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For the Foodies: Sydney Food & Drink News
The most exciting food news in Sydney right now.
The Sydney food scene is THRIVING. Following an incredible 2025, packed with new openings, 2026 is equally showing no signs of slowing down.
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 updated with the must-know food news in Sydney, we’re here to help.
Finally… A.P Bakery Has Opened a Manly Outpost!
After much anticipation, iconic Sydney bakery, A.P has finally opened north of the bridge! After all the success of their many outposts all around Sydney, it only feels right that the Northern Beaches was their next stop. Open as a kiosk inside Manly Wharf, expect their classic pastries, sandwiches and takeaway coffees, plus a special pastry exclusive to the Manly location. We think it’s safe to say ferry commuters are going to be very happy about this…
Manly Wharf, Manly
Lotus’ Most-Loved Dishes Have a New Address
Have you been missing Lotus The Galeries’ signature dishes? We’ve got good news, because some of the restaurant’s most-loved plates are finding a new home at Pearl Dining in Circular Quay. Lotus Residency at Pearl brings back favourites including the famous duck fried rice, Wagyu beef with heirloom tomatoes and crispy eggplant, alongside a new pan-Asian menu from Executive Chef Steve Wu. There’s plenty more to explore, from a dedicated duck menu to Australian lobster served nine (yes, nine) ways and dumplings in two-piece portions made for mixing and matching. If you only have time for a quick bite but you’re still keen to satisfy a craving, the residency also brings a new $35 express lunch menu, available Tuesday to Friday. Yum!
Sitchu Tip: It goes without saying that you need to get the duck pancakes, or at least something from the duck section of the menu! But a standout starter for us was the salmon crudo; it comes with chilli, yuzu juice and olive and is such a fresh start to the meal.
This Wobbly Little Capybara Is Our Current Obsession
Wobbly, ridiculously cute and almost too good to eat, this little capybara has waddled its way back onto the menu at Pantry Story in Stanmore. Made from dark chocolate panna cotta and perched atop a buttery kouign-amann, it’s the kind of dessert that’s guaranteed to stop your scroll. Catch it on weekends only, because who knows how long this little guy will stick around.
Rejoice! These Iconic Custard Puffs Are Officially Back
Sydney’s heart collectively broke when we heard that Emperor’s Garden would be shutting its doors and ceasing service on its iconic cream puffs. After all, where else can you find a delicious treat in the CBD for under $1? Plus, the thrill of lining up for a sweet treat after enjoying a delicious Chinese meal really couldn’t be beaten. Well, as of today, the beloved cream puffs are back! The Haymarket institution has given fans a reason to rejoice, with its famous custard-filled treats returning to the bakery from midday. Consider this your sign to make a Chinatown detour and get your cream puff fix… we know we will be.
213-215 Thomas St, Haymarket
Carrot Cake and Focaccia Have Met and It’s a Vibe
Carrot cake and focaccia might sound like an unlikely pairing, but somehow, it works. This pillowy focaccia is packed with warm, spiced carrot cake flavour and finished with sweet icing and crunchy walnuts, making for a very fun little dessert detour at The Rocks’ MLK Deli.
Sweet Nostalgia! Sizzler is Making a Comeback
Remember those endless salad bars, sizzling steaks, and soft-serve runs from the ’90s? Same.
When Sizzler closed back in 2020 it marked the end of an era, particularly as the beloved buffet outlet was a hallmark childhood memory for many of us. In amazing news, Minor Hotels will bring back Sizzler at the new NH Collection Hotel at Sydney Airport later this year. Better yet, there’s already talk of expansion, with rumoured plans to roll the brand out Australia-wide, most likely in other NH Collection properties.
In the meantime, Sydney can bask in the knowledge that the sweet taste of nostalgia isn’t far off. We hope this new iteration keeps the retro vibes and generous portions, and we’ll see you there for a slice of that incredible cheese toast.
The Grounds Has Announced Its Most Exciting Location Yet
The Grounds has just announced it will open within The Domain Gateway, at the entry to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Bursting to life across the heritage space, guests can expect various areas for dining and coming together over great food and beautiful scenery. This is set to be a very special space and an exciting expansion for the brand.
More details will be announced as the project comes to life, so stay tuned!
