Avril (she/her) grew up reading food reviews before school. She learnt about balancing flavours during cooking classes in Indonesia with her mum, dived into the importance of heritage on food tours in Hawaii, and fell in love with fine dining after going to Aria at 15. No two meals were ever the same in the Treasure household, and some of her most special memories are with her loved ones are around a table laughing, eating (probably too much salt and butter) and drinking (anything, though she loves a Negroni).

Avril studied media and communications at the University of Notre Dame Sydney and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism. She’s been a freelance lifestyle writer for a decade, writing for the likes of Broadsheet, Concrete Playground, Delicious, Urban List NZ, and the Saturday Telegraph’s At Home magazine on food and drink, travel, culture and gardening. Avril also had a brief stint in food PR, has lived in New Zealand and travelled to every continent bar Antarctica (though, it’s on the list).

Throughout uni and her freelancing days, Avril worked in hospitality here in Sydney for close to eight years, from waitressing to hosting, enduring many a (hungover) 12-hour shift. Her respect and appreciation for chefs, as well as the front and back of house, was cemented during this time, and her love of wining and dining, grew.

Avril joined Time Out Sydney in August 2022 in the Creative Solutions team, became the Food & Drink Writer in March 2023, and the Food & Drink Editor in January 2024. In her role, Avril eats and drinks her way throughout Sydney to inspire people to get out, explore and eat and drink well. Because life’s too short for lacklustre meals. She has never loved a job more. And she probably still eats too much salt and butter.

Avril Treasure

Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney

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Articles (269)

Taylor Swift events and specials in Sydney

Swifties, get that red lip classic thing going on, because the professional lover girl is almost in town and it's time to celebrate. Whether you're one of the lucky bunch who scored tickets to one of Tay Tay's shows or you're looking for other ways to get in on the fun, hit up the town with one of these quirky Taylor Swift-related events on in Sydney. From 'getaway carbs' at bottomless brunch and Taylor-themed jet boat rides around Sydney Harbour, find how you'll be curing your Taylormania with our list below. Want to get your hands on some merch in advance? Check out this how-to for buying The Eras Tour merch before the concert. Make sure you have all the intel on public transport to the Eras Tour at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Here's everything else you need to know about Taylor Swift's Sydney shows: timings, set list and more.

The best Italian restaurants in Sydney

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

The best new restaurants in Sydney

Somehow, it’s already autumn. The good news is there are plenty of exciting new openings to add to your hit list. My current favourites include a whimsical new eatery from the team behind Ursula's Paddington called Cafe Cressida, a fire-powered Mediterranean diner from the Bar Copains team called Bessie’s, a luxe seafood and steak grill from The Bentley Boys named Eleven Barrack (guess the address!), and Cibaria, a gorgeous new all-day Italian restaurant right on Manly's beachfront. Oh, and the five-star Neptune's Grotto. Below, you’ll find Sydney’s best new restaurants. Hungry? I am too. Let’s dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

The 60 best pubs in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: Thirst-quenching beers, sunny beer gardens and hearty feeds – how good are pubs? Whether you’re after a midweek meal, a trivia night or live music, Sydney’s best watering holes are sure to set the stage for good times. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a sunny day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. Cheers! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants.

The 68 best bars in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: Summer may be over, but we say – let the good times roll. A good place to start is our handy guide to the city’s finest drinking establishments. Whether it’s a date or a catch-up with a mate on the cards, these spots are sure to deliver on fun. My current picks? The eternally sexy Double Deuce Lounge, dreamy wine bar Famellia, and the home of excellent Margs, Stowaway Bar. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

The best restaurants in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: So glad you’re here, autumn, with your cooler mornings and changing-colour trees. Enjoy this time of year over lunch or dinner with your people. Below, you’ll find the very best places to do just that in Sydney. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out's Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

The 70 best cheap eats in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: Life in Sydney is fun and fabulous, but it can also be expensive. The good news is you can dine out affordably if you know where to look. Keep this guide handy next time your friends suggest a catch-up. As for me, I’ll be hitting up old-school Italian spot Bill & Toni's, Emma’s Snack Bar (found in my new ’hood, Enmore), and for banging tacos, I’m heading to Mami’s in Bondi. Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this list, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. These are the ones well worth their salt. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

The 72 best cafés in Sydney right now

Autumn 2025 update: Not sure where the start of the year went? Same. Embrace the change in season with brekkie and a hot coffee at one of our fave Sydney cafés. My current picks include a delightful new spot from the Ursula’s Paddington team called Cafe Cressida, Manly’s go-to Noon, and the Euro-style Ken's Continental in Potts Point. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

The 27 best steaks in Sydney for $25 and under

For a hearty and satisfying feed, it’s hard to go past a steak – one that’s rosy and juicy on the inside with a consistent char, full of flavour and well-seasoned. Sydney’s home to many excellent steak restaurants (you can check out our guide over here). But this guide is not that. This guide is for when you want a damn good steak without the higher price point. A protein hit without breaking the bank! Time Out’s writers, including Food & Drink Editor and fellow carnivore Avril Treasure, have hit the streets (and yes, the pubs) to bring you the best affordable steaks in Sydney. Here are the ones that are a cut above the rest. Note: you will need to head out midweek to get these banging offers (but we can think of worse ways to spend a Tuesday). Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After more bargain meals? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. After fun for nothing? Here's our list of the best free things to do in Sydney.

