Avril Treasure

In Sydney, there’s good Thai and there’s great Thai, and we’re all about the latter. From the best deep-fried snapper to the finest pad Thai outside of Chiang Mai, Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure (who has spent weeks happily eating her way around Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket), have rounded up our list of the best places to get your Sydney-Samui on in town. BYO milk. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more? Check out the Secrets of Thaitown Food Tour here. Craving carbs? Try one of Sydney's best Italian restaurants. RECOMMENDED: The absolute best restaurants in Sydney

What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 40-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of Tasmania’s countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. RECOMMENDED: These are the best luxury hotels to book in Australia.

Fish and chips are such a nostalgic meal for Australians that it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually originate here. Sure, the Brits often get the credit for the dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), but it turns out that Portugal is the motherland of the ultimate takeaway food. Wherever it was invented, we’re just happy that it touched down in the land Down Under, and at just about every waterside location you can imagine. After all, it isn’t a salty summer by the beach if your hunger wasn’t satiated with some fish and chippies, right? So whether you're touring Australia's best beaches, or need a pit stop on your great Australian road trip, here are the best fish and chips shops in the land.  RECOMMENDED: These are the best pizzas in Australia.

Winter is when some of Sydney's best pubs really are the best place to be. Better yet when the mercury really drops, is a pub or bar with a great fire place and hot toddy or mulled wine in hand.  Curl up in front of the flames – preferably wood, but we'll take gas if that's what's on offer – with a glass of red or pint of beer. You can lose a whole evening in the comfort of your local, staying warm and cosy. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Be prepared for any weather. These are the best things to do in Sydney when it rains. Beat the winter blues with the best things to do in Sydney in the colder months. Or, snuggle up at one of Sydney's coolest hidden bars. 

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a few wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round. Read on for our (by no means exhaustive) round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

Not everything described as iconic deserves the title, but the double-ended ferries that shuttle between Circular Quay, past the heads and into Manly Cove are truly icons of the beachside suburb. The most visited Northern Beaches suburb is known for its surfing history, rows of Norfolk Island pine trees and busy thoroughfare of shops, cafés and sprawling pubs, but look beyond the well-trodden Corso and you’ll find tiny dive bars, indie boutiques and never-ending ways to make the most of the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Before Manly became a popular escape from Sydney’s CBD, it was home to the Gamaragal people, who were custodians of the land on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour. Jump to a section EAT DRINK COFFEE THINGS TO DO SHOPPING What’s Manly known for? Just how many beaches are too manly for one suburb to have? Well, Manly has eight, which explains why water defines pretty much every aspect of life in this desirable suburb on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. People come here for surfing, sunshine, skateboarding, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and beach volleyball. What's so good about Manly? “You live in Manly for the lifestyle. It’s the kind of place where your mum always had beach towels in the boot so you could meet her for a swim after school during summer, and your weekends consisted of nippers in the morning followed by a pink iced doughnut from the local bakery” says Alice Donaldson, who grew up in Manly. Once she got older it was all about waterfront dr

Once a rarity exclusive to the faraway foodies of Europe, Australia’s homegrown truffle scene has exploded over the last couple of decades thanks to dedicated truffle farmers (as well as their cute truffle-sniffin' pooches and pigs) in Tasmania, NSW and Western Australia, allowing chefs to bring this aromatic delicacy to our tables in increasingly creative forms. The valuable little fungus grows almost exclusively at the bases of hazelnut and oak trees a few inches under the earth. Truffles ripen in June to August, which means you can get them in restaurants through winter and into September. We’ve rounded up all the places for you to indulge in these delicious little treats. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Pay day still far away? Try the best cheap eats in Sydney. 

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in  Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and impressive cultural heritage to boot. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. You’ll no doubt find something to inspire a holiday Down Under with our guide to all the best things you need to see right now in Australia. RECOMMENDED: The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

Leafy and buzzing Surry Hills might just be the neighbourhood with the very best of what this city has to offer in terms of eating and drinking. Whether it’s homestyle, hole-in-the-wall Korean or an all-out chef’s menu from a kitchen with nothing but open flames, each and every price point and palate is catered to on these streets, from the fringe of the city down to the bottom of Crown. Time Out Sydney's editors and critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have chosen their favourite picks from the 2010 postcode (and the home of Time Out Sydney HQ!). Go forth and eat well.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Feel like a drink? These are the best bars in Surry Hills. After a bargain? Check out Sydney’s best cheap eats

July 2024 update: There’s no doubt about it, Sydney is cold right now. But it’s also still beautiful and delicious. Forget takeaway on the couch and instead rug up and visit one of our many excellent restaurants. Below, you’ll find new diners like Good Luck Restaurant Lounge and old faithfuls like Bennelong. One thing they have in common? They’re all worthy of your time. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert local editors and critics who have tasted their way through Sydney, including Time Out's Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our picks of Australia’s top hotels. RECOMMENDED: Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges for your next getaway.