One of Melbourne’s Best Bakeries Is Headed East
If you’re as obsessed with Baker Bleu’s dark-crust sourdough as we are, there’s good news: the cult Melbourne bakery is opening its second Sydney outpost on Hall Street, Bondi this December. Expect the full bread and pastry line-up, fresh sandwiches, Market Lane coffee, iced drinks and even soft serve, all with outdoor seating that’s perfectly placed for a post-beach refuel. We’re already mentally planning the Bondi to Bronte walk followed by a very necessary bread haul.
The Shanghai Drink That Sells 4 Million Cups A Year Is Now Here
Shanghai-born viral sensation Yee3 has officially landed in Sydney, bringing its wildly popular coconut drinks and desserts to Pitt Street. Think fresh coconut water and creamy coconut milk topped with cloud-like foams in flavours like pistachio, sea salt cheese and Oreo cheese, plus its very fun ‘fried’ coconut ice, which is a fluffy, snow-like take on shaved ice. The pistachio coconut cream drink alone has sold more than 4 million cups in a year in China, so consider this your chance to see what all the fuss is about… we know we will be!
World Square
Our Favourite Cookie Connoisseurs Are Expanding
ButterBoy is doubling down on Sydney, with new locations coming to Macquarie Centre and Westfield Miranda. First up, the Macquarie Centre store opens on Saturday, September 26, serving the cult brand’s signature cookies, soft serve, drinks, merch and cereal, alongside the launch of exclusive Frosty Flakes mini cookie cereal. The first 100 customers will score a free box, with some hiding Sydney Bears ice hockey season passes and ButterBoy vouchers! $12 cookie and soft serve deals will run throughout opening week so there’s plenty of chances to enjoy some goodies. Then, in early October, ButterBoy will open a mini store at Westfield Miranda, sticking around through the Christmas period for all your festive cookie needs. We think we’ll be paying a visit…
A Giant Cinnamon Scroll Just Entered the Chat
One (regular-sized) cinnamon scroll simply wasn’t enough. For its first birthday, Martha’s is going big with a supersized version of its cult-favourite pastry, packing all that cinnamon and cardamom goodness into a cake-sized scroll and topping it with fragrant orange blossom icing, served on the side for maximum pouring potential. It’ll set you back $60, serves a crowd and can be delivered Sydney-wide from September 23, with pre-orders opening September 15th.
Surry Hills Is Getting a Three-Level Foodie Hangout
Your next all-day, all-night destination is taking shape in Surry Hills. Housed inside a heritage former Schweppes building on Foveaux Street, House of Bungalow is set to bring together a café, restaurant and late-night bar under one seriously good-looking roof when it opens this October.
The ground floor café is already pouring Grounds Roastery coffee alongside house-made pastries, while upstairs, chef Gianni Moretto is putting together a produce-led menu inspired by Chile, Spain and his travels through Asia and South America. Expect standout dishes like Smoked Eel Gilda and Peking Duck Canelons. Downstairs, The Basement shifts the mood with bespoke cocktails, VIP bottle service and live entertainment five nights a week. Original sandstone, exposed brick and timber details have all been carefully preserved, giving the entire space plenty of character.
Whether you’re dropping in for your morning coffee, settling in for dinner or ending the night with cocktails, this is one opening we’ll be keeping a close eye on!
Sydney’s Sweetest Bakery Runs Entirely on Trust
We love a good sweet-treat expedition, and this one might just be our favourite. Self-taught baker Marilyn Matic and her “chief taste-tester” husband Tony run one of Sydney’s more unusual setups. The Cookie Star is a pastel pink micro-bakery found in Quakers Hill. The twist? There’s no cashier, so operations run entirely on honesty. Grab your pick of chunky cookies, cakes in a jar, brownies and fresh sourdough, then pay via cash, QR code or PayPal on your way out. It’s already pulling people in from across the city, opening every Saturday at 8am and selling out within minutes. You’d be wise to get in early for this one (but it’s worth it)!
84 Pye Road, Quakers Hill
Brisbane’s Cult Cookie Has Landed for Good
Sydney cookie lovers, your patience has paid off. Brisbane’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse is opening its first permanent NSW flagship at Barangaroo, bringing its internet-famous cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cakes to the harbour for good. Be there on opening day at 10am on August 14th, and you could even score one of 100 free cookies, fresh from the oven!
