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MUSTS
- MELBOURNE INSTITUTIONS
Here is a collection of the well known and some not so well known places in Melbourne that will give you a real taste of what this city is about.
Federation Square - on the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St. This unique building polarised the city when it was first built. People either liked it or hated it. Now, it's become an indispensible part of Melbourne and is used as a meeting point for individuals, groups, it's the venue for community events, festivals, big sports broadcasts etc. There are several cafes and restaurants here, the Melbourne Visitor Information Centre, the Ian Potter Gallery of Modern Australian Art (free entry), the Centre for the Moving Image, interesting stores with an arts focus, and venues for the Melbourne Writers' Festival and other events. Federation Square is directly opposite Flinders St station.
Flinders Street Station - on the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St. This grand building is a Melbourne landmark and was designed by the winner of a competition in 1899. Several years ago some bright spark wanted to tear down the clocks above the steps of the station and replace them with tv screens. The clocks tell passengers what time their next train is leaving. Huge uproar put an end to that half-witted idea.
The MCG (Melbourrne Cricket Ground) is a total Melbourne Institution. From March - September this is the venue for Aussie Rules football. Every weekend, tens of thousands of people dress in their team colours and head out with family or friends or work mates to watch a game of footy. In summer, the MCG becomes a venue for cricket. Tours are available.
Brunton Ave, Richmond
www.mcg.org.au
Old Melbourne Gaol - it's a cold, dark place and where Australia's most notorious bush ranger, Ned Kelly, was hanged in 1880. The gaol (jail) is open during the day for self guided tours. In the evenings there is a candlelight performance tour if you are into the more macabre. www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Queen Victoria Market - on the corner of Elizabeth St and Victoria St. This is a huge market selling fresh produce, meat, fish, cheeses and other deli products. It also has aisles and aisles of clothes, shoes, housewares, touristy stuff and countless other things. The Doughnut van has been there since the 1950s and it sells delicious hot jam donuts. The market gets very busy on the weekends. It's closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
www.qvm.com.au
Rooftop Cinema
Level 6, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9663 3596
Astro turf, deck chairs, bar, films and city views.
Summer only
www.rooftopcinema.com.au/
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant - A 1927 tram has been converted into a restaurant on wheels. It cruises the streets of Melbourne, and some of Melbourne's leafy suburbs while you dine. Stabilisers have been fitted onto the tram so your plate and glass will not fall off the table. Prices are inclusive of drinks. Pre-dinner and late dinner meals are available. Ph: (03) 9696 4000 www.tramrestaurant.com.au
Brighton Bathing Boxes at Dendy Street Beach in Brighton. This is where you can get great photos of the colourful bathing boxes. Late afternoon is best, that's when on a sunny day the light will have a golden glow.
Brighton profile.
St Kilda, Luna Park and St Kilda pier - Acland Street in particular is great for cakes, cafes, Luna Park, and grabbing a cheap meal and heading down to the beach. St Kilda is a very arty suburb and has always been a popular destination for Melbournians. There's the St Kilda pier, Fitzroy St with its busy nightlife, streets with art deco architecture, community activism, the St Kilda Bowls Club where you can go bowling barefoot and have a beer, and of course, there are still the prostitutes who come out at night.
St Kilda profile.
Melbourne City Baths - on the corner of Swanston St and Franklin St. This building went up in 1860. It was built to provide a swimming pool and bathing facilities at a time when bathrooms were not a regular feature of houses. Many locals (mostly working class blue collar workers) would go to the baths to scrub up once a week. In 1904 the Baths were rebuilt and redesigned. During the 1950's, Queen Elizabeth II came to Australia for a visit just after her coronation. Feeling as though they had to impress the Queen and show her how modern Melbourne was, officials gave the go ahead to clad the building in aluminium, covering up the old facade. The result was one UGLY square contraption. In the 1970s there was a push to knock down the building. But the now defunct building union, the Builders Labourers' Federation, slapped a green ban on the buildiing, not one old stone was knocked down, and the Baths survived. They have been restored to their original splendour, and are now a popular health and fitness facility. www.melbournecitybaths.com.au
Brunswick St in Fitzroy is the Boho capital of Melbourne. Here you will find bookshops, cafes, bars, restaurants, individual shops and plenty of interesting people to look at. You could easily spend several hours here and in the process get a real taste of grungey, arty, alternative Melbourne.
Fitzroy profile
City laneways. Melbourne is well known for its interesting city centre laneways filled with cafes, shops, and young coffee sipping arty types. Many of the laneways have become galleries for graffiti art. Good lanes to begin with include Degraves St between Flinders St and Flinders Lane), Block Place, Block Arcade (280Collins St), Centre Place, and The Centre Way. Hosier Lane (off Flinders Lane opposite Federation Square) has plenty of interesting graffiti. Meyer Place has some interesting bars.
