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Reviews

Bistro Grenier
14.5/20

This funky new bistro is a bit French, a bit somewhere else, and a whole lot of Newtown

The loft space above Odd Culture becomes the dark and moody Bistro Grenier.

  • Terry Durack
Ellen’s serene and clean-lined interior.

This sunny cafe is a tranquil oasis serving coffee custard and honeycomb espresso

Menu stars at serene and clean-lined Alexandria cafe Ellen include a cracking fish burger and a brilliant emerald halloumi and pea salad.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Go-to dish: Coral trout and its parts.
Good Food hatGood Food hatGood Food hat18/20

Sydney has a new three-hat restaurant, and it’s in a former pub

Josh Niland’s tasting menu showcases the near-limitless potential of fish. But it’s not all livers and eyes and “oh, my!”

  • Callan Boys
Sails overlooks Lavender Bay, Luna Park, the bridge and beyond.
14.5/20

If you’ve ever searched ‘harbourside restaurants with a view’ this revamped diner will float your boat

Sails had recently had a major renovation, and now feels like a relaxed luxury weekender where you’ll want to linger.

  • Terry Durack
The space is compact and buzzy with a touch of glamour.

From breakfast to late-night lattes, this all-day eatery is a buzzy beachside spot

Makaveli Bondi’s footpath window bench is the perfect perch, day or night, to enjoy a chia bowl or a plate of silky beef carpaccio.

  • Lenny Ann Low
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Go-to dish: Grilled beef tongue, jicama and salted chilli.
Good Food hat15/20

The pasta might have caught your attention, but there are other delights at Attenzione!

The wine bar-restaurant is big on personality and flavour, plus great cocktails, mystery wine and head-scratching dish names.

  • Callan Boys
Crisp-skinned red mullet on sauce Americaine with fregola.
Good Food hat15/20

‘Make a mess’: This beachside bolthole puts the fun into fine dining

Head chef Luke Churchill’s menu is simultaneously serious and playful, running from sultry little snacks to big-ticket, kick-up-your-heels items.

  • Terry Durack

Street-food feasts for under $10 a head make this suburban spot a winner

For incredibly cheap Korean cooking, such as tteokbokki, fried chicken and wobbly milk bunnies, it’s hard to go past this Strathfield hot spot.

  • Lenny Ann Low
A wall of vending machines at Gacha Cafe.

Getcha self to this fun gacha spot for snacks that taste just like Japan

Visiting this George Street spot is like cracking open a toy capsule as it swooshes down the machine.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Allta’s timber slats arch over diners like a blond wood Hokusai wave.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16.5/20

‘One to watch and then some’: Two-hatted newcomer is fancy, but also a lot of fun

Allta is one of Sydney’s best new restaurants to open this year. It’s also the most expensive.

  • Callan Boys