Woolloomooloo Wharf
Photograph: Chris Ting

Woolloomooloo area guide

Restaurants, bars, shops and events in Woolloomooloo
Advertising

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

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Restaurants

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

  • 4 out of 5 stars
The legendary Neapolitan pizzeria has landed in Sydney, serving $18 Margheritas and a sprinkle of 'Eat Pray Love' – minus the jetlag
Rick Stein at Coogee Beach
Restaurants

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

  • 4 out of 5 stars
The adored British chef’s third Aussie venue has moved into a prize spot on Coogee’s beachfront – finally bringing his cult fish and chips to Sydney
The Palomar
Restaurants

The Palomar

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4
The Palomar is a genuinely unique new addition to Sydney's dining scene
Grandfathers
Restaurants

Grandfathers

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Taking up shop in the former Long Chim site is this red-and-black succulent Chinese diner by some of Sydney’s finest – bring your pop
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
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
South End
Restaurants

South End

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Forget the wild northern end of Newtown – it’s about time you wandered down the south end
Chez Crix
Restaurants

Chez Crix

  • 5 out of 5 stars
The Cricketer’s in Surry Hills has long been a pub for the youths and the young at heart. Uni students, skaters, hospo workers – as well as...

The best bars in Woolloomooloo

Dead Set
Bars

Dead Set

Darlinghurst's new underground rock venue is a gift to Sydney's after-dark scene
The Bristol
Bars

The Bristol

  • 4 out of 5 stars
The historic CBD pub is back after a four-year hiatus, housing five venues under one roof (and one on top) – and it's a cracker
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)
Sydney Opera House
Theatre

Sydney Opera House

Sydney's iconic performing arts venue is one of the most photographed (and controversial) buildings in the world

What's on in Woolloomooloo

Pool by Pier Bar
Things to do

Pool by Pier Bar

Sydney's pop-up floating pontoon is back – this time with an Amalfi-coded makeover (and yes, you can order cocktails to your sun lounger)
Banksy Limitless
Art

Banksy Limitless

Opening at The Rocks in April, this exhibition showcases more than 250 provocative works by the world-famous elusive street artist
Purpose
Theatre

Purpose

  • 5 out of 5 stars
In an exciting coup, the most awarded new American play of 2025 is on now at STC's Wharf 1 Theatre
Biennale of Sydney
Art

Biennale of Sydney

Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival returns for its 25th edition – and it’s completely free
The Yard Party
Things to do

The Yard Party

The Marrickville Timberyards are hosting a one-day-only community event with food trucks, live entertainment, and kids' activities
Paid content
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Things to do

Sydney Royal Easter Show

Get ready for action-packed days of family fun, thrilling rides, adorable animals, fresh produce and, of course, showbags galore
Head Over Heels
Theatre

Head Over Heels

  • 5 out of 5 stars
The jukebox musical featuring iconic songs of The Go-Go's is a joyous celebration of queerness and creativity