I’ve had this post in my draft box for a year because I was hoping to collect all the photos required for our ultimate what to eat in Sydney guide but alas, lockdown sucks π«.
This is our list of all of our favourite restaurants, bars and cafes we return to for their consistently delicious and affordable food. We have hyped most of these to our friends so now it’s your turn π. It’s a long post, categorized by types of cuisines, but it is a perfect summary of what Sydney has to offer for when you’re deciding on what to eat.
This is our list of all of our favourite restaurants, bars and cafes we return to for their consistently delicious and affordable food. We have hyped most of these to our friends so now it’s your turn π. It’s a long post, categorized by types of cuisines, but it is a perfect summary of what Sydney has to offer for when you’re deciding on what to eat.
Vietnamese
TUONG LAI (CABRAMATTA)
In Cabramatta, you’ll find Tuong Lai in one of its famous alleyways. This is a small Vietnamese restaurant that has been around for decades, serving the best cΖ‘m tαΊ₯m (grilled pork and rice). The pork has been consistently savoury and tender, on top of a fluffy bed of white rice with large portions of bi, cucumber, carrots and a fried egg. It is the only cΖ‘m tαΊ₯m that tastes like Vietnam for only $11 AUD. β
βOpen every day except Wednesdays. Average wait time 15 minutes.
π Shop 3/66-68 John St, Cabramatta 2166
EDIT 07/04/2022: ERROR FOUND!! Management changed and the pork chop rice is not the same πππ. The new “Tuong Lai” fry their porkchop like every other Vietnamese restaurant (because it’s the efficient/lazy but not the proper way). The portion is smaller, the cucumbers and carrots are slicedwrong differently, and the fish sauce dip is missing some garlic. Even the plates are different π. And the price increased by $2.
Up to you if you still want to try this place. We will not return (but keep the post up as a tribute to a legend).
In Cabramatta, you’ll find Tuong Lai in one of its famous alleyways. This is a small Vietnamese restaurant that has been around for decades, serving the best cΖ‘m tαΊ₯m (grilled pork and rice). The pork has been consistently savoury and tender, on top of a fluffy bed of white rice with large portions of bi, cucumber, carrots and a fried egg. It is the only cΖ‘m tαΊ₯m that tastes like Vietnam for only $11 AUD. β
βOpen every day except Wednesdays. Average wait time 15 minutes.
π Shop 3/66-68 John St, Cabramatta 2166
EDIT 07/04/2022: ERROR FOUND!! Management changed and the pork chop rice is not the same πππ. The new “Tuong Lai” fry their porkchop like every other Vietnamese restaurant (because it’s the efficient/lazy but not the proper way). The portion is smaller, the cucumbers and carrots are sliced
Up to you if you still want to try this place. We will not return (but keep the post up as a tribute to a legend).
2 FOODIES (MT. PRITCHARD)
If you are deciding what to eat, and want a cheap and delicious option, head to 2 Foodies: a restaurant located between a petrol station and a car wash π. Their herbal phα» (beef noodle soup) and and bΓ² kho (beef stew) are ones of the most flavourful, nourishing and satisfying broths we’ve ever devoured ππ», all for $11 (FULL REVIEW).
There are only 12 seats so there may be a queue (usually 10 minutes).
π 2/348 Elizabeth Dr, Mount Pritchard 2170
If you are deciding what to eat, and want a cheap and delicious option, head to 2 Foodies: a restaurant located between a petrol station and a car wash π. Their herbal phα» (beef noodle soup) and and bΓ² kho (beef stew) are ones of the most flavourful, nourishing and satisfying broths we’ve ever devoured ππ», all for $11 (FULL REVIEW).
There are only 12 seats so there may be a queue (usually 10 minutes).
π 2/348 Elizabeth Dr, Mount Pritchard 2170
HAI AU LANG NUONG (CANLEY VALE)
One of the things we miss about Vietnam is street food. Lucky for us, there is a restaurant with a huge menu of delicious grilled, drinking foods like baby pigs, snails, sweet-sour soups and bbq skewers. They also have random bright decor and the typical club beat music (you’ll know it when you hear it π) so it feels like being in Vietnam (FULL REVIEW). Best for dinner.
π 48 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Vale 2166
One of the things we miss about Vietnam is street food. Lucky for us, there is a restaurant with a huge menu of delicious grilled, drinking foods like baby pigs, snails, sweet-sour soups and bbq skewers. They also have random bright decor and the typical club beat music (you’ll know it when you hear it π) so it feels like being in Vietnam (FULL REVIEW). Best for dinner.