Map
Sydney Road, Brunswick - is one of the most interesting parts of Melbourne. Here you can find shops selling things from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Italy, Greece, and countless other countries. Food here is sensational if you are into Italian, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine.
- There are several outstanding grocery stores including what might be one of THE BEST supermarkets in Melbourne. It's called Meditteranean Wholesalers (482 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9380 4777) which stocks everything Italian: canned vegetables, cheese, deli meats, wine, bread, biscuits, coffee, pasta and cleaning products.
- Other places worth visiting include Elli's Deli (417 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9354 2056) which stocks Greek deli items including olives. The South Asian Deshvidesh Groceries (736 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9384 0414) is great for Indian spices. Yassino International (623 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9384 3337) is a good place for Middle Eastern groceries. As are Basfoods and NSM Food Wholesalers on Victoria St.
Lentil As Anything. Sydney has Govinda's and Melbourne has Lentil As Anything. This is a vegetarian organic restaurant that asks you to pay what you can afford or what you think the food is worth. The people who run this not-for-profit set up help the socially isolated and newly arrived migrants. It is largely staffed by volunteers.
Lential As Anything at Abbotsford Convent. I St Heliers St, Abbotsford. Ph: 9419 6444 www.lentilasanything.com
Abbotsford Convent is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne. Property developers were going to knock it down to build a high rise apartment monstrosity. But people power kicked in and after two or so years of very hard work, the convent was saved from destruction. It's now become a hub for artists, community organisations, writers, craftspeople and healers. There is a huge building, heritage gardens, a cafe, bakery, Lentil As Anything restaurant, and one of the best small bars in Melbourne called "Handsome Steve's". The bar is very hard to find but once you do, you will love it. The convent is at 1 St Helier's St Abbotsford. www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/
- MELBOURNE BEER GARDENS AND BREWHOUSES
North:
Atticus Finch
129 Lygon Street, East Brunswick
Ph: (03) 9387 0188
www.atticusfinch.com.au
Brunswick Green
313 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Ph: (03) 9381 2413
Grumpy's Green
125 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Ph: (03) 9416 1944
www.grumpysgreen.com
Little Creatures Dining Hall
222 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Ph: (03) 9417 5500
www.littlecreatures.com.au
Penny Black
420 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Ph: (03) 9380 8667
www.thepennyblack.com.au
Sentido Funf
243 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Ph: (03) 9416 2689
www.sentidofunf.com.au
Terminus Hotel
429 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill
Ph: (03) 9481 3182
Nine micro brewed beers on tap
www.terminus.com.au
The Fox
351 Wellington Street, Collingwood
Ph: (03) 9416 4957
www.thefoxhotel.com.au
The Rainbow
27 St David Street, Fitzroy
9419 4193
www.therainbow.com.au
The Retreat
280 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Ph: (03) 9380 4090
The Standard
293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy
9419 4793
www.thestandardhotel.com.au
Wesley Anne
250 High Street, Northcote
Ph: (03) 9482 1333
www.wesleyanne.com.au
South:
Belgian Beer Cafe Bluestone
9529 2899
557 St Kilda Road
www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
Railway Hotel
280 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9690 5092
www.railwaypub.com
The Local Taphouse
184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East
Ph: (03) 9537 2633
www.thelocal.com.au
Windsor Castle
89 Albert Street, Windsor
Ph: (03) 9525 0239
East:
Corner Hotel
57 Swan Street, Richmond
Ph: (03) 9427 9198
www.cornerhotel.com
London Tavern
238 Lennox Street, Richmond
Ph: (03) 9428 6894
www.thelondon.net.au
Mountain Goat Brewery
Cnr North and Clark streets, Richmond
Ph: (03) 9428 1180
www.goatbeer.com.au
Terminus
605 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
Ph: (03) 9427 0615
www.theterminushotel.com.au
West:
Sabroso
2 Gamon Street, Seddon
Ph: (03) 9689 0203
Holgate Brewhouse at Keatings Hotel
Boutique brewery
79 High St, Woodend
Ph: 5427 2510
www.holgatebrewhouse.com
- MELBOURNE'S BEST GOURMET BURGERS
Andrews Burgers - 144 Bridport St, Albert Park. Ph: (03) 9690 2126. A combination of regular and gourmet burgers that won't break your budget but will leave you very satisfied.
Barney Allens - 14 Fitzroy St, St Kilda Ph: (03) 9525 5477
The burgers come with caramelised onions, beetroot chutney, crisp backon, parmesan cheese and a great bbq sauce. Cost is around $12.
