Eat Street: City gem packs a punch for all palates and persuasions

From fish and chips to fine dining, Erskineville’s food scene is as unique and eclectic as the residents that make up this cracker of a city suburb.

The Schnitty Stack at The Rose of Australia. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

From Fish and chips to fine dining, Erskineville’s food scene is as unique and eclectic as the residents that make up this cracker of a city suburb.

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FLEETWOOD MACCHIATO

Fleetwood Macchiato’s housemade sausages, sauerkraut and oils. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

At Fleetwood Macchiato, they’ve set out to go their own waaaay. Not only do they serve up some of the smoothest coffee, housemade pastries, and fresh casual cafe fare, but they’re respected for their sustainable practices. Besides the bread, everything is made in-house, including the smoked chilli oil used in one of the cafe’s original dishes, the avocado toast with a poached egg. “It’s one of our original dishes, and if we ever took it off the menu, there’d be some very disappointed people,” owner Tara Byrne said.
43 ERSKINEVILLE RD; FLEETWOODMACCHIATO.COM

THE ROSE OF AUSTRALIA

Vegan gnocchi at The Rose of Australia. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

It’s origins (possibly a former rose garden or the name of a sunken ship) and opening date (1874 or 1878) are up for debate, but what is certain is that this meticulously renovated 1930 art deco gastro pub/bar/function space has a place in the community – both for its patrons and its connection with other business. There is a fresh and diverse modern menu, with such dishes as the vegan-friendly pesto and pistachio gnocchi, an elevated pub classic, the Schitty Stacker; and an array of share plates.
1 SWANSON ST; ROSEOFAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

SHENKIN

Enjoy Shakshuka – a traditional Israeli breakfast – at Shenkin. Jenifer Jagielski

Whether you’re a connoisseur of Shakshuka or still stumbling over the pronunciation, one bite and you’ll see why Shenkin’s rendition of this traditional Israeli breakfast has garnered them quite the following. Made with a thick and rich tomato sauce that’s seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, topped with two fried eggs and served in a skillet with pita bread, co-owner of this family business, Bar Haikin, explains, “It’s a family recipe passed down over many, many years, many years: many generations actually”. It was also one of the first dishes served when they first opened in 2007. The family has gone on to open more Shenkin outlets but it’s here in Erskineville that their story of success took hold.
53 ERSKINEVILLE RD; CAFESHENKIN.COM.AU

THE IMPERIAL

From Priscillas' Drag & Dine menu at The Imperial. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Three floors with no flaws – that’s the best way to describe The Imperial. The inner-west hotel was made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and it’s not only a mainstay of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community but also pulls in patrons from near and far for the entertainment and food. From the ground up, “The Basement” is the destination for performance art, live music, and DJs, while The Rooftop serves up spritzes and slices from The Pizza Bros. The Main Bar, though, tends to be the main attraction. In the kitchen at Priscillas, head chef Vaughan Chapman has curated a menu that features a wide variety of Mediterranean-inspired pub classics. Dishes range from glazed eggplant to buttermilk fried chicken burgers.
35 ERSKINEVILLE RD; IMPERIALSYDNEY.COM.AU

THE ERKO

The Erko has a welcoming atmosphere for people and dogs. Picture: Supplied

Formerly known as The Erskineville Hotel before locals affectionately renamed it, The Erko has been a stalwart of the suburb since 1882. As a local pub, it takes much of its guidance from its clientele, providing a welcoming atmosphere and serving pub classics, including a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. But it’s the pet-friendly beer garden that gets tail-wagging approval.
102 ERSKINEVILLE RD, THEERKO.COM.AU