Barbecue and fried chicken might have once been the most popular manifestations of Korean cooking in Sydney, but that’s not even scratching the surface. When your cravings take you beyond the communal grills, Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure – who visited South Korea in 2023 (read why you need to go Seoul here) – have rounded up the city’s top spots for platters of pork belly, hearty beef broths, kimchi hot pots, crunchy-leek pancakes, and cold buckwheat noodles, anju (Korean drinking food), and cheese-smothered rice-cakes.  And remember that restaurant-style Korean cuisine is often designed for big groups, so prepare for colossal hot pots and sizzling plates by bringing your gang with you.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more? Check out our guide to Sydney's top Korean barbecue joints here These are the best Japanese restauants in Sydney right now

Say ciao to Martina, Rose Bay’s waterfront Italian diner with Roman-style pizzas, fresh pastas and a coastal breeze. The sibling to Rushcutters Bay’s Marta, Martina is by Italian-born restaurateur Flavio Carnevale, who is drawing on his heritage and love of Rome at his buffalo mozzarella- and Aperol-coloured spot. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martina Rose Bay (@martinarosebay) On the weekends, Martina swings open its doors from 8am, welcoming guests all day and night. Stop by for great coffee and fresh pastries – including the signature maritozzi, Rome’s much-loved brioche bun filled with whipped cream – and buttery scrambled eggs on toast. Come lunch and dinner time, it’s all about the pasta and Roman-style pizza. There’s a Margherita, of course, with a puffy and charred crust and a bright, San Marzano tomato base. Elsewhere, there’s the Norcina, which features smoked mozzarella, fresh tomato and spicy salami; and the giallo rossa, which lives up to its yellow-red name with a saffron and cream base, roasted cherry tomatoes, smoked ham and mozzarella. Feel like pasta? Choose from the spaghetti alla carbonara with egg, pecorino and guanciale; the creste gamberi e vodka with fresh prawns in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce; or the bombolotti with a rich beef ragu. Note this down: Martina is offering all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta for $33 per person on Saturdays throughout winter. While the menu will rotate, you can count on it being freshly mad

Peter Conistis, the founding chef of Sydney’s Alpha and Ploos restaurants, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of Greek cuisine in Australia, has opened Ammos in Brighton-Le-Sands. Meaning sand in Greek, the breezy, sun-drenched 160-seat diner is located on level 3 of the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach and has a spacious terrace with pretty views of the bay. With dreamy coastal interiors, a fresh seafood station, mezze bar and wines sourced directly from Greece, guests can enjoy a taste of the Med without leaving the tarmac. Conistis said: “At Ammos, I can’t wait to showcase produce sourced from all over Greece alongside the amazing produce available on our doorstep within this beautiful space.” “My mum, Eleni, remains my biggest inspiration for cooking, my career, and the way I continue to approach, appreciate, and respect Greek food, especially over the past 30 years of cooking. It’s my way of thanking her and all the amazing Greek mums and yiayias through this new journey of Greek food at Ammos, and my Renaissance of Greek cuisine,” he adds. Joining Conistis in the kitchen at Ammos is James Roberts, who worked alongside the top chef at Ploos, as well as Omega and Alpha. The menu features traditional Greek flavours with dishes like baked halloumi with pistachios, chilli and lemon; spanakopita, which is a classic Greek spinach pie with caramelised leeks and dill; and moussaka with eggplant, sea scallops and taramosalata. Other yum menu highlights include slow-roasted lamb s

I first visited Turon Gates, an off-grid Blue Mountains retreat, with my family when I was a little kid. We went with family friends and stayed in wooden cabins down by the river. My memory is a little hazy, but I remember it was a few days of fun and adventure, conjuring up make-believe battles and toasting marshmallows by the fire. Our parents spent the days laughing, reading, sipping wine and decompressing. It was bliss for all parties. Fast forward more than two decades, and I am back at Turon Gates once again with my family, but this time I’ve come with nice wine (and socks and beanies because hello, winter). The 6000-acre property is just under a three-hour drive from Sydney, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Driving past the sign, with green farmland and bush-cloaked mountains in the background, I feel myself start to relax.  Turon Gates has been a family-owned property for more than 50 years, and in that time it has grown from basic log cabins and camping to now also offer glamping and luxury lodges. We’re staying in Sunvale, the newest property at Turon Gates, which sleeps up to eight guests. Featuring an expansive deck with beautiful Blue Mountains vistas, a dreamy hot tub, an outdoor barbecue, a crackling fireplace and plush beds, Sunvale is set up for a good time, and is as luxe as it gets in the bush. Sunvale is set up for a good time, and is as luxe as it gets in the bush. And while there are chandeliers, a freestanding bathtub and rain showers, Sunvale is of

