Sydney’s top dining hot spots revealed

Sydney’s top five hotspots to dine have been revealed in new research. See if your suburb made the list.

As our vibrant dining scene continues to evolve, Kitchen Confidential can reveal Sydney’s top five rising hotspots.

OpenTable data has found Newtown is the clear leader for 2024, experiencing a 64 per cent year-on-year increase in dining, signalling a surge in popularity for its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Following closely is Haymarket, with a 52 per cent boost, known for its diverse range of Asian eateries and cultural influence.

King Street in Newtown was named as a hotspot. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Ikaria Bondi, the suburb has been ranked as third in Sydney’s top suburbs to dine list. Picture: Supplied

Bondi Beach also had a strong outcome, seeing a 32 per cent rise, thanks to its iconic beachside dining spots and relaxed atmosphere.

Despite being 57 kilometres from the CBD, Penrith made an impressive leap, securing fourth place with a 20 per cent increase.

Alexandria rounded out the top five, with a 12 per cent increase, solidifying its reputation as a trendy destination with a mix of industrial-chic venues and high-end dining options.

The Grounds of Alexandria. The suburb was ranked in the top five of Sydney’s top dining areas.

While there is an obvious shift for the western suburbs, Penrith’s Product of Italy expressed their excitement about the growing foodie community in the area.

“We have definitely had an increase in the area and there’s more of a foodie community coming out of Penrith so we’re seeing a lot of dining customers here,” Gemma Clayton, Product of Italy operations manager told Kitchen Confidential.

“I think it’s a huge because we are so far away from Sydney, but it just shows that we do have a great community, great food options and great restaurants out here just as many as the city.”

Product of Italy in Penrith.

Product of Italy in Penrith, the suburb has been ranked as fourth in Sydney’s top suburbs to dine list. Picture: Supplied

The data compared all bookings on OpenTable from January 1 this year through to September 30 compared to the same period last year, in addition to conducting a survey of more than 1000 consumers.

An OpenTable spokesman said the data provided a clear indication that Sydneysiders are returning more regularly to their favourite spots and when they find restaurants they love, they keep going back.

Ichoume in Haymarket.

Other parts of the research indicated a ‘brunch boom’ with a rise of nine per cent and Thai has been the most popular cuisine this year with a whopping jump of 150 per cent in bookings.

Then came Korean (79 per cent) and steak restaurants (27 per cent).

SYDNEY’S TOP DINING HOTSPOTS

1. Newtown

2. Haymarket

3. Bondi Beach

4. Penrith

5. Alexandria