Lunch: it's no joke. Whether you're counting down the hours until your midweek lunch break (we're not judging), or looking for a sit-down situation on a sunny Saturday, the middle-of-the-day meal is an important one. We've done our due diligence on Sydney's noteworthy breakfast spots, and dinner is, of course, always a baroque affair. But lunch deserves its time in the spotlight too.
There are two camps I fall into when it comes to lunching. The first: healthy, mobile, portable, and comfortably eaten at an accelerated speed. The second: something nourishing, carb-loaded, that will send me into a slack-eyed state by 2pm. There's no wrong way to lunch, but there certainly are ways to hijack your way to the best. I've done the crucial research, and now it's up to you to get lunching. Below, the best lunch spots in Sydney right now.
1. A.P. Point (Potts Point)
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It was a sad day when Small's Deli closed it's doors. but if we had to pick a replacement to take over the space, we couldn;t think of anyone better than A.P. Point. Their rotating roster of sandwiches and pastries are not to be trifled with. A cheerful corner off of Potts Point makes some of the breads on this side of town.
2. Itadakimasu Onigiri & Bar (Darlinghurst)
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Onigiri is the name of the game here. For lunch, you'll find an elevated an expansive menu, featuring delicious combinations like Unagi and Tamago, and Spicy Mapo Tofu Pork. There's also bowls, if you'd like something heartier, plus a small selection of raw, grilled, and deep fried options. You'll need to come often to make your way through the menu (and trust me, you'll want to).
3. Sana Mediterranean (South Eveleigh, CBD)
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Leave it to Joel Bennetts to create fast, easy lunch options that actually taste good. The philosophy at Sana is simple: Mediterranean flavours and ingredients, combined into balanced bowls, sandwiches, and protein plates. They've also got a great drinks menu, to really complete the experience.
4. Loaf (Cronulla, Engadine)
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If you're craving a sandwich, this is your answer. Loaf is something of an institution, specialising in fresh sandwhiches (or wraps, or salads) that don't skimp on ingredients. They've also got a rogtating specials menu, if you manage to make your way through their regular offering.
5. Norma's Deli (Manly)
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If you notice crowds on The Corso in Manly, they're likely congregating at Norma's. This Greek Deli (from the team behind Butterboy Bakes) is perfect when you're after a lunch that feels homemade. Loaded focaccia sandwiches, pizza slices, salads, warm spanakopita, and plenty of sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every kind of craving here.
6. Lox in a Box (Marrickville, Bondi, Paddington)
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There is no better carb-loader of a lunch than the humble bagel. Lox in a box's OG bagel of course comes with a hefty shaving of smoked salmon and red onion, just the way I like it. Make room for the potato latkes. They're no regular holiday fare.
7. Teta's Deli (Potts Point)
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This hole-in-the-wall Darlinghurst favourite is authentic Lebanese food doen well. For a lunch that you'll be dreaming of long after the last bite, the toasted pliage is truly are second to none. You can take yours away, or enjoy it perched outside as you watch the world go by. Save space for some dips and pickles, obviously.
8. The Shop & Wine Bar (Bondi)
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The Shop transforms into a wine bar and restaurant in the evening, but by day, it's a favourite for easy, healthy (and delicious) lunches. Their BLT is a personal favourite – it comes loaded with all the good stuff (including the most delicious pickles) – and their salads are also fresh and hearty. Grab yours and wander down to the beach for some ultimate lunchtime self care.
9. Jimmy's Falafel (Paddington, CBD)
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Yes, this is a popular spot for dinner as well, but nothing beats a warm lunchtime pita stuffed with falafel, toum, and pickles. Pro tip: the harissa-spiced chips are worth the splurge.
10. Parami (Surry Hills)
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Onigiri and matcha? My dream date. This unassuming Japanese cafe on the edge of Surry Hills has a devout following for its no-frills matcha, freshly-made onigiri, and daily muffin menu. The perfectly balanced meal.
11. Good Ways Deli (Alexandria)
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I am devoted to Good Ways' curried egg sandwich, which is wedged between two slices of thick malt bread. Sit outside with your laptop on a WFH day with their excellent batch brew, and you'll find yourself very affable after your first bite.
12. South Dowling Sandwiches (Darlinghurst)
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We couldn’t possibly assemble a list of Sydney lunch spots and not include Darlinghurst’s most quintessential eatery. When the clock strikes midday, everyone who works in a five-kilometre radius flocks to South Dowling Sandwiches (bonne chance finding a seat). There are no wrong choices on the menu, but to play the game safe, The Biatch is as reliable as a sandwich comes. Be sure to save room for a taste of their unmissable choc-fudge brownie.
13. Marrickville Pork Roll (Marrickville)
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There are few (if any) spots that serve up a humble Bánh mì at the same calibre as Marrickville Pork Roll. This one is for the time-poor individual who doesn’t want to compromise on a superior bite. This popular canteen is no stranger to generous portions: think lathered pâté, liberal heapings of crispy pork and bunched coriander, all stacked between a crunchy roll (that will make a mess). This no-frills spot remains sacred to the Inner West.
14. Baker Bleu (Double Bay)
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The constant line here is testament to just how delicious everything is. Bread is baked fresh daily, and the menu switches to sandwiches, pizzas, and daily specials when it ticks over to lunchtime. Good luck not getting decision fatigue at all the impeccable choices.
15. Wilburs Deli (Manly, Brookvale)
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Wilburs takes their food seriously. You won't find fussy or experimental combinations on this menu: just good old fashioned sandwiches, done really well. The roast beef baguette is a personal favourite.
16. Room Ten (Potts Point)
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Not strictly a lunch spot, but certainly a spot you should seek out when you want food that not only tastes good, but makes you feel good, too. Hearty soups, sandwiches, salads, great coffee, and impeccable matcha are what it's all about.
17. Rushi (Cronulla)
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If you can't make a trip to Japan this year, Rushi might be the next best thing. Their Japanese-inspired lunch menu spans classics like sushi, curry udon, and karage chicken. Grab yours with an iced coconut matcha for a meal that definitely won't disappoint.
