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?
- 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-week dinners. Wednesday and Thursday nights saw the biggest increase in dining, with nearly half of Aussies saying Thursdays are their top choice for heading out for a feed. Which checks out – how good's having a chilled weekend?
- Frosty Martinis. Our lust for the ice-cold stiff cocktail isn’t going anywhere, with Sydney’s top bars and restaurants pulling out all stops, including dedicated Martini sections (Table Manners) or, better yet, a full bar dedicated to the tipple (Bobbie’s).
- Neighbourhood restaurants. This year, independently owned, casual, welcoming, delicious and approachable venues were the hot ticket, with 20 Chapel, Postino Osteria, and Firepop stealing our hearts.
- Retro cocktails. From the Mr Whippy-inspired cocktail at Pleasure Club to the Pantera Creaming Soda at Disco Pantera and The Cosmo at Little Cooler, old-school cocktails are all the rage. (Remember Rage? Can we bring that back too, pls?)
- Bottomless brunch. I mean, there’s a lot to love, from the free-flowing booze to tasty plates of food and great bang for your buck. No wonder every man and their dog is offering one (and here are our faves).
- Matcha. Bad news: there’s a matcha shortage, so if you’re a fan of the Japanese powdered green tea, get your fix ASAP at one of these cracking cafés.
- Malatang restaurants. If you’ve been down to Haymarket recently, you’ve likely noticed there are a heck of a lot of Malatang restaurants serving up fire-hot, flavour-packed bowls. Choose your own ingredients and go to town.
- Cuisine cravings. Thai and Korean restaurants saw the biggest increase in bookings, with steak diners growing in popularity, too (on that note, here are the best steaks for $25 and under).
2024, thanks for all the good, yum times. 2025, what's in store? Can't wait. Well, until after the summer holiday, that is.
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