Table of Content
As Australia's culinary capital, Sydney boasts a rich and diverse food scene that caters to every palate. From upscale fine dining restaurants to charming hidden gems tucked away on street corners, the city offers a gastronomic journey like no other. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, Sydney's vibrant dining culture has something special for everyone.
Each neighborhood in Sydney has its unique flavor profile, offering everything from authentic Asian cuisine to traditional Australian dishes. The city's food scene is full of surprises, blending bold flavors, innovative concepts, and unforgettable dining experiences.
In this guide, I’ll take you through Sydney’s top foodie hotspots, uncovering the most popular restaurants, cozy cafés, and must-try eateries. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a casual brunch with friends, Sydney offers endless options to explore. Plus, the ambiance, design, and delectable dishes at these establishments promise to make every meal a memorable experience.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and join me on a journey through Sydney’s culinary treasures—where every meal is a story worth savoring!
First Stop: Mr. Wong – Modern Cantonese Cuisine
Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Average Price: $40–$50 per person
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 12:00–3:00 PM, 5:30–10:00 PM
Our first foodie destination today is the renowned Mr. Wong, helmed by acclaimed chef Dan Hong. This restaurant masterfully blends Western and Cantonese elements to create a modern and innovative dining experience. Its enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike is a testament to its exceptional dishes. While the flavors are tailored to suit Western palates, the restaurant surprises with its focus on fresh ingredients and healthy preparation methods.
First on the must-try list is the Char Siu Glazed Cod. The cod is of outstanding quality, boasting tender and succulent flesh, beautifully complemented by the sweet-savory char siu glaze. The dish has a rich, vibrant presentation and a delightful complexity of flavors, reminiscent of traditional char siu pork. However, it can feel slightly heavy if consumed in larger portions. Although it doesn’t quite match the iconic miso cod from Nobu, its distinctive flavors leave a lasting impression.
Next up is the Roast Duck Pancakes, another signature dish that you simply cannot miss. The crispy-skinned duck pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy pancakes, offering a refined and harmonious texture. This dish is immensely popular—almost every table orders it—and its reasonable price makes it feel like excellent value for money.
The Yu Xiang Eggplant is another crowd favorite. The eggplant is fried to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior, then coated in a tangy, spicy sauce that is rich and aromatic. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it hard to resist.
However, not every dish hits the mark. The Pork Hock falls short of expectations. While its crispy skin is delightful, the meat inside is disappointingly dry, lacking the tender and gelatinous texture typically associated with pork hock. The preparation leans more toward Western-style pork dishes, which feels somewhat mismatched with the nature of the ingredient.
Overall, Mr. Wong offers an exceptional dining experience, complete with a well-curated wine list. Highlights include reasonably priced DP Champagne and several signature cocktails that pair wonderfully with the food. Despite minor flaws, this restaurant remains a place worth revisiting for its creative take on Cantonese cuisine.
Second Stop: The Eight – Traditional Hong Kong Dim Sum
Address: Market City Shopping Centre, Level 3/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Average Spend: $40–60
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30 PM–11:00 PM
The Eight, a renowned restaurant famous for its Hong Kong-style dim sum, offers a delightful experience with both traditional and innovative dishes that will leave you in awe. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you’ll feel the vibrant Hong Kong atmosphere, with its delicate and elegant decor—perfect for a casual gathering with friends or a family dinner.
Located on the third floor of Market City, The Eight is always bustling, and there’s almost always a queue. Aside from their famous dim sum, The Eight also serves as a venue for weddings and banquets, providing lunch and dinner options with a variety of Cantonese and Sichuan dishes. However, given its reputation, you must start with their dim sum!
Dim sum is the main highlight at The Eight, and each dish is meticulously prepared. Both in presentation and taste, they never disappoint. A standout is their Shrimp Dumplings (蝦餃皇), with its translucent skin wrapping tender shrimp, offering a bouncy texture that is complemented by a hint of ginger—refreshing yet savory.
Another must-try is the Siu Mai (燒賣), with its thin skin and juicy pork and dried scallop filling—every bite is bursting with flavor and savory broth.
