The eastern suburbs emerges as the hottest new dining district in Sydney
Food trends and eat streets come and go in Sydney, making the city's dining scene one of the world's most dynamic.
Now the eastern suburbs has come to the table with a host of cool new cafes, bars and restaurants attracting serious food-lover attention.
And it's not just Bondi and Kings Cross that have raised the bar, suburbs like Bondi Junction and Queens Park are also getting in on the action.
Some are for indulgent long lunches others a drop-in or casual affair. But all share a focus on fresh produce and refined flavours and quality service.
Here is our list of top ten eateries you need to know about before the summer crowds set in.
Chef Martin Boetz has opened Rushcutters with The Keystone Group.
1. Rushcutters: In Paddington, Martin Boetz and the Keystone Group have transformed Neild Avenue into a "one-stop shop" for dining and shopping. The restaurant and deli will soon start selling fresh produce from the Hawkesbury region. Despite being as far off the beaten track as one can be in Paddington, Boetz said he was confident of success. "The idea of it is that you can come in and do three or four different things as opposed to just coming there for one thing,'' he said.
Address: Neild Ave, Paddington
Ph: 8070 2424
W: rushcutters.com.au
The smoked meats, mustard and dill pickles plate from Rushcutters.
2. Queens Park Shed: A derelict storage shed has become a fresh food, coffee and juice hub thanks to this new cafe. Group executive chef John McFadden says the "short, sharp menu" will change regularly but will keep its staple items across breakfast and lunch. The venue will also open for dinner soon. Address: Darley Rd, Queens Park Ph: 9380 9350 W: trippaswhitegroup.com.au
The Queens Park Shed cafe.
3. Spring Street Social: Following the reopening of The Eastern earlier this year, Bondi Junction has received another injection of life with the launch of this restaurant, bar, art gallery and live music venue. Owner Peter Wright said he hoped it would spark an increase in new eateries in the area. "Bondi Junction is an absolute metropolis. It's a mini CBD, there are people everywhere,'' he said. "It's the perfect location between the city and beach." Address: 110 Spring St, Bondi Junction Ph: 9389 2485 W: facebook.com/SpringStreetSocial
Spring Street Social barman Ruari Maginn makes a cocktail at the bar.
4. Buns & Balls: Gary Linz has given 33 Bayswater Rd new life after Janus became the latest to close on the site. So why does the Oporto, Bondi Pizza and Li'l Darlin founder think he can prosper where others have failed? Linz said it was about offering a good product, service and ambience. "I wanted to bring a bit of Bondi to Kings Cross,'' he said. "Our burgers are very, very good and $10. "When you compare that to what was there before … you can understand the odds are that it will work." Address: 33 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross Ph: 9326 9054 W: bunsandballs.com.au
A Buns&balls burger.
5. St Ali: Originally from South Melbourne, the soon-to-open cafe will feature a sensory lab so consumers can understand the science behind their coffee. Australian barista champion and co-owner Matt Perger says the espresso bar will offer Sydneysiders a different style of coffee. "It's lighter, fruitier, more aromatic coffee,'' he says. The cafe is expected to open on Monday. Address: Hall St, Bondi Beach W: stali.com.au
Co-owner of St Ali’s Sensory Lab in Bondi Beach, Matt Perger.
6. Yellow: This is the latest from chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, the duo behind Bentley Restaurant & Bar and Monopole. With an interior from renowned architect Pascal Gomes-McNabb, it is inspired by the European dining scene. Address: 57 Macleay St, Potts Point Ph: 9332 2344 W: yellowsydney.com.au
Diners enjoying the food and drinks at Yellow restaurant in Potts Point.
7. Red Rabbit: Once home to fine-dining institution Claude's, this Oxford St venue has since transformed into a casual and accessible restaurant. Owner Phillip Haw says the menu, consisting largely of share plates, is "much lighter and fresher", and offers a pan-Asian selection of dishes. Address: 10 Oxford St, Woollahra Ph: 9331 2325 W: red-rabbit.com.au
Red Rabbit tofu dish.
8. Nomad: Rebecca Littlemore describes her new Surry Hills venture as a "cellar door in the city". The warehouse conversion is focused on sourcing Australian winemakers and producers to "give them a platform in the city". The menu will constantly change, but the food will remain simple, with an emphasis on smoking, curing and pickling. Address: 16 Foster St, Surry Hills Ph: 9280 3395 W: restaurantnomad.com.au
The open kitchen at Nomad restaurant in Surry Hills.
9. Vincent: This is the third Woollahra venue from trio Traci Trinder, James Hird and Todd Garratt. The owners of the Wine Library and Buzo have opened this French bistro that serves "classic, simple" food. All of the cheese is also made on-site. Address: 14 Queen St, Woollahra Ph: 8039 1500 W: vincentfrench.com.au
Pigs head terrine, baby vegetables 'a la grecque' at Vincent in Woollahra.
10. Riley St Garage: Share a pork knuckle or a Riverine ribeye at the latest restaurant from Brody Petersen, owner of The Stuffed Beaver in Bondi. This former garage used to house the cars of Westfield owner Frank Lowy and is stooped in history. Address: 55 Riley St, Woolloomooloo Ph: 9326 9055 W: rileystgarage.com.au
Some others...
Chow Bar & Eating House: 320 Crown St, Surry Hills
Ph: 8095 9058
W: chowbar.com.au
A Tavola: 75-79 Hall St, Bondi Beach
Ph: 9130 1246
W: atavola.com.au
Mr Moustache: 75-79 Hall St, Bondi Beach (opening next week)
Source: The Australian, 13 November 2013