Burger Edge - various locations around Melbourne. These burgers are half way between a fish and chips shop burger and the white napkin restaurant variety, and they are very tasty. www.burgeredge.com
Botanical - 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra. Ph: (03) 9820 7888
This is quite possibly the most expensive burger in Melbourne - around $30. It's made with a wagyu beef patty, organic duck egg and home made tomato relish.
Cafe Vue - 430 Little Collins St, city. Ph: (03) 9691 3899.
This is one of the cheapest gourmet burgers around from one of Melbourne's best eateries. It is a smaller size and is very popular at lunch. The patty is made from wagyu beef. Cost is around $12.
Rockpool Bar and Grill - Crown Casino Complex, Southbank. Ph: (03) 8648 1900
Another wagyu beef burger with the patty cooked just how you like it. Comes with house smoked bacon and relish. Cost is around $18.
Station Hotel - 59 Napier St, Footscray. Ph:(03) 9687 2913
An open burger with a large spiced beef patty, bacon and almost runny free range egg. Comes with fries and two large onion rings. It's very filling. Cost is around $18.
- MELBOURNE'S BEST JAZZ CLUBS
- MELBOURNE BREAKFASTS
North:
Babka – 358 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9416 0091
Cafe Brunetti - 194 Faraday St (near corner Lygon St). Ph: (03) 9347 2801
Marios – 303 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 3343
Mitte – cnr Michael and Rowe sts, Fitzroy North. Ph: (03) 9077 7379
** best breakfast café 2009
Pippa May Cook - 719 High St, Thornbury. Ph: (03) 9416 8556. Delicious and creative breakfast menu.
Red Door Corner Store – 70 Mitchell St, Northcote. Ph: (03) 9489 8040
Small Block – 130 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9381 2244
Sugardough -163 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9380 4060
South:
Crue – 194 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. Ph: (03) 9827 5058
Gunter's Kitchen and Cafe - Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick. Ph: (03) 9523 0925
Las Chicas - 203 Carlisle St, Balacalva. Ph: (03) 9531 3699
Loco cafe, foodstore and catering - 438 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick Ph: (03) 9532 4455
East:
Bosisto's Liquor Bar - 318 Bridge Rd, Richmond. Ph: (03) 9428 6888
Liar Liar - 90 Kinkora Rd, Hawthorn. Ph: (03) 9818 8864
New York Tomato - 2 New St, Richmond. Ph: (03) 9429 0505
Porgie and Mr Jones - 291 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn. Ph: (03) 9882 2955
West:
Breizoz Crepes - 139 Nelson Pl, Williamstown. Ph: (03) 9397 2300 www.breizoz.com.au
Made – 60 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington. Ph: (03) 9372 6429. South American food.
- MELBOURNE CAKES
North:
Green Refrectory – 115 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Ph: 9387 1150. Great airy sponge cakes and plenty of cup cakes. Order ahead for a whole cake.
Cafe Brunetti - 194 Faraday St (near corner Lygon St). Ph: (03) 9347 2801. A huge selection of Italian cakes - big and small. It's like being in Italy.
www.brunetti.com.au
South:
Acland St in St Kilda has several mouthwatering Eastern European cake shops.
Caffé Si -338 Orrong Rd, North Caulfield. Ph: 9527 8400. Try the Cardinal cake. Also sells gluten and wheat free food.
www.caffesi.com.au/
Keith Home Made Cakes – 46 Church St, Brighton. Ph: 9592 8070. An old fashioned cake shop that specialises in petit fours.
www.keithcakes.com.au/
Pertutti Food Store Café – 20 Chathan St, Prahran. Ph:9521 5553. Delicious mini-cup cakes. Open Tues to Sat.
North West:
Holy Canoli - Margaret St, Moonee Ponds (opp train station). Heavenly canoli.
- MELBOURNE FARMERS' MARKETS
- MELBOURNE ICECREAM
North:
Cosi Duci – 227 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. Ph: (03) 9499 6886
Gelobar – 74 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9388 1419
Lygon St in Carlton has a large number of gelato bars.
South:
The Gourmet Ice Cream Factory – 257 Bluff Rd, Sandringham. Ph: (03) 9598 1804
Jock’s – 83 Victoria Ave, Albert Park. Ph: (03) 9686 3838
East:
Igloo Zoo – 195 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern. Ph: (03) 9500 9555
- MELBOURNE KIDS - BEACHES AND PARKS
Beaches
South:
Albert Park - Victoria Avenue - shallow water, a fenced in playground and cafes. MAP
Brighton Beach - brightly coloured bathing boxes, shallow water, good city views. MAP
Black Rock - Half Moon Bay Beach. A half submerged naval wreck, fish and chips shop, picturesque red and white cliffs. MAP
Beaumaris - Rickett's Point. Shallow water, 115ha marine sanctuary, rock pools, teahouse, gardens and bbq. MAP
West:
Williamstown Beach - shallow water, park, fish and chips shop.
