Group, the same folks who oversee Middle Eastern fine diner Aalia, Japanese/Italian izakaya Ito, and pastel-hued Nour. Photograph: Jiwon Kim Ibby Moubadder, co-founder of ESCA Group, says, “Our charcoal chicken, marinated in a blend of authentic Lebanese spices, is perfect for sharing with family and friends, so why limit yourself to one plate? “The all-you-can-eat charcoal chicken offer is for our loyal guests who are obsessed with our chicken or for those who are new to Henrietta and simply want to gather round the table and enjoy the true spirit of Middle-Eastern hospitality,” Moubadder adds. April 13 can’t come quick enough. Cluck yeah. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best charcoal chicken shops in Sydney. In Surry Hills? Check out ou

In February, the former Boathouse Palm Beach reopened with a new look and name – now called 'The Joey' – after undergoing an extensive $7 million restoration thanks to new ownership by hospitality professionals Rob Domjen and Ben May. Time Out Sydney’s readers were excited by the fresh new direction, as the idyllic waterfront café transformed into a grown-up and slick diner. Think less Alf Stewart, more lobster frites. But it hasn’t all been peachy news: an application for the dining room to trade until 11pm each night – like nearby establishments Dunes Palm Beach and Casa by The Boathouse – was rejected by the Northern Beaches Council, due to just a handful of disgruntled locals. Currently, The Joey must close at 4pm, which doesn’t even leave time for afternoon vinos and share plates, let alone watching the sunset. Photograph: Alex Marks Photography The application to trade into the evening received 132 positive votes in favour, and just seven opposing, which makes little sense when you consider the closest home to The Joey is 600 metres away and separated by a nine-hole golf course. The decision is devastating for The Joey and Sydney’s hospitality industry at large. Thankfully, it’s not over just yet, with May and Domjen set to meet with the Northern Beaches Council today (Friday, April 4), as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday, April 9. At a press conference on Wednesday, April 3, Minns said he was upset to hear the news. “I am worried about it [...] I was pretty

When it comes to coffee, we Sydneysiders are pretty smug. We know our Arabica from our Robusta, and we roll our eyes at Starbucks (sorry, USA). We have long believed we’re home to some of the best coffee in the world. Now, we've got the big guns to back it up: an expert panel from leading international dining publication Food & Wine have ranked the best cities in the world for coffee – and Sydney triumphed, coming in third place. Melbourne came in tenth place, and honestly that feels good. The experts noted that while Sydney’s vibe is laid-back, the coffee here is serious business. They also nodded to Sydney's coffee capital Surry Hills, which is packed with top-notch cafés, including Time Out favourite Single O. Photograph: Katje Ford Copenhagen took the top coffee spot, with the judges saying: “The Danish capital is renowned for its quality-over-quantity approach, with coffee shops serving meticulously sourced beans and brewing award-winning cups.” Tokyo came in second place, winning marks for its range of coffee offerings, which include everything from historic joints pouring siphon-brewed coffee to modern spots playing around with brewing techniques and flavours. In fourth place was San Francisco, followed by Milan, Lisbon, Amsterdam, London and Cape Town. You can check out the full list here, and if you're craving a cup of the good stuff, you can check out the best cafés in Sydney here. There are few things better in the morning than an excellent cup of Joe. Smooth and

North Sydney may not be the first place you think of when you want to head out for dinner and a drink, but that’s set to change with a slew of new restaurants and bars set to open this year, bringing more energy and delicious food and wine north of the bridge. Spearheaded by Etymon Projects, the folks behind The Charles and Loulou, the brand-new dining precinct will feature a bakery, café and wine bar called Sol; artisanal produce store Una; LA-inspired all-day eatery and bar Soluna; and Japanese izakaya Genzo. If everything’s on track, the dining hub will be open this June. Lisa Hobbs, CEO of Etymon Projects, said: “What opening Poetica bar and grill in North Sydney and Loulou in Milsons Point has shown us is that there’s a real appetite for more hospitality this side of the bridge. North Sydney has a great buzz to it, and we see this growing especially with the Metro opening later this year.” Photograph: Supplied Bar Lettera, a modern Australian/Italian restaurant and wine bar, will also be opening in May in North Sydney’s Citadines Walker North Sydney. Helmed by head Chef Ryan Perry – whose CV includes esteemed restaurants The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo – Bar Lettera will be serving riffs on classic Italian dishes. Here, a caprese salad will be swapped for 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. This news comes off the back of the announcement back in December 202

Josh Niland changed the fish and chip game when he opened Charcoal Fish in 2021. The fast-casual diner was a nostalgic riff on an old-school fish and chip shop and charcoal chicken joint, selling a now-legendary double yellowfin tuna cheeseburger with smoked Murray cod bacon, as well as sustainably farmed rotisserie Murray cod in crusty white rolls doused in gravy. Now, Niland and his wife Julie have closed the Rose Bay eatery due to the variable seasonality of the location, a spokesperson for the couple said. Photograph: Nigel Kippers/Time Out Fish Butchery Paddington, a fish haven selling fresh seafood and take-home meals, which opened in 2018 on the same strip as Niland’s revolutionary award-winning fine diner Saint Peter, has also now closed. Fish Butchery Waterloo remains open. And while this news will undoubtedly come as a shock to fans of the zero-waste pioneer and seafood wizard – who else can turn the whites of fish eyes into a silky, velvety ice cream? – it’s not all bad news. Saint Peter will be relocating to a much larger space later this year to Paddington’s nearby Grand National Hotel – allowing the team to welcome even more diners to taste Niland’s wow-inducing creations. This also comes off the back of an exciting year for Niland, with the seafood gun opening his first international restaurant called Fysh in Singapore in 2023, as well as Petermen in St Leonards. “The relocation of Saint Peter into a bigger restaurant and kitchen has allowed for more space, a