Get out of the city and discover Sydney’s best new dining precincts

AMBITIOUS chef Alessandro Pavoni is Sydney’s new king of the north.

Chef Alessandro Pavoni at his new restaurant Sotto Sopra at Newport on Sydney's northern beaches. Picture: Troy Snook

SYDNEY’S dining spotlight might be on new, purpose-designed precincts such as Tramsheds in Harold Park, Kensington Street in Chippendale and Barangaroo, but head a little further out of town and hot new suburban hubs are also packing them in.

North of the city, Newport is the go-to destination after Justin Hemmes revamped The Newport Arms last year.

Chef Alessandro Pavoni of fine diner Ormeggio in Mosman, capitalised on the new vibe when
he opened his more casual offering, Sotto Sopra, in the beachside suburb three months ago.

“I had a good feeling. A few new things open there, it is a good vibe,” he says.

“They fix up Barrenjoey Rd, all the buildings are looking nice, 4 Pines opens and another little cocktail bar (Kave Bar) with live music. Opposite us there is a cafe that makes great coffee and a pizzeria in front of us is always packed as well.

Chef Alessandro Pavoni at his restaurant Sotto Sopra in Newport. Picture: Troy Snook

Spaghetti mancini with mussels, friggitello pepper, tomato battuta and parsley at Sotto Sopra in Newport. Picture: Troy Snook

Sotto Sopra's signature wood-fired caramelised grape tart with homemade earl grey ice cream. Picture: Troy Snook

“People can come to Newport, go for a beer, cross the road and have a meal with us and have a few drinks at the cocktail bar.”

Pavoni is so busy he has to turn away walk-ins and is thinking of opening another business, either a wine bar or bakery, in the area.

“I wouldn’t open a restaurant on the other side, even if the eastern suburbs is famous for restaurants. Competition is so high, but on this side I’m the king of the north,” Pavoni says.

“I think I got a lucky moment. I think this is just the beginning. It will get busier and bigger.”

NEW DINING HUBS

BROOKVALE

Nacho Chz Ya! Burger from Original Burgers at Brookvale.

This semi-industrial area on the northern beaches is enjoying a degree of hipster-ification.

There are four micro breweries — 4 Pines, Dad n Dave’s Brewing, Brookvale Brewer and Nomad Brewing Co — which brings in a roster of food trucks. Fuel Espresso and Background Coffee provide the caffeine hit while Berkelo Bakery is where to get the sweet stuff.

Plus hunt out a New York-style burger joint, Originals Burger Co, and Sale Pepe Pizzeria and Cafe, who chose Brookie for something less obvious than the classic northern beaches seaside location.

DOUBLE BAY

Ex-Bennelong chef Jose Silva at Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay.

It was the nanna to Kings Cross’s wild child, but the lockout laws have made the ’hood a new breeding ground for restaurants.

Mr G’s, an American-style steakhouse from the Gallaghers Hotel group opened a few weeks ago. Plus wine bars that do great food, including Mistelle, Vine and Bibo Wine Bar from an ex Bennelong chef.

Indigo cafe is a stayer, but there are also bagels from Benjamin and Daughters, a new offering from the family who founded Fratelli Fresh. And for drinks, there’s the revamped The Sheaf, plus Mrs Sippy and Pelicano.

ST PETERS

Alex Retief and James Metcalfe at the Urban Winery in St Peters.

If Sydney had its own version of Brooklyn, this would be it. Think industrial warehouse spaces that are drawing in creatives who convert them to cool commercial businesses.

Precinct 75 is the big player here. The old Taubman’s building on 75 Mary St is now a creative hub and home to Sample Coffee Pro Co, Willie the Boatman Brewery and Urban Winery. More coffee, with an Indonesian flavour, can be found at Aslan Coffee to go with a treat from nearby Buttercream Bakery.

CASTLE HILL

The Crooked Tailor, Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill.

Neatly nestled between 250 and 270 Old Northern Rd are four venues that wouldn’t be out of place in Surry Hills.

You have wholefoods at Youeni Food Store, Asian share plates at Spidar, cocktails at Crooked Tailor and The Lane Wine and Tapas Bar.

Serious single-origin coffee is also available in the Hills, with The Baron in Castle Towers and if you want to drive down Old Northern Rd to Dural you’ll also find cafes such as Wolfe & Co, Wildpear, In Season Wholefood Cafe and House of Herbs & Roses.

CAMDEN

The oat and quinoa bircher R. Coffee Co at Camden.

As one of Sydney’s fastest growing urban areas, it’s attracting better eating.

On weekends, most of the patrons at R. Coffee Co are covered in lyrca as it’s attracted a cult following of cyclists. The Epicure Store is a providore located in a cottage, pointing to the area’s rural history, while Burger Frank is all about the new — clean white tiles and big hearty burgers.

Village Lane Cafe and Bar recently added a wine bar to cater to demand,
as did Squeeze and Grind, which started as a juice bar and evolved to offer cafe fare plus evening tapas plates.