The Sydney Caterer Food Lovers Swear By
Foodies know that a menu can make or break an event, and Catered by Matt has become a firm favourite (and secret weapon) among Sydney’s most discerning hosts. Founder Matt Mirosevich, a chef who honed his craft in some of Sydney’s finest kitchens, including Quay Restaurant, brings his restaurant-level technique to private events through beautifully executed menus, polished service, and roaming canapés that guests actually talk about long after the last plate has been cleared. The approach is effortless rather than overly formal, giving everyone (including the host) the freedom to be present and enjoy the celebration without surrendering your occasion to a venue’s formula. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, engagement party or corporate gathering, it’s the kind of catering that’s raising the bar for Sydney events—where exceptional food is always the main attraction.
This Pastry Just Knocked the Dot Cake’s Crown Off
Banksia Bakehouse has built a cult following in the CBD for pastries that reinvent childhood favourites, and this one might be its best yet. It’s amazing what joy a few sprinkles can bring, and their take on the dot craze is a goodie. The bakery has come up with a fairy bread bulb that takes that classic nostalgia hit and fills it with popcorn ganache and salted caramel, finished with a generous scatter of 100s and 1000s. It’s available throughout July, so there’s still time to brighten up your week one bite at a time.
Sydney CBD
Florence’s Cult Sandwich Shop Has Opened in Sydney!
If you’ve ever been to Florence, you’ve no doubt heard of All’Antico Vinaio. Known for making some of the best sandwiches in Italy, this outpost is an institution for good reason. Stuffed with every kind of delicious filling you can imagine (think Tuscan meats, cheeses and artisanal spreads) it’s not unusual for All’Antico Vinaio to serve thousands of sandwiches in a single weekend. If all of this sounds pretty good, we’ve got very exciting news for you. The Sydney outpost is open now at 50 Pitt Street Circular Quay and frankly, we couldn’t be more excited!
Sydney’s Best Bakery Is Opening a Second Location
Beloved bakery Flour is heading to Cronulla, with the cult café opening a second outpost off the back of its runaway success in Caringbah. Known for its daily in-house baking, top-tier coffee and regular lines out the door, it’s built a loyal following for its crisp, buttery pastries, standout focaccia and consistently strong brews.
The hype is well earned, too—Flour took out Best Coffee and Pastries in the 2025 Sitchu Awards, and with its Cronulla debut on the horizon, you can expect those same queues to follow.
Australia’s First Lobster Wellington Has Landed in Sydney
This limited-edition Lobster Wellington is as much a story as it is a dish. Created as an ode to the chef’s father, a lover of Beef Wellington, the creation layers premium Australian produce with handcrafted puff pastry made by a pastry chef in the Clare Valley. The result is a show-stopping centrepiece that feels more like edible art than a meal, with every element carefully considered and crafted with care. Available by pre-order only at Felons Seafood on Manly Wharf, this is one winter indulgence worth planning ahead for.
Pre-order your lobster wellington here.
West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Messina Just Opened Its Most Aesthetic Store Yet
Good news for everyone who lives north of the bridge, because Messina has just crossed it (again). The cult gelato institution has touched down in Crows Nest, landing in the Willoughby Road Precinct inside a space that leans hard into mid-century American diner nostalgia. Think retro booth seating and a jukebox menu board, designed for lingering over a second scoop you definitely didn’t plan on ordering. Expect 35 classic flavours daily plus five weekly specials, and to mark the occasion, a limited opening flavour: Crows Before Bros, a baked maple cheesecake gelato with pecan praline and maple caramel running through it. Delicious!
58 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
This Paddo Spot Is Shouting Free Wine for Locals
Paddington restaurant Caness has launched a very good reason to love your postcode. The new Locals Table offer shouts the wine for the table whenever residents in the 2010, 2021 or 2025 postcodes book the set menu for dinner. There’s a complimentary carafe for two to three guests, or a full bottle for groups of four or more. Just show proof of address on arrival and you’re sorted.
Available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 5.30pm, with walk-ins always welcome.
348 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Cherry’s Goods Has Opened Another Outpost in Sydney
Beloved for her iconic decadent matchas, cookies and loaded croissants that have sent Sydney into a complete frenzy, it’s safe to say that Cherry’s Goods has become a staple in the Sydney foodie scene. After the roaring success of her first four stores, Cherry has gone and opened a cafe in Westfield Hurstville! Expect seriously addictive sweet treats, a range of new menu items (hello savoury croissants) and new variations of her viral iced lattes and matchas. A tip from us? Try the pistachio cream matcha – it’s the perfect balance of that addictive matcha flavour and an indulgent treat.
