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 (270)

22 hacks to save more money while living in Sydney

It’s hard out there in the big smoke. Rents are rising, and apparently putting all of your groceries through self-serve checkouts as ‘potatoes’ is stealing. From filling up on the cheapest fuel day to shopping second-hand and even donating your eggs/sperm, here are some legal and semi-honest ways to survive. 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. In a thrifty state of mind? Here are all the best free things you can do in Sydney right now and these are our readers' tips for saving money in the Big Smoke.

The best seafood restaurants in Sydney

Located on a sparkling harbour and fringed by idyllic beaches, Sydney is a true seafood city. We’re home to many cracking waterfront restaurants, and our fish and chips are top-notch. So, where are the best spots for enjoying the ocean’s gifts? Whether it’s a perfect piece of fish with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil at Margaret, Josh Niland’s legendary tuna cheeseburger at Saint Peter’s bar, or a waterfront feast that’s nearly as good as a trip to Italy at Ormeggio at the Spit, I’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. The only catch? The seafood has got to be fresh-as, bro. Cast your net and 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. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants.

The best restaurants in Newtown

For decades Newtown has been an evolving creature, where creativity abounds and self-expression is paramount. And yes, while we still want to #keepnewtownweird and vegans are still well catered for, there's plenty on the dining scene to keep even the most straight-laced pearl clutchers happy, too. There's high-end dining to be had in this rainbow neck of the woods, but also a bunch of hyper-focussed regional diners dishing up everything from Egyptian street food to killer pizza and fiery Chinese hot pots. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around King Street and beyond to bring you this guide to Newtown's best restaurants. And if you're thirsty, check out our guide to Newtown's best bars 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. RECOMMENDED: The best Sydney restaurants for your dining hit list

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 best Greek restaurants in Sydney

The Greek Islands are heaven on earth, and Athens is one of the world’s greatest cities. But if a holiday in the Mediterranean isn’t on the horizon, Sydney’s top Greek restaurants will help fill the dolmade-shaped hole in your heart. Time Out Sydney’s food writers and editors, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure (who has a Big Fat Crush on Milos), have rounded up the best Greek restaurants in town. So, how did we narrow down the list? Well, below you’ll find everything from Sydney stalwart The Apollo (and its much-loved saganaki and slow-roasted lamb shoulder) to an old-school gyros joint where you can smash grilled Greek pita bread jammed with crisp, fatty pork bits. But they all had two things in common: they’re delicious and sing the flavours of Greece. 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. If you're working on a budget try one of the best cheap eats in Sydney. After Italian? Here's our guide to the tastiest Italian restaurants in Sydney. Keep eating at the absolute best restaurants in Sydney.

The 71 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 19 best pizzas in the world

Everyone knows what great pizza means to them. It could have a paper-thin, crispy base or one so doughy it’s comparable to a pillow; it could be an abundance of vegetables and cured meats or simply a great, classic margherita (for the purists). Some of us even crave a bit of pizza-induced controversy (fans of a white base or those who opt for a pineapple topping, we’re looking at you). But no matter your preference, whether it’s socially acceptable or totally unhinged to everybody else, you’ll find your perfect pizza pie somewhere in the world, and somewhere on this list, too. That’s because we’ve asked our travel writers and international editorial staff about their absolute favourite spots for when they’re craving a pizza, from Cape Town to Lisbon, Buenos Aires to Miami. We hope you’re hungry – don your napkin and read on for the world’s very best pizzas. RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food This list was edited by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The best Korean barbecue restaurants in Sydney

In Korean, it’s called gogi-gui, literally ‘meat roast’. It's got a long and complex history but these days it means essentially one thing – meat that’s grilled, often at the table by you, and enjoyed with banchan (Korean side dishes, kimchi being the most famous) and booze. Most barbecue joints will serve the same set of classics such as an unmarinated selection including pork belly and steak. Plus a few marinated pieces, maybe some saucy chicken thighs, pork neck, and, of course, vegetables too. Just like South Korean's capital, Sydney is jam-packed with excellent Korean barbecue joints. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Seoul-lover and Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up the best in town. They've got high-quality meat, genuine charcoal under their grills, service good enough to know when you need a waiter or a literal chef at the table, and a decent menu of non-barbecue options too. 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 more? Here's our guide to the best Korean restaurants in Sydney. Heading to Seoul? Check out guide to the best things to do in South Korea's capital. Prefer your food fast and thrifty? Try one of Sydney's best cheap eats.