Sydney's cheap meal specials for every night of the week

We’re all too aware that Sydney isn’t a cheap place, but if you know where to look, you can find dinner any night of the week for $20 and under. From tasty burgers at your local pub to steak and chips and fish tacos, Sydney has a bunch of budget-friendly eats. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together our hit list for frugal dining. We'll see you on Tuesday. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to know which cheap restaurants we rate most? Here's Time Out's guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Plus, check out our guide to 25 things to do for $25 or less in Sydney here.

The 21 best burgers in Sydney

A burger is a simple premise, but doing them well is truly a dark art. Do you go with the classic sesame seed or the more gastronomic potato, milk or brioche buns? Do you prefer American cheese, blue or cheddar? How about caramelised onions, pickled or raw? Lettuce and tomato, or cheese and pickles? Is your protein power chicken, fish, beef, or mushroom? And we haven’t even gotten to the question of fries yet. There are a thousand variations on a burger, but Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have tried all the top buns in town – and these are the best in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are Sydney's best pizza joints. Want more carbs? These are Sydney's best pasta spots.

The best florists in Sydney

We’ve picked out our favourite Sydney florists and flower shops that always deliver when it comes to beautiful bunches of blooms, from dramatic and sculptural arrangements to pretty posies and vibrant native bouquets. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. When you can't hand over the bouquet in person, you can rely on the best flower delivery services in Sydney.

Listings and reviews (407)

Cafe Cressida

You will find dancing croissants, delightful food and fedora-donning locals sipping on Spritzes if you happen to head to 118 Queen St, Woollahra. That’s because Cafe Cressida – a casual café and restaurant by chef Phil Wood and wife Lis Davies, the team behind the award-winning Ursula’s Paddington – is now open inside the Musk Stick-pink Queens Court building. Named after the couple’s three-year-old daughter (and found in her favourite building), Cafe Cressida is open for brekkie and lunch seven days a week, as well as dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No bookings, walk on in. Dancing croissants are also welcome. The duo worked with Sydney-based designer Larissa Leigh to bring their vision to life, drawing inspiration from the “many wonderful courtyard and terrace cafés and restaurants that make Paris such a beautiful place to visit,” said Wood. The sunny, mostly outdoor space features striped awnings, colourful chairs, pops of greenery and a touch of whimsy. The menu is thoughtful and straightforward, featuring pretty-to-look-at dishes executed with local, quality produce and a fine-dining chef’s palate. A fresh selection of baked goods is always on offer, such as Iggy’s sourdough, golden croissants and salted choc-chip cookies. Bigger morning dishes include caramelised French toast with whipped cream, banana and crisp bacon; the Mediterranean breakfast plate with a boiled egg, falafel, hummus, ham, cucumber, radish and tomatoes; congee with shredded roast chicken, pe

Lakemba Nights

For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back. This year’s event will be a little different, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 27 to March 30, 2025. What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close? From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street. What started as a single street barbeque back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with last year's event drawing in more than one million people across the month. What kind of food will there be? Break fast with with roti and gentle lentil curries from the Cocos Islands; Malaysia's famously buttery grilled pastry parcels, murtabak; and haleem, the king of curries from Pakist

Flora

If it’s been a while between visits, we reckon you should take a walk down Newtown’s Australia Street, ’cos there’s a bit going on. Sydney’s favourite charcuterie, cheese and booze haven, Continental Deli, has welcomed sibling venues: Flora, an all-day vegetarian restaurant, and Mister Grotto, a seafood diner, with Italian spot Osteria Mucca, and boutique accommodation Australia Street Suites, in the pipeline. (Also found on Australia Street is Westwood, one of our fave pizza joints). The venues are spearheaded by Paisano & Daughters, a family-owned hospo business which also shares DNA with Porteño, Humble Bakery and Bastardo. But back to Flora. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, Flora’s focus is to bring seasonal, sustainable, nourishing and – importantly – tasty vegetarian eats to the already strong plant-leaning community. The menu, headed up by head chef Jude Hughes (ex-Three Blue Ducks, South Australia’s The Summertown Aristologist), spotlights locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired cooking, with dishes showcasing ferments and house-made cheeses and vinegars. You could start your day with ricotta and cacao husk pancakes served with smoked maple syrup and espresso butter; amped-up avo toast with green chilli sambal, braised zucchini and pepita butter on “life changing seeded toast”; or a Kangaroo Valley three-egg omelette filled with Monterosso cheese, poblano peppers and salted black bean dressing. Lunch and dinn

