18 to try: Hot eats in Sydney right now
New cafes and restaurants are popping up everyday in Sydney, but which ones are really worth the trip? To help make your dining experiences droolworthy in 2019, resident foodie Katherine Gennusa from @lickyourphone has pulled together some epic eats across our city’s regions.
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New cafes and restaurants are popping up everyday in Sydney, but which ones are really worth the trip? To help make your dining experiences droolworthy in 2019, resident foodie Katherine Gennusa from @lickyourphone has pulled together some epic eats across our city’s regions.
Northern Beaches
1. Bert’s Bar and Brasserie, Newport
Bert’s is one of the latest offerings from the dynamic Merivale group. Adjacent to the beer garden at The Newport, the restaurant’s room is expansive, sporting an open kitchen and a retro pastel colour palette that reflects it’s beach setting perfectly. You’ll be greeted by lush seafood displays and delighted by an opulent menu filled with the likes of roasted 600-gram mud crab, one-kilogram T-bones or semolina spaghetti entangled in pipis and cuttlefish. A plentiful platter of their house-made tagliolini with lobster tossed in a wine laced tomato sauce should go down a treat too. Enjoy the view of Pittwater whilst you sip on one of their roaring cocktails or choose from their 700 label walk-in cellar.
Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport
Website: https://merivale.com/venues/berts
Instagram: @thenewportsyd
2. Peanut Butter Jelly Bar, Manly
Street food. Art. Culture. These are the celebratory pillars of new Manly opening Peanut Butter Jelly Bar which features the works of international and locally recognised artists. Don’t be fooled by the name, the menu ranges from a mix of Asian inspired classics like Miso Eggplant to tacos, burgers, meats and yes, a few PB&J desserts. Breakfast is also on offer everyday from 9am to 12pm with all the usual suspects aside from a few unique dishes like the pulled pork pancake rolls and a fancy PB&J sanga filled with smooth creamy peanut butter, poached strawberry jam and marshmallow fluff on a toasted brioche bun. With beers on taps, signature cocktails and sparkling wine, it’s a fun time for the whole fam.
Address: 7 Whistler St, Manly
Website: www.peanutbutterjelly.com.au
Instagram: @peanutbutterjelly.official
3. Rollers Bakehouse, Manly
Now these are pastries worth rolling up for. This beachside bakehouse has got their baked goods down to a fine art, with so many quirky creations on offer. The flavours are changed up daily, with a few menu staples. It’s a battle of savoury or sweet, and you’ll find it a hard task to choose from their dynamic pastry selection. The croissants are a definite standout, from mocha, espresso and dark choc creme patisserie to the Lox - smoked salmon, cream cheese, citrus and horseradish. Pop on in and discover them for yourself along with specialty coffee, teas and house-made sodas.
Address: 19 Rialto Ln, Manly
Website: www.rollersbakehouse.com
Instagram: @rollers_bakehouse
South Sydney
4. Dessertoya, Peakhurst Heights
Tucked away in a little suburban South Sydney shopping plot you’ll find hidden gem Dessertoya, aka home to Sydney’s best pancakes. Big call, we know. Chef and owner Sonia Gkoumpaz is a dessert goddess and her thick triple-stack buttermilk stacks are a heavenly mouthful. Most noteably, try the moreish chocolate pancakes loaded with house-made brownie, icecream, strawberries and rich dark chocolate sauce. Other brekkie and lunch items vary from the Breakfast Bun with bacon, runny fried eggs and haloumi caramelised onions to burgers and fresh salads, but also make note of the daily specials as Sonia is always whipping up something creative and delicious. Don’t leave without trying the world-class NYC style cookies, all handcrafted in house. From Snickers to double choc chip and rocky-road, they are addictive morsels that have a cake-like consistency and a major wow factor.
Address: 42 Pindari Rd, Peakhurst Heights
Website: www.facebook.com/Dessertoya
Instagram: @dessertoya
5. C.C Babcoq, Cronulla
Brothers Harry and Mario Kapoulas of iconic HAM Cronulla and Rushi and burger bar Jake Chalmers owner Anthony Gentile are taking over the Cronulla food scene with their latest opening C.C Babcoq. A separate restaurant and takeaway, the venue offers a new style of rotisserie and carvery centred around hearty, wholesome food, whilst exuding a level of sophistication that sets it apart from your usual run-of-the-mill chicken shop. The brother duo has kept the Greek influence that HAM enjoys on the dessert menu, serving up Loukoumades (sweet honey doughnuts), along with, salads, charred pitas, mouth-watering meats and loaded sandwich rolls. Did we mention the mac ‘n’ cheese? Drool. Situated in the new Banc Development, C.C Babcoq boasts a beachy vibe with white washed furniture, a pastel colour palette and an open bar that pumps out killer cockatils from a classic Negroni to a Malfy Gin Capi Elderflower Cucumber Lemon. Winner, winner.