π 48 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Vale 2166
BANH MI (MULTIPLE)
BÑnh mì is a Vietnamese staple and there are some fineeeee bakeries around Sydney, perfect for a quick bite when deciding what to eat for lunch.
LEFT: The Cabramatta pork roll has been around for years, winning awards and starring on local TV. The secret is the extra scoop of sweet soy meatball sauce they pour into every roll, enhancing the traditional pork and veggies with its delicious and addicting aroma.
π The Hot Bread Shop – Shop 9/10-12 Hughes St, Cabramatta 2166
RIGHT: And the other is the famous Marrickville pork roll with its creamy butter, fresh pork liver pΓ’tΓ© and refreshing shredded pork. Be warned, there’s always a long queue for this one.
π Marrickville Pork Roll – 236A Illawarra Rd, Marrickville 2204 β β
BÑnh mì is a Vietnamese staple and there are some fineeeee bakeries around Sydney, perfect for a quick bite when deciding what to eat for lunch.
LEFT: The Cabramatta pork roll has been around for years, winning awards and starring on local TV. The secret is the extra scoop of sweet soy meatball sauce they pour into every roll, enhancing the traditional pork and veggies with its delicious and addicting aroma.
π The Hot Bread Shop – Shop 9/10-12 Hughes St, Cabramatta 2166
RIGHT: And the other is the famous Marrickville pork roll with its creamy butter, fresh pork liver pΓ’tΓ© and refreshing shredded pork. Be warned, there’s always a long queue for this one.
π Marrickville Pork Roll – 236A Illawarra Rd, Marrickville 2204 β β
Laos
LAO VILLAGE (FAIRFIELD)
We love the variety and quality of dishes at Lao Village. They have the best ox tongue, chicken feet salad and tom yum soup we’ve ever had. The best part is they serve balut (fertilized duck egg) and it has been consistently good!
π 29 Dale St, Fairfield 2165 β
We love the variety and quality of dishes at Lao Village. They have the best ox tongue, chicken feet salad and tom yum soup we’ve ever had. The best part is they serve balut (fertilized duck egg) and it has been consistently good!
π 29 Dale St, Fairfield 2165 β
SINGAPOREAN MALAY
TEMASEK (PARRAMATTA)
We recently discovered Temasek and oooft, our tastebuds are loving it! Hands down, this humbling restaurant in the alley serves the BEST Hainan chicken, laksa, and nasi goreng in Sydney. There is so much flavour in their cooking, we feel like we’re in Asia every time we eat it π€€ (FULL REVIEW).
π 71 George St, Parramatta, AU 2150.
We recently discovered Temasek and oooft, our tastebuds are loving it! Hands down, this humbling restaurant in the alley serves the BEST Hainan chicken, laksa, and nasi goreng in Sydney. There is so much flavour in their cooking, we feel like we’re in Asia every time we eat it π€€ (FULL REVIEW).
π 71 George St, Parramatta, AU 2150.
Chinese
NEW SHANGHAI (ASHFIELD)
When we crave dumplings, we always drive the 45 minutes for New Shanghai in Ashfield, spending the entire car ride discussing what to eat from their huge selection of scrumptious dumplings. Their handmade XLB and pork dumplings are the bomb! (FULL REVIEW)
Queue 1 hour during peak hour.
π 273 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield 2131 β
When we crave dumplings, we always drive the 45 minutes for New Shanghai in Ashfield, spending the entire car ride discussing what to eat from their huge selection of scrumptious dumplings. Their handmade XLB and pork dumplings are the bomb! (FULL REVIEW)
Queue 1 hour during peak hour.
π 273 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield 2131 β
VINH PHAT (CABRAMATTA)
Any local who is Asian or living in South-West Sydney will tell you Vinh Phat is one of the best places to get your yum cha fix (American: dim sum). They have been constantly delicious, cheap and efficient in their service.
Average wait time: 45 minutes. (On special occasions: 2 hour wait).
π 12/10 Hughes St, Cabramatta 2166
Another option is Phoenix (Rhodes) however this is more of a touristy spot and is often a lot more packed due to its location. Average wait time is now 2 hours post-lockdown at Phoenix.
Any local who is Asian or living in South-West Sydney will tell you Vinh Phat is one of the best places to get your yum cha fix (American: dim sum). They have been constantly delicious, cheap and efficient in their service.
Average wait time: 45 minutes. (On special occasions: 2 hour wait).
π 12/10 Hughes St, Cabramatta 2166
Another option is Phoenix (Rhodes) however this is more of a touristy spot and is often a lot more packed due to its location. Average wait time is now 2 hours post-lockdown at Phoenix.