If you’ve ever looked longingly at a bowl of pasta or dreamt about fresh bread but couldn’t enjoy it due to coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, you’re not alone. Millions of Aussies find themselves in the same wheatless boat. But in welcome news, the Gluten Free Expo is returning this winter – and it’s here to turn your gluten-free world upside-down. Going down on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, the Royal Randwick Racecourse will transform into a gluten-free haven, with food stalls and exhibitors serving up everything from delicious treats to pantry items. Everything is sans gluten, of course. The expo will also host cooking demonstrations by chefs and useful talks led by dieticians and doctors. They’ll share advice on cooking for a gluten-free diet, managing special requirements while dining out, and the latest research in the field. Penny Dellsperger, health advocacy officer at Coeliac Australia, said: “No matter where you are on your gluten-free journey – seeking a diagnosis, just starting out, or someone who’s lived with coeliac disease for some time – our Gluten-Free Expos offer something for everyone. Beyond our extensive exhibitor line-up, the education stage provides a platform where visitors can glean expert insights in real time.” From discovering your new favourite product to learning more about living a delicious life with coeliac disease, this expo promises to be tasty, helpful and informative. The doors for the Gluten Free Expo will be open from 9a

The char kway teow Ho Jiak is legendary. The flat rice noodles are slippery and chewy and come tangled with thin slices of lap cheong, sweet prawns and hand-picked swimmer crab. There’s a distinct smokiness and savoury flavour and in a few mouthfuls it took me back to scoffing a piping-hot plate of them at a hawker stall in Kuala Lumpur. You can get these noodles and more delicious Malaysian eats at Ho Jiak Town Hall, located on York Street in the heart of the CBD. If you think the name sounds familiar, you’d be right: there are Ho Jiak restaurants also in Chatswood, Haymarket and Strathfield, spearheaded by executive chef and owner Junda Khoo, and Sydneysiders love them. You should probably order the laksa bombs, too, which sees plump chicken and prawn dumplings arriving in a laksa broth with bean sprouts on it, combining the best of both worlds. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Other menu highlights include charred chicken skewers spiced with turmeric and peanut sauce; slow-cooked bone marrow with rendang sauce and roti; grilled calamari with sambal and burnt lime; Hainanese chicken with soy and shallot oil; and nasi goreng with fresh seafood, makrut lime, calamansi juice and garlic crackers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ho Jiak Town Hall (@hojiak.townhall) With fake plants, neon signs that say: “Save water, drink beer” and festoon lights, the decor at Ho Jiak Town Hall is cherry, colourful and borderline tack

Having a stickybeak in the kitchen garden at Milk Haus is worth a visit to this South Coast café-restaurant alone. Co-owner Nat Taylor is in the one-acre garden every morning harvesting, weeding, watering – and it shows. From kale to cauliflower, spring onions to silverbeet, citrus and every herb under the sun, the garden is verdant and lush with happy, flourishing fruits and vegetables that would be sure to impress Jamie Durie, or actually, Jamie Oliver. It sure as hell impressed me. Nat and partner Kitty Stidwills swapped the big smoke and rat race for rolling green hills and blue waves when they quit their corporate jobs and moved to the Shoalhaven, taking the reins of Milk Haus from founder Danielle McKeon. That was back in 2020 – and they tell me they both had not worked a day in hospitality before taking on the venue. It was either a brave and courageous move, or a little bit crazy. I think it’s a bit of both. As well as all things gardening, Nat learnt the kitchen’s ropes – ordering, rostering cooking – while Kitty deep-dived into all things front-of-house and business operations for the garden-to-plate eatery. It worked: Milk Haus is loved by both locals and holiday-goers. And that’s mostly because the food is fresh, honest and delicious. And Nat and Kitty are both warm, kind and passionate owners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) They grow about 80 percent of their produce in the

