Sydney Eat Street: Where to eat and drink on Anzac Day 2024

This Anzac Day – April 25 – commemorate those brave Australians and New Zealanders that have served with a Dawn Service, Anzac veterans march and then in true-blue form, head to any number for pubs for two-up and a toast to our heroes.

Tuck into a bacon and egg sarnie on Anzac Day this year. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski.

Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the World War I. The origins of Anzac Day date back to April 25, 1915, when ANZAC forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.

Today, it is a solemn occasion at dawn right across Australia but as the day progresses, a celebration of our freedom and those who fought for it last century.

Diggers Breakfast

The Australian Heritage Hotel is always popular on Anzac Day. Picture: Anna Kucera

Before even a sliver of light breaks the darkness, thousands of people – veterans, armed forces members, and the general public – will gather at The Cenotaph in Martin Place for the annual Dawn Service (4.30am).

After solemn respects are paid, there’s the less formal but equally poignant tradition of a Diggers Breakfast. During WW11, this entailed whatever was available, even if that was just coffee and rum; fortunately, the term is more synonymous with another Aussie favourite, the bacon and egg roll.

While most places will open later in the day after the Anzac Day March, some open early, including The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks (7am), Coogee Bay Hotel (after Coogee Dawn Service), CBD’s Verandah Precinct, which also has a front row seat to the Anzac Day parade (6am), and Dee Why RSL (after the Dawn Service), or for a multi-cultural take, there’s a bacon and egg roti wrap at Kafe Kooks ( 7am). If breakfast isn’t your thing, you’ll find a plethora of sausage sizzles popping up from 9am.

The Rocks

The Glenmore is serving bacon and egg sandwiches. Picture: Anna Kucera

Over the decades, many a glass has been raised to soldiers and sailors in the pubs and laneways in The Rocks, but come to Anzac Day, Thursday, April 25, 2024, the whole precinct comes together for an array of celebrations going from dawn till late.

Start the morning (7am) at The Australian Heritage Hotel with a bacon and egg roll. After that, Cumberland St will be closed off for the hotel’s epic day of live music, food stalls, outdoor bars, and a huge two-up arena. For those holding out for lunch, Harts Pub has a spit-roast lamb and a selection of frosty brews from 11.30am while The Argyle lights up the grill at noon, with both hosting two-up games later in the day. Throughout the day and into the night, there’ll be live music and DJs at several hotels, including The Mercantile and The Glenmore. - therocks.com

RSL Clubs

Tuck into a bacon and egg roll on Anzac Day. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Whether it’s a beach shack serving tinnies or a tricked-out establishment with fine dining, RSLs (as they’re colloquially known) are more than local watering holes.

Instead, in conjunction with ClubsNSW, most of the RSL-specific clubs are a means of supporting the Returned Services League of Australia, a charitable organisation devoted to the welfare of service members, past and present, and their families. At RSLs, there’s no day more poignant – and fun – than Anzac Day. Several clubs that are within walking distance of Dawn Service locations, such as North Bondi RSL (Bondi Beach), Dee Why RSL (Dee Why Beach), and West HQ, Rooty Hill (Pinegrove Memorial), will open early for breakfast.

After that, it’s two-up, toasts, and music. At West HQ, rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor will make the first toss at noon, followed (of course) by the NRL triple-header and food specials such as $18 burgers and pizza from their signature eateries. For more Anzac Day celebrations, check ClubsNSW’s website for RSL members clubs.

Two-up galore

The Dolphin’s “RSL” sandwich. Picture: Supplied

The Dolphin is always popular on Anzac Day for two-up. Picture: Carlos Walters

For those looking to make the rounds before setting up camp, Surry Hills has plenty of places to raise a glass and grab some Aussie-inspired fare. At The Dolphin, doors open at 10am for head chef Aldo Lara’s “RSL”, a rissole sandwich and ice-cold beer, plus the entire dining room will be transformed into Surry Hills’ biggest two-up ring.

Down the hill at Forrester’s, the fun starts at 11am with their elevated pub food offering, then two-up and live music, including a strolling pipe band, from noon, plus every Philter XPA and Fellr sold, $1 will be donated to Legacy.

Further along Crown St, The Clock will host two-up from noon, raising funds for Legacy with a Karma Keg of Balter XPA. Around the corner at Taphouse, a fave destination for frothy brews ($1 donation to Legacy with a schooner of Philter Super Cool), $9 food and drink specials, then two-up from noon.

Anzac biscuits (never cookies)

Anzac Biscuits are a must on Anzac Day. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

These iconic biscuits started as an actual labour of love. Soldiers’ wives and women’s organisations would include these long-lasting, eggless treats in care packages. Why weren’t they called cookies? Australian law makes it illegal to use the term “Anzac” for commercial purposes. However, Anzac biscuits are the one exception … as long as they stay true to the original recipe with oats and golden syrup and are never ever referred to as “cookies”.

You can pick up official RSL Australia commemorative tins, or for fresh-from-the-oven options, visit quality bakeries, including Brickfields and Black Star Bakery, and for a special chocolate-dipped version, head to Bourke Street Bakery.