Drive or catch the train to Williamstown Beach and then walk. The beach is opposite Sadler Reserve. MAP
Parks
City:
Birrarung Marr - behind Federation Square, City.
Climbing rope pyramid, hammocks, swings, climbing wall, slides, and kids art workshops (www.artplay.com.au) MAP
North:
Wombat Bend, Finns Reserve, Duncan St, Templestowe Lower
Near the Yarra River, maze, huge slides, flying fox, climbing cubes, bike path. MAP
website
South:
Skinners Adventure Playground, 211 Dorcast St, South Melbourne. Open 3:30pm - 5:30pm weekdays, and 11am - 5pm during school holidays. Arts cafe, studio, climbing structures, cubbies, trampoline. MAP
Tram #12 or 112 down Clarendon Street www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Packer Park, Frog Hollow Playground, Leila Rd, Carnegie
Next to a wetland, playground, bike path, wetland themed playground. MAP
website
East:
Hays Paddock, Longstaff St, East Kew
Huge swings, textured paths, equipment that make noise, parkland, bbqs. MAP
website
- MELBOURNE PIZZA
North:
DOC - 295 Drummond St, Carlton. Ph: (03) 9347 2998
I Carusi - 46A Holmes St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9386 5522
Ladro - 224 Gertrude St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9415 7575
Pizza Meine Liebe - 231 High St, Northcote. Ph: (03) 9482 7001
Hairy Canary - 212 Lt Collins St, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9654 2471 www.hairycanary.com.au
South:
La Camera - Level 1, Southgate (on the Yarra River), Southbank. Ph: (03) 9699 3600 www.lacamerasouthgate.com
Pizza e Birra - 60a Fitzroy St, St Kilda. Ph: (03) 9537 3465
Mr Wolf - 9 Inkerman St, St Kilda. Ph: (03) 9534 0255 www.mrwolf.com.au
East:
Post Office Hotel - 90 Swan St, Richmond 3121. Ph: (03) 9428 6674. Great pizzas with interesting toppings.
West:
Il Caminetto - Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds 3039. Ph: (03) 9370 6884. Great thin crust pizzas. Try the Volcaneno .
- MELBOURNE YUM CHA
South:
Ay Oriental Tea House
455 Chapel St, South Yarra
Ph: (03) 9826 0168
www.orientalteahouse.com.au
New Royal Garden
562 High St Road, Syndal
Ph: (03) 98861388
East:
Golden Dragon Palace
363 Manningham Rd, Templestowe Lower
Ph: (03) 9852 4086
www.goldendragonpalace.com.au
West:
Man Mo
42 New Quay Promenade, Docklands
Ph: (03) 9642 1997
www.manmo.com.au
Plume at Highpoint
200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong
Ph: (03) 9318 6833
www.plume.com.au
- MELBOURNE OUT - OF TOWN
There are several areas about an hour to two hours drive out of Melbourne that are great to vist.
1 - Yarra Valley - has rolling green hills, great local produce and some especially good wine. One of the highlights here is the Yarra Valley Dairy where, if you are there in the late afternoon, you can see the hundreds of cows walking themselves home, right past the cafe windows. More...
2 - Daylesford - is the spa centre of Victoria. There are numerous massage and day spa centres, plenty of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and a delicious chocolate shop called The Chocolate Mill which is nearby. More...
3 - Mornington Peninsula - has a lot to offer - from about 12 golf courses, to strawberry picking, horse riding on the beach, bush walking, surfing in stunning beaches, and eating and drinking at some pretty good wineries. More...
4 - Great Ocean Road - this strip of coastal road is stunning on a sunny day. On a grey dark, it's slightly less impressive because the grey skies make the water look grey. Other than that, this is a great area for weekends away, a day trip, surfing in wild coastal waters, walks along the beach and swimming. More...
5 - Penguins - almost everyone who visits Melbourne ventures down to Phillip Island to see the penguins. More...
- *****************
- SYDNEY INSTITUTIONS
Everyone knows about the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Here are a few more worth checking out: cafes, breakfast, pizza, bars, bakeries, cakes, wineries and more...
Sydney By Diva - Get a tour of Sydney with a drag queen. See the inner suburbs of Sydney or the Hunter Valley wineries. It'll be memorable!
Ph: (02) 9360 5557
www.sydneybydiva.com
Harbour Circle Walk. There is a 26km walking path around Sydney Harbour which takes in the Harbour Bridge, the organic heart of Sydney - Rozelle, mangrove swamps in Lane Cove and jaw dropping harbour views.