Their Liu Sha Bao (流沙包), the salted egg custard bun, is a crowd favorite. When bitten into, the rich and silky custard oozes out, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a multi-layered texture. The Egg Yolk Puff (蛋黃酥) is another gem, with a crispy exterior and a finely balanced filling of salted egg yolk, providing a delicious aftertaste that lingers.
Overall, The Eight offers a perfect balance between elegance and flavor in every dim sum dish. Whether traditional or innovative, the experience is unforgettable. For anyone who loves Hong Kong-style dim sum, this restaurant is undoubtedly a must-visit.
Third Stop: Blackbird Cafe Brunch Spot
Address: Wheat Road Balcony Level 1, Cockle Bay Wharf Darling Harbour, NSW 2000
Average Cost: $40
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-9:30pm, Saturday 9am-10:30pm, Sunday 9am-9:30pm
For all the travelers who love taking beautiful photos, this one’s for you! I’ve handpicked a stylish brunch spot perfect for photo ops—Blackbird Cafe. Located at Cockle Bay Wharf dining area, with a stunning view of the harbor, this cafe not only boasts a prime location but also has a chic interior design. Whether you choose a seat inside the restaurant or by the coastline, you're bound to capture some unforgettable photos!
Bacon & Egg Roll: This classic bacon and egg roll is simply irresistible. The combination of crispy bacon and a perfectly fried egg, topped with a rich BBQ sauce, delivers an exquisite smoky flavor and satisfying texture. Nestled in a soft brioche bun, every bite brings perfect satisfaction—an ideal choice for a morning pick-me-up.
Big Bird Breakfast: This hearty brunch challenge your appetite! It includes eggs (choice of scrambled, fried, or poached), sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns, and toast. Each ingredient is fresh and delicious, and when paired with sourdough, it’s both rich and nutritious. For anyone looking to start their day with a big boost of energy, this is the perfect dish.
Egg Benedict: This classic Eggs Benedict comes with a choice of bacon or smoked salmon. Two poached eggs are drizzled with rich hollandaise sauce, accompanied by creamy avocado and sourdough bread. The layers of flavor—from the tender poached eggs to the indulgent sauce—offer a top-tier taste experience. It's an essential breakfast classic you shouldn’t miss.
Blackbird’s Pancakes: As a dessert lover, these homemade pancakes are simply irresistible. Soft and fluffy, the pancakes are topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and sweet maple syrup, with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. Sweet but not overwhelming, this delightful dish is the perfect finishing touch to your breakfast.
Granola For Me: If you're looking for a lighter option, this dish features almond granola served with fresh Greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with a drizzle of honey. It’s both healthy and refreshing, giving you a burst of fresh morning vibes.
And of course, what's brunch without coffee? Blackbird Cafe’s coffee is expertly crafted. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a smooth latte, their coffee complements every dish perfectly.
Overall, Blackbird Cafe offers an innovative and delicious menu, from classic breakfast choices to rich desserts, ensuring every bite is a delight. Paired with a cup of aromatic coffee, this is the perfect morning feast not to be missed.
Fourth Stop: Spago Darling Square Italian Restaurant
Address: Shop 9/1 Little Pier St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Average Price: $15-20
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30am - 9:00pm
Rather than calling this an Italian restaurant, it's more of a delicious fast-casual spot. The restaurant allows guests to customize their dishes to their liking, making it a popular choice for office workers nearby. I was recommended here by an Italian friend, and despite its fast-casual vibe, the quality of the food is amazing! For just $15, you can enjoy a pasta dish that tastes like it’s from a high-end Italian restaurant—such great value!
Gamberi Fettuccine – Shrimp FettuccineThis shrimp fettuccine was recommended by my friend, and I followed his “recipe” to recreate it. The texture and appearance of the fettuccine instantly reminded me of Chinese oil-splashed noodles. Paired with tender shrimp and a rich garlic cream sauce, the aroma was so inviting that you could smell it from a distance. This dish is definitely one of the restaurant's classics, and it’s a great choice for both first-timers and regulars. Every bite is filled with creamy garlic flavors, and the perfect balance will make you a returning customer.