MR. STONEBOWL (BURWOOD)
We’ve been visiting Mr Stone Bowl a lot recently because that salted duck egg crab is soooo addicting π€€. The other day we had 3 crabs and 5 other dishes between the four of us. This is a great spot for fresh and delicious Chinese food. The service is very efficient too
(FULL REVIEW).
π 185C Burwood Rd, Burwood 2134
We’ve been visiting Mr Stone Bowl a lot recently because that salted duck egg crab is soooo addicting π€€. The other day we had 3 crabs and 5 other dishes between the four of us. This is a great spot for fresh and delicious Chinese food. The service is very efficient too
(FULL REVIEW).
π 185C Burwood Rd, Burwood 2134
HOTPOT
This is a delicious Chinese cuisine of simmering flavourful broth and cooking meats, seafood and vegetables right before devouring it. It is the perfect Winter meal when deciding what to eat to warm up the soul π€€.
We’ve been to a few around Sydney:
This is a delicious Chinese cuisine of simmering flavourful broth and cooking meats, seafood and vegetables right before devouring it. It is the perfect Winter meal when deciding what to eat to warm up the soul π€€.
We’ve been to a few around Sydney:
- The Dolar Shop (Haymarket): luxurious, 10/10 service, premium meats
- Spice World (Haymarket): Barbie hotpot, robotic waitress
- Legend Hot Pot (Burwood): $50 for all-you-can-eat, 2 hour limit
- No. 1 Malatang (Burwood): hotpot served individually, $8 a bowl
- Haidilao ζ΅·εΊζ (Chatswood): premium quality and service, reminds me of a boujee airport π they provide mouthwash/toothbrushes too
Korean
JANG TA BAL (STRATHFIELD)
We have been loyal customers to JTB for 7 years. We’ve tried other KBBQ restaurants too but we always end up back with JTB because the meat is of high quality, the egg soup is delicious and James (owner) is a great guy, handing out free alcohol and egg soups π₯°.
π 48A The Boulevarde, Strathfield 2135
EDIT 16/12/2021: We recently ate here twice post NSW lockdown 2021 and sad to say, the quality has dropped tremendously since ownership and location changed. Why James, Why!!! The first day out of lockdown, it was still decent however a month later, we thought the cuts of meat were heavily reliant on fatty pieces, the egg soup was too watery and the beef tartare was an oddish, grey colour. It was also warm π«. I’ll keep this up for the time being until we find a new KBBQ place worthy of your time, money and appetite.
We have been loyal customers to JTB for 7 years. We’ve tried other KBBQ restaurants too but we always end up back with JTB because the meat is of high quality, the egg soup is delicious and James (owner) is a great guy, handing out free alcohol and egg soups π₯°.
π 48A The Boulevarde, Strathfield 2135
EDIT 16/12/2021: We recently ate here twice post NSW lockdown 2021 and sad to say, the quality has dropped tremendously since ownership and location changed. Why James, Why!!! The first day out of lockdown, it was still decent however a month later, we thought the cuts of meat were heavily reliant on fatty pieces, the egg soup was too watery and the beef tartare was an oddish, grey colour. It was also warm π«. I’ll keep this up for the time being until we find a new KBBQ place worthy of your time, money and appetite.
MANDOO β(STRATHFIELD)
Thanks to A for this discovery, we have fallen in love with these delicious, succulent Korean dumplings. Some of the flavours are bugolgi, prawns, and kimchi dumplings. These are fresh hand-made dumplings, steamed and served with a side of ginger and kimchi. We normally enjoy them at the small restaurant however on this day, we ordered 5 servings takeaway.
π 12A The Boulevarde, Strathfield 2135
Thanks to A for this discovery, we have fallen in love with these delicious, succulent Korean dumplings. Some of the flavours are bugolgi, prawns, and kimchi dumplings. These are fresh hand-made dumplings, steamed and served with a side of ginger and kimchi. We normally enjoy them at the small restaurant however on this day, we ordered 5 servings takeaway.
π 12A The Boulevarde, Strathfield 2135
Japanese
MAPPEN (TOWN HALL)
We love Mappen for their humbling meals as it’s the only homey and affordable place in Sydney. My go-to order for the last 7 years has been the medium, hot, mentaiko ontama bukkake with extra ontama π€€ (FULL REVIEW).
π 537-551 George St, Sydney 2000
We love Mappen for their humbling meals as it’s the only homey and affordable place in Sydney. My go-to order for the last 7 years has been the medium, hot, mentaiko ontama bukkake with extra ontama π€€ (FULL REVIEW).
