Uncover the inner east's refreshed dining and shopping scene
We love an excuse to take a spin around Paddo. The inner east suburb is packed with leafy streets, cute shopping hubs and unbeatable dining and drinking options you can only find in the area. It’s a storied suburb with historical buildings, shops housing contemporary designers and quirky small businesses. Not to mention, Paddington’s many heritage drinking holes packed with art students, locals and the city’s most well-heeled. What’s not to love? Here are 21 places that keep us returning to the 2021 postcode over and over.
This light-filled gallery and concept space champions mid-career and emerging artists and designers. Just off Five Ways, Saint Cloche is an eye-pleasing space to pop into and catch the latest exhibition while wandering around the lush back streets of Paddo.
Where: 37 MacDonald St
Down in Five Ways there’s a tequila bar and restaurant shaking up a whole lot of agave-based fun. Tequila Mockingbird is an 111-seat, two-story terrace on Heeley Street that is a prime spot for cocktails, ceviche and creative tacos. If you like your spirits undilute there are 32 tequilas on the menu and 10 mezcals, plus rums from Guatemala and around Central America.
Where: 6 Heeley St
Oxford Street has undergone many changes in recent years, but Berkelouw has remained a fixture. The three-level emporium next door to Verona Cinemas has been keeping bookish types happy for over two decades. Downstairs you'll find new books, magazines, curios and gifts. The next two levels hold a sizeable collection of second-hand titles covering fiction, art, culture and history as well as a cosy café.
Where: 19 Oxford St
Where else but Paddington could you find an Ayurvedic Yoga concept store? Hit up this relaxing nook for copper drink bottles, house-blended body oils, yoga ephemera and more. The Yogibeings staff also offer on-site Ayurvedic consultations and run Veda yoga classes at St. Georges Church Hall in Five Ways.
Where: 89 Glenmore Rd
An outfit is never complete without cool shades, so swing by George Skoufis Optometrist to browse their huge selection of fun and functional specs and sunglasses. GSO has been servicing Oxford Street locals and walk-ins for over 25 years so they're more than abreast of what the sightseers of Paddington need and desire.
Where: 38A Oxford St
Rare is the neighbourhood eatery that spotlights the growers and makers behind their products with this much passion. Owner Nike Giourgas has Greek and French heritage, and it comes across in his fierce devotion to championing the people and the places that produce the food he sells at this small artisanal delicatessen. Go for pastries, salads and quiches, as well as a selection of tinned fish, and other local and imported pantry staples.
Where: 1/31 MacDonald St
Paddington’s intellectuals and art-house crowds are always seen milling about the Palace Verona with glee. The four screens feature an expertly curated line-up of arthouse releases from name directors, world movies, quirky Australian indies and special one-offs, like screenings of overseas stage productions and concerts. There's also a licensed café, wine and espresso bar on the premises – good for a pre-movie drink, a post-movie chat or even just a day date.
Where: 17 Oxford St
This perennial inner east favourite got a major revamp in 2019. The ground floor remains largely the same – a classic heritage sports bar. Upstairs, at the relaunched Elephant Bar and Dining, is where things have gotten fancier. Coastal tones and animal prints complement a menu that leans Mediterranean. The crown jewel, though – quite literally – is the venue’s rooftop, which somehow remains one of the best kept secrets in town.
Where: 237 Glenmore Rd
The first one to realise that cafés and book shops could live together in harmony was a genius, and their legacy lives on in places like this, where you are welcome to while away your time over a meal and some words. Ampersand Café Bookstore offers a wide selection of second-hand titles and delicious ready and made-to-order meals, it’s easy to find something you’ll like over Ampersand’s three floors.
Where: 78 Oxford St
We Are Kindred creates dreamy, boho-inspired clothing for those who crave a bit of floaty romance. The Aussie brand is popular with celebrities like Asher Keddie, Rose Byrne and Delta Goodrem. Sashay into the Oxford Street boutique for high-femme dresses and accessories that will make Paddington's collective jaw drop.