The first wave ever surfed in Australia was by Hawaii-born Duke Kahanamoku who glided on a wave at Freshwater in 1914, igniting our surf culture and a love for the ocean. Today, a bronze statue of The Duke stands tall in Freshwater’s northern headland. Aloha Freshie, a three-day Hawaiian festival with fun and fruity cocktails, food and music, is going down next month, celebrating both Freshie and Waikiki. And the whole town is getting involved. View this post on Instagram A post shared by F R E S H I E (@freshwater.nsw) Aloha Freshie is kicking off on Friday, August 2 with a special screening of Waterman, the first Duke Kahanamoku biography, and runs until Sunday, August 4, held at The Ocean Terrace at The Harbord Diggers. Award-winning fine diner Pilu will be there dishing up shrimp scampi with their take on Hawaii's famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, created by Pilu’s chef and co-owner Giovanni Pilu. Husband-and-wife duo Barry and Lucy Jones from Mrs Jones The Baker will be serving their take on Leonard’s Bakery’s famous Malasadas (Hawaiian and Portuguese doughnuts). Harbord Hotel, Time Out’s nominee for Best Casual Drinking Venue 2023, will also be pumping out fresh tropical poké bowls and pork rolls. Plus, there’ll be traditional Hawaiian music and Hula dancers. Here's something cool: you and your mate or partner could also win a return trip for two to Waikiki thanks to Hawaiian Tourism and Hawaiian Airlines. All you need to do is follow Fre

FFWD Festival, a four-day celebration of killer eats, drinks, fashion and beats, is happening at Sydney's coolest new event space Machine Hall next month. Produced by Buddy Creative – the team behind Splendour in the Grass and one of the best-ever festivals, Big Day Out (RIP) – the inaugural FFWD Festival (short for fashion forward) will see the 100-year-old former substation play host to Sydney’s creative industries from August 1-4. The line-up is impressive. Maurice Terzini from Icebergs Dining Room & Bar has created a menu with delicious items like porcini and truffle lasagna and tiramisu by the scoop. Mike Bennie from P&V is behind the drinks list, which features party-friendly natty drops. And if you love fashion, experimental concept store Sorry Thanks I Love You will be bringing out new season and archival pieces from top labels including Comme Des Garçons, Acne Studios, Issey Miyake, MM6 Maison Margiela and more. If you can, come for the opening night, where Julian Hamilton, one half of electronic duo The Presets, will take to the stage in what’s sure to be a banger of a set, backed up by psychedelic rock band Velvet Trip. Icebergs and P&V have the snacks and drinks covered, and you can knock back Archie Rose cocktails. That sounds like a good time to us. Plus, across the four days, expect to see impressive art installations, hear thought-provoking panel discussions with art, food and fashion industry leaders, and the team will also be raising money for Chris O’Brien

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. “Things taste better cooked over charcoal,” I hear Firepop’s co-owner and chef Raymond Hou say to a guest. From Bunnings’ snags to grilled fish by the sea, it’s one of life’s universal truths that fire and charcoal give character, smokiness, depth and flavour to food. It’s also one of life’s universal truths that things on sticks are just more delicious. Take a Paddle Pop, for example. Or a gilda. Wife-and-husband duo Alina Van and Hou know both of these truths well. Since 2019, they have been serving flame-licked skewers from their red food truck to hungry people all across Sydney, from festivals to breweries and the Royal Easter Show. In March, they opened their first bricks-and-mortar venue – a two-storey restaurant on Enmore Road – right next door to Bar Louise. The only thing that’s changed is that instead of scoffing their flame-cooked eats standing up, you can now enjoy them sitting down in a sophisticated dining room with a glass of wine. It really is a nice, grown-up space. At the centre is the slick, eight-seater chef’s table with the best seats (olive-brown with a pink backrest) in the house. Wine bottles are lined up along the top of the wall. Impressively, Van trained to become a sommelier to put together Firepop’s drinks list, which features cla

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. There’s a certain joy surfers experience when they're gliding on the perfect wave. It begins with anticipation laced with the excitement of what’s to come, followed by a hit of adrenaline. Then, whoosh: blissful, simple, joy. It doesn’t come around often – I’ve done enough nose dives in my time to attest to that – but when it does, the feeling is magic. That’s why you’ll see the ocean studded with so many black beads in the mornings and early evenings, even in the dead of winter. Dining at Sean’s, the sea-salt-sprayed restaurant located across from Bondi’s golden sand, is like catching the perfect wave. Sure, there’s a little less water and a bit more wine, but the feeling of being in harmony with your environment, and of the joy it sparks, reminds me of my years spent in the sea. And, of course, there’s the dining room. But more on that soon. It is not a grid-perfect Bondi day on my most recent visit to Sean’s. In fact, it’s bloody miserable. The kind of day where the rain seems to be coming at you sideways. As such, the main entrance is closed and guests are asked to enter through a different door, so I find myself huddled into a closet-like room with a bunch of smiling strangers, waiting until it’s our turn. The excitement in the air is palpable, like we’re off to a Bridgerton ball. When it’s time, a host wel

Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare, the second coastal iteration of Alexandria’s beloved trattoria Pino's Vino e Cucina, is opening just a few minutes from Cronulla Beach on Saturday, August 10. Al Mare means "by the sea" in Italian, a nod to its location on Surf Road inside a 1908-built former church and community library that’s cloaked in trailing ivy. While chef-owner Matteo Margiotta’s (ex-Garfish, Cottage Point Inn) first venture was an ode to his family home in Rome, the Sutherland Shire local says Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare was inspired by his idyllic family holidays spent by the seaside in Puglia. So, expect lots of fresh seafood, hand-made pastas and a breezy vibe. “This restaurant reminds me of the best memories from 2021 when my wife and two daughters visited Puglia for my brother’s wedding,” Margiotta says. “We rented a beautiful house by the sea for three weeks. This is the feeling I want our Cronulla restaurant to have.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare (@pinos_vino_e_cucina_al_mare) Leading the kitchen at Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare is executive chef Cristiano Patacca, formerly of Otto and Est. Standouts of the opening menu include things like a mixed seafood platter, lobster pasta, pici cacio e pepe and build-your-own charcuterie platters with Italian cheese, salumi and antipasti. The 190-seater space, which was designed in collaboration with friend and designer Nic Graham (who is behind QT Hote

I can spot a surfer a mile away. They’re normally donning black jeans, a flanno and a beanie or cap, and say things like “that surf was pumping” and “I don’t really care about politics.” I know this because I’ve dated a bunch of them. This is all to say: there are a hundred flanno-and-hat-wearing surfers packed into The Milton Hotel on a Friday evening when I visit, knocking back cold beers like it’s 30 degrees outside and not like, ten. And that’s mostly because they’re great beers. They’re brewed on site under the banner Dangerous Ales and range from a sessionable Backyard Pale Ale and a clean Helles Lager to a fruity Extra Dangerous XPA and a chocolate, rum and raisin stout called Dead Man Tell No Tales. Staff are wearing t-shirts, and there's handsome wooden panelling that nods to the hotel’s past (it was built in the 1800s). So far, very pub-y. Except, The Milton Hotel is not like your standard pub. Yes there are the surfers and tradies, the cracking beers and a feel-good, casual vibe at this tavern located in the heart of Milton on NSW’s idyllic south coast. But you won’t find a chicken schnitty on the menu. There is, however, a smooth chicken liver parfait paired with a fruity chutney and house-made brioche. You also won’t find fish and chips. Instead, triangles of buttery Ulladulla-caught bluefin tuna are kicked into gear with a lime kosho (a Japanese-style ferment they make in-house), soy sauce and vibrant parsley oil. Fish fingers don’t come with chips but arrive lo

The world's largest bowl of pho – Vietnam’s aromatic and delicious noodle-based soup – is now found right here in Sydney. Pho real. Located in Market City, Cam On Restaurant is now serving the colossal bowls made up of 4 litres of broth, 2kg of noodles, 1.5kg of meat of your choice, and 500g of fresh bean sprouts. It will feed up to eight people, and tbh we’re up for the challenge. The record was previously held by Seattle's Dong Thap Noodles, which consisted of a measly 3 litres of broth and about 1.3kg of noodles. Don’t mistake large for lacking-in-quality, though. The chefs at the Haymarket eatery create the pho from a family recipe, so you can expect to enjoy all the things you love about the famous dish – slippery noodles, a balanced broth, fragrant herbs, tender meat – in Cam On’s version. It’s just a supersized one. Don’t think you can tackle 4 litres of pho? No worries. Cam On also sells their pho in teapots – which is either gimmicky or cute, depending on how you look at it. Up for it? The Big Bowl of pho will set you back $148.50 and is available now. Wear loose-fitting pants.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Want more? These are the best noodle soups in Sydney right now. Hungry? Get around the top banh mi in the city right here. In the area? Check out our guide to the most delicious places to eat and drink in Chinatown here.