π 537-551 George St, Sydney 2000
CHACO BAR (DARLINGHURST)
This is a very unique restaurant offering a yakitori tasting menu and omakase seating. Their menus use high-quality ingredients and genius creativity to deliver a taste of cosy Japan to Sydneysiders in a luxurious style (FULL REVIEW 2020 and YAKITORI OMAKASE 2021). This is the sort of place you would go on a date night. They also have a ramen franchise and a tempura omakase franchise.
π 186-188 Victoria St, Potts Point 2010
This is a very unique restaurant offering a yakitori tasting menu and omakase seating. Their menus use high-quality ingredients and genius creativity to deliver a taste of cosy Japan to Sydneysiders in a luxurious style (FULL REVIEW 2020 and YAKITORI OMAKASE 2021). This is the sort of place you would go on a date night. They also have a ramen franchise and a tempura omakase franchise.
π 186-188 Victoria St, Potts Point 2010
SIMULATION SENPAI (HAYMARKET)
Simulation Senpai does premium takeaway sashimi and nigiri bento boxes, and are one of the few good things to come out of Covid19 2020. We’ve had this twice and loved the luxurious sashimi from the comfort of our home (FULL REVIEW). They’ve now opened a permanent location in Haymarket.
π 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Simulation Senpai does premium takeaway sashimi and nigiri bento boxes, and are one of the few good things to come out of Covid19 2020. We’ve had this twice and loved the luxurious sashimi from the comfort of our home (FULL REVIEW). They’ve now opened a permanent location in Haymarket.
π 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
OMAKASE with CHEF SANO (PYRMONT)
There are lots of omakase options in Sydney and we’re slowly working our way down the list but comparing IG/menus to what we’ve tried, hands down the BEST omakase sitting resembling Michelin stars in Tokyo is with Chef Sano. From quality to value to the experience, this omakase is absolutely top-notch.
The only downside is he is leaving π’ππ»ββοΈ (FULL REVIEW).
π Sokyo at the Star Casino.
Other omakase to try:
There are lots of omakase options in Sydney and we’re slowly working our way down the list but comparing IG/menus to what we’ve tried, hands down the BEST omakase sitting resembling Michelin stars in Tokyo is with Chef Sano. From quality to value to the experience, this omakase is absolutely top-notch.
The only downside is he is leaving π’ππ»ββοΈ (FULL REVIEW).
π Sokyo at the Star Casino.
Other omakase to try:
- KUON Omakase (Haymarket) (FULL REVIEW)
- Sushi E Omakase (Wynyard) (FULL REVIEW COMING SOON)
- Sushi Oe Omakase (Cammeray) (FULL REVIEW COMING SOON)
- Yoshii’s Omakase (FULL REVIEW COMING SOON)
Lebanese
HAWA CHICKEN (GRANVILLE) (Not our photo)
If it’s one thing Lebanese people have conquered, it is their delicious charcoal chicken ππ». For the past decade, El Jannah’s has populated the market but we reckon Hawa Chicken is the shizz for those wanting to eat a crispy, succulent and addicting chicken. They’re also generous with serving size, price and condiments.
π 43-45 South St, Granville 2142
For traditional Lebanese food, we’re gonna give a shoutout to the B family (our second home) because nothing beats homemade hummus, baba ganoush, mnazeleh and whatever else these amazing people are always feeding us π We’ll happily trade a kidney for Mary’s cooking. β
If it’s one thing Lebanese people have conquered, it is their delicious charcoal chicken ππ». For the past decade, El Jannah’s has populated the market but we reckon Hawa Chicken is the shizz for those wanting to eat a crispy, succulent and addicting chicken. They’re also generous with serving size, price and condiments.
π 43-45 South St, Granville 2142
For traditional Lebanese food, we’re gonna give a shoutout to the B family (our second home) because nothing beats homemade hummus, baba ganoush, mnazeleh and whatever else these amazing people are always feeding us π We’ll happily trade a kidney for Mary’s cooking. β
Italian
DA MARIO (ROSEBERY)
Whenever we crave pasta (and not a home-cooked version), we head up to Da Mario in Rosebery for their wood-fired pizzas, al dente pasta and special daily menus. Over the years, they have been consistently delicious and on time with their dishes. This is our go-to spot for double dates because just outside the restaurant, there’s Archie Rose (gin distillery and bar) and Messina (ice cream) π.
π Shop 1/36 Morley Ave, Rosebery 2018
Whenever we crave pasta (and not a home-cooked version), we head up to Da Mario in Rosebery for their wood-fired pizzas, al dente pasta and special daily menus. Over the years, they have been consistently delicious and on time with their dishes. This is our go-to spot for double dates because just outside the restaurant, there’s Archie Rose (gin distillery and bar) and Messina (ice cream) π.