Bessie's

Sydney’s hottest new opening is here. Say hello to Bessie’s, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from the team behind Time Out’s fave vino haunt, Bar Copains. Morgan McGlone (culinary director of Potts Point’s Sunday and founder of Belles Hot Chicken), Nathan Sasi (the founding chef of Nomad), and Sasi’s partner Sali (co-founder of shopping platform Wrapd) say that fire is at the heart of their new diner, which is named after McGlone’s grandmother. And the venue is pretty special. It’s the old Chef’s Warehouse on Albion Street—just 70 metres from Bar Copains, which won Time Out’s Best Wine Bar Award 2023. The team has brought in serious talent to head up the kitchen at Bessie’s. Celebrated Sydney-born chef Remy Davis, from the Michelin-starred Elkano restaurant, relocated from San Sebastián for the head chef gig. The menu is made up of snacks, small plates, large plates and sides. Get around things like sourdough flatbread topped with garlic and herbs, whipped cod’s roe, and eggplant with tomato and feta. There’s Alma’s mortadella with devilled eggs and pickles, and a Moreton Bay bug sandwich (sibling to Bar Copains’ epic fish sambo). Other dishes include wood-fired prawns with lardo, paprika oil and rosemary; pork belly and loin chop with quince aioli; and a wood-fired pie with fennel, spinach, chicory and ricotta. The team says that Bessie’s is a place for adults to chill, have fun, and maybe get a little wild. As such, children under 12 – including babies – will need to si

Cibaria Manly

“Just like the Mediterranean, but in Manly,” our waitress tells us while dining at Cibaria, and she is right. Located inside the newly renovated Manly Pacific Hotel and boasting beachfront views, Cibaria Manly is the newest waterfront restaurant to open in the 2095 postcode, combining the flavours of Italy with an easy-breezy Northern Beaches vibe. It’s the latest restaurant from star couple and locals Alessandro and Anna Pavoni, who are behind Ormeggio at The Spit, A’Mare, Chiosco and Postino Osteria. Two things they know damn well? Honest and delicious Italian fare, served with warmth and passion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Cibaria Manly’s menu features a selection of antipasti, fresh raw seafood, quality cured meats, proteins cooked on the wood-fired grill, house-made pastas, sides and more. Menu highlights include raw scallops brightened with lemon oil, pops of finger lime, chervil and ocean trout roe; creamy Gorgonzola served tableside with caramelised walnuts and honey; wood-fired bread topped with San Marzano tomatoes and oregano; golden and crunchy crab fritters amped up with spicy mayo and fresh herbs; and tagliatelle with slow-cooked veal, beef and pork ragu. We’re not saying you have to end with a scoop or three of silky smooth pistachio gelato, but we’re also not not saying that. The 130-seat restaurant, which also has a handful of outside tables and chairs, has been designed by award-winning Sydne

Orange FOOD Week

Orange FOOD Week – the country’s longest-running annual regional food festival and my personal favourite food and wine party – returns this autumn, celebrating the area’s incredible produce, producers and chefs. The 2025 edition of the festival will bring together local farmers, winemakers, coffee roasters, cheesemakers and food-lovers – AKA those in the wine and beer biz – for ten days of feasting and celebrating food. Now in its 33rd year, Orange FOOD Week 2025 will feature more than 100 joyous and delicious events happening across the small township and surrounding farmlands of Orange. Gather your mates and plan your road trip now. Most of the events at FOOD Week are ticketed (you can have a suss at all of them here). While some flagship events are sold out, there’s still the option to put your name on the waiting list. Plus, there are plenty of free happenings and even more great eateries to experience while you’re in Orange (Hey Rosey and The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank are my top picks). Highlights of FOOD Week include the outdoor Night Market (March 28), which sees nearly 50 food and wine stalls knocking out local delights under festoon lights in Robertson Park; the gorgeous alfresco long lunch, Sampson Street Lunch (March 29), featuring a three-course meal plus paired wines; a pizza and bubbles soirée with See Saw Wines (March 30); an intimate vineyard tour and experience with ChaLou (April 4); and a special dinner at The Hotel Canobolas featuring Sydney’

