Guidebook for Paddington
Food Scene
When I lived around the corner from here, Baccomatto became my local diner. Super friendly restaurant located under the Cambridge Inn. Late afternoons you can see the chef rolling out their homemade pasta dough on the super long marble bar. Their wine list is great. Ask for Xanthe, Carol or Michael and tell them Lucia sent you and they will be sure to look after you. (A complimentary limoncello may even be offered if they take a shine to you). Bookings recommended as it's super popular.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Baccomatto Osteria
162-164 Barker StreetWhen I lived around the corner from here, Baccomatto became my local diner. Super friendly restaurant located under the Cambridge Inn. Late afternoons you can see the chef rolling out their homemade pasta dough on the super long marble bar. Their wine list is great. Ask for Xanthe, Carol or Michael and tell them Lucia sent you and they will be sure to look after you. (A complimentary limoncello may even be offered if they take a shine to you). Bookings recommended as it's super popular.
It's an institution. A 15 min walk from West Street, the franchinsed brand started in these premises. Beautiful breads, pastries and coffees. A little shambolic at times, it's retained its original charm and there are tables and chairs outside to scoff down whatever treats you've just yielded to.
324 recommandé par les habitants
Bourke Street Bakery Surry Hills
633 Bourke StIt's an institution. A 15 min walk from West Street, the franchinsed brand started in these premises. Beautiful breads, pastries and coffees. A little shambolic at times, it's retained its original charm and there are tables and chairs outside to scoff down whatever treats you've just yielded to.
I've tried pretty much every restaurant along Dixon St. For al fresco dining, Nine Dragons is the pick. Consistently good food, including their yum cha selection. If you're there on a Friday night you can also enjoy the passing parade of the Dixon Street markets.
Nine Dragons
45 Dixon StI've tried pretty much every restaurant along Dixon St. For al fresco dining, Nine Dragons is the pick. Consistently good food, including their yum cha selection. If you're there on a Friday night you can also enjoy the passing parade of the Dixon Street markets.
A Sydney institution! Open until 4am, this is where all the best Sydney chefs go to eat after they've done service at their own restaurants. If you like tofu, try the salt & pepper tofu. A house specialty is their pippes in XO sauce. At peak times there'll be a wait, but from 11pm onwards you should be able to get a table immediately. They don't really do dessert, but you will be given complimentary watermelon and a small biscuit or tart once you finish your main meal. It can get a bit expensive when you add alcohol but if you're interested in a slap-up Chinese feast with fantastic seafood, I wouldn't go past the GC.
104 recommandé par les habitants
Golden Century Seafood Restaurant
393 Sussex StreetA Sydney institution! Open until 4am, this is where all the best Sydney chefs go to eat after they've done service at their own restaurants. If you like tofu, try the salt & pepper tofu. A house specialty is their pippes in XO sauce. At peak times there'll be a wait, but from 11pm onwards you should be able to get a table immediately. They don't really do dessert, but you will be given complimentary watermelon and a small biscuit or tart once you finish your main meal. It can get a bit expensive when you add alcohol but if you're interested in a slap-up Chinese feast with fantastic seafood, I wouldn't go past the GC.
Commonly referenced as the best coffee, this hole in the wall is worth swinging by, particularly if you're walking to Central Station. Reservoir is a buzzy little street too. Lots of ad agencies, designers, start-ups and tech companies are located in the area so it's got a bit of a vibe.
68 recommandé par les habitants
Single O Surry Hills
64 Reservoir StCommonly referenced as the best coffee, this hole in the wall is worth swinging by, particularly if you're walking to Central Station. Reservoir is a buzzy little street too. Lots of ad agencies, designers, start-ups and tech companies are located in the area so it's got a bit of a vibe.
