A small guide to Sydney's best food and drinks

A small guide to Sydney's best food and drinks

Hello there! With so many good restaurants in Sydney, choosing a place to eat can be quite overwhelming , so here are my recommendations for all types of budget. Just a piece of advice: for many restaurants, reservations are highly recommended or even mandatory, so plan accordingly and, if possible, try to book in advance. Better safe than sorry (and hungry) . Thank you and enjoy!
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For special occasions

Each meal should be special, but these are my picks for when you are feeling a bit extra .

Rockpool Bar & Grill
@claudiaspiandorim
Beautiful art deco style restaurant with a specialty beef menu and a large wine list . The bar is also a great option for pre-dinner drinks.
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Restaurant Hubert
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Wonderful french bistrot with a live jazz band. Great food, service and the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
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Chiswick Woollahra
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Lovely restaurant with a beautiful garden, seasonal menu and fresh ingredients. Ideal for a long lazy lunch.
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Civico 47
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Italian-inspired menu, with attentive service and warm ambiance.
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Bathers' Pavilion
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The perfect place for a celebration or just a relaxing meal with water views, in a classic and beautiful setting.
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Franca Brasserie
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Upscale brasserie with an extensive bar menu. The pan-fried gnocchi is an absolute must.
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Fred's
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Charming place with a rustic ambiance, perfect for a hearty sunday lunch.
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Cool and Buzzy

Alberto's Lounge
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Buzzy italian restaurant, with a great wine list. Super fun!
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10 William St
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Intimate bistro offering tasty dishes and a good selection of european wines in the heart of Paddington.
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NOUR
@claudiaspiandorim
Amazing lebanese flavours in a welcoming and cool setting.
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Pellegrino 2000
@claudiaspiandorim
Delicious italian cuisine in a warm ambiance with great service. A must try.
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Poly
@claudiaspiandorim
Cool wine bar serving tasty food, with friendly service and a great ambiance.
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Dear Sainte Éloise
@claudiaspiandorim
A lovely place for a good meal in the Kings Cross area. Great service.
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WyNo X Bodega
@claudiaspiandorim
Small and fun space, with good latin american tapas and a fantastic wine list.
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Barbetta
@claudiaspiandorim
Authentic italian cuisine in a more relaxed setting.
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The Boathouse Shelly Beach
@claudiaspiandorim
A charming and pleasant place for an informal meal in Shelly Beach, Manly.
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Quick bites

ALEX ‘N’ ROLLS
@claudiaspiandorim
Delicious banh mi and sticky rice in Marrickville. Always busy, try to go as soon as it opens, which can be tricky, since sometimes it stays closed for no apparent reason.
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Ume Burger
@claudiaspiandorim
Small joint serving very good japanese-inspired burgers. Fries are delicious too!
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Small's Deli
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THE place for tasty sandwiches in the Potts Point area.
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Sandoitchi Cafe
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Tiny eatery specialized in japanese sandwiches. The pork katsu sando is just divine.
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ONEA Café
@claudiaspiandorim
Best cheese truffle toastie in town. Good coffee too.
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Coogee Pavilion Ground Floor
@claudiaspiandorim
Good option for an after-beach meal. Highly recommend the fish and chips.
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Rollers Bakehouse
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Small hidden cafe with incredible savoury and sweet croissants. A great option for a quick meal in Manly.
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For a very happy hour

Maybe Sammy
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Amazing cocktail bar, with many interesting drinks. Great place for a fancy happy hour.
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Cantina OK!
@claudiaspiandorim
Fun place for great drinks and a nice chat, super nice staff. A little hidden gem in the heart of Sydney.
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Jangling Jack’s
@claudiaspiandorim
Amazing cocktail bar with attentive service in a warm and friendly setting.
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Marble Bar
@claudiaspiandorim
Beautiful bar in the CBD, good for pre-dinner drinks.
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Piccolo Bar Kings Cross
@claudiaspiandorim
A gem of a place for an aperitivo. Specially great if you are a vermouth lover.
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Paski Vineria Popolare
@claudiaspiandorim
Cosy wine bar with a great food menu as well.
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Cafe Freda’s
@claudiaspiandorim
Lively and unpretentious place for a relaxed happy hour.
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The Glenmore Hotel
@claudiaspiandorim
Drinks with a lovely view of the Opera House and Circular Quay.
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Coffee and sweets 

Gelato Messina Surry Hills
@claudiaspiandorim
For the best gelato in town, head to Messina and try their signature flavours and weekly specials. An unforgettable experience for ice cream lovers.
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Ada's Affair
@claudiaspiandorim
Great coffee with friendly service.
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Flour and Stone
@claudiaspiandorim
Small cafe serving delicious pastries and cakes.
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Humble Bakery
@claudiaspiandorim
Cute cafe with a good selection of bread and pastries.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am an enthusiastic traveller from Brazil, based in Lisbon, and in a love-affair with Australia since the late 80's. My passion in life has always been traveling around the world with my family. Together, we have particularly visited Australia many times, and will keep doing so since our daughter now lives in Sydney. Two years ago, my husband and I decided to make a life change in our 50's, and moved to Portugal. It has been an incredible experience and an important reminder that it is never too late to start living new adventures. Hope my guides help you with your own travels in some way. Thank you and let's keep exploring.
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