When the cold weather hits, it's easy to fall into a slump where braving the great outdoors seems like an impossible task. But, if there's one thing that can get the fire in our bellies going again, it's great food. Particularly, the kind of dining experience that warms us from the inside out. Though typically, Sydney has become known for its idyllic, beachside restaurants, there are plenty of winter warmers to discover that will make dining in the cooler months an absolute treat.
From soup-slurping ramen almost too good to believe to the best brasseries and even a fire-driven eatery. These are 10 of the best Sydney restaurants to visit this winter.
Cicerone Cucina Romana
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Based in Surry Hills, Cicerone Cucina Romana is a newcomer on the block but the restaurant's staying power should not be underestimated. Promising to offer up a combination of Roman neighbourhood classics and street culture favourites, you can expect to find everything from Trippa alla Romana, to lip-smacking Puttanesca and Cacio e Pepe fries.
Not only is the food heartwarming, but the restaurant itself is extremely wholesome. Think melting wax candles, incredible artwork and a homage to Italian culture, museums and galleries everywhere you look. The ultimate Thursday night date spot with your significant other or friends.
Beckett's
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Tucked within the former Darling Mills, Beckett's is Glebe's hot, new eatery from chef Jeff Schroeter (Bistro Moncur, Bayswater Brasserie) and playwright/director Wendy Beckett. An absolute must-visit on our list of winter-worthy Sydney restaurants, Beckett's sandstone structure, luxurious velvet curtains and luminous bar will bring you right back to the underground glamour of brasseries in New York, Paris and London.
On the menu, be sure not to pass on their Escargots en cocotte; one of the greatest, most indulgent pies you are sure to come across. And don't leave before dessert – the Coffee Cream Brûlée is unmissable.
Firedoor
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What could possibly keep you warmer this season than fire? Truly, a visit to Firedoor will set your soul alight – both from the food and the toasty atmosphere. Though, if you do plan on putting this on your list of Sydney restaurants to visit this winter, you would be wise to make a reservation from now. Chef Lennox Hastie's Surry Hills eatery is one of the toughest places to get into right now. But if there's one piece of advice we might offer, it's that it's worth the wait.
If you're puzzled over the meaning behind the name, everything you see on the menu at Firedoor is cooked using the all-important wood fire. The restaurant uses a variety of different woods daily as a way of evoking and accentuating the natural flavours of the ingredients. It's essentially art – and the whole process is on display for you to experience from the open-plan kitchen set-up. If this isn't a winter warmer, we don't know what is.
Bella Brutta
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Sure, pizza is great any time of the year. But there's something about the warm, tomatoey, cheesy goodness that hits different in the wintertime. Or, it could just be the pizza magic that takes place inside Newtown's Bella Brutta. It's impossible to not want to order the whole pizza menu at this joint. How does one pick between the potato, clam or mortadella pizza? It's a hard ask, so we recommend ordering all.
The dessert is also not to be overlooked; serving up some of the best tiramisu and ricotta cannoli that Sydney has to offer. If you can manage it, try to score a seat down near the woodfire oven. Not only is it the perfect heater, it's also an absolute treat watching the chefs do their thing. Unassuming, unpretentious and a place you can slip into but will never want to leave.
Chaco Ramen
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Listed as one of, (if not the best), ramen bars in Sydney, Chaco Ramen has become somewhat of an institution despite only formerly opening in 2019. It's the place to be when the temperature drops – with a choice of now five signature dishes that put creativity at the heart of ramen. Trust us when we say you have never tasted anything like their Fat Soy ramen.
But if you're not quite ready to brave the cold, this Darlinghurst gem also offers delivery and takeaway. So, you can get cosy with a noodle soup like no other in the comfort of your home.
C.C. Babcoq
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Down south, aka, the Sutherland Shire, Sydney's ultimate winter dish(es) find a home at restaurant and takeaway chicken shop, C.C. Babcoq. The definition of luxury takeaway with a nostalgic twist, their signature and crowd-drawing chicken and chip roll laced in fatty gravy sauce and chicken stuffing is enough to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Similarly, the C.C. Babcoq mac and cheese is comfort food done right. If you're thinking of sharing – don't. This is one dish you'll want to enjoy all to yourself.
Restaurant Hubert
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It's no secret that Sydney establishment Hubert is the ultimate, winter-comfort dining experience. Not only is the decor a lesson in underground Parisian chic; the ambience is unparalleled. From Monday through Thursday, the restaurant hosts a live jazz band to settle you into the evening. Part of any great dining experience is the feeling of being transported elsewhere, right? Especially when the great outdoors is virtually unbearable.
Drop-in for after-work drinks and stay for dinner where you'll find French classics like beef tartare and Duck à l’Orange. Of course, to finish off, the crème caramel is a must. If you can only stay for a good time, not a long time, grab a seat at Hubert's Bar Pincer for their famous burger. It won't go astray.
Dear Sainte Éloise
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Nestled into Potts Point's Orwell street and a favourite of the RUSSH team, Dear Sainte Éloise is the wine and food bar you might not yet know about, but absolutely should visit. The focus of this Sydney restaurant is admittedly the wine, boasting a 400-strong list; making it the perfect spot to keep warm this winter. The food is an absolute bonus and constantly changes every few based on the season and available produce.
Curious about what you can expect? Butter-soaked brioche, hand-filleted Angelachu anchovies and dill pickles. We'll happily leave that teaser here (and hopefully see you there).
Golden Century
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A forever classic, Golden Century will go down in history as one of the best late-night Sydney restaurants for an indulgent feed during the winter. If you're looking for a dinner spot with a large group, this is the place to head; because realistically, try as you might, there's no way to finish their belly-warming XO pippies alone.
There's also something about authenticity that breeds comfort – something that Golden Century has in spades. And we weren't kidding about the late nights. The Haymarket location is open until 3 am; so if you're searching for a late-night meal that is actually good look no further.
Jimmy's Falafel
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Last, but certainly not least, Jimmy's Falafel is bringing the warmth, soul and culture behind Middle Eastern cuisine to the streets of Sydney. One look at the restaurant's lengthy pita offering and you'll be questioning how many times can you reasonably visit the same restaurant in one week.
The main problem, of course, is that the meze menu and charcoal grill dishes are just as enticing. Expect signatures like kibbe nayeh and chicken shish and don't pass on the greens either. The type of wholesome, nostalgic cooking that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. The decor and atmosphere transport you straight to 1960s cosmopolitan Beirut; orange banquettes and booths; chrome-edged bar; tourism posters and excellent tunes. How could you ever want to leave?
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