Sydney Eat Street: Pyrmont’s best restaurants, pubs and cafes

Originally an industrial suburb with shipbuilding and quarries, Pyrmont’s vast array of dining options have turned this city-fringe suburb into the place to dine in style.

Originally an industrial suburb with shipbuilding and quarries, Pyrmont’s vast array of dining options have turned this city-fringe suburb into a foodie heaven.

Take a tour of Sydney’s best eateries with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter. #SydneyEatStreet

SALA

It’s rather fitting that this seafood-centric Italian restaurant has taken up residence at Jones Bay Wharves, as, like the former boatshed there indeed plenty of tales to eb be told, it’s just that at Sala, it’s via a culinary narrative. “Every single plate has a story. That is the DNA of this restaurant,” says Sala co-owner Danny Russo.

Squid ink tortellini at Sala.

As a a renowned chef, Danny’s travels could fill a book but it’s his Italian heritage that has inspired the menus, notably his signature dish, squid ink tortellini.

“I call it ‘Italy on a plate’. It is so rich in history,” says Danny.

jONES BAY WHARF; 26-32 PIRRAMA RD, SALADINING.COM.AU

PYRMONT FESTIVAL

Pirrama Park is hardly big enough to contain the food, alcohol, and artisan producers at this year’s family-friendly Pyrmont Festival, let alone with two days of live entertainment.

Held on May 6 & 7 from 11am-5pm, this annual festival takes place along Sydney Harbour in the prime grassy area between Jones Bay Wharf and Harris St.

Pyrmont festival. Picture: Matt Jewell

This year’s event will be bigger than ever, with 15 wineries from Mudgee, Orange, and the Hunter Valley. Local brewers Willie the Boatman; The Grifters; and Yulli’s Brews will also be there, ready and waiting with a cold beer. In addition, there’s an abundance of food options, including the coveted crustaceans from Cheeky Naked Oysters

PIRRAMA PARK, PIRRAMA RD, PYRMONT; PYRMONTFESTIVAL.COM.AU

QUICK BROWN FOX

For those who endured the clackety-clack of a manual typewriter, you probably shiver at the words brown fox and lazy dog – a sentence with every letter of the alphabet – but to Benjamin Calabro, the gregarious co-owner of Quick Brown Fox, it was the perfect name for this elevated eatery.

Waffle Benedict at the Quick Brown Fox. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

“It’s about getting back to basics,” he said. “We execute as a restaurant, not a cafe. We just happen to trade with cafe hours”. The elevated element is evident with the knowledgeable and attentive staff. It’s everything a neighbourhood eatery should be. 22 UNION ST; QUICKBROWNFOXEATERY.COM.AU

GALLON

Personality is abundant at this Pyrmont eatery, starting with its owner, Julian Leitl, who cleverly named this venue after John Macarthur’s price for this now densely populated suburb in 1799 – a gallon of rum.

It’s a welcoming space and ideal for lazy afternoons over share-plates, cocktails, burgers, and beers. This heritage-listed building is surprisingly large inside, with an entrance no wider than the average terrace house.

A perfect lunch at Gallon. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

The walls have been stripped back to reveal sandstone from the local quarry, the same stone used in many of Sydney’s historical buildings. There’s a large wrap-around bar area, a lounge, and the locals’ favourite: an expansive courtyard oasis out back with quirky antiques, high-top and cafe tables, and an abundance of full, well-tended plants.

117 HARRIS ST; GALLON.COM.AU

DR DOUGH DONUTS

The crew behind Dr Dough Donuts are definitely living in the moment.

Sweet treats at Dr Dough Donuts. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Not only does this Pyrmont-based online donut delivery service distribute boxes of freshly baked treats (donuts and more) daily to the Greater Sydney area, but they’re also the go-to for advertising and marketing agencies after customised sweets that taste great.
SHOP 1/233 HARRIS ST, PYRMONT; DRDOUGHDOUNTS.COM.AU ONLINE

SYDNEY FISH MARKET AND SYDNEY SEAFOOD SCHOOL

In the wee hours of the morning, Sydney Fish Market, the largest one in the southern hemisphere is practically busier than Boxing Day with fish mongers, restaurateurs, and renowned chefs vying for the day’s catch.

But some of these culinary bigshots aren’t just here to buy, as many of them are featured in the roster of classes held by Sydney Seafood School. You’ll find such renowned chefs as Sam Young (Lotus, Mr Wong, Queen Chow) sharing his secrets for a classic seafood stir fry alongside James Irvine, Four Pillar’s creative director mixing a paired cocktail.

So much to enjoy at Sydney Fish Market. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Elsewhere on this huge property, are a number of seafood restaurants as well as a premium butcher (Vic’s Meats), farm fresh produce (Waterside Fruit Connection), baked goods (Gregory’s Bread), cheeses and deli items (Blackwattle Deli), and beer and wine (Fishermen’s Fine Wines). Take a seat at one of the picnic tables along the marina or grab your bounty and head across the street for a picnic at Wentworth Park.

BANKS ST, SYDNEYFISHMARKET.COM.AU

THE TERMINUS

It took a lot of patience, love, and $2 million dollars to bring this 150-year-old heritage building back to life after being boarded up for 33 years. Gone is the warped and daggy wood that covered the regal emerald-green-tiled bar.

A fig and prosciutto salad at The Terminus. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Keeping in line with the polished décor, drinks range from craft beers to clever cocktails, served alongside such CBD restaurant-quality dishes as a 1kg Riverine rib eye, lamb ragu pappardelle, and truffle parmesan spuds. All up, The Terminus has found the perfect way to acknowledge Pyrmont’s history while celebrating today’s Aussie pub culture.

61 HARRIS ST, TERMINUSPYRMONT.COM

PYRMONT BRIDGE HOTEL

Whether you’re playing pool on Level 1, or partying with 300 of your closest friends on the rooftop terrace, PBH’s craft beer selection, upscale food menu, and regular entertainment is well suited for groups big and small.

96 UNION ST, PYRMONTBRIDGEHOTEL

PYRMONT POINT HOTEL

Spread out over four level, this heritage pub boasts four main areas, balconies, a courtyard, and bistro menu, making it an ideal neighbourhood destination.

59 HARRIS ST, PYRMONTPOINT.COM.AU

HARLEQUIN INN

Sports of all sorts is the go and this local pub. You’ll never miss a match with over 20 screens, and two large projector screens. There are 19 beers on a tap and classic pub food from The Shack making The Harley your sporting pub of choice.

152 HARRIS ST, HARLEQUININN.COM.AU

TWO SIS

Colour abounds at this cheery cafe where virtually everything on the menu is given a vibrant touch with creative flare. There’s a colour wheel of hot and cold lattes that’ll cure the Monday blues while the fanciful hotcakes topped with a mermaid tail and fairy floss always are good for a gleeful smile. But it’s the aquamarine noodles in the scallop pasta dish that will prove that behind all the whimsy, there’s some serious culinary talent in the kitchen.

306 HARRIS ST, FB/TWOSISPYRMONT