The Best Restaurants In Sydney, According To Local Tastemakers
The culinary scene in Sydney is eclectic and ever-expanding, so where do those in the know go to eat? From nostalgic family favorites to brilliant date-night spots, five tastemakers share their most-loved restaurants in the city. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Marloe Morgan, co-founder of ceramics design studio Marloe Marloe
“It is definitely a challenge to choose a favorite restaurant in Sydney. The culinary scene is world-class and the city is teeming with incredibly talented chefs. If I had to choose one place, I would say Ester in Chippendale is an all-time favorite. The dining room is always full of life and the wood-fire oven really sets the tone of the dining experience. The food is impeccable and the wine list is even better. My husband, James, and I often joke that neither of us is allowed to dine in any of our favorite restaurants without the other – and this is definitely one of those restaurants.” @marloemarloe
Tamsin Johnson, interior designer
“Restaurant Hubert is our go-to date spot. It’s underground, in the middle of Sydney’s CBD [Central Business District], with timber-lined walls, carpet, low lighting and live jazz on Thursday nights. I like to sit near the stage, but one tier back, so you can still have a conversation. We order the whole chicken, the spicy gratin, seasoned fries and crème caramel for dessert. The restaurant also does amazing martinis.
“Continental Deli in Newtown is my favorite for Sunday lunch with the kids. I love to either sit in the private room upstairs or in the window table facing the street, mainly so the kids aren't too noisy for other patrons. This place does amazing homemade negronis, served in a can, and we generally order food to share. The meatball sandwich is a must, as are the cheeses, pickled goods and charcuteries.” @tamsinjohnson
Louise Olsen, co-founder of jewelry and homeware brand Dinosaur Designs
“I love dining at the iconic Seans, located across the road from North Bondi Beach. It’s the cutest restaurant – a farmhouse kitchen by the sea. [Owner] Sean Moran serves the most delicious, locally and seasonally sourced food, growing much of his produce on his Blue Mountains farm. The food is homely and comforting. To start, you are always welcomed with a basket of homemade malt scrolls and bread served with the best butter, salt and olive oil; for entrée and main, I love the kingfish crudo, the roast chook [chicken], the Murray cod, or there’s always the most amazing handmade pasta on the menu, too. The room is bathed in sunlight, although even on a wet day there’s a certain charm about it, and you can hear Bondi’s crashing waves. The room Sean has created is one of an artist – the lights are made from scallop shells, and oyster and mussel shells line the ceiling to create a whale. The walls are adorned with works of local artists. It’s a space that is warm, welcoming and full of love; one of Sydney’s most delicious gems.” @dinosaur_designs
Ilona Hamer, co-founder of Matteau
“My husband and I used to live around the corner from 10 William St in Paddington and would go there weekly. It's one of my favorite places in the world – great food and wine, and the atmosphere is always warm and relaxed. The banquette window table is the best seat in the house, so stake it out early in the afternoon and start your experience with a negroni – and the pretzel and whipped bottarga.” @matteau
Louise Zhang, artist
“Food is memory and nostalgia. My go-to when I’m feeling down is the Cơm tấm sườn chả trứng [Com Tam Suon Cha Trung, a rice dish with shredded pork, grilled pork chop, pork loaf and fried egg] at Huong Giang in Marrickville. I’ve been going there since I was a kid. While many places make this dish, it is the absolute best at Huong Giang – especially because of the homemade pickles. If you’re feeling like you need some warmth, try my dad’s favorite: the spicy beef noodle soup. Sometimes I get it when I’m missing him. Huong Giang is a family-run restaurant that does all it can to give you the best experience of homemade dishes. To drink, I order a Vietnamese lemon soda or the house tea – then the best memories of growing up in multicultural Marrickville, and going on secret lunch trips with dad, instantly come back to me.” @louisezhang
Huong Giang, 87 Marrickville Rd, NSW 2204 (the restaurant has no website)