For the Foodies: Sydney Food & Drink News

The most exciting food news in Sydney right now.

Grill Americano

The Sydney food scene is THRIVING. Following an incredible 2024, packed with new openings, 2025 has already kicked off with a bang.

With a swathe of talented chefs choosing to make their home in our harbour city and bringing us the best flavours from around the world and locally, it’s never been a better time to be a Sydney sider. If you’re keen to stay abreast of the must-know food news in Sydney, we’re here to help. 

From the acclaimed team behind Pilu at Freshwater comes a new harbourside restaurant celebrating the warmth, flavour and produce of
Italy’s portside dining.

Pilu Family Launches Coastal Italian Crudo Bar in Circular Quay

Sydney’s hospitality world is buzzing this week as Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini, the duo behind Pilu at Freshwater, are setting sail into the city with their new restaurant, Flaminia, opening this summer at Pullman Quay Grand. Named after the ship that brought their family to Australia in 1959, Flaminia channels the charm and spontaneity of Italy’s port towns with a focus on simple, seafood-forward cooking and warm seaside hospitality.

Picture oysters shucked to order at a dedicated crudo bar, regional antipasti, sunlit seafood pastas and light seaside wines — all served with harbour views. Whether you’re after a quick pre‑opera drink, a sunset bite by the water or a leisurely lunch with effortless elegance, Flaminia promises refined coastal dining with Australian seafood at its heart.

Level 2, Pullman Quay Grand (entry via Macquarie St or Circular Quay).

Celebrated Aussie Chef Mark Best To Transform Sydney Tower’s Iconic Revolving Restaurant

Brace yourselves, Sydney: come 13 August, your beloved revolving restaurant atop Sydney Tower is getting a full-on glow-up — courtesy of rockstar chef Mark Best (the brains behind the late, great Marque). Now reborn as Infinity by Mark Best, the venue marries 81-story, 360° harbour-and-skyline panoramas with a slick new look (think navy, timber, brass) and updated interiors post a multi-million-dollar refresh.

The menu is pure Aussie storytelling: starter bites include slick Coffin Bay oysters with sea foam, cute South Coast sea urchin crumpets, steamed grouper and succulent lamb neck paired with pickled radishes. With 90 seats, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a wine list curated by industry legend Polly Mackarel, this is where elevated Aussie produce meets dizzying elevation. In Chef Best’s words: “Come for the view, stay for the hospitality” — and maybe even stay for the food that actually lives up to it.

108 Market Street, Sydney

El Jannah Heads East with Free Charcoal Chicken to Celebrate

Western Sydney’s cult-favourite chicken slinger El Jannah is heading east, officially opening its first-ever Eastern Suburbs outpost in Randwick. Famous for their smoky charcoal chicken and that iconic garlic sauce, the Granville-born favourite is bringing its flavour-packed legacy to a brand-new crowd — and they’re celebrating with a little name-based mischief.

On Saturday 26 July, anyone named Charlie (or Charles, Charlotte, Charlene… you get the gist) can score a free charcoal chicken meal—no strings attached, just flash your ID. Not a Charlie? No stress — you can still sink your teeth into a $5 quarter chicken meal, complete with chips, garlic sauce and a drink, all day long. Whether you’re an Eastie getting your first taste or a Westie making the pilgrimage, this is one finger-licking launch you won’t want to miss.

Valid only on Saturday, July 26th

141-143 Belmore Road, Randwick

Sydney’s Favourite Dessert is Back

If you happened to miss out on this viral, limited-edition dessert back in April, we’ve got some good news. The jiggly pannacotta capybara dessert has returned to the Pantry Store in Stanmore, available only on weekends. The deliciously, mousse-like dessert sits on top of a perfectly flakey raspberry pastry, and it is heaven in a bite.

Run, don’t walk, we have no idea how long this one will stick around for.

336 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore

Cult American Chain Auntie Anne’s Lands in Parramatta

Craving that warm, doughy nostalgia from the US? Auntie Anne’s — the world’s biggest hand‑rolled soft pretzel chain — is rolling into Australia, opening its first local store this month. Expect all the mall‑favourite flavours freshly made on site: classic salted pretzels, cinnamon sugar twists, sweet almond, and even pepperoni‑cheese. Plus, bite‑sized pretzel nuggets (both savoury and sweet), baked hot around the clock.

