Sydney Eat Street: 10 things to try in Redfern
FORTHRIGHT and distinctive — just like the famous suburb they call home — such are the eating-out choices of Redfern.
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FORTHRIGHT and distinctive — just like the famous suburb they lie in — such are the eating-out choices of Redfern.
Take a tour of the suburb’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street.
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THREE WILLIAMS
Named after the three men noted as establishing Redfern — William Redfern, William Chippendale and William Hutchinson — the Three Williams was forged through an over-the-counter friendship between director Toby Iaccarino and the manager of his daily coffee spot, Glen Bowditch (who just happens to also have been part of team behind Sonoma Bakery). Since then, food has become the foundation here as respected chef Jacqui Ektoros elevates cafe classics such as the Golden Gaytime French Toast or the Narnie, essentially a toastie using Naan. She also channels her fine-dining training to create one-off menus such as ‘Celebrating Truffles’ that features truffle cookies and cream dessert, a dish almost too pretty to eat. — 613A Elizabeth St
SOCIAL-LANEWAY ESPRESSO
Certainly not one to be missed, co-owner Robert Ian Bonnick is a formidable presence as he towers over the crowd, sporting his signature fedora. That’s just one of the many hats he dons, for with his eclectic background it’s probably easier to ask him what he hasn’t done than to read his scrolling resume, which includes everything from playing basketball for England to motivational speaking. But while the list goes on Robert admits that cooking isn’t on it. Fortunately, his wife Marina is particularly skilled and has developed a menu that features some of her favourite ingredients — cheese and chilli. And while his gregarious staff work the kitchen, this leaves Robert time to add another feather to his cap, being part of a boxing program for the young kids of the area. — 157-161 Redfern St
PRIDE OF REDFERN
Friendships are brewing at this corner cafe. Being close to Redfern station and on a direct route to Sydney University brings in more than 2500 customers between 7am-10am. Though they pride themselves on speed and efficiency, co-owner Danny Magliveras explains how it’s just enough time for regulars to fraternise and develop the most unlikely of friendships. Here, you’ll see students mingle with public servants and cops chatting with local characters. Danny notes that he’s even been invited to weddings from matches made at his cafe, probably over a mutual love for the fabulously gooey chocolate brownies. — 1/115 Lawson St
HENRY LEE’S
Tucked away in a back alley, this industrial chic cafe redefines the notion of shared plates in that everything here is vested in collaboration. The name itself is a reference to a Nick Cave track he produced together with PJ Harvey. The menu features local producers, such as Urban Beehive honey which is added to a black sticky rice porridge they’ve named Catherine — after a PJ Harvey song. While it’s technically a cafe, the food here is more in tune with restaurant quality. You’ll soon be singing their praises. — 16 Eveleigh St (entrance via Hart St)
107 PROJECTS
From the footpath, 107 Projects looks more like non-descript office space but inside there’s an abundance of creativity at every level — literally. Spread over two floors there are galleries, rehearsal studios, conference rooms and a rooftop garden that hosts independent music events. There’s also a cafe that serves coffee from noon where patrons are invited to bring in food from local eateries while beer, wine and dumplings are on offer after 4pm — 107 Redfern St
MUST TRY
Matcha tiramisu
Go green with a variety of the matcha desserts at this Japanese-themed cafe. Start with chicken katsu but save room for Matcha Tiramisu and Matcha Lamingtons. — Café Oratnek, 4 Pitt St
Scout’s brekkie roll
Sandwiches are the go-to here. The scout brekkie roll with bacon, pickled slaw, dill pickles, aioli and poached egg on a toasted sesame bun will get your morning started. — Scout’s Honour, 118 George St
Sacred Khot
This quirky restaurant may be small but it has a huge following. Most of the food is inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, including the Sacred Khot and savoury mini-tarts. — Nourishing Quarter, 315 Cleveland St
Avocado on toast
Hunt out this cafe for a tasty twist on the basic avocado and toast. Here, it’s not only heaped with fetta but loaded with cherry tomatoes and other sliced veggies. — Hunter’s Corner, 89 Pitt St
Gin cocktail with cheese
Redfern is fast becoming the small-bar mecca of the inner-west but while there’s plenty of good cocktails going around, gin joint Moya’s has put matching cheeses on offer as well. — Moya’s Juniper Lounge, 101 Regent St
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