Sydney is my favourite city in Australia, having been my first entry point into Australia back in 2019 when I first visited the country and subsequently the place I was most excited to go back and explore when I returned with my partner in 2025-2026.
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, one of Australia's states, nestled on the southeastern coast. Famous for its beaches, Sydney is also home to a vibrant city life.
→ Check out my complete guide to visiting Sydney!
The food culture is so good in Australia and, with Sydney being the second-biggest city in the country, you're bound to find countless dining options to suit absolutely every palate imaginable and there is just no way to try it all, not even in one lifetime! I've had some wonderful meals while here and I wanted to compile them into one easy guide to share with you.
This list gets updated as I try more restaurants in Sydney; this post was first published 23 October 2025 and last updated 9 July 2026.
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Heading to Australia? Every single spot (and more) that I mention in all my blog posts about Australia (including its three external territories) can be found in my Ultimate Australia Map!

This is a digital map featuring 800+ of my favourite:
- restaurants and cafés
- campgrounds and accommodations
- shops
- photo spots
- museums and galleries
- beaches and lakes
- places to see animals
- bridges and viewpoints
- hikes
- snorkeling spots
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
Each pin includes the exact location (plus the ability to open it directly in Google Maps), lots of photos for inspiration, detailed information to help you visit the spot plus a link to my relevant blog post to read lots more about it.
Breakfast & Brunch

Speedos Cafe
One of the most insta-famous restaurants on Bondi Beach, well-known for its vegan eats. Chow down on healthy bites and finish off with a delicious açai bowl!
Location: 126 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi

The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria are incredible gardens tucked into the heart of Sydney. Full of delightful fresh plants and flowers, a petting farm and seasonal displays, with delicious bites to eat at their cafe and different bistros throughout the grounds.
Location: 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria










Cafe The Bethel
We stayed in the neighbourhood of Glebe during our first week in Sydney and loved the vibe. This brunch spot was a particular favourite, especially their coffee and açai bowls.
Location: Shop 2/196 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Laughin' Boy
Laughin' Boy is right on the Nepean River in Penrith with a gorgeous view from their outdoor terrace and a mouthwateringly good menu.
Location: Rower's View Road, Emu Plains

The Orchard Hills Cafe
This delightful spot is nestled into a cute cottage on the grounds of a flower and plant shop, so you're surrounded by fresh greenery while you dine.
Location: 1794-1802 The Northern Road, Orchard Hills




The T-Spoon Cafe
This is actually a chain of brunch spots and they have the creamiest, smoothest açai bowls, plus other yummy, comfort food on their big menu.
Location: multiple; photographed at 2316 Silverdale Road, Silverdale

The Ritual Espresso
Surprisingly incredible, tucked into a strip mall in Mount Druitt, these guys have perfected the blend between Australian and Mediterranean breakfast. Family run and truly yummy.
Location: Shop 1B/20 Zoe Place, Mount Druitt

Percy Plunkett
Tucked in Percy Plunkett's former house, built in 1866, this brunch spot is oozing with character and charm. The old house has been converted into a delightful and airy hotspot serving up yummy brunch dishes and great coffee.
Location: 146 Station Street, Penrith



Cafés

Single O
This popular coffee shop has great coffee and seasonal bites, and also serves as a roastery. Their physical location in Sydney, near the central train station, is always packed!
Location: 60/64 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills

Maeda Newtown
Maeda is a vibey corner coffee shop on a busy shopping street in Newtown, perfect for grabbing coffee or a chai latte before you browse the shops.
Location: 549 King Street, Newtown
Dinner

Khao Hom
Khao Hom was one of the first places we had dinner when we landed in Sydney, just down the road from our AirBnb in Glebe. Their Thai food was so delicious and really authentic.
Location: Shop 3/315-317 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Zambrero
This is a chain restaurant with locations all over Australia so not that unique of a recommendation but I have to say that we had absolutely mouthwateringly good burrito bowls at their Penrith location so if you're looking for quick, delicious and reliable Mexican food, I can recommend them!
Location: Shop 3/2215-2227 Castlereagh Road, Penrith

Okami
We found this All You Can Eat (AYCE) restaurant in Camden offering a delicious array of sushi and other Japanese food. You pay a set price and then you can order as much as you like off the tablet, each thing coming in a small portion size so you can try lots of things.
Location: 6-8 Hill Street, Camden

PLATE DINING
PLATE DINING is an outstanding Italian restaurant in Olympic Park where we had a delicious pre-concert meal before seeing Lewis Capaldi at the Accor Stadium. Their staff are thoughtful and their menu is exceptional, catering to all dietary requirements.
Location: Shop 2/11 Murray Rose Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park

Savoury Dining
This All You Can Eat (AYCE) restaurant in Penrith serves up an array of yummy Thai and other Southeast Asian dishes in a self-serve buffet so you can pick and choose and try lots of different things for one set price.
Location: 407-411 High Street, Penrith

Hi Pho
This hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese spot tucked away in Penrith is run by a lovely old man where he serves up delicious steaming bowls of pho.
Location: 6/92-112 Henry Street, Penrith

Billy's Bowl
Billy's Bowl is a non-fussy family-run restaurant in Engadine on the southern side of Sydney serving primarily yummy pho and Vietnamese dishes alongside some Malaysian and Chinese options, too.
Location: Shop 1/1023 Old Princes Highway, Engadine
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
