Cool is such a subjective term. And everyone will boast that they are ahead of the curve when it comes to if-you-know-you-know spots for wining and dining in Sydney. A hole-in-the-wall dinner spot in the backwaters of industrial Marrickville. A one-dish pop-up Katsu joint in King's Cross. Whatever the elevator pitch might be, there are a few key factors (in our humble opinion, anyway) that take a dining spot from average to being actually cool.
Good food is an obvious first port of call. You can have all the vibes in the world, but if the food isn't punching, we probably won't be returning. A killer lineup of cocktails, wines or other boozy accoutrements are a must – bonus points if they do a great happy hour special. As any sane person will attest – good lighting is key to a vibe. No one wants to feel like they're sitting under the unflattering light of a hospital waiting room on a dinner date. And of course, last but not least, the place has got to have a VIBE. The energy must be there. That intangible, ephemeral stuff that makes a place special – a combination of soundtrack, decor, buzz and fun.
With all this in mind, the RUSSH team have rounded up a non-exhaustive and definitely-not-definitive list of some of the coolest restaurants we like to frequent in Sydney. Sure, some of these aren't well-kept secrets – but that's not part of our criteria, now is it? Check out our curated pickings below.
1. Bar Vincent (Darlinghurst)
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Best for: off-menu specials, fine dining with restraint, that warm, lived-in feeling
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Bar Vincent is the kind of place you walk into once and feel like a regular. The menu’s always changing — handmade pasta, fresh oysters, maybe a flounder meunière that tastes too good to be this simple — but it’s never trying too hard. Run by Sarah Simm (Billy Kwong) and Andy Logue (Pinotta, Scopri), it’s got that lived-in charm where the stone floors, candlelight, and a splash of low-intervention wine have you plotting your next visit before you’ve even left. I'd highly recommend the King George whiting and asking about their off-menu specials.
2. Chiswick (Woolhara)
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Best for: curry butter prawns, Hamptons energy, digestivo garden strolls
Open: every day
Unique for its location, nestled into its own manicured garden from which their chefs harvest for the seasonal menu, Chiswick is one of those restaurants not to be missed on your list. While there's plenty to gaze at through their floor-to-ceiling French windows, the food is the real clincher here – think grilled steaks and market fish, comforting mushroom ragus, tangy snapper crudo and, of course, a couple of warm Iggy's bread rolls to mop up the sauce of some woodfired curry butter prawns (the menu's highlight, if you ask me). There are simply no misses here – I'd recommend booking on a sunny afternoon to best enjoy a post-meal garden stroll too.
3. Sean's (Bondi)
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Best for: seafood aficionados, indecisives, eclectic interiors
Open: every day
Since 1993, Sean Moran's seaside restaurant has carved out prime real estate in both Bondi and the fine dining scene at large. There are no menus to check ahead of time here – just a few simple set menus noted down on a chalk board upon arrival. The interiors are delightfully eclectic and gauche – the kind of gallery walls and clam-shell pendant lamps you wouldn't find in any old gentrified establishment. It's all heart here. And the food is made with it too.
4. Norma's Deli (Manly)
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Best for: fresh sandos, big fat Greek delis by the sea, sunshine siestas
Open: Monday–Sunday (or until sold out)
Norma's is an institution that sees plenty of Sydney-siders drive up to Manly in chase of their signature focaccia sandwiches and freshly baked goods. Stop in for an indulgent long lunch by the sea, or scour their deli selection for homemade and imported pantry staples.
5. Shang Lamb (Chatswood and Hurstville)
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Best for: Northern Chinese cooking, rich brothy soups, comfort dishes
Open: Wednesday–Monday
Shang Lamb Soup in Hurstville and its sister restaurant, The Lamb Lab in Chatswood, are those kinds of local gems that only those in the know will tell you about, but that you simply shouldn't miss. Owners Simon & Suki take exceptional care in creating dishes that pay homage to Northern Chinese/Shanxi Province cooking, proving that there is no combo higher than glutinous, springy noodles and spiced mince. Don't be fooled by the name – lamb's not all they do. Personally, I wouldn't go past some of their Barbecue Pizza Bread or their Chilli Oil Noodle.