A Day On The Green – Fatboy Slim

Praise Bowral! The lush Southern Highlands town is where party-ready legend Fatboy Slim is playing next month, so chuck Saturday, March 15 in your group chat right here, right now, and get ready to dance. Fatboy Slim – known for his high-energy danceable tracks, including ‘Praise You’ and ‘The Rockefeller Skank’ – is the next headline act at outdoor winery concert A Day On The Green, presented by MG Live, Frontier Touring and Roundhouse Entertainment. “Like the crazy drunk uncle who turns up every Christmas, I’m coming back to my Aussie fam once again. Expect the usual inappropriate behaviour and interpretational dancing…” said Fatboy Slim. Held at the picturesque Centennial Vineyards since it began in 2011, A Day On The Green has hosted some of the world’s biggest musicians, including Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The music shindig combines the best of all worlds: top-notch tunes, thirst-quenching drinks and delicious eats, all surrounded by an idyllic winery backdrop. Time Out was lucky enough to see groovy American singer-songwriter Leon Bridges perform there and can attest that it’s a really fun day and night out. Centennial Vineyards is a seven-minute drive from the centre of Bowral – so you can do scissors-paper-rock with your mates to see who will drive. Or catch one of the buses that go to and from the grounds frequently. Bowral is an hour-and-a-half drive from Sydney, so we reckon you should make a weekend of it and stay a few nights. We recomm

Berida Hotel

I’ve just come back from a weekend away in Bowral, the largest town in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, and I’ve decided that it’s my new Roman Empire. Why? Not only is it ridiculously picturesque – with its lush green pastures, charming township and lolly-coloured tulips – there’s also so much to do. Vintage shopping! Seeing a gig at A Day On The Green! Pretending you’re an extra on Bridgerton! Etc. If you too have found yourself lusting over a weekend filled with sleep-ins, long and lazy breakfasts, and afternoons enjoying cheese and wine, then you’re gonna need somewhere to stay. That’s where the charming Berida Hotel comes in Originally built in 1925 as a country manor, today Berida Hotel is a family-owned boutique property offering guests a place to escape for a few days in comfort and style. The hotel features elegant period furniture and touches of old-world glamour – from glittering chandeliers to plush velvet chairs. There are eight room sizes to choose from, spanning stylish suites to family rooms, depending on your occasion and budget, which all feature air conditioning, guest robes, and could-stay-in-all-day beds. Tucked away on David Street, Berida Hotel is a four-minute drive from the centre of town, so it’s an ace base if you’re visiting for a romantic escape, friends’ getaway or a wedding, and are looking to be close to the action but also after a peaceful retreat. Hungry but don’t want to leave the hotel? No worries. Head on down to European-inspired Bist

Icebergs Harbour Bar

The aquamarine tables are there, holding an Icebergs Dining Room and Bar classic: the No 8, a fun and fruity cocktail made with Ketel One vodka, Campari and ruby grapefruit. Also on the table is The Iceburger, a delicious burger featuring all the usual suspects: a charred beef patty, fresh salad, crunchy onion, melted cheese and creamy sauce. Waitstaff look dapper in suits, and there’s the usual hum of guests and the clinking of glassware. We can see the water too. But it’s the harbour, not the ocean. And that’s because we’re not in Bondi, at arguably Sydney’s most famous restaurant. We’re at Crown Sydney, sitting down at the brand-new Icebergs Harbour Bar. Located on the ground floor of Barangaroo’s five-star hotel – having taken over the space formerly occupied by The Waiting Room – Icebergs Harbour Bar brings a slice of the salty ocean to Crown Sydney. The menu features a selection of European- and Australian-inspired snacks, share plates and larger dishes, including many beloved Icebergs classics. Maurice Terzini, co-owner of Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, said: “I have always had a love affair with great hotel bars; they’re transient and fun, and you never know who you’re going to meet. This evolution of the Icebergs Bar will bring classic drinks and our signature bar food offering to Crown Sydney, matching the already decadent and luxurious guest experience.” You could begin with the Harbour Bar Martini (Papa Salt Gin, a blend of dry vermouths, bitters and pickles) along

Sana

Sana means “state of wellbeing” in Spanish. It’s also the name of the new bright and zesty Mediterranean-inspired eatery serving yum bowls and rolls, now open in South Eveleigh. Sana has been brought to life by two formidable forces: Daniel Sorridimi, owner of excellent Sydney cafés Blackwood Bondi and Cronulla, and Sydney-based chef Joel Bennetts. Bennetts is the chef behind Fish Shop and Burger Park, both in Bondi, and the author of ‘Food by Joel Bennetts’. The two share a passion for healthy food that makes you feel good and, importantly, doesn’t skimp on flavour. Now open in the former home of Coyoacán Social, Sana joins nearby neighbours Willy Wonka-esque coffee mecca The Grounds Coffee Factory and beer haven BrewDog. Expect a line-up of seven signature bowls, plates and rolls, with the option to make your own bowl. Mediterranean basmati rice, cauliflower rice, lettuce, or cabbage will make up the base, before you go to town on proteins including salmon, lamb mince, lamb shoulder, chicken and falafel, as well as house-made pickles, fresh vegetables and zingy sauces. Highlights include The Sana, featuring lamb mince, pickled zucchini, cucumber, red onion, pickled jalapeño, coriander, garlic and jalapeño dressing and spiced almonds; and the red harissa protein plate, which combines poached chicken, house-made slaw, spiced almonds and pickles. We tried the poached chicken roll, which came with shredded iceberg lettuce, red onion, cheddar cheese, pink turnips, black pepper m