Things to do for International Women's Day in Sydney

International Women's Day takes place this year on Saturday, March 8, and the 2025 theme is For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment – it's all about celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and taking action to drive gender parity, as we move towards a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. The annual day of solidarity and activism has become a rallying point for people around the world to unite, celebrate and brainstorm solutions to the ever-mutating challenges we face. Feminism takes many forms, and each female-identifying person should feel like they can celebrate IWD in a way that truly explores their experience. To that end, we’ve selected a range of different ways to experience International Women's Day in Sydney this year. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

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 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 10 best op shops and thrift stores in Sydney

Listen up, thrifty folk – if you’re on the hunt for the best op shops in Sydney, look no further. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and growing climate anxiety, shopping second-hand is an excellent solution. Affordable, fresh and always surprising, op shopping is better for your wallet, better for the Earth, and (often) better for your style. That said, it can be tough to decipher which op shops in Sydney are worth the trip and which are best to skip. Between just Salvos and Vinnies alone, there are more than a thousand stores across the country, and with one or the other on most high streets, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you're coming from the north, south, east or west, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best op shops in Sydney city that you may (or may not) have heard of. Picked by an expert shopper for their low prices and quality offerings, all of these second-hand stores are stacked with treasures. Whether you’re after vintage furniture, retro threads, or a whole wardrobe overhaul, peruse our pick of the ten best op shops that Sydney has to offer. After all, as Peter Allen once sang, everything old is new again. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Stay thrifty with our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney right now, then celebrate with one of the best happy hours in the city.

Listings and reviews (408)

Olympic Meats

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. It’s just after 7pm on a Thursday and I can see about a hundred people standing up along Dudley Street in Marrickville. Maybe a hundred is a slight exaggeration, but there’s a lot. I’d think they’re waiting for a possible celeb sighting (is Charli still in town?), but I know why they’re here. And frankly, I don’t blame them. Sydney's Olympic Meats has only been open for a few weeks, and already the casual Greek eatery is drawing more crowds than Putricia. This boils down to two simple reasons. For one, you can’t book – it’s walk-ins only, so the earlier you get down, the better. And the second? It’s really bloody good And affordable, too. Nothing on the menu costs more than $21. (Sorry, that’s three reasons.) Chef Timothy Cassimatis is the owner of Olympic Meats, which is named after his grandmother, Olympia, as well as being a nod to the Mount Olympus-like journey it’s taken to get here. His CV is impressive – he's worked at Vic’s Meats, Kosta’s Takeaway and Whole Beast Butchery (that’s where the ‘Meats’ come in), and as head chef of Marrickville’s Barzaari. Most recently, he’s been manning his events and catering company, Tim Fresh, from his parents’ house. Greek food has been having a moment in Sydney. See: the similarly named Olympus in Redfern by The Apo

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. RELATED READ: Where to break fast this Ramadan, from iftar buffets to banquets. 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, and instead of daily markets, Lakemba Nights will be running every Thursday to Sunday from now 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 fro

A.P Bread & Wine

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences. We always review anonymously and cover our own restaurant and bar bills, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. It’s brunch time, and in front of me is a delicious looking bitta-this, bitta-that breakfast plate. I’m obsessed with them – the whole of Sydney is, really – and this one looks particularly good. There’s baked-fresh-that-day sourdough toast with a smear of salted butter, an open soft-boiled egg with a bright and jammy centre, slices of leg ham, a triangle of crumbly cheddar, a tumble of thinly sliced onion, wedges of pickled green tomatoes, and a fig. On a separate plate sits a bronzed croissant with butter and jam, and in front of me is a glass of wine. Look, I know it’s not best practice to drink before noon (sorry, mum), but I’m in carb heaven – also known as A.P Bread & Wine. It's the first-ever all-day offering from A.P Bakery, and it also pours vino. How could I say no? View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Located on Burton Street in Darlinghurst, a few streets back from Oxford Street, A.P Bread & Wine joins an already-strong family line-up: the OG A.P Bakery, found on Paramount House Hotel’s sunny rooftop; A.P Supply, both in Surry Hills; Newtown’s A.P Town; the CBD’s A.P Place; and a weekly stall at Carriageworks Farmers Market (get down early for that one). Two things

