sydney CBD
Restaurants
Slim’s Quality Burger SydneyRestaurantServing up burgers under $10 and freshly churned thickshakes, this burger joint’s neon signs and sky-blue tiles are a vibrant ode to ’50s American diners.
KilnRestaurantHelmed by genre-bending Sydney chef Mitch Orr, the Ace Hotel’s eighteenth-floor diner is all about native ingredients, fire-based cooking and flavours from across the globe. The space exudes the Ace’s signature cool, with a view that’s primed for the adventurous wine list by P&V’s Mike Bennie.
Cafe SydneyRestaurantA ritzy institution on the Customs House rooftop. An appropriate focus on seafood works a treat, given the jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour. Book ahead for the window seats.
The GidleyRestaurantDescend the stairs into a labyrinthine den of lush velvet booths, flowing booze and a menu that champions Riverine rib eye.
BisteccaRestaurantApart from sides, there's only one thing on this menu: T-bone steaks, sold by weight.
Malay Chinese Noodle BarRestaurantAn institution among Laksa addicts. Today the name has two locations under its banner, but the original, now-closed Hunter Street shop was ladling bowls of piping hot laksa all the way back in 1987 – long before most of the CBD’s other Asian restaurants joined the party.
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Cafes
KahiiCafeA Japanese-inspired cafe with a menu that changes from week to week.
Industry Beans York StreetCafeOne of Melbourne’s most celebrated coffee roasters' first Sydney outpost is in the CBD.
Picco LeoCafeAt this offshoot of CBD diner Restaurant Leo, it's all about pastries by day and aperitivi by night. Head into the laneway for innovative cocktails paired with oysters, anchovy-and-sage scrolls and parmesan custard.
Banksia BakehouseCafeA one-stop shop for celebration cakes, savoury lunch-time pastries and croissants made with a recipe that took 15 months to perfect. From the street, you can watch the team prepare all of the above inside the glass-encased kitchen.
Aqua SCafeCome to this over-the-top ice creamery if you're into inventive flavours. Just take the bestselling flavour: blue sea salt ice-cream. Toppings include popping candy, flame-toasted marshmallow, caramel popcorn and fairy floss.
Joe Black XCafeHidden behind the heritage-listed Louis Vuitton building, this tiny espresso bar has no seats – just good coffee, pastries and ready-made paninis for a quick getaway.
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Bars
Employees OnlyBarLike visiting the Guggenheim, sipping a cocktail at Employees Only in the West Village is a quintessential New York experience. This is the plush Sydney outpost for that same bar – with the same impeccable service, late-night food menu, and yes, even a resident psychic who’ll tell you your fortune.
Mary’s UndergroundBarThe Mary's crew snagged the old Basement space in Circular Quay and continued its legacy as an inner-city hub for live music. They've also thrown in a burger joint with the Mary's signatures: 'burgs, fried chicken and natural vino.
The Doss HouseBarA whisky bar in a former opium den/bootmaker’s workshop/doss house.
ApolloniaBarFrancis Ford Coppola's landmark film *The Godfather* is the inspiration behind Apollonia, a dramatic basement bar beneath Hinchcliff House. A visit here involves Sicilian-style bar snacks, inventive house cocktails and a signature Negroni on tap.
Sky BarBarThis luxe rooftop bar and open-air terrace is the cherry atop Shell House, combining sophisticated drinks and Mediterranean snacks with a statement-making design. Think *Mad Men*-era opulence combined with a 1930s Milanese speakeasy feel.
Eau De VieBarThe celebrated Darlinghurst speakeasy has resurfaced in the CBD – with a serious food menu, 37 signature cocktails and more than 500 whiskies. Enter via a discreet entrance on Wynyard Lane for all of the blazing bartending theatrics you remember.
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Shops
Wholegreen BakeryShopFounded by a qualified nutritionist, Wholegreen has amassed a cult following in Sydney and overseas for its coeliac-friendly bread, pastries and pies. If you’re looking for the gold standard in gluten-free baking, look no further.
FabbricaShopA deli, wine store and by-the-gram pasta shop from the Love Tilly Group. You can also take a seat inside for a quick aperitif and sandwich.
Zini Contemporary GelateriaShopA sleek gelateria and espresso bar that loves to push the envelope with its flavours. While pesto doesn't instantly come to mind when you think of gelato, a scoop of the signature blue vanilla is a must. It's traditionally flavoured but – coloured blue with butterfly pea flowers.
July SydneyShopChic, hyperfunctional luggage and accessories in eye-catching colours are what you get at this minimalist store from the popular online brand.
Books KinokuniyaShopSydney’s art-lovers, design geeks, illustrators and photography buffs practically live in Books Kinokuniya. Its range of niche titles is unparalleled – and that’s not to mention the incredible manga and comic book selection. As far as Sydney’s best book shops go, this one is vying for best-in-show.
Mecca Cosmetica The StrandShopThe Mecca Cosmetica flagship store is a personalised oasis.
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cbd Guides
What’s Open in Sydney on Anzac Day 2024
A guide to the Sydney cafes, restaurants and bars that are open on Anzac day.
Where to Eat and Drink for Vivid 2024
Vivid runs for 23 days and nights – that gives you plenty of time to plan dinner and drinks during your visit.
Book a Restaurant for Mother’s Day 2024
Prove you remembered this year by booking a meal out with mum.
Book a Bar in Sydney
Reserve your seat for a drink.
Best Korean Barbeque in Sydney
Where to find high-quality barbeque, served with great banchan and plenty of soju.
Book a Business Lunch in Sydney
Find the right place to impress a client, or host a leisurely team lunch.