One place I miss having moved from Surry Hills, is the Bamboo Dumpling Bar. It's a funny little spot attached to the Royal Albert Hotel. It won't win any Michelin stars for its dumplings but the food is comforting and yummy (the char siu bowl is recommended) and it's a lovely cosy spot and super friendly. And it's cheap.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Bamboo Dumpling Bar
140 Commonwealth StOne place I miss having moved from Surry Hills, is the Bamboo Dumpling Bar. It's a funny little spot attached to the Royal Albert Hotel. It won't win any Michelin stars for its dumplings but the food is comforting and yummy (the char siu bowl is recommended) and it's a lovely cosy spot and super friendly. And it's cheap.
The Village Inn is my local. A refurbished pub with a good solid pub grub menu; steaks, schnitzels, poke bowls, roasts on Sunday. I've selected it more for the vibe and convenience than suggesting it's the best dining option in Sydney. But the fare is, well, more than fair!
18 recommandé par les habitants
The Village Inn Paddington
9-11 Glenmore RdThe Village Inn is my local. A refurbished pub with a good solid pub grub menu; steaks, schnitzels, poke bowls, roasts on Sunday. I've selected it more for the vibe and convenience than suggesting it's the best dining option in Sydney. But the fare is, well, more than fair!
The cutest little cafe in Surry Hills, in my opinion. Perched on top of retaining wall, its open-air bench makes for a great spot in the sun, watching the parade passing by on Crown St. If you need a healthy hit of goodness, try the quinoa bircher muesli with sliced fruit and their homemade apple and green tea jelly cubes. Everything I've eaten there has been super fresh, organic and delicious. There's a slight Japanese influence to some of their food, but it makes for an interesting fusion, rather than it being confronting. Highly recommended.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Organism
288 Crown StThe cutest little cafe in Surry Hills, in my opinion. Perched on top of retaining wall, its open-air bench makes for a great spot in the sun, watching the parade passing by on Crown St. If you need a healthy hit of goodness, try the quinoa bircher muesli with sliced fruit and their homemade apple and green tea jelly cubes. Everything I've eaten there has been super fresh, organic and delicious. There's a slight Japanese influence to some of their food, but it makes for an interesting fusion, rather than it being confronting. Highly recommended.
Fast becoming a Surry Hills institution. Reuben Hills does wonderful meals and quirky sides. Their milkshakes are evil (Salted Caramel, Peppermint Aero, Rocky Road ... they change frequently) and I have friends who've travelled from four suburbs away just to slurp one. It gets busy like all good cafes, so get there early if you want a seat immediately, or be prepared to wait up to 20 mins.
109 recommandé par les habitants
Reuben Hills
61 Albion StFast becoming a Surry Hills institution. Reuben Hills does wonderful meals and quirky sides. Their milkshakes are evil (Salted Caramel, Peppermint Aero, Rocky Road ... they change frequently) and I have friends who've travelled from four suburbs away just to slurp one. It gets busy like all good cafes, so get there early if you want a seat immediately, or be prepared to wait up to 20 mins.
From the outside, it just looks like a cool, inviting bar. And it is, but keep walking further in and you'll arrive at a small restaurant. I've eaten there recently and every dish was excellent. One of the lesser-known Paddington haunts but just as good as any restaurant you'll find on Oxford St. Recommended. (bookings advised)
79 recommandé par les habitants
The Wine Library
18 Oxford StFrom the outside, it just looks like a cool, inviting bar. And it is, but keep walking further in and you'll arrive at a small restaurant. I've eaten there recently and every dish was excellent. One of the lesser-known Paddington haunts but just as good as any restaurant you'll find on Oxford St. Recommended. (bookings advised)
This isn't a restaurant but no other option was quite right. If you like kebabs then you'll be in heaven. This is the Indian version; naan bread filled with tandoori chicken fillets or falafels, with your choice of curry sauce and other fillings. It's a super popular pit stop for late-night revellers, some of whom can be a bit wobbly on their feet and are therefore in great need of this tasty, calorie-laden carb blotter. Not to be eaten too often, but an absolute delight if you're starving and want to get down and dirty (which is no reflection on the hygiene of the diner, btw). Two minutes from home too!