Eleven Barrack

Eleven Barrack, a luxe seafood and steak bar and grill by The Bentley boys – the duo responsible for Sydney hits Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Yellow, King Clarence, Monopole, Cirrus and Brasserie 1930 – is now open at, you guessed it, 11 Barrack Street in Sydney’s CBD. Housed in New South Wales’ first savings bank, a heritage-listed building built in 1949, Eleven Barrack combines old-world charm with The Bentley Group’s flawless execution. Crisp white tablecloths, a first-class wine list and tableside service complete the go-hard-or-go-home offering. The menu, made up of quality wood-fired seafood and steaks, as well as snazzy starters, pastas and salads, features the classics done well and with The Bentley’s signature wink. Highlights include fried ricotta dumplings with caviar, crème fraîche and chives; David Blackmore beef tartare with roasted bone marrow; lobster and leek terrine with chives and Champagne butter; and mafaldine with pork and prawn bolognese. The dining room, which features a soaring ceiling, elegant furnishings, a towering marble column wrapped in shiny purple metal, and navy tartan carpet, is wow-worthy, thanks partly to good bones and also the work of designers Pascale Gomes-McNabb and Chris Grinham. There’s also a 40-seat bar that welcomes walk-ins if you’ve got a craving for a burger and a vino. As for wine, the list is made up of top Australian and international drops, overseen by co-owner and award-collecting sommelier Nick Hildebrandt. Whether you’re

Bar Julius

If you’ve wandered down to the crossroads of Redfern and Surry Hills lately, you’d notice there’s a bit going on. Wunderlich Lane – an ambitious new dining and lifestyle mecca – is now open. The Eve, a boutique hotel operated by the team behind Brisbane’s award-winning The Calile, is not far away. And tucked right inside The Eve is Bar Julius, a 100-seat European-style bar that’s now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bloody Mary, anyone? Liquid & Larder – the Sydney hospo group behind the Mad Men-esque The Gidley, fast steakhouse Alfie’s and underground haunt Bistecca – is in charge of the food and drink offerings at The Eve, and they’re also the ones behind Bar Julius (as well as its upstairs sibling venue, Mexican rooftop diner, Lottie, also now open). That means you can expect the food, drinks and venue to be top-notch. Want breakfast early? Sure thing – order the pork hock toast soldiers with free range dippy eggs. What about a frosty midday Martini and fries? Yep, that too. Coffee after 3pm? You bet. Late-night vino with a cracking hot dog? It’s got your name on it. Liquid & Larder co-founder and director James Bradey said: “Bar Julius is inspired by European-style bistros of New York City, where all-day dining is prominent amongst a melting pot of guests from local residents, nearby workers and travellers. We are creating a space for people to gather, an atmosphere that is lively and warm, that channels European nostalgia with modern sophistication. Open early and u

News (155)

Quay, one of Sydney’s best restaurants, has a special new desserts-only menu

In front of me is white coral. Though, I am not underwater, scuba diving with Steve along the Great Barrier Reef. Instead, I’m sitting – fully dry – on a comfy, brown leather seat with Sydney’s famous white sails in the background. It’s a glorious time of day – perhaps my favourite one – when the sun’s harsh rays transform into a warm golden glow, and pink, fairy floss-like clouds begin to appear in the sky. The only bubbles I can see are those gently rising to the surface of my glass of Champagne. And between you and me, they’re going to disappear pretty soon. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney White coral is the name of one of executive chef Peter Gilmore’s signature desserts at Quay. A sphere of coral-like, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate ganache rests on seasonal ice cream (it was white nectarine when I visited) and icy, fruit-forward granita. I reckon it shares DNA with Quay’s now-retired snow egg, Gilmore’s most famous dessert, thanks to its starring role in MasterChef’s grand final pressure test in 2010. Juicy, sweet, creamy and gloriously refreshing, the white coral dessert is as exquisite to eat as it is to look at. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Dining at Quay, one of Australia’s best restaurants – and arguably Sydney’s finest – is a dream for most food-loving Sydneysiders. But it’s not a cheap meal, with the tasting menu setting you back $365 per person, and that’s not including drinks. If you’ve always wanted to dine here, now

So yum: Sydney is ranked among the best cities in the world for food lovers, according to social media

We know Sydney is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful harbours – if not the most beautiful – as well as lush national parks, idyllic beaches and one million CoolCabanas. And as the Food & Drink Editor for Time Out Sydney, I also reckon our café, restaurant, bar and pub scene is up there with the best in the world, too. I mean, where else can you hit the surf, then follow it up with fluffy hotcakes for brekkie, a cracking banh mi for lunch or steaming hot pot in Chinatown, then fun and fruity drinks at a glittery cocktail bar, and swim and picnic to bookend your day? (Admittedly, it'll be a packed one.) Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney But it’s nice to have data to back up my crush on Sydney’s food scene, too. Now, UK-based travel agency Travelbag has revealed the top ten most popular destinations in the world for food lovers, according to social media. Unsurprisingly (to me, at least), Sydney has made the top ten, coming in at number five among the hottest places on the globe for those who love their bread and butter (and vino). To find out which destinations are the most sought-after across the globe, Travelbag gathered a list of 50 cities from across the world, ranking them according to the number of Instagram and TikTok posts tagging “#sydneyfood,” as well as the number of cuisines, the average cost of a meal, and other food and drink activities. The delicious report found that Sydney had a whopping 2.4 million posts tagged #sydneyfood and served

