Food-venture
From feasting at Old English banquets to dining in a revolving tower, check out this list of 14 restaurants in Sydney that’ll give you a one of a kind experience you won’t forget!
1. The Hero of Waterloo Hotel
What makes it special: You can have a drink with your mates at any bar but only here is there a chance to enjoy a pint or two with a few ghosts!
With live music, ghost tours, restaurant area, and a hotel, the Hero of Waterloo may well be the hero of all Sydney adventures!
Hit the hero bar for their social events like the Melbourne Cup, Father’s Day Special, and NRL Grand Final and they’ll have you well-taken care of! When there aren’t any particular events on, you’ll still have a grand time with their live music. Fridays are for folk music where the strings give life to the wooden furniture, Saturdays showcase old time jazz talents in the afternoon and folk at night to add a little it of colour on the sandstone blocks, and Sundays deliver old time jazz again but this time with an Irish jam session to get the buzz going.
For even more of a thrill, ask their bartenders about their cellar and tunnel, rumoured to have been used for smuggling rum and recruiting sailors. One of the oldest pubs in Sydney, , you’re sure to have a good old time with a lager in honour of the Duke of Wellington, the hero himself!
Address: 81, Lower Fort Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
Website: Here
2. Dirty Dicks
What makes it special: You’ll experience what it means to have a Medieval Old English feast with this interactive entertainment crew!
Known as Australia’s most popular theatre restaurant, Dirty Dick’s travels to deliver a festival of interactive entertainment themed with costumes, food, and music just like Old English banquets. With long tables piled with smooth wine, colourful fruits, and hearty food, you’re sure to have a full stomach. Accompanied by their exuberant performances and their ever fashionable costumes, you’ll either be chewing with bliss or laughing with joy, or even both!
This energetic crew will be in Sydney at the Rydalmere Central Bowling Club from November 14 to December 19 to spread their jubilant joy. But make sure you visit their website for location and show date details just in case there are any changes so you don’t miss out on their crazy, merry celebrations!
Address: Location/show dates, click here
Website: Here
3. The Secret Creek Café and Restaurant
What makes it special: You can have a meal with the great views of the Blue Mountains and even a few surprise guests like dingos and wallabies!
Surrounded by both the naturally beautiful fauna and flora of the Blue Mountains, The Secret Creek Café is one secret only true locals know of! Located right in the Secret Creek Sanctuary, you can have a bite to eat before or after a wildlife tour full of quolls, dingos, potoroos, wallabies, pademelons, and turkeys.
It’s perfect place to have a feast as you escape the city noise into Mother Nature’s tranquillity. Their more popular dishes include the Australian spiced bush dukkah, the pasture fed sirloin steak, and the macadamia crusted barramundi fillet but you’d be mistaken to give their ever-changing and never-disappointing specials list a miss.
Because this treasure promises an unforgettable experience, they cater to functions such as birthday parties and weddings so bookings are always essential! Suitable for families, friends, and partners, you’re sure to have a blast in the midst of nature, delicious food, great company, and adorable creatures!
Address: 35, Crane Rd, Lithgow, NSW 2790
Website: Here
4. Pancakes On The Rocks
What makes it special: You can have pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And you’ll get more than just syrup on your pancakes, you’ll have ice cream, Thai chicken, seafood and more!
With their creative and colourful menu, Pancakes On The Rocks will have you questioning whether pancakes really are just breakfast food. For those who vouch for pancakes at breakfast, you can choose from their classic pancakes like the Long Stack or The Ultimate, which will give you an simple yet sweet and savoury experience. For those who believe pancakes are for desserts, try an item off their “Famous” list like the Strawberry patch or the Black Forest Cherry for a flavoursome familiarity. For those want to try pancakes as dinner, give their ‘Savoury Crepes & Pancakes” list a go with their Chicken & Mushroom, Thai Chicken, or Potato Au Gratin to enjoy pancakes like never before!
Don’t worry if sweet pancakes or pancakes in general aren’t your thing because they also serve gourmet pizzas like Italian Salami, items off the grill suck as Pork/Beef Ribs, and starters and salads like Nachos and Calamari for a fully fledged meal. Regardless of whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, an eye for meat, or simply want good old pizza, Pancakes On The Rocks has got something for you!
Address: 4, Hickson Rd, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Website: Here
5. Hello Kitty Diner
What makes it special: You’ll get to have a tea party with Hello Kitty but this time it won’t be pretend!
Unlike regular cat cafés, here you’ll be surrounded by one very cute, very pink kitty – Hello Kitty! Join the party in their deliciously decorated diner that can only described as absolutely kawaii (that’s cute in Japanese!) compatible to the likes of Japan’s! Take a look at the menu sporting a fusion of American and Japanese dishes, and indulge in their sweets, desserts, milkshakes, burgers, and other diner foods so good they’ll induce catnaps right after!
