Must-see restaurants in New South Wales

  • IKON

    New South Wales

    Sure, it's a pricey option for town, but the modern and inventive menu will impress even the finickiest of eaters. The crispy skin pork belly and sumac…

  • Alby & Esthers

    New South Wales

    Down an alleyway is this supremely pretty courtyard cafe, serving up fine local produce and good coffee. The service is exemplary and it morphs into a…

  • Cafe de Jour

    New South Wales

    For a fancy night out in town, Cafe de Jour is all about fine modern Australian food and good service. Book ahead.

  • Potting Shed Restaurant in Alexandria

    Potting Shed

    Newtown & the Inner West

    Part of the verdant Grounds of Alexandria complex, this bar-eatery doesn't disappoint on the plant front; the waving fronds and squawking macaw give it a…

  • Combi's gelato-coloured exterior

    Combi

    Byron Bay

    Melbourne clean-eating icon Combi has brought its signature raw, organic and highly Instagrammable drinks, cakes and breakfast and lunch bowls to this…

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    Beach

    Byron Bay

    Beach does triple duty as post-surf coffee stop, fish-and-chips or egg-and-bacon-roll kiosk, and Byron's best dining-with-a-view option overlooking…

  • Targa restaurant.

    Targa

    Byron Bay

    At this reliable spot, the menu takes you through the day casually from build-your-own-breakfasts to tasty lunch salads, pastas and steaks, and antipasto…

  • Sugarcane.

    Sugarcane

    Sydney

    This relatively recent Coogee arrival has got the locals firmly on side with its winning combination of Southeast Asian dishes in a very appealing Bali…

  • Japonaise has a cool, izakaya feel

    Japonaise

    Byron Bay

    This is no standard sushi takeaway: the bustling little space with its open kitchen and rustic communal tables is a proper slice of ultra-urban Osaka…

  • Textbook Bakery

    Textbook

    Newtown & the Inner West

    A baker and a patissier have teamed up here to produce delicious bread, pies and pastries, and some absolutely amazingly vivid dessert creations: resist…

  • La Ricetta Italian restaurant in Enmore

    La Ricetta

    Newtown & the Inner West

    With close-packed tables, warm lighting and an authentic feel, this is a convivial venue for Italian in the interesting dining hub of Enmore. It is strong…

  • Stinking Bishops restaurant in Newtown

    Stinking Bishops

    Newtown & the Inner West

    A pungent array of artisanal cheeses is the raison d'être of this popular shop and place to eat. Choose the varieties you want, pick a wine or local craft…

  • The popular sushi bar has a prime spot on Byron's main street

    Kinoko

    Byron Bay

    Choose something from the sushi train or let the Japanese chef slice up a plate of fresh sashimi at Byron's most popular Japanese place. You can also dig…

  • Faheem Fast Food in Enmore

    Faheem Fast Food

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This Enmore Rd stalwart offers a totally no-frills dining atmosphere but very tasty and authentic curry and tandoori options served until late. Its Haleem…

  • Fleetwood Macchiato

    Fleetwood Macchiato

    Newtown & the Inner West

    Top points for the name, but Fleetwood Macchiato backs it up with excellent coffee, delicious cooked breakfasts and heart-winning fusion flavour…

  • A private leafy path leads to the restaurant

    Italian Byron Bay

    Byron Bay

    Adjoining the Beach Hotel, this atmospheric Italian place has Med-resort vibes and turns out a reliable menu of authentic dishes to an appreciative…

  • Ampersand Cafe.

    Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore

    Sydney

    Which are better, the books or the cooks? Either way, you’re guaranteed to find a good read (heaps of new and second-hand books over three floors) and a…

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    Top Shop

    Byron Bay

    High up on the hill east of town, Top Shop has long been the choice of local surfers. Today it's a casually upmarket version of the old-school takeaway,…

  • With plenty of greenery and rustic finishes, Folk has a relaxed, holiday vibe

    Folk

    Byron Bay

    This delightful wooden-cottage cafe sits beside a busy caravan park but is a world unto itself, with a pretty garden setting and even prettier plating up…

  • Infinity Bakery.