π Shop 1/36 Morley Ave, Rosebery 2018
PICTURE COMING SOON
MARIO’s PIZZERIA (CROYDON)
I judge my Italian restaurants based on their lasagnas and Mario’s Pizzeria have not disappointed me at all in the last 8 years. They have an extensive pasta and pizza menu, with a weekly specials menu, for those who cannot decide what to eat. And Mario still works the oven, so you know you’re getting quality results π.
Closed on Mondays
π 81 Edwin St N, Croydon, AU 2132
MARIO’s PIZZERIA (CROYDON)
I judge my Italian restaurants based on their lasagnas and Mario’s Pizzeria have not disappointed me at all in the last 8 years. They have an extensive pasta and pizza menu, with a weekly specials menu, for those who cannot decide what to eat. And Mario still works the oven, so you know you’re getting quality results π.
Closed on Mondays
π 81 Edwin St N, Croydon, AU 2132
Burgers
MISTER GEE BURGERS (MULTIPLE)
We are always talking about this burger joint. For 5 years, whenever we have a heavy carb craving, we head out for the famous burger truck to get the OG truffle. Over the years, their brioche bun has changed a bit but this has not diminished their quality. They also do fried cinnamon doughnuts now! We unexpectedly got free ones last time because they’re just great peeps with excellent customer service π
Opens Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun, usually 6-10 PM. Check their IG for more information.
π 315 Parramatta Rd, Haberfield 2045
π 16 George St, North Strathfield 2137 β
We are always talking about this burger joint. For 5 years, whenever we have a heavy carb craving, we head out for the famous burger truck to get the OG truffle. Over the years, their brioche bun has changed a bit but this has not diminished their quality. They also do fried cinnamon doughnuts now! We unexpectedly got free ones last time because they’re just great peeps with excellent customer service π
Opens Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun, usually 6-10 PM. Check their IG for more information.
π 315 Parramatta Rd, Haberfield 2045
π 16 George St, North Strathfield 2137 β
Bar
SMOKIN ACES COCKTAIL BAR (CANLEY HEIGHTS)
This bar is the absolute perfect spot for a messy Saturday night with strong alcoholic cocktails, vibing music and delicious savoury finger foods. GET THE TEMPURA EGGPLANT! It’s the best dish on the menu. We have been to this bar every single month to try all their menus and we always order everything (and 3 of the eggplants π).
Also, Irene and Jason are great owners/hosts, constantly checking up on everyone and asking for feedback to improve their work. EVEN MARLO SHOWED UP TO THE BAR! π
π 278A Canley Vale Road, Canley Heights NSW 2166
This bar is the absolute perfect spot for a messy Saturday night with strong alcoholic cocktails, vibing music and delicious savoury finger foods. GET THE TEMPURA EGGPLANT! It’s the best dish on the menu. We have been to this bar every single month to try all their menus and we always order everything (and 3 of the eggplants π).
Also, Irene and Jason are great owners/hosts, constantly checking up on everyone and asking for feedback to improve their work. EVEN MARLO SHOWED UP TO THE BAR! π
π 278A Canley Vale Road, Canley Heights NSW 2166
Cafes
There are soooooo many cafes to try in Sydney. We never wake up early enough for brunch so when we do, we usually decide what to eat based on what’s trending on Instagram.
Some of our favourites have been:
Some of our favourites have been:
- Bare Witness (Rhodes) (FULL REVIEW)
- Auvers Cafe (Rhodes) & (Haymarket) (FULL REVIEW)
- Valet (Cabaramatta) (FULL REVIEW).
High Tea
I think high tea is a waste of money because the concept is often overpriced for above-average sandwiches. I’d rather use that money for a full course meal. However, I recently went with my girls and it was nice catching up with them in a classy way at the esteemed QVB Tea Room (Town Hall). That, or I’m becoming more feminine π€.
A few others I’ve tried was the Tea Cosy (The Rocks) and the Alibi Bar (Woolloomooloo). Both had similar classy vibes, finger food and enjoyable company.
π 455 George St, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 2000
A few others I’ve tried was the Tea Cosy (The Rocks) and the Alibi Bar (Woolloomooloo). Both had similar classy vibes, finger food and enjoyable company.
π 455 George St, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 2000
Fine Dining
At the time of this post, our favourite fine dining restaurants in Sydney are:
Thank you for reading! Happy eating, friends! ππ
- Automata (FULL REVIEW)
- Nel. Restaurant (FULL REVIEW)
- Tetsuya’s (FULL REVIEW)
Thank you for reading! Happy eating, friends! ππ
I am incessantly thought about this, thanks for posting.