Sydney Eat Street: Where to find Redfern’s best food

Both old and new eateries in this city suburb will agree that it’s the community support that makes Redfern’s eclectic dining scene so special.

Both old and new eateries in this city suburb will agree that it’s the community support that makes Redfern’s eclectic dining scene so special.

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

REDBIRD

Veteran chef Hamish Ingham (Billy Kwong, Lotus Group) wanted more decent places to take his family to eat in Redfern and so his modern Chinese restaurant Redbird was essentially born out of that desire.

And of course he lives across the road.

Kung Pao chicke at Redbird. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Pork and bay lobster wontons. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Deep fried spiced gelato. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

The menu has elevated takes on familiar favourites but the signature dish is the red braised bird. “It’s made with any poultry, whatever we can get our hands on. We’ve had duck, spatchcock, and pigeon. But the duck is probably the most popular,” he said.

Fly by with bottle in hand on Sundays for their popular Somm Sundays.

99 REDFERN ST; REDBIRDCHINESE.COM.AU)

LA COPPOLA

This cult-worthy pizza shop plays to its own tune – quite literally – explains co- owner Cassie Scopelliti.

“Not too much has changed with us (since opening seven years ago). We have stayed true to ourselves, but Stefano (her father and co-owner) has started playing the piano accordion again,” she said.

Some of the city’s best pizza can be found at La Coppola. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

“Most nights, Dad will crack it out and play a song or two for those eating in the restaurant. It’s like we are right back in the streets of Sicily!”

La Coppola serves authentic woodfire pizza made with the traditional Italian San Marzano

tomatoes and Fior di latte (a specific mozzarella cheese).

As for the go-to pizza? The Mt Etna is the most popular. It has black olives, calabrese salami and homemade chilli oil.

152 REDFERN ST; LACOPPOLA.COM.AU

VAMONOSI PAELLA

Owner Mert Dincer wanted to introduce the Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine to Australians as a type of fast-food chain for people who are in a rush and want to eat a healthy meal. Paella is a rice dish cooked in a tyre-sized shallow pan (paella means frying pan) over an open fire.

Bahar Kilicarslan and Montse Ibanez PeixVamenos Paella with mouthwatering paella at Vamanosi Paella. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Vamonos make four versions – chicken, beef, vegetarian, and seafood paella.

In addition they also have a variety of tapas items, including housemade empanadas, flaky pastry pockets with a variety of fillings, including chicken and mushroom.

133 REDFERN ST; VAMONOSPAELLA.COM.AU

REDFERN CONVENIENCE STORE

This local shop has been open every day for more than 22 years - every single day – including during the Covid pandemic.

“We play a significant role in the Redfern community, proudly holding the title of the longest-operating business on Redfern Street,” said owner Hazem Sedda.

Redfern Convenience Store has been open every day for 22 years. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

“Since 2001, our store has never closed a single day.” In addition to selling typical corner shop products, they also have a massive range of international food and drinks, a significant portion of which is the novel (and for ex-pats, nostalgic) American items, including Twinkies, Cheetos, Milk Duds, Captain Crunch cereal and Mountain Dew.

“It’s not just a place to shop,” Hazem said. “It’s a space where people love to spend time. Our curated music playlists and the catchy ‘Redfern Convenience Store’ song (available on Spotify) have made it a favourite hangout spot for our valued customers.

152A REDFERN ST; REDFERNCONVENIENCESTORE.COM

BART JR

When chef and co-owner George Woodyard started getting a reasonable price on lobster during lockdown, she made lobster rolls. And they sold out. Quickly.

Delicious lobster rolls at Bart Jr.

While you won’t find the lobster rolls on regular rotation now (they do pop up occasionally) the regular menu’s rustic yet refined dishes are constantly changing, mainly in line with market-fresh ingredients, so keep an eye out.

92 PITT ST (SHOPFRONT REDFERN ST); BARTJR.COM.AU