10 surprises from the Delicious 100 top restaurant list

Our food reviewers have spent the past six months finding the best restaurants around the state for the Delicious 100 list. But there were a few surprise entries and omissions this year. SEE THE FULL LIST AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE.

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Our food reviewers have spent the past six months finding the best restaurants around the state for the Delicious 100 list. But there were a few surprise entries and omissions this year.

1. NO CAFE SYDNEY

One of Sydney’s food institutions, Cafe Sydney was perhaps the most notable omission this year.

But Delicious editor-in-chief Kerri McCallum insists the Harbour favourite remains a sensational eatery.

“There was just so much more competition to consider, particularly from local suburban restaurants.”

2. SUBURBAN STAR PERFORMERS

No longer the bastion of harbourfront fine diners, Sydney’s best food is now emerging from small unassuming suburban kitchens like Canterbury’s Pazar Food Collective (64), Clovelly newcomer Clove Lane (99), Newtown’s Bella Bruta (54) and Summer Hill favourite One Penny Red (96).

One of the dishes at Pazar Food Collective. Picture: Kitti Smallbone

3. REGIONAL RULES

A record high 15 regional eateries made the cut this year; Leading the way is Brunswick Heads’ Fleet at number seven ahead of Hunter Valley institution Muse (18), Southern Highlands eatery Biota (20), St. Isidore in Milton (39) Berry’s South on Albany (47), Yass’s delightful Clementine (65), EXP Restaurant in Pokolbin (71), Mesa Barrio in Lawson (86) and Blackheath’s Fumo (92).

4. ITALIAN ALL THE WAY

Sydneysiders love their Italian food and it shows with one-fifth of the list made up of Italian eateries.

5. DEMAND FOR DIVERSITY

A surprising trend emerged of a move towards not just international cuisine but food from specific regions.

“It’s not just enough to want Chinese food … diners are now getting more and more specific about what kind of Chinese food and more specific about where it comes from,” says Delicious editor-in-chief Kerrie McCallum.

The beef pan rolls and fermented chilli sauce at Lankan Filling Station. Picture: Benito Martin

Of this type of regional cuisine none performed better than traditional Sri Lankan eatery Lankan Filling Station which debuted at number 32.

6. NO RILEY STREET GARAGE

Another Sydney institution which just slipped out of the top 100.

7. THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS IS NOT AT THE BEACH

Top placegetter Saint Peter, the 34-seat shoulder-to-shoulder seafood shop in Paddington, has been deemed the best in Australia.

Yet a shoreline is nowhere to be seen. Interestingly head chef and fish expert Josh Niland grew up even further from the coast — in Maitland.

The swordfish bacon and egg English muffin with smoked eel hash brown at Saint Peter.

According to Delicious editor-in-chief Kerri McCallum, the nine panellists argued over many things but Saint Peter’s spot at the top of the list was not one of them.

“We knew there would be some people that had never heard of it. But that was the point. Now they will and will hopefully try it out.”

8. THE YEAR OF THE DEBUTANTE

The highest; The Newport Arms’ charming Bert’s Bar and Brasserie which landed at number 19 after opening its doors back in February.

Behind it were 14 other newcomers including Ester’s sibling Poly from chef Mat Lindsay (25), Rushcutters Bay Italian Marta (37) and Matt Moran’s Barangaroo blockbuster Bea (61).

Interestingly long-standing favourite Bloodwood also found its way into the ranks, debuting at number 90.

9. QUAY IS STILL KING

Fresh from a multimillion-dollar makeover, Peter Gilmore and his team at Quay continue to defy the doubters and charm the critics. It landed at number 5.

The Quay restaurant is still as popular as ever. Picture: Nikki To

10. SEE YA SEA VIEW

The majority of the top 20 have little to no view, let along a view of Sydney’s iconic Harbour. In fact sixth-placed Restaurant Hubert, the underground inner city boite, has no windows at all.

* Vote for your favourite for a chance to win a $300 voucher. Go to delicious.com.au

Originally published as 10 surprises from the Delicious 100 top restaurant list