If you don’t know what to choose from the mouth watering list you may want to try customer favourites such as the Maple Pulled Pork Burger, the Gee Gee Burger, Hello Kitty tea, Fried Mozzarella, and the White Chocolate Milkshake. With a bow on their burgers and a whiskers on their cakes, this cutesy café is sure to be the cherry on top of your day! You won’t want to miss out, this tea party is bigger than the Mad Hatter’s! Pay a visit, grab a bite, and say hello to your favourite childhood kitty!
Address: The District, Chatswood Interchange, 436 Victoria Avenue Chatswood, NSW 2067
Website: Here
6. The Absinthe Salon
What makes it special: You get to experience absinthe in the charmingly professional way it was intended to with their nonpareil fountain equipment and the thrill of a new and lucid experience!
Regardless of whether absinthe is a mythical drink you’ve yet to encounter, or a good old friend you frequently venture with, the experts at The Absinthe Salon will treat you just right!
The one of a kind experience begins from their fancy yet skilfully engineered fountain filled. These fountains have four taps which drips ice-cold water onto a sugar cube placed on a stick across the rim of your glass. In the glass, the ice-cold water and sugar drips into the absinthe to create a magical visually alluring and tastefully inviting swirl.
If you’re a little one edge about absinthe, not to worry because the expert staff will explain the true and false of this rumoured drink, the preparation process, and what to expect. If that doesn’t do it, take in the alluring combination of Goth and Burlesque décor that make up the intimate yet oddly relaxing atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this rare experience and enjoy this well-rumoured drink in safe, comfortable hands!
Address: 87 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW 1020
Website: Here
7. The Australian Heritage Hotel
What makes it special: You can get a taste of Australian meat in ways you’ve never thought of before! Think kangaroo, crocodile, and emu pizzas!
The Australian Heritage Hotel will take you back to it’s roots with a menu list like no other. Famous for their Australian meat pizzas, this may be the only place in Sydney you can enjoy a kangaroo as a topping!
Try their novelty Pepper Kangaroo pizza, Coat of Arms pizza sporting half emu and half pepper kangaroo, and their Saltwater Crocodile pizza to see what the buzz is about! You can also enjoy a plethora of other meats such as lamb, beef, chicken, pork, and don’t forget about the seafood! It’s a right haven for meat lovers but don’t worry, they’ve also got vegetarian dishes to cater to everyone.
To celebrate the Australian heritage further, they have an impressive drinks menu showcasing wines, beers, and ciders from all over the continent! With their homey vibes, moody antique decor, and the charming atmosphere, the Australian Heritage Hotel is definitely a local favourite well worth a visit!
Address: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Website: Here
8. Via Napoli Pizzeria
What makes it special: This is where your dreams come true – Where else can you get a two-metre pizza?
Put your dreams at rest and your hunger to the test at Via Napoli Pizzeria where you can get a two metre long pizza! Topped with their best five pizzas, this renowned creation is any foodie’s absolute dream come true! But in case you wanted to indulge on just one flavour, you can also get a regular sized, half a metre, or one metre long ones of whichever pizza on their extraordinary menu. And just in case these pizzas aren’t enough to sooth your watering mouth and rumbling stomach, have a go at their other Italian appetizers, seconds, and salads!
The place is warm not just from the ovens but also from the spirit of the staff as they share the love for what they do with the customers! With a heavenly smell in the air, this vibrant, energetic eatery is great for families, friends, and couples looking for an enjoyable time! It’s humble, happy, and hearty so if you’re ever looking for delicious food, an animated ambience, and two metre pizza, it’s best done at Via Napoli!
Address: 628 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Website: Here
9. The Grounds of Alexandria
What makes it special: You’ll be surrounded by everything you love about food. From food in restaurants to food for take away, casual food sold at markets to organic food grown in the garden areas, it’s any foodie’s paradise!
From breakfast at The Café, fresh produce at The Garden, and a bar scene at The Potting Shed, the Grounds of Alexandria is an acre full of experiences. What comes with the range of food is the artistic presentation of it all. Lingering lights up above, the air filled with an inviting scent of a million mouth-watering combinations, the colours of the food and the furniture complementing each other – it really is a festival for the senses!
It won’t matter if you’re specific to what you eat; the Grounds of Alexandria is a ground for all. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, meat products, halal chicken, gluten free foods, or even if you’re just after a few herbs and spices, you’re sure to find just what you need. Not only are they well rounded with their food, they’ve also got pets in their Grounds Farm waiting for a visit! And if that’s not your thing, don’t worry because they love embracing the open space so you’ll be able to walk around to take in everything before deciding what you want to see and do.