The world’s best restaurant is returning to Sydney for a six-week residency

Ever dreamt of experiencing a three Michelin-starred restaurant without hopping on a plane? Well, soon you can (if you’ve got a bit of dosh), as England’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Enclume – recently voted the world’s best restaurant in France’s esteemed global ranking system, La Liste – is returning to beautiful Sydney once more, with its second residency at the waterfront Bathers’ Pavilion taking place this winter. Photograph: Nikki ToBathers' Pavilion The six-week residency – where owner-chef Simon Rogan transforms the whole seaside venue, including bringing across a fleet of top-notch staff – will begin on Wednesday, July 16, and run until Sunday, August 24, with lunch and dinner sittings available. This will be the second time L'Enclume sets up shop at Bathers', following a highly successful run in 2023. Time Out was lucky enough to get a seat at the table, and it truly was a world-class and memorable experience (you can read about it here). The L'Enclume residency at Bathers’ Pavilion will see guests sit down to an exceptional 14-course tasting menu, including snacks and petit fours, for $590 per person, with wine and non-alcoholic pairings available on the day and night. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Simon Rogan said: “The L’Enclume team and I are beyond excited to return to Bathers’ Pavilion this July after the incredible reception we received in 2023. The opportunity to share the ess

Cheers! This NSW brewery has taken home gold for Australia’s best craft beer – as voted by thousands of drinkers

It’s time to crack a cold one and celebrate because New South Wales brewery Mountain Culture Beer Co has taken home the award for Australia’s best craft beer with their Status Quo Pale Ale for the third year in a row. On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the GABS Hottest 100 was announced, with 55,000 people casting their votes to decide on the country’s best craft beers from nearly 400 of Australia’s best craft breweries. And the Blue Mountains-based brewery, which recently expanded to Redfern, went on to win gold again. Hell yeah. Now in its 17th year, The GABS Hottest 100 is an epic celebration of craft brewers and breweries in Australia – think of it as the Olympics of craft beer, meets Triple J’s Hottest 100. Founded by wife-and-husband duo Harriet and DJ McCready in 2019, Mountain Culture is Australia's fourth-largest independent brewery, with two malt-fuelled venues in the Blue Mountains – Katoomba and Emu Plains. The couple had one main aim when they first started brewing: to make really good beer. And it’s clear it’s paid off. Last year, Aussie cricket captain Pat Cummins joined as the company’s first investor, so expect even bigger things ahead. Photograph: Lachlan Paterson Second place this year went to Coopers Brewery, Australia’s oldest independent brewery, with their Original Pale Ale, and third place was awarded to Balter Brewing with their XPA – cheers to you. Top 10 Aussie craft beers (as voted by consumers): Mountain Culture Beer Co, Status Quo – NSW Coopers

Former Noma chef is leading the kitchen at Sydney rooftop restaurant Kiln

The Jatz and anchovies may have gone, but there’s ace news coming out of Sydney rooftop restaurant and Time Out favourite Kiln. Beau Clugston, former Noma chef and owner of Iluka in Copenhagen, Denmark, is the new head chef of the sky-high diner found atop the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills. Clugston, who grew up in Sawtell on the New South Wales coast and worked at the world’s best restaurant for six years, is drawing on his fine-dining creds as well as his love of the ocean and native Australian produce for Kiln 2.0. Photograph: Nikki To Clugston, who joined René Redzepi as part of the Noma Australia residency team in 2016, is backed by an all-star team of chefs in the kitchen, including flavour guru Isobel Whelan-Little, who was recently at the helm of Alberto’s Lounge and The Caterpillar Club, and sugar wizard Andy Bowdy, former owner of Saga. The opening menu features snacks like kingfish tart with lemon myrtle, kelp and samphire; cannoli with chicken livers and Davidson’s plum; and kangaroo tartare with blue mussel and nori. A tomato and prawn crudo, which Clugston says is “summer on a plate,” showcases Mussett Farm heirloom tomatoes, WA Ebi prawns, zucchini, strawberries, oyster cream and native green ants, served with an ice-clarified gazpacho poured tableside. Photograph: Nikki To Other menu highlights include waffles topped with smoked butter, bone marrow, uni and wasabi leaf; leeks cooked in paperbark and served with Section28 Monforte cheese, finger lime and lov