6. Pizza Oltra (Haymarket)
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Best for: late night slices, American-Italian, burning the candle from both ends
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Pizza Oltra may have evaded your list of the coolest, trendiest, most fun restaurants in Sydney so far – but only because it's a little out of eye line. A hidden late-night Pizza bar, it's tucked away in the archways of Central Station in Haymarket. While their locale remains somewhat temporary, their popularity hasn't waned – evolving from a bootleg pizza pop-up out of Marrickville's Poor Toms gin hall to now being a licensed (albeit still pop-up) pizza restaurant and bar. Their wood-fired menu of classic rounds (bigger than your average at 16-inches) lean more towards American sensibilities than traditional Italian, and if you're looking for flexibility, you can grab single slices to eat in or take away too. Of course there's an expert cocktail list (featuring a lineup of Poor Toms, of course), Grifter Brewing Co beers and a selection of local and natural wines to wash it all down.
7. Baba's Place (Marrickville)
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Best for: kitsch interiors, Eastern-European-Grandma-Core, garage parties
Open: Thursday–Sunday
The unique experience of Baba's Place is probably Sydney dining's worst kept secret. It's where all the cool cats seem to spend a Saturday night, but it's existence is already hot on everyone's lips. When they're not throwing parties with adidas originals, or hosting impromptu BBQs pitch-side at a rugby league game, they're whipping up self-proclaimed 'suburban cuisine' that your own Baba would be proud of. They've decked out their back-streets industrial warehouse dining space with a capsule of furnishings and tablewares that feel like they were ripped straight from your Eastern European grandma's home; plastic-covered tablecloths and mismatched cutlery to boot.
8. Pellegrino 2000 (Surry Hills)
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Best for: neon lights, negronis before dinner, ravioli di gamberi
Open: every day
This Surry Hills neighbourhood trattoria isn't bound to tradition, despite its appearances: walls lined with imported tins of tomatoes, packets of pasta, and bottles of olive oil. Instead, they're dishing up Italian fare with their own signature spin – and while you'll find plenty of classics on the menu, we'd suggest daring to try some of their more contemporary dishes (like their trippa fritta crumbed in Japanese Sichuan pepper, or their prawn ravioli). Upon arrival, a red, neon-lit '2000' sign ushers you downstairs into a moody seated cellar, while upstairs you're greeted by a window-lit indoor-outdoor dining area. The place has been a hit pretty much since its inception back in 2022 – it sold out of its branded tote bag online before even opening – but we think now that it's been anointed by a certain blonde pop star, you'll probably want to double-down on making your next booking.
9. Corner 75 (Randwick)
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Best for: schnittys, lángos, Eastern-European memorabilia
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Corner 75 has returned to the scene with a fresh perspective but the same warmth, as new custodians (the teams behind Sixpenny and Baba's Place) honour the restaurant’s Hungarian roots while bringing their fine-dining expertise to a more relaxed setting. You should expect familiar schnitzels, an Eastern European-leaning wine list, and the kind of easy hospitality that keeps locals stopping by since the 80s.
10. Olympic Meats (Marrickville)
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Best for: village feeds, skewered meats, house-made everything
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
As a Greek, there's really nothing more nostalgic to me than the scent of slow-roasted lamb kontosouvli mingling with wisps of charcoal smoke, and at Olympic Meats, they're carrying the essence of old-school Greek cooking through the heart of Marrickville. Their rotating meze plates, house-made filo, sausages infused with yiayia’s 50-year-old mother vinegar, and yiros are all served the way it was always meant to be: unpretentious, but unforgettable. Reviving the spirit of a once-thriving Little Greece that existed in the neighbourhood, we'd recommend small sittings here, sharing plates between groups of 3-4 for good maximised portions.
11. Ursula's (Paddington)
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Best for: birthday parties, photo opps, Tommy's Margaritas
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
If you have something special to celebrate – a birthday, an anniversary, a new job or finally quitting your old one – then Ursula's is your place. The two-storey corner terrace in Paddington has been gorgeously renovated by Melbourne-based interior designer Brahman Perera into a rich and romantic dining room, complete with sculptural lamps by Clementine Maconachie, caramel-toned walls and Perera's own oversized handmade plaster pendants. While they tout themselves as modern Australian, the space does have a distinctly Parisian feel to it – and since its opening back in late 2021, diners have flocked to get their hands on some of the Ursula's signatures: Moreton Bay bug pasta, Ursula's negronis (though we here at RUSSH think they do an excellent Tommy's margarita too), brioche buns and of course, who could go past a strawberries-and-champagne-cream dessert? Not us.
