Secret haunts of Sydney celebs revealed
Visit any of these 24 restaurants, cafes and bakeries, chances are you’ll run into a famous face or two. Did your local make the list?
Confidential
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It isn’t all red carpets and hatted restaurants for Sydney’s celebrities, with many telling Kitchen Confidential they prefer the quiet of their local restaurant, cafe or bakery to the glitz and glamour of the city.
From a local bakery that has the best coffee to a humble pizzeria, these are the places you are likely to catch some of Sydney’s celebrities enjoying a cuppa or a slice.
SAMANTHA JADE
Last year’s lockdowns were not an easy time for anyone but the smiling faces at Flat White in Woollahra started our morning off with a great coffee and cheer for the day. I also love The Lord Dudley in Paddington for serving Aperol Spritz and margaritas. I love our community here and I’m thankful for them during the tough time we all had this past year.
Samantha Jade is a singer
MICHAEL CLARKE
I love Sonoma in Rose Bay for their bacon and egg rolls on my weekend morning walks. And also their cookies which I get for my daughter Kelsey Lee. And then Catalina’s in Rose Bay for the takeaway Tommy Margaritas they sold during lockdown.
Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke co-hosts radio show Big Sports Breakfast
ROXY JACENKO
The Grumpy Baker in Vaucluse is our family spot for coffee and cake of a weekend. We love popping there first then to let the dogs, Oreo & Minnie, run around at the adjacent park with the kids. Lunch wise you cannot go past The Boathouse Rose Bay, not only is the decor and food amazing, but the outlook is magic. Dinnerwise Oli and I are obsessed with Washoku – it’s world class sushi and sashimi.
Roxy Jacenko is an entrepreneur
EDWINA BARTHOLOMEW
I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to great cafes around me! My local cafe is Sideways Deli Cafe in Dulwich Hill. Also, Baba’s Place, which serves dishes inspired by Sydney’s suburbs, has just opened up near us.
My friend from university Chrissy runs The Sausage Restaurant around the corner and she’s always fun for a chat. While the owner of The Sunday Baker is a part time lawyer, part time baker.
Edwina Bartholomew is the news presenter on Channel 7’s Sunrise
PETER STEFANOVIC
The little Italian restaurant Arte Bianca in Double Bay just so happens to serve the best pizzas in Sydney! Marko runs it and he’s deservedly won a stack of awards. He has battled on through the pandemic and is now coming out the other side with a menu as popular as ever. A little pizza, pasta, and vino outside and you are set for a lovely evening. Don’t forget the cannoli for dessert.
Peter Stefanovic is a Sky News journalist
KYLIE GILLIES
I’m going to give a shout-out to a trio of local cafes who kept our little Putney community sane during lockdown. They continued to service the locals with coffees and takeaways while so many of us were juggling lessons with kids and work from home. Dolcini’s, Patio @ Putney and Charles Street et Kitchen. Bonus points to Dolcini’s who pivoted to Aperol slushies!
Kylie Gillies is co-host of The Morning Show on Channel 7
EMILY WEIR
My favourite local cafe is Lox Stock & Barrel in Bondi. The service is friendly and personable. The food is fresh and locally sourced. They even make their own nut mills which are creamy and delicious. I’m in love with my weekly oat milk flat white and egg salad bagel. The turkey sandwich on challah is also incredibly scrumptious!
Emily Weir is an actor currently appearing on Home And Away
GUS WORLAND
The thing I love about Stay Grounded in Collaroy is that they remember your name, and it’s not just me, they greet everyone with a warm smile and greeting. You feel a connection straight away. It’s always “G’day Gus how are you going?” You feel like you’re part of the family and community.
It’s right across from the beach and the food is always fresh and the specials are always delicious. Ryan and his wife constantly keep the menu updated and exciting.
Hear Gus Worland on the Triple M Rush Hour – 4-6pm week nights
COLLETTE DINNIGAN
One of my favourite cafes is called Highlands Merchant on Argyle Street in Moss Vale. They have great coffee using Allpress Beans and we often drive 20 minutes each way just for a coffee (ask for a double shot). They do all their own baking and I have also been lucky enough to have some of their homemade chilli jam. They also sell BatchMade tomato and mustard relish which is one of the best on the market.
Collette Dinnigan is an Australian fashion designer
ELYSE KNOWLES
My favourite cafe is Bayleaf in Byron Bay. It is just fresh wholesome produce, it is all local and you know that it is coming from the local farmers and suppliers around town and the regions. It is just delicious food and they are really nice people that are caring. It is family orientated and it is a five-minute walk from home so I can push the pram down there with the dogs, get my chai and whatever I need and walk home.
Elyse Knowles is a model and ambassador
MARK GEYER
Valentino’s in Penrith is a wood-fired pizza and homestyle pasta restaurant that is very family friendly and offers big servings. With five kids, it’s perfect for our family. It holds a special place in my heart as it’s where me and my wife Meags had our wedding reception.
Not only is the food good authentic Italian, but the Flammia family make you feel like one of their own. And the best part is it’s only a 45 second drive from my home in South Penrith.
Mark ‘MG’ Geyer – Triple M Breakfast with MG, Jess and Pagey
LYNNE McGRANGER
My favourite local is The Tuckshop in Glenhaven. They do the best coffee and they do a fabulous smashed avo with pickled onions, fried egg, thyme and mint. Everything is fresh from their garden, which you can sit next to. It is really nice.
Lynne McGranger stars in Home And Away
MIRANDA TAPSELL
Since [husband] James and I have moved to the southwest, we’ve fallen in love with Nineteen43 Bakehouse. This cafe was recommended to us by a mate who lives down the street. Before lockdown, we’d walk down with our dog Brando and have delicious coffees and traditional Lebanese breakfast.
Located just outside Rockdale station, it was also the perfect place to grab a quick bite before catching the train into the city.
Miranda Tapsell is an actor
HODA ALZUBAIDI
I LOVE a cafe that is close to me, La Plaka in Burwood. It has a great Mediterranean-meets-western vibe. I’m obsessed with their shakshuka (a popular North African and Middle-Eastern dish consisting of eggs in spicy tomato sauce.) It’s pretty top notch food.
Hoda Alzubaidi appears in The Great Australian Bake Off on Foxtel
LOLA BERRY
Whenever I’m back in Sydney, I always try to stay close to the ocean which usually means Bondi or Bronte which also means I’m nice and close to this ripper cafe, The Depot. I’ve always been a fan of chef Guy Turland who is one of the owners and creators of this spot. They have loads of healthy seasonal food. They do brill coffee but I also love their matcha latte and healthy rainbow bowl. To me this cafe is the heartbeat of Bondi.
Lola Berry is an Australian, LA-based nutritionist and author
Originally published as Secret haunts of Sydney celebs revealed