JUST IN: Sydney’s Café Freda's is returning to Chippendale, its OG home

Do you remember the OG Freda’s? A champion for live music, late nights and a bloody good time, the Chippendale party bar was one of our fave places to hit up on a Big Night Out in Sydney – until it was forced to close its doors in 2020. A few months later, it found a new home on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, transforming into Café Freda's, a funky, Euro-leaning place for people-watching, natty drops, delicious snacks and speed dealers. In December 2024, Café Freda’s announced it would be shutting up its buzzy-yellow shop after four years. Now, in news just in, it’s been confirmed that Café Freda’s is returning to where the magic all began. Owners Dave Abram and Carla Uriarte are set to reopen the beloved bar in Chippendale in partnership with Sydney hospo group Solotel, in the space currently occupied by Lil Sis. Hell yeah. (Though, we will miss you, LS.) Photograph: Supplied | Nikki To Slated to open this April, Bar Freda’s will bring electric energy, delicious sips, banging DJs and fun times to the 2008 ’hood. Abram says: “The drinks at Bar Freda’s will continue our tradition of offering fantastic wines from small producers, but we’ll also put a greater focus on cocktails, using quality ingredients but keeping things fun and approachable. We want it to be a space that’s accessible, welcoming, and community minded”. Photograph: Supplied/Abercrombie Hotel Keen to dance? Good news – the duo will also be taking over the programming of The Abercrombie’s nightclub, with regu

Coming soon: 10 Sydney venues we’re excited about in 2025

Last year was massive for Sydney’s hospo scene, with excellent restaurants and bars popping up as fast as a WeTransfer link expires. Some of my fave openings of 2024 were the stunning Greek haven Olympus, flame-charged Firepop, neon-purple dungeon Pleasure Club, polished-as-hell diner The Grill, good-times-only Bat & Ball, seafood palace Saint Peter, and the Italian dinner party of your dreams, Neptune’s Grotto. Phew. Told you there was a bit on. But now’s not the time to look in the rearview mirror. It’s time to get excited about what’s to come – food and drink-wise – because there are Big Things in store. Here are the 10 Sydney venues we’re most excited about opening. Photograph: Supplied/Cibaria Corner 75, TBC In a collaboration of our dreams, Baba’s Place and Sixpenny are teaming up to breathe new life into Randwick’s Hungarian icon. Bessie’s, Jan 16 Fire will be at the heart of the kitchen at this new diner from the legends behind nearby Bar Copains. Alma’s, Jan 16 Sibling to Bessie’s and found under the same roof in Surry Hills, cocktail bar Alma’s will be shaking and pouring old-school classics. Baptist Street Rec. Club, Jan 2025 An ode to ’80s and ’90s Australia, cocktail bar Baptist Street Rec. Club will be channeling nostalgia and good times in spades. Photograph: Supplied/Crown Sydney Golden Century, Jan 2025 Purveyors of excellent XO pippies, Golden Century is opening inside Crown Sydney, with its menu returning to its OG roots. Lottie, summer 2025 Redfern wil

The 10 most popular Sydney venues of 2024, according to Time Out readers

It’s been a big, delicious year in Sydney, don’t you think? Here at Time Out HQ, we’ve covered new restaurant openings and affordable eats, rounded up the best steaks in Sydney for $25 and under, and curated our guide to the hottest bars for a first date. We’ve eaten our way around town – from golden fish and chips to juicy burgers, soul-warming noodle soups, and bang-on pizzas. And our team of on-the-ground food and drink writers has kept our guides to the best restaurants, bars, pubs, cafés and more in Sydney fresh and up-to-date, so you can always trust our recommendations. But which venues have you loved the most? Which ones captured your hearts? We’ve dug into the data to find the top ten most popular Sydney venues of 2024 – these were the ones that had you clicking away. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyClam Bar Here are the ten most popular Sydney venues of 2024: Good Luck Restaurant Lounge Snack Kitchen Pellegrino 2000 Ammos Olympus Comedor The Gidley Petermen Palazzo Salato Clam Bar We will say this: you’ve got excellent taste. Honourable mention goes to Terrigal’s waterfront diner, Meribella, which was your top NSW venue of 2024. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Sydney's 2024 dining trends: From 6pm dinners to matcha crushes, we look back on the year that was. These are Time Out Sydney editors' picks for most delicious

One of Sydney’s swankiest diners has launched a new supper club that runs until 1am