Ph: (02) 9228 6333
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/harbour/walking.asp
Ginseng Bathhouse - Crest Hotel, 111 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. A Korean style bathhouse with spas, saunas, body exfoliation, facials, and a cafe. Separate areas for men and women.
Ph: (02) 9356 6680
www.ginsengbathhouse.com.au
Wylie's Baths - Grant Reserve, Coogee. for $3, you can access a great Sydney ocean pool. This place is an institution. If you are a female, there is a cheaper alternative. McIvor's Baths is for women and girls only. Boys aged under 3 are permitted. A small donation is appreciated upon entry. The facilities are basic but well appreciated by the visitors. Both pools are surrounded by huge rocks you can walk on at low tide.
www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
Bondi Beach - Campbell Pde Bondi
Manly Beach - North Steyne and South Steyne, Manly
North Head - via Darley Rd, Manly
Paddington Market - Oxford St, Paddington. Saturdays 10am - 4pm. This is where many designers got their start and is still a great place for clothes, bags, accessories, jewellery, artwork you won't find anywhere else.
www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au
Sydney Fish Market - Bank St, Pyrmont. Open every day except Christmas. Drive or catch the tram there. A huge supply of fresh fish, a deli, fruit and veg, fish and chips, sushi, and Doyle's seafood restaurant.
www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
Darling Harbour - Popular with families on weekends. Here you will find the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX, Powerhouse Museum, ferries, Sydney Wildlife World, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
www.darlingharbour.com/
Luna Park - Olympic Drive, Milsons Point. Rides, entertainment and great views. Especially good for kids and teenagers. Open Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat Sun.
Ph: (02) 9903 7676 www.lunaparksydney.com/
- SYDNEY WALKS
- SYDNEY BARS
inner west:
Madame Fling Flong - Level 1, 169 King St, Newtown, at Soni's. A cosy restaurant and lounge in the heart of Sydney's grunge capital, King St. Retro lounge, funky decor, classic, cult and foreign movies screen on Tuesday nights at 8:30pm. $20 for the movie and a meze plate and glass of wine. Bookings for the movies are essential because the cinema is small.
Ph: (02) 9565 2471 www.madameflingflong.com.au
3 Weeds - This is a gastropub with a huge wood fire place and excellent menu. 193 Evans St, Rozelle. Ph: (02) 9818 2788. www.3weeds.com.au
east:
Aperitif - romantic decor. Tapas, European wine list. 7 Kellett St, Potts Point. Ph: (02) 9357 4729. Wed - Sun
Gazebo Wine Garden - a great pub with a garden, blankets and heaters on offer in the winter, fairy lights, huge wine list. 2 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay. Ph: (02) 9357 5333. www.gazebowinegarden.com.au
Hugo's Lounge - Level 1, 33 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross. Yes, it's a bit pretentious and full of beautiful people, but it is a Sydney institution. So, check it out.
Ph: (02) 9357 4411
www.hugos.com.au
Iceberg's Dining Room and Bar - 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach. It's famous, it has great views, and it is friendly.
Ph: (02) 9365 9000
www.idrb.com/
Longrain - 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills. Friendly staff, great drinks, converted warehouse setting.
Ph: (02) 9280 2888
Low - a Melbourne style bar, live music, grand piano for anyone to show off thier skills, good cocktail list. 302 Crown St, Darlinghurst. Ph: (02) 9368 1546. Wed - Sun.
Rambutan - 96 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. A tropical themed drinking den with good cocktails, wine and food. Open from 6pm every day.
Ph: (02) 9360 7772
www.rambutan.com.au
Shop and Wine Bar - hole in the wall place that's a cafe during the day and a bar at night. 78 Curlewis St, Bondi. Ph: (02) 9365 2500
Sticky Bar - a cosy bar that feels more like home. Good food, live music on Thursdays and Fridays. A piano for anyone to play but only if you are really really good. Level 2, 182 Campbell St, Surry Hills. Ph: 0416 096 916 Thurs - Sat from 6:30pm
The Lord Dudley Hotel - a London style pub with plenty of beers on tap. Popular with the 20s and 30s crowds. 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra. Ph: (02) 9327 5399 www.lorddudley.com.au
The Lotus Bar - Challis Ave, Potts Point. At the back of the Lotus restaurant. Chic decor.Great cocktails.
Ph: (02) 9326 9000
The Victoria Room - Level 1, 235 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. Colonial tropical decor, and very popular with young people at night. On Sunday's, it serves up a very mean high tea for around $45.
Ph: (02) 9357 4488
www.thevictoriaroom.com
Water Bar - W Hotel, Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo. Great cocktails in a swanky setting.
Ph: (02) 9331 9000
city:
Opera Bar - Lower Level Concourse, Sydney Opera House. This place is always busy and easily impresses with its great views.