Signature Lobster RisottoThe lobster risotto is the restaurant’s signature dish. When I saw the special risotto on the poster at the counter, I was immediately drawn to it. The staff recommended it, and it did not disappoint. The rice grains absorbed the rich broth, creating a flawless texture and flavor. Topped with a luxurious lobster tail, it felt like I was enjoying a top-tier seafood dish. Every bite is a perfect mix of deep ocean flavors and the fragrance of the rice, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Squid Ink SpaghettiIf you love squid ink, then this squid ink spaghetti is a must-try. The deep black squid ink is complemented by a whole crab leg, zucchini, and garlic oil with chili sauce, taking the pasta to another level. It reminded me of Shanghai’s crab yolk stir-fried noodles but in a Western upgrade. The intense seafood flavor with a hint of spiciness makes every bite irresistible. The unique taste of this dish will have you falling in love with it instantly.
SnacksApart from the main dishes, the snacks here are also a delightful surprise. The fried calamari and chicken wings have a crispy exterior and tender interior, creating a perfect bite that makes it hard to stop eating. Especially with the sweet and spicy Sriracha honey mayo dipping sauce, the flavor goes to another level, making the dish more complex. The chicken wings are juicy and crispy, and the calamari, when dipped in the sauce, is absolutely delicious. These snacks not only serve as appetizers but also pair perfectly with wine, making the entire meal even more enjoyable.
Overall, whether it’s the main dishes or snacks, this restaurant perfectly combines classic Italian flavors with innovative twists. From fresh seafood to rich sauces, every dish is thoughtfully prepared. If you love seafood and enjoy savoring the refined flavors of Italy, make sure to check this place out—it’ll definitely impress you.
Fifth Stop: Park Bong Sook City Korean Restaurant
Address: 68 Liverpool St, Sydney NSW 2000
Average Price: $40-60
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-12am
This time, I visited a Korean restaurant that truly impressed me, with each dish offering a unique surprise, making me want to return again and again. Whether it’s the classic Korean fried chicken or braised pork bone soup, every bite is filled with authentic Korean flavors, especially perfect for those who love spicy food and rich textures. Let’s take a look at these must-try dishes!
Braised Pork BoneFirst up is the braised pork ribs, which is incredibly satisfying with every bite! The pork ribs are perfectly tender and full of flavor, with the rich sauce soaking into the meat. What makes it special is the layer of rice cakes beneath, with their soft, chewy texture combining beautifully with the savory sauce, making each bite incredibly rich. The cheese corn kernels are another highlight, with a strong creamy flavor that enhances the taste of the ribs. The only small downside is that the cheese didn’t melt as expected, failing to coat the ribs, but the flavor is still fantastic.
Soy Sauce ChickenThis Korean soy sauce fried chicken is a dream come true for fried chicken lovers! The crispy skin remains crunchy even after being dipped in the sauce, and it doesn't lose its crispness after a while. The chicken inside is juicy and tender, without the dry texture you sometimes get with fried chicken, and the aroma is irresistible. After watching Korean fried chicken eating videos, I had high expectations, and this dish did not disappoint! For fried chicken enthusiasts, this is an absolute must-try.
Complimentary Side Dish PlatterAfter ordering, a platter of assorted side dishes is served, featuring various types such as fish cakes, sweet potato cubes, bean sprouts, glass noodles, and pickled radishes. Each bite is more tempting than the last. These side dishes are refreshing and appetizing, helping to balance the rich flavors of the pork ribs and fried chicken while offering a different layer of taste to satisfy cravings.
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Pork Bone Soup with RiceThis pork spine soup instantly took me back to my childhood memories of school cafeteria meals. The broth is rich and fragrant, and the pork spine meat is tender and fully infused with flavor. Mixing the broth with the rice creates a warm, comforting dish. It’s not only heartwarming but also helps you eat more, perfectly complemented by the kimchi on the side, making the overall flavor even richer. Although the bones are a bit hard to separate, this small detail doesn’t take away from the deliciousness, and I felt incredibly satisfied after eating it.