Renowned for its incredible, Art Deco-style dining room, home to one of the world’s best steaks, and a hotspot for bougie work lunches (hello, corporate cards), Rockpool Bar & Grill has been a Sydney institution since it was opened in 2009 by Mr Perry. What it hasn’t been known for, though, is being super affordable or accessible – until now. Enter its new supper club in the bar area, open until 1am every night of the week. CBD night owls, giddy up. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) The food menu, created by Rockpool executive chef Santiago Aristizabal, is available until midnight. So, if you’re out and about and hungry late at night – and don’t feel like a greasy Maccas sesh – this is the place to be. On the line-up, you’ll find freshly shucked oysters, Wagyu brisket empanadas paired with a bright salsa, seriously cheesy toasties, a cracking burger, and hand-cut chips with a side of brisket gravy, which the Time Out Sydney team polished off. RECOMMENDED READS: Check out our guide to the best late-night food in Sydney. Of course, you’ll probably need a drink. The classics are all on offer – from Margs to Martinis and Negronis – alongside quality vino and beers. If you’ve never been to Rockpool before but have always wanted to – or are looking for a sexy spot for an evening date – this is a cracking way to get a taste of the swish experience without the big bill. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Ou

Sydney's 2024 dining trends: From 6pm dinners to matcha crushes, we look back on the year that was

It’s fair to say 2024 was a Big Year for Sydney’s dining scene, filled with delicious highs and plenty of lows. For now, let’s focus on the good, and look back at the year that was, dining trends-wise – backed up by actual data from online booking platform OpenTable, and my own anecdotal data from being a full-time eater and drinker (emphasis on the full). From super-impressive, multi-venue openings to early dinners and focaccia sandwiches, there was a lot to love, so let’s dig in. Side note – is everyone else ready for a holiday? Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Early dinners. Move over, 7.30pm. Sydneysiders are eating out earlier, with 6pm bookings seeing an 8 per cent increase, year on year. Run club, anyone? Focaccia sandwiches. We’ve been sambo-obsessed for a while now, but this year we’ve seen more Italian-inspired focaccia spots pop up, like Delisia and Salumerie (and check out our guide to Sydney's best sandwiches here). Multi-level venues. One-venue spots were so 2023. This year, big hospo groups have opened with a bang, swinging open the doors to multi-venue operations. We’re looking at you, The International, Prefecture 48 and The Bristol. Yo-Chi. If you’re not in love with the creamy cool goodness of Yo-Chi, chances are your neighbour is, with new spots opening as fast as Nedd Brockmann. Hot spots. Do you live in Newtown, Haymarket, Bondi, Penrith or Alexandria? These neighbourhoods have seen the biggest year-on-year increases in dining. Mid-

Hell yeah: Nine Sydney venues are slashing 49% off drinks all of January

If you needed any more reasons to believe that the silly szn is the best time of the year, here’s a big one for you: nine cracking Sydney venues are offering nearly half-price drinks for all of January, making summertime celebrations easier on the ol' back pocket. Order a round for your mates and enjoy 49 per cent off booze at nine House Made Hospitality venues – including funky newcomer Island Radio, Sicilian cocktail den Apollonia, slick new Bar Tilda, bright and breezy Martinez Terrace and more. The epic happy hour will run from 3-6pm all month long and includes classic Negronis, Strawberry Spritzes, and Bondi Brewing Co. beers, as well as House Made Hospitality's own drops, like a party-coded prosecco, creamy chardonnay blends, and juicy Montepulciano. Photograph: Steven Woodburn Here are the nine Sydney venues offering 49 per cent off drinks in January: Lana Easy Tiger Apollonia Martinez Terrace Bar Mammoni Island Radio The Carrington Wentworth Bar Bar Tilda Keep this handy for the next time someone suggests catching up over drinks in Jan. As for us, we’ll be bee-lining it straight to Martinez’s rooftop bar. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best bars in Sydney right now. Check out our guide to the coolest happy hours in town here.

These are Time Out Sydney editors' picks for most delicious NSW dishes of the year in 2024

As Food & Drink Editor for Time Out Sydney, I'm out most nights of the week, checking out the hottest openings and old favourites – including swish restaurants, sexy bars, relaxed pubs and tasty cheap eats – to bring you up-to-date and in-the-know recommendations. While my grocery bill is not as low as you may think, and I probably drink too frequently (sorry, doc), I feel incredibly grateful to experience the best of Sydney – and what an awesome city it is! I'm not the only one on the team who’s out a lot. From our Arts Queen to our Lifestyle Goddess, Social Media Legend, Video Genius, Aussie Travel Buff, Branded Content Gun and our Fearless Chief, the Time Out team has spent the year checking out shows and gigs, lacing up for hikes and swanning around at spas. The one thing we all did a lot of? Eating out. It’s safe to say we’ve enjoyed hundreds of delicious restaurant meals this year. So, which dishes came out on top? Below, the Time Out team has rounded up our favourite plates from 2024. Ones that we have Big Fat Crushes on. The only criteria: It needed to come from New South Wales (slow-roasted lamb with lemony golden potatoes and crunchy horiatiki salad in Milos, your time will come). Now, all that’s left to ask is: What was yours? Betel leaf, pork, pickles from Bar Heather, Byron Bay Avril Treasure, Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney "There's good reason why everyone’s talking about Byron’s Bar Heather, and the exciting drops and plates of food coming out of this E