24 hours of eating in Parramatta

With so much to eat and drink in Parramatta, you’ll want to get cracking early. Wake up with an expertly poured V60 coffee, an iced batch brew or an extra strong espresso at Darcy St. Project in Epping. Your coffee goes the extra mile at this social enterprise community café, where more than 50 per cent of profits are reinvested to provide barista training and hospitality experience to people facing homelessness, unemployment and social exclusion. Don’t forget to bring your own cup to save 50 cents off your cuppa.

When it comes to weekend rituals, nothing rivals the pleasure of a relaxing brunch with friends and family. Rub shoulders with the locals at Winston Hills’ friendly neighbourhood café, June. You can sit back in the sun-soaked alfresco area with all your favourite breakfast basics including a classic bacon and egg roll, a Lebanese-inspired big brekky, and June’s signature Avo Good Day toast. The little ones are looked after too with mini cheeseburgers, nuggets, or scrambled eggs and bacon on toast. Pair your brunch with a Single O coffee, June’s origin blend batch brew, a fresh juice, or a healthy smoothie.

Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of pho. Reward yourself after an adventure-filled morning exploring Parramatta at Got Pho. This Vietnamese noodle and dessert house is a local gem in Carlingford; owned and operated by husband and wife team, Dennis and Julie, along with Julie’s mum, Leanne. Got Pho specialises in home-style South Vietnamese noodle soups with a secret 12-hour slow-cooked beef broth. Take your pick between rice, vermicelli or egg noodles, and pair them with your favourite protein. Insider tip: Visit early if you want to try Got Pho’s signature ox-tail pho, as limited quantities are prepared each day. 

Feeling peckish? Head to Harris Park, affectionately known as Little India, for some aromatic and authentic street food snacks. A short ten-minute walk from Parramatta, Chatkazz has something for every spice level with more than 200 dishes from the North and South of India. We suggest ordering a few snacks to share including their signature jini dosa (Mumbai-inspired cheese rolls); spicy chhole bahtura (chickpea curry) with fried bread; and sweet gulab jamun (deep-fried balls soaked in syrup). 

When wine o’clock hits, head to Ruse Bar and Brasserie for a modern, European-inspired dinner and drinks. Kick off your evening in the laid-back bar with a glass of French Champagne or Italian vino, before surrendering to the relaxed charm of their outdoor space. Here, you can savour a sensational dinner prepared over an open-fire grill including Ruse’s signature juicy minute steak with all the trimmings; half-roasted snapper cooked over charcoal; and handmade pappardelle with milk-braised lamb ragu.

End your evening in style with a cocktail or two in Parramatta’s intimate, boutique restaurant and bar, Willo. Pull up a seat at the bar and watch their expert bartenders mix up signature cocktails like the Sloe Serenade with Monkey 47 Sloe Gin, St-Germain, Aperol and lychee; or the Garden of Babylon with Hendricks Gin, Midori, lemon, cucumber and mint. After taking in the vibrant indoor ambience, step outside for some live music, ranging from soothing acoustic duos to soulful saxophonists and groovy DJs. 

The Sunday morning scaries can only be cured by one thing: a big hearty breakfast. Head to Parramatta’s most celebrated café, Circa Espresso, for a seasonal feed steered by the flavours and textures of the Middle East. We’re talking about their signature Ottoman eggs with crumbed eggplant and housemade focaccia; irresistible apple crumble sourdough waffles; and comforting baked eggs with beef sujuk. Just like the food, drinks are seasonal too, including housemade sodas, hot chocolate, and coffee brewed with their house blend or single-origin beans.