    Infinity Bakery

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    One of Sydney's standout artisan bakers, Infinity has delicious sourdough and Turkish breads, as well as coffee and a small selection of cafe fare: rolls,…

  • Fred's

    Sydney

    Fresh, local ingredients are given an Italian spin and roasted over an open hearth in this airy and convivial space. But the real treat here is peeking…

  • Hungry Monkey

    South Coast NSW

    The most popular (read: Instagram-worthy) of Kiama's growing seam of cafes, Hungry Monkey distinguishes itself by superb coffee, gourmet burgers and a…

  • Barrio

    Byron Bay

    The hip industrial decor at Barrio blends in well to its industrial estate surrounds, where Argentinian-chef Francisco Smoje serves a flavour-filled menu…

  • Nomad

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    Though this large open space has a modern industrial look, with exposed surfaces and visible ducting, the cuisine takes its inspiration from more…

  • Merimbula Wharf

    South Coast NSW

    As much a destination venue as a restaurant, the views over bay and beach are just stunning from the windows of the Wharf southeast of central Merimbula…

  • Ode

    Sydney

    A dark haven from the bright Bondi glare, smoky smells from the oysters on the hibachi (Japanese charcoal grill) pervade this wood, copper and leather…

  • Waterfront Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Guarded by territorial seagulls, this cafe sits on the boardwalk in the centre of town, gazing upon the lake. Service is attentive, the coffee's decent…

  • Safya

    Byron Bay

    This family-run spot gives cafe fare a fusion Med–Middle Eastern tweak – eggs with cumin-spiked butter, falafel and pita bread, and avocado toast dusted…

  • Hopscotch

    New South Wales

    The hard-angled surfaces of this parkside establishment amplify the din of delighted diners, shovelling away perhaps Tamworth's best breakfast (the baked…

  • The Pantry

    Manly

    Right on the beach, this Manly favourite is perfect for watching the goings-on in the water and on the sand while kicking back with anything from a hearty…

  • Spice Alley

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This little laneway off Kensington St by Central Park is a picturesque outdoor eating hub serving street-foody dishes from various Asian cuisines. Grab…

  • Lentil as Anything

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This Melbourne import stands out by offering tasty fare (usually South Asian–influenced) on a voluntary-contribution basis. You can give money for your…

  • Milk Bar

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A later than usual opening means this lovely cafe, with its rustic communal dining table and footpath seats, is all about the big brunch or late lunch, or…

  • Tramsheds Harold Park

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This foodie hang-out is a refurbished centenarian brick tram depot at the northern end of Glebe. It's a handsome redevelopment with a supermarket,…

  • Milkwood Bakery

    South Coast NSW

    Milkwood showcases baked goods from the owners' sourdough bakery, which basks in a glowing local reputation. Every imaginable loaf and confection is here,…

  • Merimbula RSL Club

    South Coast NSW

    You might not expect Merimbula's best Thai food to be sizzled up in the Returned Services League Club, but its kitchen turns out generous and well-spiced…

  • Quarters

    South Coast NSW

    A stripped-back bistro in a century-old cottage, the Quarters flirts with Spanish and Italian flavours. Seafood features heavily, like crispy squid,…

  • South on Albany

    South Coast NSW

    Just off the main drag, this small, exclusive-feeling restaurant has a sound philosophy of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients highlighted in a short,…

  • Sprout

    South Coast NSW

    Sprout is a health-conscious street cafe which taps right into the local community spirit. Coffee, sandwiches and 'nourish bowls' are the main attractions…

  • Fumo

    Blue Mountains

    The Fumo site has seen a few restaurants in recent years, but this has ingredients for longevity, with a convivial, high-volume interior and a short,…

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