THE SHORTLIST
Sydney Food Spots Worth Knowing
"Every neighbourhood has its favourites, but some names have become part of Sydney's food conversation. These are the burgers, noodles, baked goods and casual dining experiences that have helped shape the city's food culture."
Mary's Newtown
Big burgers, fried chicken and a rock-and-roll attitude have made Mary's a recognisable name in Sydney's casual dining scene. Its Newtown roots connect it with one of the city's most eclectic neighbourhoods, where late-night food and independent venues are part of the local character.
Bar Luca
Bar Luca has built a reputation around indulgent burgers, inventive toppings and bold combinations of flavours. It's a natural name to encounter when exploring Sydney's enthusiasm for creative burgers and hearty casual dining.
Gumshara Ramen
Gumshara is associated with intensely rich, thick pork-bone broth and a distinctive approach to tonkotsu ramen. For noodle enthusiasts, it's one of the notable names in Sydney's Japanese food history.
Black Star Pastry
Known especially for its strawberry watermelon cake, Black Star Pastry helped turn a delicate layered dessert into a Sydney food icon. Its combination of pastry craftsmanship and memorable presentation makes it an important part of the city's bakery culture.
Paramount Coffee Project
Speciality coffee, inventive breakfast dishes and a distinctive cafe setting define Paramount Coffee Project's place in Sydney's brunch culture. It reflects the city's love of relaxed mornings, creative menus and carefully prepared coffee.
El Jannah
Charcoal chicken, garlic sauce and generous takeaway meals are central to El Jannah's identity. With roots in Granville, the name has become closely associated with Western Sydney's much-loved charcoal chicken tradition.