11 recommandé par les habitants
Indian Home Diner
86 Oxford StThis isn't a restaurant but no other option was quite right. If you like kebabs then you'll be in heaven. This is the Indian version; naan bread filled with tandoori chicken fillets or falafels, with your choice of curry sauce and other fillings. It's a super popular pit stop for late-night revellers, some of whom can be a bit wobbly on their feet and are therefore in great need of this tasty, calorie-laden carb blotter. Not to be eaten too often, but an absolute delight if you're starving and want to get down and dirty (which is no reflection on the hygiene of the diner, btw). Two minutes from home too!
Relaxed, casual Japanese restaurant with the usual fare but also some unexpected treats. I've been to Japan 8-10 times but some of the menu items at Maeda are new to me. And worth experimenting with if you're feeling adventurous. That said, the majority of the menu is what you'd expect from a Japanese restaurant. There's an outdoor section too which is lovely for a summer al fresco meal.
Maeda Japanese Restaurant
2A Heeley StRelaxed, casual Japanese restaurant with the usual fare but also some unexpected treats. I've been to Japan 8-10 times but some of the menu items at Maeda are new to me. And worth experimenting with if you're feeling adventurous. That said, the majority of the menu is what you'd expect from a Japanese restaurant. There's an outdoor section too which is lovely for a summer al fresco meal.
I get home delivery from here a lot. It's quick, super fresh and consistently good. I haven't dined in the restaurant but it's a fairly standard set up. Very close to Taylor Square so it's handy if you're exploring that area.
I am Siam
185 Campbell StI get home delivery from here a lot. It's quick, super fresh and consistently good. I haven't dined in the restaurant but it's a fairly standard set up. Very close to Taylor Square so it's handy if you're exploring that area.
When you're in Sydney you presumably want to feel as if you're in Sydney, so perhaps this isn't the most obvious spot to dine. But it's lovely. An authentic French high-end bistro (popular, large and noisy) tucked down a little laneway that's worth exploring anyway. $$$
10 recommandé par les habitants
Felix
2 Ash StWhen you're in Sydney you presumably want to feel as if you're in Sydney, so perhaps this isn't the most obvious spot to dine. But it's lovely. An authentic French high-end bistro (popular, large and noisy) tucked down a little laneway that's worth exploring anyway. $$$
Bills is another Sydney institution. This is where it all started, but Bills is in far-flung locations like Harajuku in Tokyo now too. His ricotta pancakes are what put this place on the map. You are a mere 5-10 mins walk from culinary greatness. Wear loose fitting clothing so you can eat up!
88 recommandé par les habitants
Bills
433 Liverpool StBills is another Sydney institution. This is where it all started, but Bills is in far-flung locations like Harajuku in Tokyo now too. His ricotta pancakes are what put this place on the map. You are a mere 5-10 mins walk from culinary greatness. Wear loose fitting clothing so you can eat up!
Harry's is legendary. There are a few dotted around Sydney but the one to go to is on Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf. Late at night you'll find everyone from cab drivers to people in ballgowns and tourists scoffing pies. Mushy peas and gravy optional! Scotchgard your frock. It can get messy. But it's worth it! With views over Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island and Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf too.
80 recommandé par les habitants
Harry's Cafe de Wheels
Cowper Wharf RoadwayHarry's is legendary. There are a few dotted around Sydney but the one to go to is on Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf. Late at night you'll find everyone from cab drivers to people in ballgowns and tourists scoffing pies. Mushy peas and gravy optional! Scotchgard your frock. It can get messy. But it's worth it! With views over Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island and Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf too.
Drinks & Nightlife
A little hole in the wall, Cafe Lounge feels as if someone's garage has been converted into a hang for friends to enjoy music, comedy and open mic nights. Which is pretty much what it's about. It's rustic, relaxed and fun. Nothing fancy but always a great DJ and interesting line-up of events nightly. Check their website for what's on. You can get food there too, but it's fuel rather than anything fancy.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Lounge
A little hole in the wall, Cafe Lounge feels as if someone's garage has been converted into a hang for friends to enjoy music, comedy and open mic nights. Which is pretty much what it's about. It's rustic, relaxed and fun. Nothing fancy but always a great DJ and interesting line-up of events nightly. Check their website for what's on. You can get food there too, but it's fuel rather than anything fancy.