Opening July 26

Westfield Parramatta

Lankan Filling Station to Close Its Doors After Seven Delicious Years

Sad news for all: Lankan Filling Station, Sydney’s beloved home of hoppers, spice-laden curries and sambols that pack a punch, is preparing to say goodbye. After seven years of bringing the bold, complex flavours of Sri Lanka to a tiny Riley Street corner in Darlinghurst, the restaurant will close its doors soon — with the final service expected by the end of winter, per an Instagram post.

Since opening in 2018, the venue has become a cult favourite, celebrated for its lacy-edged hoppers, punchy black curry and playful, spice-forward snacks. From humble beginnings as a market stall to a hat in every edition of the Good Food Guide, Lankan Filling Station has been a fiery force in Sydney’s dining scene — and we’ll be making a beeline for one last feast while we still can.

Ribs & Burgers Dubai Chocolate Thickshake

This Dubai Chocolate Thickshake is Your Next Foodie Obsession

The Dubai chocolate craze is making its way through Australia and the latest dessert to be given a pistachio makeover is Ribs & Burgers’ thickshake. Top off your meal with this decadent dessert or swing by for an afternoon pick-me-up.

What can you expect? Lashings of pistachio paste and chocolate sauce topped with generous sprinklings of pistachio crush and crispy kataifi pastry. It’s here for a good time, not a long time so be sure to pop it on your must-eat list.

Locations across Sydney, find your closest here

Italian Street Kitchen Drops a Limited Edition Matcha Tiramisu

Could it be possible that our favourite dessert just got better? Italian Street Kitchen has brought two of life’s greatest joys — matcha and tiramisu — together and we thank them for that from the bottom of our hearts. Envisage layers of matcha-infused zabaglione, white chocolate mascarpone, and delicate savoiardi. Or better yet…taste it for yourself. Find more details here.

Book now

Bella Vista, Neutral Bay, Parramatta & Penrith

Jackalberry

The Ultimate $39 CBD Lunch Special

In welcome winter news, there’s a new lunch special in town that’s too good to pass up. Sleek award-winning cocktail bar, Jackalberry, has got you sorted for a cosy spot, two courses and a drink to sip whilst you’re at it. If you’re after something hearty, opt for the charred lamb or creamy bucatini carbonara. For those after something lighter, the menu is packed with options from teriyaki salmon to build-your-own salads. As for dessert, how does a warm sticky date pudding sound?

$39 (includes two courses and a drink) 

Available 11am to 3pm daily, make a booking here

161 Sussex Street, Sydney 

Neil Perry to Close Song Bird And Open New Italian Spot In Its Place

Neil Perry’s Double Bay restaurant, Song Bird, is set to close its doors on August 3 — less than a year after opening. The venue will relaunch as Gran Torino, a bold pivot to Italian dining, opening August 9. The new two-level offering will include a share-plate bar and 100-seat trattoria serving antipasti, handmade pasta, and produce-driven mains. “It’s laidback, celebratory, and designed for every kind of moment – from a quick Negroni to a long lunch with friends,” the team shared in an post on Instagram. In a statement on the closure, Perry cited challenges in charging premium prices for Chinese cuisine as part of the reason for the shift.

Gran Torino opens August 9

24 Bay Street, Double Bay

A New Lunch Counter Lands in Bondi

From cult bagels to fresh salads — the Lox in a Box crew are levelling up the local lunch scene with Greenbergs, their just-launched “counter and caterer” in Bondi.

The new venue brings a bold, produce-forward energy to the Eastern suburbs food scene. Its rotating menu features salads and sides inspired by Middle Eastern flavours. These are serious plates with no shortcuts on taste.

Greenbergs Counter & Catering is now open at Shop 3/17 Warners Avenue, Bondi.

Wholegreen Bakery Lands in Manly

Sydney’s gluten-free scene just scored a major win: Wholegreen Bakery is coming to beachy Manly. Already a cult favourite among coeliacs and gluten-curious foodies alike, Wholegreen’s newest outpost brings their award-winning pastries, pillowy sourdough, and impossibly buttery pies to the Northern Beaches — no gluten, no compromises.