Ph: (02) 9247 1666
north:
Safety Wolf - vinyl records, seating for 45, mismatched furnishings, Mexican food. 32 Belgrave St, Manly. Ph: (02) 8966 9022. Wed - Sat
- SYDNEY'S BEST BREAD AND BAKERIES
inner west:
Haberfield Bakery - 153 Ramsay St. Don't expect a trendy bakery, but be prepared for delicious and crusty Italian ciabatta, pane di casa, and dinner rolls.
Ph: (02) 9797 7715
Victoire - 285 Darling St, Balmain. Delicious bread, twists, cakes, and gourmet sweets served by a Frenchie or two.
Ph: (02) 9818 5529
Sonoma - 215a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. A small bakery and cafe. This is bakery specialises in spelt, and supplies quite a few of Sydney's gourmet delis.
Ph: (02) 9660 2116
Bowan Island - 183 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne. Set on busy Victoria Rd, this bakery does great sourdough, yeast free breads, muffins and Turkish bread.
Ph: (02) 9181 3524
east:
Infinity Sourdough - 225 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. This is a tiny bakery with a massive reputation. Plenty of Sydney's top restaurants buy their bread from here.
Ph: (02) 9380 4320
Bourke Street Bakery - 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills - great coffee, cakes, sandwiches, sourdough breads. Ph: (02) 9699 1011 - SYDNEY BREAKFASTS
east:
Danks Street Depot - 2 Danks St, Waterloo. Quality and choice.
Ph: (02) 9698 2201
www.danksstreetdepot.com.au
Fratelli Paradiso - 12 - 16 Challis Ave, Potts Point. A cafe and bakery with delicious food, cakes, bread and gooooood coffee.
Ph: (02) 9357 1744
Bill’s at the Meridian – 355 Crown St, Surry Hills – fresh produce and mouth watering food. Ph: (02) 9360 4762
inner west:
About Life - 600 Darling St, Rozelle. The best organic supermarket and cafe in Sydney. Ph: 8755 1333
The Barn - 731 Darling St, Rozelle. Cafe and groceries in a 1920's style set up. Ph: 9810 1633
Hospscoth Cafe - cnr Annandale and Reserve streets, Annandale. Green eggs and ham.
lower north shore:
Bather's Pavillion - 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach. This is a showstopper. Cakes are baked on the premises every morning, the service very good and polite. Stunning views.
Ph: (02) 9969 5050
www.batherspavillion.com.au
Ripples Cafe - Olympic Drive, Milsons Point. You can find this place at the Sydney Olympic Pool. Amazing views, and quality food.
Ph: (02) 9929 7722. There's also a Ripples Cafe at Chowder Bay with sublime harbour views and good food. Deck C, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman. Ph: (02) 9960 3000
www.ripplescafe.com.au
- SYDNEY'S BEST CAKES
inner west:
Abla - 402 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill. A massive choice of Lebanese deserts of all shapes and descriptions. It'll be hard to walk out of here with just one cake. There are plenty of chairs and tables in case you decide sitting and eating in is more your thing.
Ph: (02) 9560 5088
Adriano Zumbo - 296 Darling Street, Balmain. Inspiration from around the world fuels the creations in this amazing cake shop. 2041. Ph: (02) 9810 7318
Fernandes Patisserie - 516 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill. If you are after some of the best Portuguese custard tarts in Sydney, you would have to have rocks in your head to give Fernandes Patisserie in Dulwich Hill a miss. $1.20 a piece. On weekends it's full of Portuguese families.
Ph: (02) 9568 2114
Pasticceria Papa - 145 Ramsay St, Haberfield. Fab Sicilian cakes with sensation canoli. Ph: (02) 9798 6894
Pasticceria Tamborrino - 75 Great North Rd, Five Dock - Delicious Sicilian cakes. Try the sfogliata.
Ph: (02) 9712 1461
Sweet Belem Cake Boutique - 35C new Canterbury Rd, Peterhsam. Great Portuguese cakes.
Ph: (02) 9572 6685
Victoire - 285 Darling St, Balmain - as well as great breads, this place has finger licking cakes.
Ph: (02) 9818 5529
east:
Bourke Street Bakery - 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills. Locals are fiercely loyal and addicted to this place. It's amazing.
Ph: (02) 9699 1011
Croissant d'Or - 117 Macleay St, Potts Point. Tiny extravagant and colourful French cakes/petit fours.
Ph: (02) 9358 6014
Croquembouche Patisserie - delicious French pastries. 65 Belmore Rd, Randwick. Ph: (02) 8062 5950
Hytone Cake Shop - 296 Bondi Rd, Bondi. This shop has a deceptive appearance. Hytone serves up the best poppyseed strudel in Sydney. Everything is made on the premises, including the cheese, cheese and spinach or meat burek - a Serbian specialty.
