Parramatta reigns as the culinary heart of Sydney

Put a pin on any map and you’ll find delicious dishes to match in Parramatta. Sydney’s geographic centre is also its gastronomic heart, where you can dine your way around the world from dawn to dark, through a gourmet greatest hits of international flavours. From corner cafes and street food to elevated dining and buzzy bars, Sydney’s most food-obsessed neighbourhood has every craving covered.

The cream of cafes

Want to start the day right? Parramatta’s cafes wake up your tastebuds with eclectic menus and a coffee game that’s unfailingly excellent. As well as coffee to cross town for and 10 speciality teas, Circa has a stellar line-up of middle east-inflected dishes, including the legendary Ottoman Eggs.

At Homage Speciality Coffee the showstopping Reuben toastie with homemade Russian sauce has its own fanbase.

No problems if you’re a late riser – at Lil Mis Collins breakfast is an all-day situation and nobody’s judging if you tuck into an afternoon mushroom melt or for something unique, the ube pancake stack. Meanwhile, croissants, canelés and other fresh French delights at Lucien Baked Goods complement house-roasted coffee from sister eatery Circa.

Little India, big flavours

Harris Park might be dubbed Little India, but it’s mighty big on the aromatic, heady flavours of the subcontinent. Graze along a spice trail of more than 20 eateries showcasing India’s culinary regions - with some delicious detours into Nepal.

At Chatkazz the Mumbai street food is so authentic you could be in Bollywood if you close your eyes while savouring the irresistible Frankie – a filling-crammed wrap known as the Bombay burrito. Dosa Hut serves stunning South Indian soul food while Ginger specialises in rich, intoxicating North Indian Mughlai cuisine. At Momozz , Nepalese momo dumplings star alongside Indo-Chinese delights, while Chulho has live Nepalese folk music to match the dishes.

Mouth-watering Mediterranean

Parramatta takes you on a gastronomic adventure inspired by the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights from vibrant coastal dishes to rich and hearty specialties - all within reach, no travel documents needed. Start with the award-winning tiramisu at Italian Street Kitchen, then drop into Greece for sensational souvlaki and the wildly popular $20 claypot lunches at Kuzina Greco. Handmade pastas and succulent meats cooked over wood and charcoal at Ruse Bar & Brasserie blend modern Australian and European beautifully.

Feast on the Middle East

Parramatta’s middle eastern eateries draw on their owners’ deep knowledge, with family-owned favourites serving dishes perfected over generations. With a menu of traditional Lebanese greats in a stunning riverside spot, Sahra by the River is one of Sydney’s prettiest places to savour a shawarma, or go even bigger with an 18-dish Lebanese banquet at Bayti, with beer from the Khouzame family’s own brewery, Hawkers.

Asian sensations

In Parramatta, no culinary corner of Asia is left unexplored in an odyssey through China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines - plus some exciting fusions. Pan-AsianLilymu blends the best of an array of cuisines with vibrant signatures such as lamb cutlet with a tangy Thai nahm jim jaew sauce, Japanese-inspired black bean Inaniwa udon, and a creative cocktail list to match (melon & makrut fizz, anyone?).

Temasek, a Malaysian institution since 1992 serves up specialities from satays to spicy sambals. At family-owned Pho Pasteur, the Phams are revered for their Vietnamese pho recipe – singing with secret herbs and spices. Indonesian Ria is the place for faithfully authentic Indonesian street food, with Sydney’s best Javanese ayam penyet – tender smashed chicken (or beef, prawns or ribs) fried and crumbed with fiery chilli sauce.

From lumpia to adobo pork,Estelita’s Filipino Kusina is a delicious dive into Philippines cuisine. At The Zungle Korean Marinade BBQ, prime meats in signature gochujang sauce are expertly flamed to perfection at your table, alongside traditional favourites like refreshing naengmyeon (cold noodles) or flavourful kimchi beef fried rice. Top off the tastes with a fun soju bomb - a shot of soju dropped into a glass of Korean beer. More delicious drinks await at Holy Basil, where Asian-inspired cocktails complement Thai and Lao dishes. Try Laos charcoal chicken or a sizzling stir-fry with a cooling watermelon kaffir margarita or mango coco colada.

Nights to remember

From date night to party time, Parramatta knows how to dial up the decadence. Savour the sensory overload and theatre of the open fire grill at Hunter & Barrel, where flames tease out the finest flavours from prime cuts; experience the artistry of ex-Nobu chef Harry Cho at Japanese fine dining restaurant Oribu in the uber-luxury surrounds of the Heritage Precinct; or spoil yourself at acclaimed Willo Restaurant & Bar with mod-Med showstoppers like the Tiny Bird’s Nest - a delicate brioche filled with chorizo cream, spicy salami and Italian meringue. Middle east and Mediterranean meet in stunning green surrounds at Misc, where the make-your-own margarita tray starts your party in style, and Champagne and cocktail bar Nick & Nora’s oozes golden-era glam with sweeping views from the twenty-sixth floor. If you’ve never sipped a Champagne ‘shoey’ from a glass slipper, this is the place to try it.

With a variety of options reflecting the diversity of its community, Parramatta ensures an unforgettable dining experience for all tastes, preferences, and occasions. Discover more by visiting atparramatta.com/eat