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

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

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 (161)

This Sydney café is serving $2 coffees, and you can take that, cozzie lives

As a kid, my friend and I used to head to our local milk bar, our pockets jingling with our pocket money – a couple of $2 coins – and return home with what felt like a mountain of lollies (Pythons, Warheads, red frogs) – plus change. These days, $2 won’t get you much in Sydney, except maybe a Woolies paper bag. This is all to say, sh*t's expensive – and this includes our favourite morning friend: coffee. But there’s one Sydney café where you can get your hands on a $2 coffee – and the best bit? The price isn’t going anywhere. Phew. Family-owned Genovese Coffee House, housed in a light-filled warehouse on Alexandria’s Lawrence Street, sells $2 espressos and macchiatos – about half the price of most other Sydney spots. The piping-hot shot of perfectly bitter coffee is served to guests standing up, just like in Italy, and arrives on a silver platter with water and cold milk. As well as being affordable, it helps on an environmental level too, cutting back on takeaway cups and waste. If you want to sit down, it’ll set you back $3. Photograph: Supplied/Genovese Coffee House Over the last few years, global coffee prices have been steadily increasing, thanks to a myriad of reasons – including higher-than-usual rainfall followed by drought in places like Brazil, which has driven up the cost of coffee beans, as well as rising production costs like rent, wages and takeaway cups. A few years ago, you could snag a cappuccino for $3 in Sydney, whereas these days, most coffees start at

Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson is coming to Sydney for Vivid to cook underground

Sydney’s sparkliest event of the year, Vivid, is returning this year, kicking off on Friday, May 23 and running until Saturday, June 15 – and every year, the program just gets bigger, brighter and more delicious. In news that’s just dropped, Nigella Lawson – British television host and food writer, known for being THE domestic goddess – is heading Down Under as part of Vivid Food. Hell yeah. Nigella will be curating and hosting three Vivid Sydney dinners in the recently opened pedestrian tunnel Muru-Giligu in Martin Place from June 6-8. It will be the first time an event has been held in the subterranean space, and will be completely transformed, Vivid-style, with stunning lights and sounds, and the dinners will showcase NSW produce and vino. The meal will feature snacks and drinks, as well as a three-course feast. Photograph: Supplied/DNSW Nigella Lawson said of her collaboration: "Visitors cram themselves into Sydney in summer, but for me, the magical time is in winter, during Vivid Sydney! And having loved it for years, it is the hugest thrill to be part of the Vivid Food program this year. I’ll be curating an exclusive menu for the three Vivid Sydney Dinners, and it is simply a dream come true. I mean, you know me: there can never be too many fairy lights!" RECOMMENDED READ: Nigella Lawson said this Thai restaurant is one of her favourite spots in Sydney. If you’ve always dreamt about enjoying Nigella’s delicious (and yes, sometimes indulgent) creations (hi, that’s me)

This award-winning Tasmanian winery has now launched a dreamy cellar door experience

I’m standing on the banks of Moulting Lagoon – a picturesque estuary, located on Tasmania’s rugged east coast, that I reckon would impress even Mr Attenborough – and there’s a faint, cool coastal breeze. One hand is holding a freshly shucked Pacific oyster, courtesy of Freycinet Marine Farm oysters. Plucked that morning from Tassie’s pristine, you-won’t-find-plastic-here waters, it tastes like a creamy, saltwater kiss – as fresh as it gets. The other hand is holding a glass of Devil’s Corner sparkling. Bright, crisp and zesty, it’s going down as easily as I will to my tent after my three-day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit hike. And right now, this feels like bliss Behind me is Hazards Vineyard – a cool-climate vineyard responsible for growing Devil’s Corner’s award-winning grapes, named after the striking Hazards mountain range we can see in the distance. We drove through the vineyard on our way to Moulting Lagoon, where we learnt about the winemaking process and what makes Tassie’s environment so perfect for growing grapes. It’s remarkable not only for its beauty but also for being the biggest one I’ve ever seen. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney We’ve finished our oyster shucking experience, and now we’re heading back to the cellar door to sit down for lunch. Think: fresh mussels bathed in a creamy white sauce and crusty bread, wood-fired pizzas topped with sweet tomatoes and melted cheese, and golden, crunchy fish and chips – all paired with Devil’s Corner’s