12. 10 William St (Paddington)
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Best for: carb-loading, after work wines, cosy dinners
Open: Monday–Saturday
10 William St is a bit of an institution amongst foodies in Sydney, not least for its cosy hole-in-the-wall locale, tucked into the terrace houses that line Paddington's William Street. Sneak in after work for a quiet wine (from a delicious selection), but the real kicker here is the food. Sure, they're famous for their home-baked pretzels with whipped bottarga, but they might also have some of the best focaccia we've ever eaten outside of Melbourne's Hope St Radio (pillowy soft, but with a salty, crusty top). You really can't go wrong on the menu here (they even have GF options for those wheat-averse), and the energy is simply buzzing six nights a week.
Focussing on a small and considered menu of seasonal dishes, you'll nearly always get the chance to try something inspiringly new and delicious with each visit.
13. Maiz (Newtown)
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Best for: real-deal Mexican, dietaries, Agave enthusiasts
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
As someone raised by a New Mexican mum, the search for really good Mexican food in Australia is one that feels endless and futile – until I found Maiz. Recently relocated, but just a little further down Newtown's King Street, Maiz is as authentic and delicious as they come. Awarded a hat for their efforts in 2024, they're serving up the dishes you can't get anywhere else. Taquitos? Tamales? Huarache? They've got it. And they've also got your gluten free and vegetarian friends covered too. And to drink, they specialise in Agave, so we wouldn't go past one of their five margaritas on offer.
14. Armorica (Surry Hills)
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Best for: steak and frites, tiny table lamps, saving space for dessert
Open: every day
One of Crown Street's sparkliest jewels is the French-inspired Grande Brasserie Armorica, from restauranteur and Francophile Andrew Becher (of Franca and Parlar fame for those local to Potts Point). Elegant, sultry and surprisingly spacious (seating 150 guests), Armorica is an indulgence in every sense of the word. With a menu of Parisian favourites (steak and frites, crème brûlée and escargot), there's still plenty of emphasis on locally-caught Australian seafood and a diverse wine selection that their friendly somms will help you dissect. We'd obviously suggest snagging yourself a table on a Friday night, where live jazz will soundtrack your dinner from 9–11pm, and finishing with their signature gold-dusted Armorica chocolate bar for dessert.
15. Bar Copains (Surry Hills)
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Best for: small plates, sunshine sessions, natural wines, Vitamin D
Open: Monday–Sunday
Nestled into a suburban street of Surry Hills, Bar Copains is a small, trendy oasis of flowing wine and gorgeously plated roasted carrots and baby wild weed pies. There's tables inside for when the weather's not up to scratch, but we'd recommend finding a spot street-side under the greenery of the towering adjacent tree in the late afternoon. Bar Copains is pretty much the epitome of 'Friendly Neighbourhood Wine Bar' energy – perfect for a spot of alfresco wining, dining and Vitamin D every day of the week.
16. Malay Chinese Takeaway (CBD and Ashfield)
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Best for: laksa, Malay-Chinese greatest hits, queueing
Open: Monday–Friday
It's already lived at multiple addresses since opening their doors in 1987, but Malay Chinese Takeaway in the city's centre is legendary for good reason. If you can bear the queueing during its hectic lunchtime rush, you'll be treated to some of the city's best laksa and har mee noodle dishes – and for a great price. But don't just take our word for it – they've won countless awards from Good Food Guide to Delicious 100 for their famed bowls. Well worth the wait in our opinion.
17. Continental Deli (Newtown)
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Best for: big bistro energy, mood lighting, tinned fish fanatics
Open: every day
Newtown is home to a lot of quote-unquote 'cool' dining spots, but Continental Deli is a standout for us. This two-level European deli-and-bistro inspired joint has a warm and inviting energy that makes you feel right at home, whether nestled upstairs in their cosy dining room, or parked out front, canned "Mar-tinny" in hand. Their selection of sandwiches, charcuterie, imported tinned fish and pastry desserts are delicious without being pretentious – transporting you to the streets of Paris and Rome with every mouthful.