It’s one of Sydney’s every day treasures but one that will deliver like nowhere else!
Address: 7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria, NSW 2015
Website: Here
10. 360 Bar and Dining
What makes it special: You get a full view of Sydney without having to leave your seat or your food!
Make your way around the city without moving your feet; located in the Centre Point tower, 360 Bar and Dining is the only revolving restaurant in Sydney.
Whether you’re a devout Sydney Sider local or a tourist fresh off the plane, the breathtaking views of the beautiful, ever-exciting city will make you fall for Sydney like never before. Not only that, the magnificent skyline is accompanied by modern Australian cuisines for a full experience of what it means to be in Sydney.
Following the same theme, their luxurious bar delivers an impressive list of Australian and international wines and cocktails, waiting to accompany your meal and view. Catering to all crowds, they’ve got carefully crafted lunch and dinner menus as well as a group menu, making this revolving restaurant perfect family meals, a date with a significant other, or a celebration with friends. It’s quite literally a moving experience delivered right to your seat, don’t miss out on possibly one of Sydney’s best skyline views!
Address: 4, Sydney Westfield Centre, 100 Market St, NSW 2000
Website: Here
11. Ms.G’s
What makes it special: You get your cocktails in bubble tea cups or served in a teapot! Plus, the food is amazeballs.
With Chef Dan’s and Yu’s amazing mix of perky designs and snappy flavours, this is a place you cannot afford not to dine at.
You start off by heading upstairs to the bar where you get your specially packaged cocktails with the pearls – try Ms G’s Famous Yuzu Slushee (Wyborowa vodka, shochu, yuzu juice, Regan’s orange bitters, lemon). If you’re a beer junkie, forget the cocktails and go for their Miyozakura panda cup or Akishika Bambi cup – 180ml sealed glasses printed with gambolling pandas and fawns – super cute (you even get to keep the glasses)!
Most of the dishes here are must-tries so instead of naming recommendations, I suggest that you bring a group of friends and order many things to share – have a taste of everything!
Address: 155, Victoria Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011
Website: Here
12. Lowenbrau Keller
What makes it special: Experience little Germany in Sydney!
You don’t have to fly to Germany to have a taste of Bavaria no more. This Munich-styled restaurant is famous for its happening celebrations for any occasions from birthdays, christmas or German-related (Oktoberfest).
What you must try here are their specially imported Bavarian beers and the oven roasted pork knuckles. Multi-task and feast while singing and dancing along to Oom Pah Pah Band’s traditional tunes.
Don’t be shy to join their beer drinking contests held in the name of fun. Diners will be invited to down non-alcoholic beer (sorry guys) in the fastest possible time. Winners receive a special prize!
Address: Cnr / Playfair & Argyle St,The Rocks, NSW 2000
Website: Here
13. The Tea Palour
What makes it special: Participate in a midnight tea party with your mates in Victorian themed costumes!
This dainty and quirky tea parlour is the perfect place for girlfriends who fancy an alternative to bars or coffee shops to hangout and carry out their weekly gossip sessions. Being surrounded by gorgeous, antique treasures, you will feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Victorian era. Patrons are even encouraged to come in fancy themed dresses!
Featuring both homegrown tea labels as well as international brands, the tea menu here is probably the most extensive you can get in the whole of Sydney. Choose wisely and enjoy as much as you like as The Tea Parlour offers unlimited top ups for your tea. The food menu here may be limited but everything just hits the spot. The food is homemade by the owner herself, Ruby, using her own grandmother’s recipe with heart and soul.
The Tea Parlour can be booked for occasions at anytime of the day. I think I’d fancy a midnight tea party one day.
Address: 569, Elizabeth St, Redfern, NSW 2016
Website: Here
14. Doughbox Diner
What makes it special: Step back in time into a Pin Up’s paradise and meet Doughbox Diner’s very own Diner Doll.
Come to Doughbox Diner to fulfil your childhood dream of traveling to America just for an authentic diner experience, on steroids!
Usually at diners such as this, you would get burgers and fries. However at this joint, get ready to try something completely different – hand held Crepe Cones. With over 20 combinations to choose from, no one will get bored of their signature dish. No experience at a diner is complete without milkshakes or soda, so be sure to accompany your crepe cones with the Malted Thickshake or Ice Cream Soda!
The diner dolls are the truly the stars of this place, well according to me. So make sure to get a picture while you’re there (or maybe some tips on how to pull off the look)!
Address: 137, Enmore Rd, Enmore, NSW 2042
Website: Here
Give your eyes and tummy a treat
Two metre pizzas, tea parties with Hello Kitty, and drinking with ghosts, this list is full of peculiar places to try! If you have other one-of-a-kind dining experiences to be had in Sydney, let us know in the comments below!