Ph: (02) 9130 5170
La Gerbe D'or - 255-257 Glenmore Rd, Paddington. Try the citrus tart. Ph: (02) 9331 1070
Paris Cake Shop - 91 Bondi Rd, Bondi. citrus cakes, pastries, raspberry mouse. Another good cake shop on Bondi Rd.
Ph: (02) 9387 2496
Sweet Infinity - 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo. Good tarts.
Ph: (02) 93312448
Sweet Kiss Cake Shop - 343 Clovelly Rd. Traditional but unpronounceable Hungarian sweets like Flodni and Jzerbo through to the good ol’ Aussie meat pie.
Wellington Cake Shop - 157 Bondi Rd, Bondi. OK, so the service may not be the friendliest, but who cares when the ice-cream and Hungarian Jewish cakes here taste so good.
Ph: (02) 9389 4555
Yellow Bistro and Food Store - 57 Macleay St, Potts Point. Divine cakes but not so cheap. Ph: (02) 9357 3400
- SYDNEY CAFES
east:
Danks Street Depot - 2 Danks St, Waterloo. This place first came on the scene a few years ago in a part of town bereft of any cultural life. In fact, the area wasn't even considered safe. The Danks Street Depot was the first cafe to open up in Danks Street. Now, the street is a must for lovers of food. And this cafe does great breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Ph: (02) 9698 2201
www.danksstreetdepot.com.au
Bar Colluzi - 322 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. A super cool cafe with tiny stools that's been serving up great coffee for decades. The arty set, philosophers, locals and old timers love coming here.
Ph: (02) 9380 5420
Govindas - 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst. A vegetarian restaurant and cinema with futon lounges, a place you can come for cooking classes, yoga, music, workshops and anything else that's going to give you peace of mind.
Ph: (02) 9380 5155
www.govindas.com.au
Bondi Iceberg's Club - 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach. Good food, superb views of Bondi, not pretentious at all. But, the restaurant downstairs is rather pricey and comes with an image. Visitors who live more than 5km outside the club can enter for free. Visitors who live within 5km of the club must join the social club for $55 or be signed in by a member. ID is asked for at the door.
Ph: (02) 9130 3120
www.icebergs.com.au
lower north shore:
Bather's Pavillion - 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach. This is one of the most superb places in Sydney to grab a coffee, have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set in an old bathing pavillion, visitors can now drink and dine in a building with great, relaxing decor and sublime views of Middle Harbour.
Ph: (02) 9969 5050
www.batherspavillion.com.au
- SYDNEY HIGH TEA
east:
The Victoria Room
236 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010
Ph: (02) 9357 4488
A lounge bar at night that turns into a Colonial chic high tea place on weekends.
Saturdays 2pm - 4pm
Sundays 1pm - 5pm
www.thevictoriaroom.com
north:
The Tea Room at Gunners Barracks
At end of Suakin Drive, Mosman
Ph: (02) 8962 5900
Sublime views of Sydney harbour from the verandah of this once old military building
www.thetearoom.com.au
city:
The Tea Room at QVB
Level 3, North End
QVB 455 George St, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9283 7279
This was once an old ballroom but now does wicked high tea.
www.thetearoom.com.au
The Cortile at Intercontinental
Cnr Phillip St and Bridge St, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9253 9000
Daily high tea in a hotel popular with the wealthy
website
Globe Bar at Observatory Hotel
113 Kent St, Millers Point, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9256 2222
How divine - teas mixed by an onsite tea master, served in silver tea pots in a colonial style drawing room.
Daily 2:30pm to 5pm
www.observatoryhotel.com.au
The Loft
3 Lime St, King Street Wharf, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9299 4770
A cocktail lounge by night, and a high tea haven on weekends
www.theloftsydney.com
Sofitel
101 Phillip St, Sydney
Ph: 1800 676 960
Delicious French pastries and fine sandwiches. Daily 2pm - 5pm
www.sofitelsydney.com.au
- SYDNEY PIZZA
inner west:
Cafe Morreti - 47 Norton St, Leichhardt. Sensational crusts and toppings. Even has Nutella pizza. Ph: (02) 9568 1354
La Disfida - 109 Ramsay St, Haberfield 2045. Thin crust pizza and simple toppings. Ph: (02) 9798 8299
Napoli in Bocca - 73 Dalhousie St, Haberfield 2045. Great bases and toppiings. Ph: (02) 9798 4096
east:
Jilted Anchovy - 348 Clovelly Rd. Ph: (02) 9665 6558
Love Supreme - 180 Oxford St, Paddington. Ph: (02) 9331 1779
Lucio's - 248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. Ph: (02) 9332 3766
Pompei's - 126 Roscoe St, Bondi Beach. Ph: (02) 9365 1233
Pizza Mario - 417–421 Bourke St, Surry Hills. Ph: (02) 9332 3633
Pizza e Birra - 500 Crown St, Surry Hills. Ph: (02) 9332 2510
lower north shore and north shore:
Beaches Pizzeria - 22 Darley Rd, Manly. Delicious thin crusts and simple but fully flavoursome toppings. Ph: (02) 9977 0078
Fratelli's Gourmet Wood Fired Pizza - 332 Military Rd Cremorne – Ph: 9953 000
- SYDNEY YUM CHA
city:
Marigold - Citymark Building, Levels 4 and 5, 683 - 689 George St, Haymarket (Chinatown). This is a huge place with delicious food, and it's not overpriced.