If you're up for something a bit peculiar, Texas Chainsaw Trivia is an altogether different brand of trivia night. Hosted by J Katz, Coffin Ed and Miss Death, it skews towards pop culture. Always fun and sometimes downright bizarre.
92 recommandé par les habitants
Darlo Bar
306 Liverpool StIf you're up for something a bit peculiar, Texas Chainsaw Trivia is an altogether different brand of trivia night. Hosted by J Katz, Coffin Ed and Miss Death, it skews towards pop culture. Always fun and sometimes downright bizarre.
Not alot of tourists know about this place beause it's upstairs at Circular Quay and many don't even see it. It's a lovely bar with views over the ferries and Harbour Bridge. Particularly joyous mid to late afternoon when the sun streams in. It's a pretty place too for drinks.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge
61 Macquarie StreetNot alot of tourists know about this place beause it's upstairs at Circular Quay and many don't even see it. It's a lovely bar with views over the ferries and Harbour Bridge. Particularly joyous mid to late afternoon when the sun streams in. It's a pretty place too for drinks.
This is an obvious one but if you really want to feel as if you're in Sydney, you really can't go past it. A massive outdoor space with multiple bars and menu (mezze/share plates etc), Opera Bar is a given, particularly if you're heading to the Opera House for a show. Quite often there's a band playing on Friday/Sat nights and Sunday arvos and for the price of a beer, you can soak in the million-dollar view of Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Circular Quay and CBD skyline. I still get a buzz going there. If Vivid's on, you'll also get a technicolour light show across the Opera House sails and Museum of Contemporary Art. Gorgeous!
403 recommandé par les habitants
Opera Bar
Macquarie StreetThis is an obvious one but if you really want to feel as if you're in Sydney, you really can't go past it. A massive outdoor space with multiple bars and menu (mezze/share plates etc), Opera Bar is a given, particularly if you're heading to the Opera House for a show. Quite often there's a band playing on Friday/Sat nights and Sunday arvos and for the price of a beer, you can soak in the million-dollar view of Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Circular Quay and CBD skyline. I still get a buzz going there. If Vivid's on, you'll also get a technicolour light show across the Opera House sails and Museum of Contemporary Art. Gorgeous!
Tucked away on Victoria St behind Kings X station, Jangling Jacks is a very cool late night haunt. My friend Frank, DJs there regularly. He is one of Sydney's leading music authorities (ex Waterfront Records), who is so dedicated to the cause that he will do three hours of sets using 45s! Soul, funk, 60s girl bands, curios ... you name it. A fantastic spot. Lot of fun.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Jangling Jack’s
175 Victoria StTucked away on Victoria St behind Kings X station, Jangling Jacks is a very cool late night haunt. My friend Frank, DJs there regularly. He is one of Sydney's leading music authorities (ex Waterfront Records), who is so dedicated to the cause that he will do three hours of sets using 45s! Soul, funk, 60s girl bands, curios ... you name it. A fantastic spot. Lot of fun.
This pub is super close to home. It's largely frequented by locals, doesn't do food, but features an open fire. It's a bit of an anomoly, but a nice one. Recommended for a quiet drink, rather than a knees-up.
Rose, Shamrock & Thistle
27-33 Oxford StThis pub is super close to home. It's largely frequented by locals, doesn't do food, but features an open fire. It's a bit of an anomoly, but a nice one. Recommended for a quiet drink, rather than a knees-up.
Why? Because it's the closest to home. The first floor bar actually looks over West Street. Worth checking out what's on at the movies too.
141 recommandé par les habitants
Palace Verona
17 Oxford StWhy? Because it's the closest to home. The first floor bar actually looks over West Street. Worth checking out what's on at the movies too.