Do you remember the Entertainment Book? Created in 1994, the often gold and thick book was stacked with great deals on dining, travel, shopping and entertainment. Well, the Entertainment Book is no longer – it’s now just called Entertainment, and it’s all online. The good news is that you can still access those deals from your phone with one handy app. And the deals are pretty impressive. Think: 25 per cent off your bill at Rose Bay’s waterfront fine diner Catalina (up to $55 off); 25 per cent off your bill at boundary-pushing Nel (up to $40 off); and 25 per cent off Freshwater’s coastal spot Pilu (up to $45 off). There’s no catch, just fun and delicious eats and drinks, not to mention other offers on tropical island holidays, airfares, theatre and movie tickets and more. Entertainment’s aim is to help Aussies get out and discover new spots as well as enjoy good-value deals. And considering we’re all feeling the effects of cozzie livs at the moment, we’d say that sounds pretty damn sweet.  Photograph: Daniel Boud   This year marks 30 years of the Entertainment Group, and in that time they’ve done more than just help people eat and drink well: The Entertainment Program has helped raise more than $110 million dollars for more than 50,000 fundraising organisations since 1994. And they've achieved this by donating 20 per cent of each membership to an Australian charity. Cool, hey? If you love eating and drinking out (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) or are looking for a thought

Calling all chicken-nugget lovers: Sydney has made the top ten best cities for kid-friendly restaurants, with approximately 2,009 diners catering to the rugrats among us. This is welcome news for any Sydney-based parents and also for the families who are keen to travel Down Under and don’t want to start World War III over peas. Award-winning tour operator Go2Africa identified the destinations that are the best for family dining by finding out how many highly-rated and family-friendly restaurants there are in the most populated city in each country. They then analysed more than 589k family-friendly eateries on Tripadvisor, before ranking them based on the total number. London came out on top, with a total of 6,328 kid-friendly restaurants to choose from, followed by Paris, Rome and São Paulo. From cheery pizza joints to sprawling pubs with play areas, it turns out our city is made for eating and having a good time, no matter your age, with Sydney coming in tenth place globally for the most child-friendly restaurants. Now, I don’t have any kids, but I did spend eight years working in hospitality and I know some places aren’t great for kids (fine diners, clubs) and some are (hello, bowlos and all-you-can-eat buffets). So I spoke to Time Out Sydney Editor and mum of one, the legend Alice Ellis, to get the low-down on what she prefers when she’s heading out with the family. “I'm looking for a place where kids making noise and perhaps getting up and down from their seats (i.e. runn

The good people from The Boathouse Group have answered our cozzie-livs prayers, offering a $10 happy hour all day, every day, from now until the end of July at ten of their venues. Think Margaritas, Aperol Spritzes, pints of house beers, glasses of house vino and spirits all for ten bucks each. Considering a Marg these days usually costs upwards of $20, this is bang for your buck. Photograph: Steven Woodburn So, where can you get your mittens on these cheap drinks? The $10 King Tide Happy Hour is available at Casa Palm Beach, The Boathouse Balmoral, The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, The Boathouse Rose Bay Café, Rose Bay House, Moby Dicks Whale Beach, The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Barrenjoey House Palm Beach, Manly Pavilion, and the newly opened Mona Social at Mona Vale Golf Course. Again, it’s available all opening hours every day – not just for an hour or two – so if you’re keen for a session, or planning a get-together with your mates this month, consider one of the above. Add on a bucket of prawns, beer-battered fish and chips, juicy burger or a chicken parmi and we reckon you’re in for a good time. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Want more? These are the best happy hours in town. Get around our guide to the best bars in Sydney here.

Sydney’s sandwich game just keeps getting better, with news that Mariah Carey’s private chef has opened a sandwich shop that’s here for a good time, not a long time, and yes, we belong together. Called Tommy Panini, the hole-in-the-wall pop-up is located in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and is set to stay open until spring Spearheaded by Tom Morrison – who has also been a private chef for A-list celebs like Orlando Bloom and Avril Lavigne (great name) – Tommy Panini sells sambos inspired by the viral panuzzo ones from Italy. Haven’t heard of it? Think: a charred and puffy pizza base that’s folded up like a sandwich before being stuffed with fresh and flavour-packed ingredients. Morrison also infuses his dough with rosemary and garlic and tops it with fior di latte cheese before it goes in the wood-fired oven, so you know the base will be on point. Now to the fillings. There are a handful of offerings to choose from, including a classic mortadella panini and a vego number with herby falafel, harissa labneh, zippy pickles, sumac onions and a green tahini dressing. Us? We’d be going straight for the chicken cotoletta with Calabrian chilli mayo, sun-dried tomato tapenade, zucchini pickle, shaved parmigiano and rocket. “Our goal was simple,” says Morrison. “We wanted to offer Sydneysiders something different – not just another sandwich, but a culinary experience that combines the best of pizza and sandwiches." View this post on Instagram A post shared by T

