Less famous than Newtown, for some Enmore is now a bigger draw

When I was a little girl, my grandmother lived in the block behind the Enmore Theatre. Back then, there was virtually nothing on Enmore Road and I gravitated to the excitement of King Street and Newtown.

Enmore is still less famous than Newtown, but it’s come into its own. Enmore Road is brimming with interesting restaurants, cafes, bars and small shops. For those in the know, it’s arguably the preferred destination.

The Enmore Theatre is an art deco gem.Credit: Edwina Pickles

Today’s Enmore Road has such cachet that policymakers are talking seriously about how to replicate the experience across the state. Flattering as this is, I’m doubtful this is possible. The Enmore Theatre is unique, and the commercial strip is dominated by small, independent operators rather than chains.

As well as being a place where people from all over Sydney come to play, Enmore is also a fantastic place to live. The people are friendly, neighbourly and unpretentious. Back from the bustle of the main street, it’s quiet, with plenty of trees and kookaburras and possums.

Best cafe?

For straight-up coffee, it has to be Black Market Roasters on Enmore Road. It’s a tiny cafe selling mostly takeaway but with a few tables where you can drink your coffee and read the Herald in peace. (They always have a newspaper). You can buy your full range of espresso coffees (piccolo for me, please), batch brew (basically hipster filter coffee), and beans roasted down the road in Marrickville. They sell some food but if you’re after a full brunch then head across the road to Shenkin Enmore, where they serve a fusion of Middle Eastern and European fare.

Award-winning gelato at Cow and the Moon.Credit: Rachel Murdolo

Best restaurant?

You’re spoiled for choice: Egyptian, Sri Lankan, Turkish, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, pub fare, you name it. If you want something a bit special, Russo & Russo makes excellent Italian food with old-school hospitality complete with tablecloths and candles.

Best beach, park or pool?

Enmore Park has big shade trees, a well-equipped children’s playground with an old-school rocket (though unfortunately you can’t climb to the top), and the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre for swimming. Petty Cash Cafe and the Vic on the Park pub are both nearby.

The rocket in the children’s playground at Enmore Park.Credit: Steven Siewert

First place you take visitors?

Cow and the Moon for gelato, of course. It’s hands-down the best ice cream in Sydney. If you don’t believe me, just ask the judges at the world gelato championships in Italy, where it’s previously taken the top prize. The after-dinner crowd ensures a queue out the door on weekend nights, but you rarely have to wait in the afternoon after strolling up the hill from the pool.

Perfect night out in Enmore?

A great show at the Enmore Theatre, a gorgeous art deco building that is a Sydney gem, not just a local one. Musically, it’s an intimate venue that regularly hosts amazing Australian and international artists – I’ve seen everything from Foster the People to Belinda Carlisle there. Depending on my mood, maybe I’ll hit up the Duke of Enmore for a game of pool before or after the show, or have a fancy cocktail while soaking in the maximalist decor at the Baby Dragon Bar.

Street art in Phillip Street, off Enmore Road.

What would make your suburb better?

“Third places” – somewhere to hang out that’s not home or work – make or break a suburb. Enmore is blessed with great restaurants, cafes and bars, but needs more non-commercial options. I’d love a public library. The new Marrickville Library is gorgeous, but a bit far away.

Best secret spot in your suburb?

Strolling through the backstreets and lanes soaking up the historic and sometimes eclectic architecture, the mature street trees and the bright murals.

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