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

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
Palace Chinese Restaurant
Restaurants

Palace Chinese Restaurant

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
Rise and shine on a weekend for Sydney's top spot for a yum cha feast
Sean's
Restaurants

Sean's

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
After more than 30 years of serving delicious, honest food with a side of blissful joy, Bondi’s sea-salt-sprayed jewel shines brighter than ever
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
Bessie's
Restaurants

Bessie's

  • 5 out of 5 stars
The Bar Copains team are behind this flame-powered Mediterranean diner – where excellent snacks, sips and vibes come together like one big warehouse party
Pellegrino 2000
Restaurants

Pellegrino 2000

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
This cracking Surry Hills Italian from the Bistrot 916 team has amped-up trattoria classics that will stay with you long after you've said arrivederci

The best bars in Woolloomooloo

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
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

Other things to do in Woolloomooloo

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)
Jenolan Caves
Travel

Jenolan Caves

Since Victorian times adventurers have been exploring this network of tunnels – fortunately you no longer need to be winched down on a chair

What's on in Woolloomooloo

Monster Jump
Things to do

Monster Jump

A huge inflatable obstacle course has bounced back into Sydney this school holidays – with a brand new location
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The Talented Mr. Ripley
Theatre

The Talented Mr. Ripley

  • 5 out of 5 stars
In Sydney Theatre Company’s new production, the infamous story of envy and deceit is executed with comic brilliance and a chilling, sociopathic undertone
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Bars

Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48

Be transported to the streets of Japan at this hidden oasis in the CBD post-work for a major spirit takeover
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Sydney Fringe
Things to do

Sydney Fringe

The fabulous Fringe is back this month with four full weeks of boundary-pushing entertainment and good old-fashioned fun
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
When Night Comes
Theatre

When Night Comes

Shake up your next date night (literally) with this immersive performance experience at the Sydney Fringe Fest
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Sydney Contemporary
Art

Sydney Contemporary

The boundary-pushing art fair is back with its biggest program to date – complete with talks, performances and contemporary art from more than 500 artists
Chinatown Night Market
Shopping

Chinatown Night Market

Every Friday night, Chinatown transforms into a vibrant night market selling Asian street food, desserts and more