Here are 5 reasons to visit Hollywood Quarter on your next trip to Sydney

Peruse any list of Sydney’s top dining establishments and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll encounter a Hollywood Quarter venue. From established favourites like Nomad and Alberto’s Lounge to relative newbies like Pellegrino 2000 and Kiln, there’s no shortage of upscale options in HQ. Spring is the perfect time for a luxe dinner in HQ, as several famous restaurants in the area are cooking up some exceptional offerings. In fact, Nomad is stretching their tenth birthday celebration across the entire month of October, when they’ll be serving specials of their 10 most loved dishes of the past decade, with matching cocktails to boot. 

Bunker-esque fine diner Nel is hosting an 11-course degustation paying homage to chef Nelly Robinson’s British roots. Every dish on the Great British Memories menu will tell its own story, as Robinson digs into his past to create elevated versions of Beef Wellington, Scampi and Beer, and even a marmalade-infused Paddington Bear course. Bookings are available from now through to September 30 for $185 per person. Optional beverage matching starts from $85 per person. 

Dial down the formality without compromising on impressive food with two of Hollywood Quarter’s newest casual dining venues. Gildas, the second Sydney venture from the team behind can’t-get-a-booking Firedoor, is a Basque-inspired wine bar serving pintxos with a twist. Seafood aficionados should opt for Beau Bar, a slick laneway outfit from the Nomad crew specialising in fresh seafood, street food and excellent coffee. Blue hours at Beau run from Tuesday through Saturday from 4-6pm and you can also grab pasta and a glass of wine at lunch for $39 per person.

If it’s pub favourites you want, head to Hotel Harry to make the most of their 4-6pm happy hour on weekdays and daily meal specials. Craving fried chicken with a side of Champagne? Butter is the place for you. Last but not least, stop by the Rover to load up on $2 oysters and $10 mini martinis poured tableside in their upstairs restaurant from 5-6pm till the end of September.

Whether you’ve been out for dinner, drinks or a move at HQ, there’s plenty of places to kick on in this bustling neighbourhood. Head to Hotel Hollywood, an old-school Art Deco pub that anchors the neighbourhood with its storied history, for live music and a welcoming crowd. Soda Factory is your go-to for American-style diner classics, or you can keep the night going with a nightcap on the 18th floor at Kiln, with DJs spinning till the early hours.

Time out tip: If you’re in town for SXSW Sydney, HQ is hosting some of the action at both Hotel Hollywood and Soda Factory.

One day just isn’t enough to enjoy everything Hollywood Quarter has to offer, but the good news is that the micro-precinct is home to two of Sydney’s coolest boutique hotels. No matter if you’re visiting for a single night, a weekend getaway or a longer stay, HQ has stylish options to suit. The heritage walls of Ace Hotel are adorned with curated art and the Lobby Bar is a lovely place to kick off or wind down your night. Get 20 per cent off rooms and ground floor dining during spring when you book with the code ‘BLOOM’. Ace Hotel will even throw in complimentary parking and pet stays. 

Paramount House Hotel has transformed the former Australian headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios into bougie accommodations, with the Golden Age Cinema downstairs making for a great evening out. Bonus: you can score 20 per cent off room rates in September just use the code ‘ROLLWITHIT’. 

As if your HQ schedule wasn’t packed enough, why not squeeze in some art, cinema and design while you’re here? Start with Big Trouble Store to try on some curated US, Japanese and French streetwear, then pop into Piermarq* Gallery to admire the cutting-edge Aussie contemporary art. 

Next, take in a cult classic, new release or retrospective series at Golden Age Cinema, or treat yourself to more shopping at the Bassike pop-up in the lobby of Paramount House Hotel. The minimalist brand is teaming up with contemporary artists Bart Celestino, Quinn Carmichael, and Kitty Callaghan on an exclusive collection available at the hotel from September 14-28. Ace Hotel is also hosting a full program for Sydney Design Week, including Supper Sessions, a multi-course vegetarian dinner showcasing the role of bees in supporting biodiversity. The Amodern Talks will explore issues of production in both fashion and food, while the Material Market gives you a chance to meet Sydney’s sustainable designers.