Expect the same handcrafted goodness they’re known for (yes, the croissants are that good), now just steps from the sand. Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee and muffin post-swim or settling in for a leisurely brunch, this wholesome haven has you covered.

Our pick? The spinach and feta danish with a side of their house-made almond milk flat white.

Location TBC

A stack of loaded cookies from butterboy in sydney
Butterboy

Butterboy Opens New Locations in Broadway & Brookvale

Good news, sweet tooth fiends — you can now get your fave chunky NYC-style cookie fix courtesy of Butterboy at the new Broadway and Brookvale locations.

Known for their decadent, layered bakes and unique flavours (think blackberry crumble, banana Biscoff and black sesame) the demand for these cult cookies means a fourth opening from the beloved brand this week. Ooey gooey monthly specials, soft serves and milkshakes is yours for the taking when your 3pm slump hits. The only question left to sort is — what flavour first?

174 Harbord Road, Brookvale

Shop G06/1 Bay St, Glebe

A.P Bakery’s Salted Pistachio & Rhubarb Flan Returns

In good news for all, A.P Bakery has finally brought back it’s iconic, gooey, salty pistachio and rhubarb flan. This brisée base dessert is delicately layered with stewed rhubarb and a generous serving of salted pistachio custard to deliver the holy grail of sweat treats.

Available at all locations for who knows how long, this is one you don’t want to miss out on.

Available at all A.P locations across Sydney.

Yo-Chi

Yo-Chi’s Latest Delicious Collab Has Landed

We didn’t need another reason to love Yo-Chi, but the cult froyo brand is once again serving up some seriously tasty goods with their latest limited-edition treat.

Teaming up with Aussie food creator Nick Vivitis, known for his Insta-worthy oozy, over-the-top cookie pies, Yo-Chi has introduced the Cheesecake Cookie Pie to its toppings bar. Think cheesecake-level creaminess, warm cookie gooeyness and the spiced caramel crunch of Biscoff, all in one glorious, irresistible bite.

The caramel collab is available at Yo-Chi stores now, and will be sticking around for about four weeks—or until it sells out (which is bound to be soon, so don’t miss out!)

Available at Yo-Chi stores nationally.

Brooklyn Boy Bagels New ‘Hot Bakes’ Delivers Fresh Bagels Every 20 Minutes

Sydney’s go-to for authentic New York-style bagels, Brooklyn Boy Bagels is coming in hot with its new weekend special, serving up freshly baked bagels, to enjoy warm, just how the New Yorkers intended.

The new ‘Hot Bakes’ special will be running out of the Marrickville outpost, offering their signature bagels, fresh croissants, pretzels and cookies straight from the oven every 20 minutes until midday.

Forget about your routine eggs on toast, if you’re in the inner west, swing for a still-warm Everything bagel and a thick cream cheese schmear, and while you’re there, why not pick up some freshly baked pretzels or their flakey almond croissants too, all made the proper Brooklyn way.

19 Carrington Rd, Marrickville

Wingstop Sydney
Image: Supplied

American Cult Classic, Wingstop Opens in Sydney

It’s been a good week for fans of buffalo-style chicken as the popular American chain Wingstop finally opened its doors to its first Australian outpost.

The Texas-born brand is loved for its flavoured chicken that comes in the form of wings, tenders and boneless pieces, with 12 different seasonings to choose from. Fan favourites include lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, Cajun, and hot honey, with options for those who love a spicy bite. Wingstop’s much-hyped ranch and blue cheese dips will also feature on the Aussie menu bringing the full American experience down under.

11am–2am daily

1/111 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point 

Catalina

Uber’s New ‘Dine Out’ Feature is Debuting Down Under

Uber Eats is spicing up the Sydney food scene, announcing a slick new feature that let’s you book ahead and access exclusive deals at some of the city’s best restaurants.

Announcing the new feature at the fifth annual GO-GET product showcase event in New York City, Sydney has been revealed as the first city in the world to have access to the new offering. Set to roll out next month, a partnership with OpenTable and Uber Eats app will allow users to not only book a table at their fave dining destination, but book a ride there and back at the same time. How’s that for convenience?