I first visited Cafe Sydney with my mum a decade ago. I was 19 and about to embark on a six-week backpacking trip throughout India. I have the memory of a goldfish, though I remember the views. Perched atop Customs House in the heart of Circular Quay, Cafe Sydney boasts the kind of vistas that are usually reserved for waterside mansions. The Harbour Bridge is there, so too is the Opera House, as well as the blue water; the jewel in Sydney’s crown. And I remember the food, of course. In particular, a dish of tandoori roasted salmon that was so exquisite my mum and I talked about it at length. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney I’ve visited Cafe Sydney a handful of times over the years – my brother’s 30th birthday lunch, a catch-up with friends – and have found it always delivers. The most recent time was a couple of weeks back to celebrate Cafe Sydney’s 25th birthday. For a hospitality venue to stay open (and busy) for more than two decades in Sydney is no small feat, and it’s a testament to the team – led by CEO Jan McKenzie, head sommelier Franck Gozé and executive chef Sarahjane Brown – that the restaurant is flourishing after all these years. It was fully packed on the chilly Wednesday evening that we visited. We sat outside on the rooftop terrace, each table lit up by a golden Dinosaur Design light; the heaters and blankets keeping guests warm. It felt romantic, like we could have been somewhere in Europe, and was filled with couples, friends and family memb

Hooley dooley: Sydney Restaurant Group is offering 50 per cent off three-course meals this winter at six of their venues. And these aren’t shabby spots, either. We’re talking Ripples Chowder Bay, Ripples Little Manly, The Fenwick in Balmain, Manta in Woolloomooloo, Noi in Petersham and Summer Salt in Cronulla. The offer is available now until the end of August, so if you’ve been looking for a venue for your next soirée, one of these is a solid choice. Photograph: Kim Low This is a big step up from last year’s deal, which saw three Sydney Restaurant Group venues offer half-price meals. Group director Daniel Drakopoulos said: “Our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences remains strong, and we are now offering a range of signature menus at half the regular price – providing an affordable opportunity to savour the finest winter dishes.” Speaking of those dishes, things that have caught our attention are the grilled king prawns with garlic, gremolata butter and prawn oil at Ripples Chowder Bay; seafood spaghetti twirled with fresh mussels, prawns, calamari, n’djua and heirloom tomatoes at Summer Salt; and Jack’s Creek sirloin with bone marrow, mushrooms and jus at The Fenwick. At Ripples Little Manly, the prices are starting at $49 per person for a three-course meal plus sides – so really, catch ya, cozzie livs.   Photograph: Kim Low These are the deets of all the 50% off winter specials: Ripples Chowder Bay: 3-course meal plus sides for $59 per person, avail

In sweet news, La Liste (a global guide to the best eats and hotels in the world), has just dropped its most buttery and delicious list of all: the Pastry Awards 2024. Now, A lot of incredible Sydney bakers and pastry chefs didn’t get the recognition we reckon they deserve (Lode and A.P Bakery were robbed!), but we did take home one award, with Janice Wong, founder of 2am: Dessertbar (located in W Sydney), winning the Pastry Innovation Award 2024. Wong, who has previously been crowned 'Asia’s Best Pastry Chef' by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is renowned for her seriously impressive, Willy Wonka-style creations. And if you haven’t had a taste of them yet at W Sydney, where have you been? Time Out Sydney Editor Alice Ellis is a Big Fan of Wong’s desserts. “You won't find ordinary brownies and tiramisu at 2am – Wong's creations are like delicious pieces of art,” she said. “It’s the perfect place to go after a special dinner. And even if you’re not a major sweet tooth, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice cocktail with the best view of Darling Harbour there is.” Photograph: Nikki To Of the win, the judges said: “Janice Wong is known for pushing the limits of creativity past the typical boundaries presented by chocolate and pastry, to create unique and immersive experiences that span concept stores and art exhibitions, in Asia and Australia.” Wong shared the win alongside cookbook author and pastry chef Antonio Bachour, who is also known for a lot of experimentation in his

