Ellie Parker

Parramatta's CBD is now one of the biggest commercial hubs outside of the Sydney CBD. Along with this hustle and bustle has emerged a lively restaurant scene with cuisines from across the globe. So whether Parramatta is a detour, or your main destination, the buzzing suburb's excellent restaurants will have you stumped for choice. We've rounded up our favourites, to make the decision easier for you. Get cracking. 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 Indian, specifically? Here's our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Parramatta and Harris Park.  Or check out our guide to the very best restaurants across Sydney.

Parramatta has solidified its status as a bustling CBD in its own right, and what's a work day without your morning coffee? Not only does our list of the best cafés in Parramatta have you covered for your weekday coffee pick-me-up, but we've sussed out all the best spots for a leisurely weekend breakfast (or hangover brunch). Here’s where to go in Parramatta, the geographical centre of this fine city. Want more? Here's our guide to the best Parramatta restaurants. Got a free day? Check out the best things to do this weekend in Sydney.

One of the newest additions to Parramatta, Al Aseel is well-known across Sydney for their authentic Middle Eastern food. Away from the hustle and bustle of Church Street, Al Aseel transports you to the streets of Lebanon with their carefully crafted menu. Their hummus is so good you’ll want to eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And let’s not forget their mixed grill plate. They say a skewer a day keeps the doctor away, so we’ll take ten of the laham meshwe (succulent lamb skewers). If you’re visiting with a few friends, don’t miss the feast option. At only $59 per person, you’ll be able to try a taste of most of their menu. Looking for more great Parramatta restaurants? Click here. Keen to explore cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.

Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing venue in Parramatta, Willo has it all. This opulent restaurant sources produce from local growers, has a cocktail list longer than most bars and will have you day-dreaming about your meal for weeks after your dining experience. Their menu is designed to be shared, so bring your partner/bestie/parents and get ready for a night of decadence. Our picks? Start with the stuffed zucchini flowers, dive into the housemade ravioli with blue swimmer crab and end on a high, with the signature Willo Espresso Martini. Delish. Looking for more great Parramatta restaurants? Click here. Keen to explore cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.

Think Grounds of Alexandria, Parramatta style. Conveniently located within a five-minute walk from the train station, this charming haven offers a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. A funky amalgamation of neon lights, wooden painted panels and floral-covered walls makes this a popular brunch spot with both locals and tourists. Fun fact: Lil' Miss Collins is *so* iconic it made it onto the limited-edition Parramatta Monopoly board. Legendary. Looking for more great cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. Keen to explore the best Parramatta restaurants? Click here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.

Sometimes, all you need is a gigantic bowl of pasta and an extensive cocktail list. Meetnew kid on the block, Frankie B’s. Aesthetically pleasing, this Instagrammer’s heaven isa mix of Italian meets international cuisine. Known for their enormous food servings(think a bowl of pasta to feed four people), Frankie B’s is an extremely popular brunch,lunch and dinner spot. If smoking cocktail towers are more your thing, you have to try their ‘Ocean Smoke’ cocktail. Large enough to share with 4 of your closest mates, this delicious concoction combines alize, blue curaco, white rum, lychee and elderflower for a tastebud sensation. Drink, anyone? Looking for more great Parramatta restaurants? Click here. Keen to explore cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.

Off the beaten track you’ll find the Container, brimming with locals and coffee-loversalike. A hidden gem in North Parramatta, the Container is literally housed in a shippingcontainer opposite Doyle Oval. Their signature açai bowl will have you dreaming of the tropics throughout the work day (add the peanut butter, it’s worth it). The real star of the show though, is their coffee. They use Allpress Espresso coffee and can whip out the perfect almond latte in less than a minute. Bonus points for the super lovely staff and dog-friendly vibes. Looking for more great cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. Keen to explore the best Parramatta restaurants? Click here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.

If you’re craving a decent feed and a classic café experience, then Beans and Barrels has your name all over it. One of the few more centrally-located Parramatta cafés open on the weekends, it offers a hearty menu that caters to everyone. Classics like avo on rye, the benny and loaded bacon and egg rolls means even the pickiest ofeaters will find something they’ll love. For those who like their breakfast a little extra, try the truffle omelette. Beans and Barrels is the perfect place to kick back and relax, but don’t blame us if you end up staying for a few hours – the cosy atmosphere makes it hard to leave. Looking for more great cafés in Parramatta? See our favourites here. Keen to explore the best Parramatta restaurants? Click here. And here's our list of the best cheap eats around Sydney.