Stir Fried Spicy Chicken FeetIf you’re a fan of spicy food, then this stir-fried spicy chicken feet is a dish you must try! As someone who prides themselves on handling spicy food, this dish really challenged me with its intense heat. The spiciness is strong and thorough, and for those who aren’t afraid of heat, this will be a real test. If you're a spice lover, don’t miss it, but if you’re sensitive to spice, it’s better to skip this one.
Each dish at this restaurant is packed with authentic Korean flavors, whether it’s the braised pork bone, fried chicken, or spicy chicken feet—every dish is unforgettable. The rich side dishes and hearty soups make the entire dining experience even more perfect. I highly recommend this place to those who love Korean cuisine and enjoy challenging their taste buds. It will certainly meet all your food expectations!
Sixth Stop: Kagoshima Master Yakiniku Ultimo Japanese Restaurant
Address: Retail, Shop A/517-521 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007
Average Cost: $80-100
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday 12-2pm, 5-11pm; Monday to Friday 5-10pm; Closed on Wednesday
The last restaurant on my list is a Japanese BBQ spot with fresh ingredients and exceptional flavors that are definitely worth trying. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is clean and bright, and the service is incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home. Here are the dishes I tried during my visit—come take a look!
Australian Wagyu SeriesAs a must-try in Australia, we had to sample the Australian Wagyu! We selected three different cuts of Wagyu to delight our taste buds:
Rump ($25.8): The meat was incredibly tender, grilled to perfect doneness, with every bite filled with rich beef flavor.
Outside Skirt ($29.8): This cut was fuller in texture, with a great bounce. The smoky char from grilling paired beautifully with the juices, making it absolutely delicious.
Tongue Premium Mango Cut ($39.8): This dish comes highly recommended! The thick-cut mango Wagyu tongue was exceptionally juicy and tender. Each slice bursts with flavor, and the meat melts in your mouth—once you've tried it, you’ll fall in love with it.
Sashimi PlatterThe sashimi platter included fresh salmon, tuna, shellfish, and more. The quality of the ingredients was impressive. While the portion size was slightly smaller than premium options, the price was more affordable, making it a great value.
Beef Tataki with Onsen EggThis dish is a pleasant surprise, with the tender beef paired with a silky smooth onsen egg. The sweet and tangy sauce was refreshing and didn’t overpower the dish. The only downside was that the portion was a bit small, but it's definitely worth trying.
Foie Gras Wagyu Rice with Sea UrchinThis dish is practically the signature of the restaurant and a must-try! The rich combination of foie gras and Wagyu is packed with flavor, while the sea urchin adds a touch of sweetness that complements the richness of the foie gras. The rice absorbs all the delicious broth, leaving you fully satisfied. However, after a while, the richness of the dish can feel a bit overwhelming, but foie gras lovers will absolutely adore it.
Non-Alcoholic DrinksI ordered two non-alcoholic beverages—Fuji Mountain and Popcorn Tea. The Fuji Mountain drink was refreshing with a hint of grapefruit, perfect to pair with BBQ. The Popcorn Tea was an unusual flavor, slightly sweet with a tea fragrance, but the taste was a bit peculiar for me—it may not be to everyone’s taste.
This meal was on the pricier side, but considering the quality of the ingredients and the overall dining experience, I found it to be well worth it. Both of us left feeling completely satisfied, even a bit full. I highly recommend Kagoshima Master Yakiniku for anyone who loves Japanese BBQ and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant has a clean and bright ambiance with a minimalist yet stylish design, suitable for various occasions. The staff was friendly and attentive, even helping with grilling the meat, which made the experience feel extra thoughtful.
Alright, that's it for today's Sydney food tour! I didn't expect the previous food series to receive so much attention. Which city's food guide would you like to see next? Feel free to email me!
Alison’s Story
Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
When I was working in a law firm, I was surrounded by highly educated professionals. Even though their wages are very well, and they are absolutely the elites in society, but their lives are full of hard labor, and it’s hard for them to get rich through buying properties.
So I spend all my time and effort on learning financial and real estate investment knowledge, hoping to achieve financial freedom as soon as possible, and let my parents who have worked hard for many years live a good life.
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