For the Foodies: Sydney Food & Drink News

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.

The Inner West Distillery Trail is Now Open

It’s long been acknowledged that the Inner West is the craft brewery capital of Sydney. But this groovy region is also a haven for boutique distilleries and the newly opened Inner West Distillery Trail is here to shout it from the rooftops.

Made up of nine distilleries, you’ll find plenty of world-class whiskey, rum, gin and vodka littered along the trail.

Blackwattle Distilling Co co-founder Kieren Doyle notes, “We all offer something a little bit different, from the drinks we create through to the spaces we’re housed in, from tasting rooms and bottle shops to cellar doors, bars and heritage-listed warehouses”.

The only thing left to do? Get exploring!

You can view the self-guided interactive Inner West Distillery Trail here

Make Haste! Snapchat is Handing Out Free ButterBoy Cookie Boxes Next Sunday

In a sweet revelation, a new study conducted by Snapchat has revealed that Gen Z Aussies are finding the most joy in life’s little moments. And it doesn’t stop there. The study also found that 94% of Gen Z use snacks to show they care, whether that’s catching up over food, sharing food, or treating friends to their favourite dishes.

In celebration of small joys, Snapchat has teamed up with ButterBoy for a one-day event on Sunday 7th September. Attendees can expect four limited-edition cookies — Matcha and White Chocolate, Fairy Bread, Chilli Choc and Marshmallow Crunch. All you have to do is show your app and you’ll receive a Snapchat ‘blind box’ containing a combination of two of the flavours, crafted by Cookbook Author and Foodie Content Creator Jasmin Weston.

Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday!

Sunday 7th September, from 10am until boxes run out

Pitt Street Mall, Sydney 

Sydney Institution Monopole to Close (But It’s Not All Sad News)

A big year from the Bentley Group has seen one of 2025’s most exciting openings — seafood and steak grill Eleven Barrack — as well as a recently announced farewell to two-hatted dining stalwart Monopole.

After 13 years, as The Bentley Group’s lease comes to a close, the decision to close the restaurant comes with a silver lining. October will see the group take on a new space in Barangaroo’s recently completed One Sydney Harbour Lendlease development with the opening of Watermans. Chef Darryl Martin (ex-Barzaari) will be leading the charge in the kitchen with an Eastern Mediterranean menu. Guests can look forward to warm hummus with green zhoug, labneh with salted cucumber and lemon jam, pickled watermelon and raw tuna salad with sumac and sweet and sour Abrolhos scallop with sesame praline.

Diners are encouraged to enjoy a last meal at Monopole before the last service on Saturday 6th September before gearing up for October’s opening.

Bennelong Bar Introduces New $50 Per Person Experience

At $50 per person, it’s worth it for the view alone! The ‘Bennelong in 45 minutes‘ experience allows you to soak up some pre or post under-the-sail ambience for a fraction of the usual price. Enjoy a signature cocktail alongside three delicious bar snacks. A little slice of paradise!

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point

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

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. 

Writer

Olivia Storrie

4 September 2025

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.