Address: Shop 5/66-70 Cronulla St, Cronulla
Website: https://ccbabcoq.co
Instagram: @ccbabcoq
Inner West
6. The Galley at Sydney Boathouse, Rozelle
Boasting bespoke harbour and city views, The Galley at Sydney Boathouse represents a joyful union of community and food. With a robust breakfast and lunch menu, this new rustic inner west gem is a perfect place to enjoy a spot of sunshine and a delicious feast. Brekkie options are plentiful from a wholesome omelette to potato rosti, French Toast and house roasted granola. Sip on one of their unique smoothie blends, coffee or perhaps explore the lunch menu that takes you from salads to burgers, pasta and to the sea, naturally. Daily specials are also available and if you’re lucky you may even snag a seat on a lounge at the far end of the cafe.
Address: 2 Waterways Court, Rozelle
Website: https://thegalleycafe.com.au/
Instagram: @thegalley_sbh
Western Sydney
7. Valet, Cabramatta
This newly opened Pan-Asian cafe is situated in Cabramatta’s bustling shopping strip and is the sister cafe to the iconic V Lounge in Canley Heights. Valet serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, coffee and some pretty creative culinary concepts, making it’s mark with dishes like the Tiramisu Bingsu, the Much Matcha pancakes and the Thai Milk Tea cotton cheesecake. Their innovative creations come with an affordable price tag too and bring a new wave of dining dynamism to Sydney’s west that’s worth the trip.
Address: 38 Arthur St, Cabramatta
Website: www.facebook.com/valet2166
Instagram: @valet2166
8. Mate Burger, Mt Druitt
The Sydney burger movement isn’t slowly down anytime soon. The team behind Mate Burger Truck has recently expanded their booming business into a new shop right in the heart of Mount Druitt. This 40-seater venue pumps out American/Filipino creations from Friday to Sunday including Adobo fries, shop exclusives like the Lechon Rice Bowl and the juicy Hey Mounty burger. For something different and slightly more traditional, try the Lechon Rice Bowl — fluffy rice topped with succulent, crispy pieces of roast pork belly, atchara (pickled shredded green papaya), lechon sauce and banana ketchup.
Address: 1 Mount Druitt Rd, Mount Druitt
Website: www.facebook.com/themateburger
Instagram: @mateburger
North Shore
9. Goodfields Eatery, Lindfield
If a cafe is offering lobster on their brunch menu, you know you’re in for a good time. Goodfield’s Eatery is a new venue in Sydney’s upper north shore by George and Anthony Karnasiotis — former owners of Waroonga’s The Butcher’s Block and Mosman’s Mr Spoffort. The contemporary fit out makes for a cool, calm and collected all-day brunch spot (hooray), serving up 5 Senses Coffee and a lunch menu that sports slow-cooked meats, burgers, beers and wines. Make sure to get your fancy foodie fix and order the luxe butter-roasted lobster tail served with a seeded bagel, poached eggs and house-made crustacean hollandaise.
Address: Shop 4/5 23/41 Lindfield Ave, Lindfield
Website: www.goodfields.com.au
Instagram: @goodfieldseatery
10. Mangiasti, Roseville
Hearty, southern Italian food is what’s on offer at this new rustic venue, a second opening in the Roseville shopping strip for owner George Gevas, also of Teta’s Lebanese (two doors up). You won’t be leaving hungry with a menu bursting with classic favourites from antipasti to pastas, meats, pizzas and dessert. Some standouts are the Linguine Caprese pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes and a whole Burrata cheese in the middle waiting to be burst open and the Porchetta Romana, a Roman specialty of house rolled 12 hours slow cooked pork belly with insalata russa. The generous pizza options are a real crowd pleaser too. Rest assured, you’ll leave Mangiasti with a full heart and stomach.
Address: 15 Babbage Road, Roseville Chase
Website: https://mangiasti.net.au
Instagram: @mangiasti_restaurant
11. Altum, Milsons Point
Get your taste buds ready to sizzle this Summer at new Mediterranean restaurant Altum. Taking over from The Deck restaurant based in Sydney’s Luna Park, this newcomer s serving up stellar Sicilian fare with a side of sweeping Sydney harbour views. Altum, which means tide in Latin focuses on a fresh and simple menu that celebrates sustainable ingredients and dishes like whipped goat’s curd and local honey, fennel seed and thyme crisp bread and slow roasted lamb with Sicilian caponata, anchovy butter and pine nuts.
Address: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point
Website: www.thedecksydney.com
Instagram: @altumrestaurant
Sydney CBD
12. Bopp & Tone, Sydney CBD
Bopp & Tone is a new Sydney CBD restaurant and bar by boutique hospitality group Applejack Hospitality. It’s a tribute to the Applejack’s founders’ grandfathers, Keith ‘Bopp’ Evans and Anthony ‘Tone’ Adams and reflects the nostalgic post World War II era they lived in. The venue oozes old school charm through it’s classic decor decked with velvet booths, luxe lighting, lush greenery and an alfresco terrace. The menu exhibits Australian fare with Mediterranean influences and a prominent seafood presence, along with cured and wood-grilled meats. Tuck into signature dishes like the char-grilled whole Hawkesbury river calamari or the pasture fed Brooklyn Valley steaks. But being a bar, it’s not just about the food of course. They have a cocktail list with tailored classics, over 100 wines and a happy hour from 4-6pm Monday to Friday, making it your new after work hangout.