Some of the city’s most iconic restaurants—including Catalina, Fabbrica, Wings and Tins, Malabar, Employees Only and Raw Bar—are expected to sign up for the launch, with more options across a range of cuisines and price points soon to get in on the action. 

Your New Go-To Lunch Spot in the CBD Just Dropped

Tucked away on Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD, Otogo is a fresh, fast, and fun little spot serving up some of the best onigiri in the city. Think Japanese convenience store with a serious glow-up. Expect rice balls made by an AI-powered machine (yes, really), stuffed with goodies like miso salmon, spicy pork, and chicken karaage, all wrapped in crispy nori.

The vibe is chill, the ordering’s all done on slick touchscreens, and everything is affordable. You can grab a couple of onigiri, a snack, and a drink for around $10. Bargain! Otogo also has hand-pulled soba noodles if you’re after something warm and slurpy, with broths and toppings that feel way fancier than the price tag suggests.

Our favourite? The chicken karage onigiri with original mayo. A crispy outside with super tender chicken — what’s not to love?

1/56 Bay Street, Ultimo

Three-Michelin-Star Restaurant, L’Enclume, Six-Week Residency Menu Revealed (Plus, More Seats Released)

If a Euro summer isn’t on the cards for you this year, you can still dine out at La Liste‘s number-one-ranked restaurant in the world, L’Enclume, without even leaving the country! Sydney favourite Bathers’ Pavillion will be hosting internationally renowned chef Simone Rogan MBE for six weeks. You can expect every little detail to be pulled off with aplomb, from custom crockery to bespoke art installations and a 14-course menu. The residency will be the second partnership between the two restaurants with L’Enclume’s 2023 visit concluding with a 2000 table waitlist. 

Whilst the other ten dishes will remain tightly under wraps, the first four dishes have been revealed. Diners can look forward to raw South Gippsland aged sirloin of beef in coal oil with whipped Sydney rock oysters and nasturtiums and Kangaroo Valley Jerusalem artichokes with pickled muntries and Yarrawa cheese, winter shoots and vegetables. A third dish, Donnybrook Marron with wax flower jelly, smoked roe and buttermilk sauce, is also on the menu. As for sweets, frozen Pecora sheep’s yoghurt with aerated Willyama yuzu, toasted bunya nut and preserved essences.

Additional limited seats have been released for the $590 per person menu which can be booked here

Wednesday 16th July to Sunday 24th August 

4 The Esplanade, Mosman 

Tanuki

Sydney’s Most Expensive Sandwich

For a luxe take on the humble sando, head to Tanuki. This stylish Japanese izakaya in Double Bay, helmed by Chef Ken Wee Lee, has a menu that leans into fresh seafood and late-night bites. But it’s the Wagyu Sando that steals the show. A masterclass in indulgence, this $150 pre-order-only special layers 110g of buttery A5 Kagoshima Wagyu with Mushroom Duxelle and Miso Mustard between soft Japanese Milk Bread and is served alongside a rich Truffle Teriyaki dipping sauce.

It’s one of Sydney’s most decadent sandwiches, and well worth planning ahead for.

37 Bay Street, Double Bay

Hay St Market

The time has come! The long-awaited Hay St Market has officially opened within Market City, and it’s time to sample the goods. 48 traders and 25 cuisines have made the new market precinct home. Inspired by London’s Borough Market and Singapore’s Lau Pa Sat, you’ll find two bars, 16 hawker-style kitchens, a central food market, a glass-encased urban farm, artisan cheesemongers and butchers, a Spanish deli roaming carts and more. A particular highlight is the three separate stalls operated by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen. Gather your pals and make a night of it!

Open 7 days a week, early until late

9/13 Hay Street, Haymarket

Japan’s Viral Fried Sandwiches Land in Sydney

Age.3 first opened in Tokyo’s iconic Ginza in 2023 and since then they’ve been a sensation. Fried sandwiches? How could you say no. And now Sydney has its very own outpost! Enjoy golden fried bread with your choice of over 30 different fillings ranging from whipped cream and mango to potato salad. We have suspicions that one visit might not be enough.

Shop 92, 732 Harris Street, Ultimo

If you loved this edit of Sydney food news and are looking for more openings around the city, be sure to check out our edit of the best new restaurants, cafes and bars in Sydney. 

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