A Local's Guide to Sydney's Best Eateries
For all those who like to take on a tasty adventure, Sydney should definitely find itself on your list.
Words, Peter Minkoff
As a proud Sydneysider and a globetrotter at heart, I can confidently say that few cities of the world can match the culinary bliss of Sydney. Fine, not everyone will agree, and you might prefer the Mediterranean tastes hiding in Greece, or the timeless French cuisine in the heart of Paris. However, for all foodies at heart, and for all those who like to take on a tasty adventure, Sydney should definitely find itself on your list.
But first things first, let’s demystify this city’s culinary map, and go over a few places that ought to be on your must-eat-there list. Some are well-known to locals as well as tourists, others are not so prominent, but they all come with a single promise: to give you a gastronomical experience you’ll never forget.
Photography, Black Star Pastry
Restaurant: Black Star Pastry
Location: Level 2/500 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
As a foodie with a sweet tooth myself, I could never underestimate the power of a strawberry cake. However, Black Star Pastry takes it a step further, and due to their simple, but ingenious recipe, they’ve earned somewhat of a worldwide reputation. It’s their strawberry-watermelon invention, the Alice-in-Wonderland-worthy dessert, that truly takes the cake, if you know what I mean.
Of course, they might be a humble pastry shop in a few notable locations in Sydney, but while you’re there, especially if you don’t go there every day, make sure you try the cake. Additionally, you can always pair it with a cup of creamy java. Plus, if you’re up for seconds, rest assured that the rest of their menu is equally astonishing. The pineapple-infused Dragon Cake is yet another perfect choice, and a personal favorite.
Photography, Nikki To
Restaurant: A1 Canteen
Location: 2-10 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Chippendale is the coolest of all cool kids when you compare and contrast Sydney’s many up-and-coming suburbs and neighborhoods. This is where all the fun and exciting projects are unraveling, and the delicious delights served at the local A1 Canteen are the most palate-teasing bites that fit this new cool vibe of the suburb. It’s the place where sandwiches come to life with the most imaginative possible combinations – do ask about muffuletta – and a simple mocha turns a hectic day into a meditative moment.
You’ll find the place packed with the local crowd, and no matter where you come from, you’ll feel right at home. The restaurant is based on simplicity in every way, and yet it provides an extraordinary experience even on a Tuesday.
Photography, Tom Ferguson
Restaurant: Single O
Location: 60-64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Now that I’ve mentioned where you can find that perfect mocha, here’s a place Sydneysiders know and love as a coffee marvel, so to speak. Single O is located in Surry Hills, and this somewhat small coffee shop is synonymous with excellence – they already have a legacy of delicious, specialty roasts any coffee connoisseur will adore.
Most of their coffee menu is changed seasonally, which means that you’ll encounter a new taste every time you head over there, and you will want to go back. Single O serves croissants that will complement their roasts perfectly, but if you find yourself ready for a full meal, don’t hesitate to try their banana bread with espresso butter, or their nutrient-dense Mothership Bowl with poached eggs and plenty of veggies, cheese, and grains.
Photography, Ellyna Tjohnardi
Restaurant: Ho Jiak
Location: 92 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Malaysian food, anyone? Because this Sydney favorite is a nook not too many tourists know about, so you’ll find yourself mingling with locals, and tasting contemporary takes on traditional Malaysian dishes, with a genuine Aussie twist.
Go hungry, because Ho Jiak menu deserves to fill your belly properly, and some of their classics include curry chicken with toasted coconut (you’ll find it on the menu under Kari Kay), and their traditional nasi goreng (fried rice) with wagyu steak. Whatever you’re in the mood for will send you straight to the exotic, flavorful corners of Malaysia and give you a new sense of wanderlust to head to these regions after you’re done exploring Sydney.
There you have it, a brief, but valuable list of eateries scattered on the map of Sydney, hidden among many other restaurants, coffee shops, and pastry shops you’ll be tempted to enter. Of course, craft your own must-eat checklist for this gorgeous seaside city in addition to this little guide, and your palate will be pleased and eager to return as soon as possible for an encore!