18. Ms. G's (Potts Point)
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Best for: Saturday nights, silly little cocktails, dancing in your chair
Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Ms. G's in Potts Point is a what we like to think of as a party starter venue – complete with neon lights and an in-house DJ, the vibe is always high here and great for starting a big night on the town with a delicious feed. You can really pick your poison here – a round of house-made paddle shots for the table? A simple glass of red? Either way, they'll compliment an evening spent tucking into an array of Asian-fusion style dishes that include items like their 'Strange Flavour Burrata' and 'Smoked Pork Kombu Fried Rice'.
19. Funkatello (Darlinghurst)
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Best for: cheap feeds, homey interiors, FREE bread
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
No frills, just free bread. And two – yes, you read that right, TWO – happy hours. You really couldn't ask for more from a restaurant. Funkatello, nestled into a terrace house in the Stanley Street precinct of Darlinghurst might be unassuming, but it's so easy to love, it's fast become one of the area's most popular, fun and funky spots (as the name might imply). You might struggle to get a walk-in table there on a weekend, so we'd suggest to book ahead, but otherwise the vibe – and bill – is about as relaxed and easy as it gets. Grab your party a couple of carafes of wine, a burrata or two – and maybe even treat yourself to a plate of their rich Polpette Al Sugo.
20. LouLou Bistro (Lavender Bay)
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Best for: French cravings, steak tartare and assorted viennoiseries
Open: Tuesday–Sunday
From savoury croque monsieurs and Chicken Liver Parfaits to Mocha Eclairs and Paris-Brest choux pastries – LouLou's is the North Shore's sweetest little French bakery that has been delivering exceptional pastries that will transport you to the bistros of New York. Honest French fare is paired with subtle nods to contemporary European delis here.
21. Love, Tilly Divine (Darlinghurst)
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Best for: secret bars, milk crate stools, laneway wines
Open: Monday–Saturday
Hidden down a back alley of Darlinghurst, Love, Tilly Divine is the neighbourhood sweetheart bar that you'll find yourself coming back to time and again for your mid-week happy hour fix and the friendly staff. Their $10 mini martinis and negronis go down a real treat from 5–6pm, especially when pared with some of their signature small plates, like french onion dip, curbside Dutch carrots or their "Tilly Dog", which is basically what you've always dreamt your humble sausage in white bread could taste like, but never dared to dream could be real.
22. Effie's (Balgowlah)
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Best for: street-side vinos, cold margies, Sydney Rock Oysters
Open: every day
Effie’s in Balgowlah feels like stepping into a Mediterranean haven, where the smell of freshly grilled seafood and the sound of laughter fill the air. A true local gem, it's the kind of place where the plates are piled high with homemade dips and traditional Greek and Italian flavours that leave you lingering long after the meal.
23. Papa J's (Cronulla)
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Best for: lunch cocktails, pre-game meals, late night eats
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Papa J's in Cronulla is a dining venue and cocktail bar with a twist – sophisticated but with a retro feel. Tuck into their winter seafood tower with a group, or stick with something more traditional like a flame-grilled Rib-Eye steak or house-made rotollo filled with sweet pumpkin and feta. But don't underestimate the drinks menu here – their signature THE REEF cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious.
24. Olympus (Redfern)
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Best for: Greek classics, chic interiors, table-side martini pours
Open: every day
From the restauranteurs behind The Apollo comes Olympus, one of Sydney's newest (and most anticipated) fine dining spots, tucked into the recently developed Wunderlicht Lane precinct that borders Surry Hills and Redfern. If their extensive menu of nuanced Greek classics like saganaki, souvlakia, spanakopita and loukamades weren't enough, then enjoying them under the venue's retractable atrium roof, under the dappled light of the dining room's warm lamps should do the trick. The service is fast, friendly and they'll even pour your martini at the table for a bit of showmanship too.
25. IMaccheroni (Woollahra)
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Best for: house-made pasta, under-the-radar Italian, bar snacks
Open: Tuesday–Sunday
One that flies under the radar a little but is not to be missed for great Italian wines and fares is IMaccheroni, on the border of Paddington and Woolhara. For us, the beef cheek maccheroni pasta is the go-to every time without fail here, of course paired with the truffle arancini ball. But their specials are always incredible as well. We'd recommend booking in advance, though you're normally okay to walk in on a week day, or book the day before too. And if you're looking to maximise the experience, we'd recommend sitting upstairs near the window if possible for some ample street watching.
For an extra hot tip – the app Eat Club sometimes do a 20% eat in and 30% takeaway deal for this spot (you'll just have to snag the deal the morning of the day you're going).