Mister Grotto brings excellent seafood with a side of nautical charm to Newtown

The front of Mister Grotto’s menu says this: “GROTTO – a small cave, the kind of place where you feel comfortable, cozy and protected from the harsh realities outside.” That – plus full, happy and a little bit tipsy – is exactly how I feel after one visit to Newtown’s lively new 30-seat seafood restaurant, now open on Australia Street. Photograph: Hugh O'Brien The spirited diner is from Paisano & Daughters – the rocking team behind some of Sydney’s coolest (and most delicious) venues: Continental Deli, Humble, Bastardo, Bar Louise and Porteño. There’s no meat here; instead, you’ll find a celebration of the creatures of the sea, with the team sourcing their produce from local suppliers, such as New South Wales’ South Seas Tuna and Red Claw Seafoods – and premium, small-scale fishermen. Måns Engberg is leading the kitchen as head chef, the Swedish-born talent drawing on his time at Kiln and Saint Peter to create the pescatarian-loving menu. You can start off with creamy, briny oysters – when I visited, I tried ones from Merimbula, Wapengo and Pambula – with bubbles. Other snack highlights include silver trevally with avocado, fermented pineapple and guajillo chilli; yellowfin tuna with cubes of daikon, green sauce and finger lime; and shishito peppers stuffed with yellowfin tuna sausage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Bigger plates may feature pipis in a white sauce with honey-laced cornbread; and ba

This Sydney pizza joint serves one of the world’s best pizzas, according to Time Out

From puffy, Napoli-inspired pizzas with charred leopard spots, to thin and crisp Roman-style numbers and NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, Sydney is home to many rocking pizzas (check out our faves here). But which place slings the hottest slices in the world? Time Out's ranking of the 19 best pizzas in the world has just dropped, and one Sydney joint cracked the top five – the only Aussie spot to make the list. Now that’s amore. Newtown’s cracking Bella Brutta is officially home to the world's fifth-best pizza: the clam. And while the ocean may not be in sight at this King Street icon, you can still get a taste of the sea with this creation. A certified hit since day one, the pizza is topped with a white, chowder-like sauce, tender sea-sweet clams, a kick of chilli, a liberal handful of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up. The base is bang on – charred, blistered and with just the right amount of chew. It’s so good that no one will think you’re being shellfish if you don’t want to share. Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan Naturally, Italy took home gold, with Pizzeria da Attilio in Naples winning first place for its Pizza Margherita, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte from Vico Equense and 24-month aged parmesan, topped with fresh basil. Time Out’s local food writer Gabriela R. Proietti said: "Located in Pignasecca, one of Naples’ liveliest and oldest districts, Pizzeria da Attilio is where you’ll find traditional, authentic a

Time Out Sydney’s top ten picks for Newcastle Food Month

Eleven restaurants sounds like about eight too many to dine at in one day, but that’s exactly how many I hit up one Wednesday a few weeks ago. The following day saw me visit a more modest number – around five in total. Why, I hear you ask, did I engage in such cholesterol-raising, liver-damaging efforts? Well, all in the name of hard-hitting investigative journalism. You see, Newcastle Food Month – a month-long food and wine festival now in its fifth year – kicks off this April, with more than 80 local businesses getting involved in the fun. Both Novocastrians and out-of-towners head to this beautiful coastal city to eat and drink well, and if you’re a food lover and due for a getaway (hello, that’s me), now’s the time to start planning your road trip. The program is chock-a-block, broken up into two sections: plate dates, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink for $30, and high-energy feature events. Over the past few years, I’ve visited Newcastle a bunch of times and know it well. Here are my top ten picks for this year’s Newcastle Food Month, plus some honourable mentions to get around. Bring your sunglasses, your swimmers and your comfy pants – because you’re in for a month-long feast. 1. Bottomless Mimosas and a hotcake at Autumn Rooms Honestly, they had me at bottomless Mimosas. Head to this fab Darby St café and get around free-flowing bubbles and juice, plus fluffy, sweet hotcakes to share between two. Topped with seasonal fruit and edible flowers, it’s ’gram-worthy t

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