Clayton Wells is the head chef at Automata in Chippendale, recently named one of Australia's hottest new restaurants by Good Food.

Clayton Wells recommends the best places to eat and drink in Sydney

What's your favourite cheap eat in Sydney? House on Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, ​for the pork rib soup and fermented sausages.

And your favourite special-occasion place? The bar at Rockpool. ​I love Phil Wood's food and it's nice to sit up at the bar and have a few small things.

Where do you like to go for a late-night feed? Golden Century, that's about all that is open by the time I have finished work​. My go-to dish is snow crab with garlic butter and egg noodle​s.

If you have dine out with a friend who is a vegetarian or on a special diet, is there a place you like to take them? ​Even before it went vegetarian, Yellow in Potts Point was always a good place to take a vegetarian. Now more than ever.

Where do you like to eat for breakfast? ​When I do get a morning off, I'll head to Kepos Street Kitchen in Redfern. ​

What's worth travelling to for a meal? Ormeggio at the Spit​. I love going there for a long lunch on a Sunday arvo. The location is great and Alessandro Pavoni's food is worth the trek. ​

Favourite guilty pleasure? Late-night kebabs ​at Ericyes on Cleveland Street, Surry Hills.

Favourite sugar fix? Ice-​cream sandwiches at Kakawa on William ​S​treet, Darlinghurst.

Favourite burger? The Mary's burger with bacon at Mary's in Newtown.

​Favourite place for big groups? Mr Wong. ​I've been there for a few birthdays and special occasions with groups. We usually just get chef Dan Hong to send out food. ​

What do you think is the most underrated place to eat in Sydney? Moon Park​. More people need to know about this restaurant. I'm always sending people there, especially overseas visitors.​

Favourite place for a drink? This Must Be The Place, Darlinghurst​. I've always liked what Luke Ashton and Charlie Ainsbury do. They know what I like to drink and I always leave it up to them.

Automata just announced its co.lab program, where Clayton Wells will team up with guest chefs. His first collaborator is Lee Westcott of London's Typing Room and the duo will be presenting lunch together this Saturday, February 20. For info and bookings, visit the Automata site.