Like skinny dipping and takeaway pad Thai on the couch, dining alone is one of life’s pleasures. And while at first it can seem as daunting as diving with great white sharks – no one to gossip with! – once you’ve popped your solo-dining cherry and done it a few times, it’s a walk in the park. Not only that, I reckon you’ll come to love it. As part of my job as Food & Drink Editor for Time Out Sydney, I am out most nights of the week checking out the hottest restaurants, tastiest cheap eats and coolest bars in Sydney. And while I do like dining with friends, family and the occasional Hinge date, I love going to venues by myself. I get to order exactly what I feel like eating and drinking, but most importantly: I don’t have to share. Plus, it’s nice to relax with a glass of wine (sans small talk) after a busy day – don’t you agree? And it seems I’m not the only one who's digging dining alone, with data from online booking site OpenTable reporting solo dining is on the rise in Sydney and Australia. Drew Bowering, Senior Director of Sales and Services APAC at OpenTable, said: “Solo dining is a trend that we’re continuing to see at OpenTable in Australia, with solo diners increasing by more than 15 per cent in 2024, year-over-year, the most compared to any other party size. “Whether it be because of the rise of the self-care movement, Aussies wanting some me time, or the return of business travel – solo dining can be a pleasurable dining experience,” Bowering added. I agree. If yo

From the Hunter Valley’s citrusy semillon to Orange’s creamy chardonnay and Mudgee’s velvety merlot, New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s best grown-up grape juice. And it’s not just us saying it. Halliday Wine Companion, the leading authority on Aussie wine, has just announced its 2025 Awards shortlist – and NSW wineries are cleaning up. In fact, two of the country’s six top wineries are found right here in NSW: Silkman Wines and Brokenwood, both located in the picturesque Hunter Valley. Road trip, anyone? Photograph: Supplied The fun doesn't stop there. Liz Silkman from the Hunter’s Silkman Wines was also shortlisted for Winemaker of the Year for her award-winning semillon, chardonnay and shiraz. Justin Jarrett from Orange’s See Saw Wines was nominated for Viticulturist of the Year, with the Orange winery also being nominated for Dark Horse Winery. Time Out Sydney visited See Saw Wines in April and met Jarrett, so we can attest to the fact that he’s a true-blue legend, and his wines – made alongside head winemaker Monica Gray – are delicious (the prosecco was our fave!). Orange got another nod, as ChaLou was also shortlisted for Dark Horse Winery, and if that doesn’t call for a weekend getaway to the regional city, we don’t know what will (check out our guide for the best things to do). Photograph: Supplied/Silkman Wines So, how did Halliday decide on the finalists? In March, the Halliday Tasting Team – made up of founder James Halliday, chief editor Campbell

Neil Perry, one of Sydney’s finest chefs, has received the 2024 Icon Award at the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, held in Las Vegas last night (Thursday, June 6, 2024). The former Rockpool chef and current owner of Double Bay’s Margaret restaurant received the award for being “an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry worthy of global recognition.” The 66-year-old is the first Aussie chef to ever receive the esteemed Icon Award, which is decided by a voting academy made up of more than 1,000 independent global restaurant industry experts. Other chefs who have received the award include Andoni Luis Aduriz (considered one of the most influential chefs of our time) and Wawira Njiru (a Kenyan philanthropist). Awards presenter Olivia Freijo Lloyd said: “Perry is arguably the most revered chef in his home nation, and a friend and mentor to many across the globe.” Off the back of this win, Perry said: “Receiving the Icon Award in recognition of my 40-year career as a chef and restaurateur is an incredible honour.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neil Perry (@chefneilperry) Throughout Perry’s four-decade-long career – which has seen him at the helm of Sydney’s best restaurants including Rockpool, Spice Temple and Eleven Bridge – the chef has become renowned for his steadfast commitment to using local, premium produce. He has mentored some of the city’s most talented chefs, including Kylie

Woohoo! Sydney is officially one of the greatest cities in the world for food right now, according to a global ranking. Time Out’s network asked thousands of locals across the world to rate how delicious their dining scene is, from flash fine diners to tasty cheap eats. Now, the 20 best global cities for eating and drinking in 2024 have been released, with Sydney firmly in the mix at 17th place. What’s more, Sydney was the only Aussie city to make the cut. Photograph: Pauline Morrissey One of the things that makes Sydney so great (alongside our dreamy beaches, sparkling harbour, and lush national parks) is our diverse dining scene. From cracking banh mi to bowls of aromatic noodle soups, plump dumplings, luscious pasta and fresh sushi, Sydney’s food scene has got it going on. So whether you’ve got a craving for a loaded sambo, a slice of cheesy pizza, or an authentic taco, you can get it in Sydneytown. How was the ranking determined? Time Out asked thousands of locals across the world to rate how good their city’s dining scene is right now, taking into account must-visit restaurants, iconic dishes and affordable eats. Time Out’s global network of editors and critics also provided their insights on what makes their city a dynamic dining destination. Time Out then refined the data to compile the ranked list of the top 20 food cities in the world for 2024. Other recent accolades back up the #17 in the world achievement for Sydney's food scene. Last week it was announced that o