Woolloomooloo Wharf
Photograph: Chris Ting

Woolloomooloo area guide

Restaurants, bars, shops and events in Woolloomooloo
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The suburb that gives everyone pause (when they're trying to spell it) is one of Sydney's most dramatically gentrified – at least around the Finger Wharf (probably the coolest apartment block in the whole of Australia) on which you'll find look-at-me hotspots like Ovolo Hotel, OttoChina Doll and Aki's.

Bordered by the DomainKings Cross and Potts Point, the harbourside suburb is home to a real grabbag of Sydney landmarks, including the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, Garden Island Naval Base and the Matthew Talbot Hostel, the largest hostel for homeless men in the Southern Hemisphere.

Woolloomooloo highlights

The best restaurants in Woolloomooloo

Eat at ROBs
Restaurants

Eat at ROBs

  • 5 out of 5 stars
This no-frills burger joint in Rozelle serves up seriously good Oklahoma-style smash burgers for just $10.50 (or make it a double for $12.50)
Lottie
Restaurants

Lottie

  • 4 out of 5 stars
Wunderlich Lane’s rooftop Mexican go-to is a sun-soaked sanctuary serving mezcal, masa and Margaritas
Neptune’s Grotto
Restaurants

Neptune’s Grotto

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
An underground cave in Sydney’s CBD is now home to a rollicking, candlelit Italian-themed party – and one of the city’s most exciting new restaurants
Olympic Meats
Restaurants

Olympic Meats

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 1 of 4
Everything’s made in-house at Marrickville’s delicious new BYO Greek eatery – and nothing costs over $21. But you may need to wait
Olympus
Restaurants

Olympus

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
Does your last trip to Greece feel like ancient history? Slip on your sandals and head to Sydney’s Olympus Dining
Margaret
Restaurants

Margaret

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Neil Perry’s supposed swan song brings poise, polish and produce fit for the gods to the heart of Double Bay
Jane
Restaurants

Jane

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
An outstanding and surprising hole in the wall is bringing the goods – with a touch of inspiration from Nan
Eleven Barrack
Restaurants

Eleven Barrack

  • 5 out of 5 stars
This classy steak and seafood grill comes with loads of surprise factor

The best bars in Woolloomooloo

Maybe Sammy
Bars

Maybe Sammy

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
Retro seldom feels so right, and almost never so right-now as this vintage-styled, Italian cocktail bar in the Rocks
Paradise
Bars

Paradise

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Combining Potts Point cool with big European energy, you'll be in paradise at this new wine bar from the Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William St team
Joji
Bars

Joji

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Sydney’s newest rooftop bar is a shimmering, Japanese-inspired showstopper in the CBD’s beating heart – and don’t forget your Gucci
Bar Copains
Bars

Bar Copains

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Best mates, Dr Dre hits, a killer fish sanga and funky drops walk into a bar – and the result is pretty cool

Other things to do in Woolloomooloo

Ampersand Cafe Bookstore
Restaurants

Ampersand Cafe Bookstore

First editions and tasty snacks. The first one to realise that cafés and book shops could live together in harmony was a genius, and their legacy...
Pleasure Club
Music

Pleasure Club

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
With nostalgic cocktails and rollicking live performances every night, you can escape reality at Newtown’s purple-hued basement bar (well, until 4am at least)
Toby's Estate Cafe - Chippendale
Restaurants

Toby's Estate Cafe - Chippendale

  • price 1 of 4
This massive warehouse opposite Victoria Park is a shrine to all things caffeinated. Grab a takeaway and a sambo to eat in the park, or if the weather is...

What's on in Woolloomooloo

Hong Kong Disco Yum Cha Brunch at Chin Chin
Things to do

Hong Kong Disco Yum Cha Brunch at Chin Chin

A disco yum cha brunch is going down this October at Chin Chin, with delicious delights, free-flowing cocktails and retro beats – BYO flares
SXSW Sydney Unlocked
Things to do

SXSW Sydney Unlocked

SXSW Sydney is opening up part of its program to the public for the 2025 event – with more than 85 hours of free music, talks and more
Culture Vibes
Things to do

Culture Vibes

A brand-new culture festival is taking over Kensington Park this spring
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Back to the Future: The Musical
Theatre

Back to the Future: The Musical

  • 4 out of 5 stars
This mega-movie musical fuses nostalgia, world-class talent and stage sorcery for an electrifying night powered by 1.21 gigawatts of joy
Rent
Theatre

Rent

  • 4 out of 5 stars
Every cast member shines in this bold, heart-filled production that brings ’90s rock, raw emotion and gritty New York life to the Opera House stage
Orange Wine Festival
Things to do

Orange Wine Festival

Celebrate spring with tastings, long lunches, winemaking workshops, parties and exclusive cellar door experiences in Australia’s highest wine region
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The Book of Mormon
Theatre

The Book of Mormon

  • 4 out of 5 stars
This tongue-in-cheek musical is jam-packed with "did they really just say that?” humour
Daytime Deewane
Theatre

Daytime Deewane

Embark on a raw and electrifying exploration of racial identity, rebellion, and freedom – powered by spoken word and Bhangra-infused dance music
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Halloween Family Fest
Things to do

Halloween Family Fest

Have a frightfully good time at this family-friendly festivity in the Entertainment Quarter for the spooky season
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