Address: 60 Carrington Street, Wynyard Park
Website: https://boppandtone.com.au
Instagram: @boppandtone
13. The Squires Landing, Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks
Australia’s flagship James Squire Brewhouse is a new two-story restaurant and brewhouse, with a freestanding microbrewery overlooking the Sydney harbour Bridge and the Opera House. They have a bunch of small batch brews onsite along with limited releases and nine core range beers and cider. The Brewhouse menu is a celebration of modern Australian flavours, offering a casual experience and hearty classics like burgers, pizzas, share plates and smoked meats. The restaurant menu, whilst bearing some similarities, has more extensive meat and seafood options. It’s the perfect place for the whole family too with a flat $12 kids menu that includes free ice cream for dessert.
Address: Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks
Website: www.jamessquire.com.au
Instagram: @thesquireslanding
14. Social Hideout, Waterloo
Popular Parramatta cafe Social Hideout has spread its wings in Waterloo, where you’re sure to feel right at home. The new venue is an Instagrammer’s paradise, filled with an oasis of 17,000 flowers, wall art and neon lights. The menu plays on Japanese and Mediterranean influences in the form of visually stunning dishes. They have all your brunch favourites from pancakes to loaded croissants, crazy shakes, colourful lattes and an iced matcha green tea that comes served in a miniature gold bathtub! Social Hideout is all about fun, foodie experiences and best of all, it’s dog friendly too.
Address: 25-33 Allen Street, Waterloo
Website: www.socialhideout.com.au
Instagram: @socialhideout
15. Poly, Surry Hills
Poly is by Mat Lindsay and the team behind Ester, one of Sydney’s most acclaimed restaurants. Though it only opened in August 2018, it’s already generated industry buzz gaining a nomination for ‘Arrival Of The Year’ in the 2019 World Restaurant Awards. Situated in the Paramount House Hotel, it’s a wine bar first and restaurant second, exuding a relaxed vibe filled with communal tables where patrons are welcomed to dine on a walk-in in basis. Sommelier Julien Dromgool has focused on curating a varied and vast 12-page wine list along with beers, sake, spirits and cocktails. The menu is succinct and seasonal, with a huge coal-powered grill playing the hero in the form of dishes like char-grilled sourdough bread paired with spicy ‘nduja (a spreadable Italian pork salumi) to beef and onion tartare and sweet and sour beef ribs.
Address: 74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Website: www.polysurryhills.com.au
Instagram: @poly_au
16. Matteo Downtown, Sydney CBD
Inspired by the big all-day dining restaurants of Milan and Rome, Matteo Downtown is all about Italian style and city lifestyle. It’s an expansive, airy space, open all day for breakfast, lunch, Aperitivo, dinner, and drinks, buzzing with music and bustling vibes. The food is inspired by Chef Orazio D’Elia’s Southern Italian roots and travels through the North with a focus on fresh, exceptional ingredients. The menu journeys from a mozzarella bar all the way through to antipasti, pasta, meats, fish, light hand-made Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas and delicious dolci (sweets). If breakfast is your thing, they also offer a small, but modest menu from Cacio E Pepe scrambled eggs to Pastiera, a wheat and grains dish cooked like porridge.
Address: 20 Bond St, Sydney
Website: http://matteosydney.com/downtown
Instagram: @matteosydney
Eastern Suburbs
17. Honkas, Potts Point
Nestled in the back streets of Potts Point you’ll find Honkas, a melting pot of mouth-watering Asian street food from Korea, China, Japan and Vietnam. Opening mid 2018, it’s a multi-layered venue with a central courtyard at its heart. From rice paper rolls, to dumplings and Asian classics like karaage chicken and spicy braised beef ribs, it sports a flavour packed menu that compliments it’s eclectic fitout, with beer, wine and sparkling on tap too. Make sure to try the decadent ‘Messy Bun’ dessert, a ganache-filled croissant loaded with chocolate ganache and cocoa powder, a craze that originated in Japan and is bizarrely served with rubber gloves.
Address: 1 Kellett Way, Potts Point
Website: https://www.honkas.com.au
Instagram: @honkaspottspoint
Hills District
18. The Vicar, Dural
The Vicar has injected life into to the Hills dining scene. Inspired by Dural’s history and rural surrounds, the new-look pub underwent a multi-million dollar rebuild and offers a range of varying cuisines that draw on humble origins, wholesome ingredients and local produce. The relaxed space is filled with natural light, timber furnishings and an outdoor terrace, designed by award-winning firm Hecker Guthrie. The venue consists of four parts; Sports Bar, Wakefield’s, Northside Brisket Bar and Mrs Goldsmith, all providing differing experiences from pub classics to a farm to table approach, smoked meats and a European style of dining. Something is sure to please everyone here and with a proposed drive-through bottle shop, gaming room, function space and 24-room hotel on the cards, it’s a venue sure to put Dural high in the Sydney food ranks.
Address: 271 New Line Rd, Dural
Website: https://thevicar.com.au
Instagram: @thevicar
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