Parks & Nature
Public swimming pools are plentiful in Sydney. Within easy reach are Cook & Phillip Pool, Prince Alfred Pool and a little further afield, Ian Thorpe Pool. However the jewel in the crown in Andrew 'Boy' Charlton, named after one of our earliest Olympic swimming heroes. The reason this pool is recommended is that it hangs over Sydney Harbour, with full views across to Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf (Russell Crowe's pad), Cockatoo Island, where the Australian navy is based and across to Cremorne. Another benefit is that it's predominantly salt water, so you don't get that chlorine smell on your skin. And there's a platform above the pool where a cafe enjoys fantastic views (indoor and outdoor seating)
168 recommandé par les habitants
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
1c Mrs Macquaries RdPublic swimming pools are plentiful in Sydney. Within easy reach are Cook & Phillip Pool, Prince Alfred Pool and a little further afield, Ian Thorpe Pool. However the jewel in the crown in Andrew 'Boy' Charlton, named after one of our earliest Olympic swimming heroes. The reason this pool is recommended is that it hangs over Sydney Harbour, with full views across to Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf (Russell Crowe's pad), Cockatoo Island, where the Australian navy is based and across to Cremorne. Another benefit is that it's predominantly salt water, so you don't get that chlorine smell on your skin. And there's a platform above the pool where a cafe enjoys fantastic views (indoor and outdoor seating)
Strictly speaking it's not a beach but it's an amazing ocean pool with a bathhouse that was built in the early 1900s. It's like stepping back in time and you half expect someone to appear in neck-to-knees twirling a parasol. $5 entry means that it never gets overcrowded. Very handy for sitting upstars on the deck near the cafe looking down over the pool, across to Wedding Cake Island and out towards New Zealand (if you have a particularly good pair of binoculars).
104 recommandé par les habitants
Wylie's Baths
4B Neptune StStrictly speaking it's not a beach but it's an amazing ocean pool with a bathhouse that was built in the early 1900s. It's like stepping back in time and you half expect someone to appear in neck-to-knees twirling a parasol. $5 entry means that it never gets overcrowded. Very handy for sitting upstars on the deck near the cafe looking down over the pool, across to Wedding Cake Island and out towards New Zealand (if you have a particularly good pair of binoculars).
Entertainment & Activities
This is one of Sydney's gems. A fully restored Paramount Pictures executives' screening room from the 1930s now plays host to arthouse, retro and new releases in its 60 seat theatre. A fantastic bar is attached, with live music on Saturday nights. Step back in time and soak up the atmosphere. One of my favourite hangs in Sydney.
75 recommandé par les habitants
Golden Age Cinema & Bar
80 Commonwealth StThis is one of Sydney's gems. A fully restored Paramount Pictures executives' screening room from the 1930s now plays host to arthouse, retro and new releases in its 60 seat theatre. A fantastic bar is attached, with live music on Saturday nights. Step back in time and soak up the atmosphere. One of my favourite hangs in Sydney.
One of the smaller galleries in Sydney but one of my favourites. Contemporary Chinese art. Very cool exhibits and installations. Always a pleasure to visit, with a little tea house and dumpling bar attached. Also right behind the Central Park precinct on Broadway, which has revitalised the area and is worth checking out if you're in the area.
329 recommandé par les habitants
White Rabbit Gallery
30 Balfour StOne of the smaller galleries in Sydney but one of my favourites. Contemporary Chinese art. Very cool exhibits and installations. Always a pleasure to visit, with a little tea house and dumpling bar attached. Also right behind the Central Park precinct on Broadway, which has revitalised the area and is worth checking out if you're in the area.
Shopping
Local fashion designers proliferate just around the corner. Turn left into Oxford Street and within a block you'll start seeing a line up of boutiques. Australian labels are on Glenmore Road. It's a gorgeous walk down Glenmore Road to Five Ways (ten mins) where you'll find restaurants, pubs and cafes too.
Glenmore Road
Glenmore RoadLocal fashion designers proliferate just around the corner. Turn left into Oxford Street and within a block you'll start seeing a line up of boutiques. Australian labels are on Glenmore Road. It's a gorgeous walk down Glenmore Road to Five Ways (ten mins) where you'll find restaurants, pubs and cafes too.
Essentials
Woolworths
220 Glenmore RdSee my manual for more information.