Lunch daily from 10am - 3pm. Dinner daily 5:30pm - midnight.
Ph: (02) 9281 3388
east:
Kam Fook Chatswood - Shop 600, Level 6, Westfield Shoppingtown, Help St, Chatswood. Hordes of people come here.
Lunch Mon - Fri 10:30am - 3:30pm, Sat - Sun 9:30am - 3:30pm. Dinner daily from 5:30pm - 11pm
Ph: (02) 9413 9388
lower north shore:
Sea Treasure - 46 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest. This is another winner on the yum cha front.
Lunch Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm, Sat - Sun 10am - 3pm. Dinner daily 5:30pm - 11pm.
Ph: (02) 9906 6388
- SYDNEY WINE
east:
Kemeny's - 137 - 147 Bondi Rd, Bondi. Ph: 138 881
Five Ways Cellars - 4 Heeley St, Paddington. Set in a small terrace house packed with interesting labels, these wine merchants specialise in boutique wines from cooler climates. Great, friendly advice. Ph: (02) 9360 4242
inner west:
Summerhill Wine Shop - 7 Lackey St, Summer Hill. A small wine shop that specialises in boutique wines from around Australia.
Ph: (02) 9798 7282
Ultimo Wine Centre - 99 Jones St, Ultimo. This is the place to come to if you are after the obscure. Good quality wines from around the world. Ph: (02) 9211 2380
- SYDNEY FARMERS' MARKETS
Good Living Growers' Market - Pyrmont Bay Park, Pyrmont. 7am - 11am. This is a food lovers paradise. Gourmet smoked meats, cheeses, organic meat, fruit and veg, coffee, bacon and egg rolls, and water views. It's held on the first Saturday of every month, except January when all holders take a holiday. For more information on Sydney's markets, go to Day Trips
Farmers' Market - The Entertainment Quarter, Langs Road, Moore Park. Every Wed and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. A small market with friendly farmers and growers selling organic produce, conventional produce, fresh eggs, tasty bread.
Orange Grove Organic Market - Orange Grove Public School, Balmain Rd, Rozelle. Every Saturday 8am - 1pm. This is a small market but the woman who makes flans is worth getting out of bed early for. The chocolate flan is divine. Get there early or be disappointed. Mayan coffee, artisan breads, vegan food.
- SYDNEY - OUT OF TOWN
Lilianfels Resort and Spa - Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba, Blue Mountains. Restaurant, bar, luxurious accommodation. The architecture, setting and decor are great, and the views are pretty impressive. Llianfels has a one hat restaurant - Darley's - and a bar. Both are welcoming. There's a piano player and singer on Friday and Saturday nights at the bar. A bit of indulgence is good, sometimes.
Ph: (02) 4780 1200
www.lilianfels.com.au
Yindi Day Spa - 15 - 47 Katoomba St, Katoomba. Dr Hauschka products, massage, facials, hair, scalp and body treatments.
Ph: (02) 4782 1111
www.yindi.com.au
Megalong Valley Tea Rooms - Megalong Valley Rd, Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains. Not too many Sydneysiders know about this place. Breakfast and lunch is served here in the perfect rural idyll setting. Tables and chairs are set on the grass, amongst trees and shrubs with a view of the Blue Mountains. The is the perfect place for a chilled out lunch or devonshire tea on a sunny day. All food is home made, including the scrumptious jams. Eggs from the farm are on sale, there's organic porridge, and big breakfasts.
Ph: (02) 4787 9181
www.megalongtearooms.com
Ashcrofts - 18 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Award winning gourmet dining.
Ph: (02) 4787 8297
www.ashcrofts.com
Solitary - 90 Cliff Drive, Leura. This is a must stopover for food lovers. Dinner Wed - Sun, lunch on weekends.
Ph: (02) 4782 1164
www.solitary.com.au
Echoes - 3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba. Another must stop for food lovers.
Ph: (02) 4782 1966
www.echoeshotel.com.au
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