The hottest dining locations in Parramatta locals queue for

Parramatta is now one of the hottest dining destinations in Sydney. Local foodies are happy to queue for the goods but which local eat is the best? Vote for your favourite.

With it’s eclectic mix of cuisines and price points, Parramatta was already one of the hottest dining destinations in Sydney. Now, with office workers officially back in Parramatta Square, the restaurants and cafes are bustling once again.

John Ruse owns three venues in Parramatta Square, including Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches, believes Parramatta is lifting the Bar when it comes to hospitality.

“People from Sydney’s West already recognise the offerings we have here, however we are getting more and more people travel to the area,” he said.

“The word is getting around and as they say, a crowd brings a crowd.”

But there are a few institutions that the locals — and foodies — flock to and are happy to queue for. Vote for the best contender at the bottom.

HARVEY’S HOT SANDWICHES

Harvey's Hot Sandwiches at Parramatta Square. Picture: Richard Dobson

Thanks to TikTok, people all across Sydney will drive to this venue for just a humble sandwich. Yep, it is just a crusty bread roll, stuffed full with meat and cheese and sauce but it equals goodness.

While the fit out will transport you to New York. If you’re hungry, head their well before lunch to avoid the lines!

A Nashville hot chicken sandwich from Harvey's Hot Sandwiches at Parramatta Square. Picture: Richard Dobson

CHATKAZZ

Chatkazz is one of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.

We’ve said it before, but this is possibly one of the best Indian restaurants in Western Sydney. Chatkazz has over 250 dishes on it’s fully vegetarian menu and is popular because it brings it’s customers something from every corner of India.

Chatkazz is an Australian-based Indian street food restaurant.

LILYMU

Brendan Fong, executive chef at LilyMu. Picture: Supplied

This Asian fushion restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the city – let alone just Parramatta. From the owners of Nour and Henriette, and run by former Mr Wong head chef Brendan Fong, Lilymu is a neon-lit venue that has a cocktail menu as exciting as it’s food menu (which includes tom yum dumplings and black garlic mie-goreng.)

CHEF’S GALLERY

The Chicken and Prawn Sui Mai at Chef’s Gallery are generally regarded as the reason diners regularly queue for a table.

Find this venue in Westfield Centre (as well as other locations across Sydney) and be prepared to wait a good 30 minutes during peak times – but it’s worth it. This Chinese restaurant features a glass walled kitchen where you watch chefs fold dumplings (the chicken and prawn sui mai are a must try) and make noodles. But the real standout is the Peking duck. As always.

THREEFOLD PASTRY

The pastries at Threefold Pastry.

Another venue that’s gone viral on social media — hence the lines! This bakery serves pies, tarts but it’s the croissants that are a stand out — in fact in the past it’s whipped up a giant croissant to mark National Croissant Day in January. The bakers here have elevated the humble croissant — covering it in chocolate, lavender or stuffing it with apple crumble or Ferrero Rocher.

CICCIABELLA TRATTORIA + BAR

CicciaBella Italian Osteria’s fregola ai frutti di mare. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

From Bondi to Parramatta Square. Since Iceberg’s Maurice Terzini’s opening up his Bondi Beach Italian in the precinct, it’s been a perennial favourite.

Head Chef Nic Wong has a strong pedigree (coming from Cho Cho San and Apollo) and the squid ink pasta, ossobucco ragu and tiramisu are stand outs.