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

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
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
Eleven Barrack
Restaurants

Eleven Barrack

  • 5 out of 5 stars
This classy steak and seafood grill comes with loads of surprise factor
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
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Restaurants

Rockpool Bar & Grill

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
This legendary Sydney fine diner is still at the top of its game even after all these years – proving the classics never go out of style
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
20 Chapel
Restaurants

20 Chapel

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Fire forms the foundation of this smart Marrickville bistro, which delivers on nostalgia and deliciousness in equal measure

The best bars in Woolloomooloo

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
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
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

Manly to Spit coastal walk
Sport and fitness

Manly to Spit coastal walk

This ten-kilometre trek is best approached from Spit if you want to reward yourself with snacks at the finish line

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
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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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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Art After Hours
Art

Art After Hours

Head to AGNSW after work on Wednesdays for free films, live music, art lectures and celebrity talks
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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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
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