Where: 74 Oxford St
Poised at the intersection of Oxford St and Glenmore Rd you'll find this highly specialised grocer. Founded by nutritionist, herbalist and naturopath Kirsten Harvey in 2013, Orchard St. is your go-to for holistic juice cleanses, tonic herbs, bitanical teas, medicinal mushrooms and more. It's a little bit of witchiness and a whole lotta healthy elegance all wrapped up in one bright-eyed store.
Where: 2-16 Glenmore Rd
The galleries at UNSW Art & Design host graduate and student exhibitions as well as major exhibitions of contemporary art from Australia and overseas. The public are welcome to wander into the cutting-edge gallery space and will be rewarded with surprising installations and large-scale works from ultra-contemporary artists.
Where: Cnr of Oxford St and Greens Rd
Getting a little tired of that hand-me-down IKEA couch? Well look no further than Crafted, a specialised furniture outlet that creates customised lounges, ottomans, beds and more in collaboration with your tastes and needs. The team at the Paddington flagship showroom are passionate about bringing your plush interior fantasies to life and have drool-worthy samples ready for you to peruse.
Where: 184A Oxford St
Another flagship store calling Paddington home is the delightful homewares store, Elph Ceramics. Plying the inner east's locals and sharp-eyed visitors with handmade functional clay works made in the brand's Exeter studio. Find chic vases, jugs, clean porcelein and speckled mugs and serving dishes. Be sure to check out their cute mini house sculptures too.
Where: 12 William St
Walking in to LoveDuck is like walking into your most effortlessly stylish friend's closet. Curated by professional stylist Ainslie Curran, this Paddington store makes textiles, fashion, jewellery and accessories from around the world available for your casual perusal. Spruce up your wardrobe or find a one-of-a-kind gift at this Glenmore Road treasure trove.
Where: 222 Glenmore Rd
Beautify your home and wardrobe in one sartorial swoop at Paddington's Pizzuto. The Oxford St store stocks everything from natural fibre homewares to zippy wall art and head-to-toe fashion pieces. Pick up a pair of casual canvas plimsoles while you load-up on boho-chic floor cushions or eccentric ceramic pieces.
Where: 22 Oxford St
True to Paddington's burning heart for fashion, you'll find luxury designer boutiques on almost every corner. Rachel Gilbert is your stop for hand-embellished gowns, cool bridal wear and edgy denim. Add some glamour to your outfits or make sure your next occasion is littered with sparkle from one of the Australian designer's glittering pieces.
Where: 18A Glenmore Rd
One thing's for sure: Paddington locals know how to look after themselves inside and out. Pop Nua Skin Bliss on your must-do list for some rejuvenating treatments, refreshing therapies and expert dermatological consultations. The skincare clinic is all about straightforward approaches in a relaxing atmosphere – add some "you time" to your Paddo visit.
Where: 42 William St
For over 40 years the ears of Sydney city and the inner east have been captivated by local community radio station Eastside FM. With a focus on local arts and culture, the station beams daily programs out of the Paddington Town Hall. Tune in for music, fascinating deep dives from local artists and a diverse roster of on-demand shows, podcasts and aural oddities on their website.
Where: 249A Oxford St
Like most of the boutiques on William Street, Just William is tiny inside, so start your shopping on the sidewalk – press your beak to the window like a Dickensian urchin and make your picks from the display cases before heading in. Chocolates are sold by weight, most at around $13 for 100g, and there’s a range of those famous Just William white boxes with a selection of ribbons for fancy gifting.
Where: 4 William St
James Said is a hub for fans of glamorous interiors. The high-end furniture store collates luxury goods from all over the world to boost the interiors of Sydneysiders with Champagne tastes. Pay a visit to James Said for lush velvet headboards, unique tiles, jaw dropping chandeliers and framed art prints. Or stick to a budget and take home a sliver of luxury with their exceptional range of covetable homewares.
Where: 180B Oxford St
Discover the hero meals that make a home in the 2021 postcode
The leafy streets of Paddo are home to some seriously funky finds
Uncover the inner east's 21 top shops, restaurants and arts venues