Level One, Westfield Hurstville
A New Era for Circular Quay’s Favourite Address
The Overseas Passenger Terminal has always had one of the best addresses in Sydney, with those gorgeous harbour views, Circular Quay on the doorstep and the Bridge right there. Following the announcement of Quay’s closure in late 2025, it wasn’t known what would be made of the iconic space… until now.
The Oriana opened this week across four levels of the terminal, transforming the old Squires Landing and Quay restaurant space into something that feels like a destination in its own right. The idea is that you move through depending on your mood: cold drink in the open-air beer garden at ground level (with a massive LED screen that’s going to make World Cup season very good), up to the pub for DJ sets and a martini list that kicks in after 9pm, and higher again for a proper harbour-view restaurant dinner built around seasonal NSW seafood; think king crab, Southern rock lobster and Hokkaido scallops. There’s also a private events floor at the top if you’re in the market for a venue with arguably the best outlook in the city.
Timing-wise, it couldn’t be better, The Oriana has opened just as Vivid gets underway, with live music across the week and a Four Pillars pop-up bar on the terrace serving Bloody Shiraz spritzes with the Harbour Bridge lit up behind you.
Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000
This $8 Bottomless Tiramisu Is Our Idea of Heaven
We know it’s cooling down, but The Winery’s bottomless steak and frites for $69 on a Wednesday night is providing a pretty compelling reason to leave the house. But, if you’re looking for even more of a reason, the $8 bottomless tiramisu rounds the whole thing off. Ninety minutes of steak, frites and as much of their signature tiramisu as you can manage, on the leafy laneway terrace that somehow feels more Paris than Surry Hills.
Every Wednesday from 5pm
285A Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
A Three-Michelin-Star Feast Is Coming To Balmoral
Sydney institution Bathers’ Pavillion is set to host one of the world’s leading restaurants, three Michelin-starred SingleThread, for an exclusive four-week residency come July and bookings are now open.
Known for serving up impeccable hyper-seasonal dishes, SingleThread is a true farm-to-table institution run by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Katina Connaughton. Fused with Kyle’s extensive study of Japanese Kaiseki, SingleThread highlights seasonality through simplicity, which is a philosophy they’re bringing to the shores of Balmoral in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local food lovers. The 10-course tasting menu kicks off with their signature Hassūn, up to ten impeccably presented bites served on a hand-built structure of wood, moss and foliage, built using locally foraged botanicals grown specifically for the residency at Bathers’ own Southern Highlands farm.
Early dish reveals include Sydney urchin with malted potato and yuzu kosho, and Westholme Wagyu with shime carrot and short rib jus. On arrival, a bespoke floral installation by Sydney artist Alessandro Ljubicic will set the tone, alongside custom ceramics sourced directly from Japan and a one-off beer collaboration between Mountain Culture and the founder of cult US brewery Russian River Brewing.
Owner & Chef, Kyle Connaughton is looking forward to offering this exclusive experience to food-obsessed Sydney-siders. “SingleThread is about the dialogue between farm, kitchen and guest. Coming to Sydney allows us to explore that philosophy through Australia’s extraordinary produce while maintaining the integrity of what defines us. We’re excited to collaborate with Aaron Ward and the Bathers’ team and create something that feels both true to Sonoma County and unique to Balmoral”, he shares.
$690 per person
Residency runs from Tuesday 28th July to Sunday 23rd August, 2026
Bookings open on Thursday 12th March, 10am AEST
4 The Esplanade, Mosman
Sydney CBD Favourite The Flynn Reopens with $2M Glow-Up and Chef-Led Menu
Back with a fresh look and a new menu by acclaimed chef Justin North, the Flynn is stepping into a new era. Forget lining up at the bar, the introduction of full table service marks a shift away from your typical pub, while the menu also leans more refined – think modern classics with subtle Asian and Mediterranean influences, all grounded in quality produce and considered pricing.
At the bar, it’s everything you’re looking for: crowd-favourite spritzes, classic beers on tap and an easy cocktail list that keeps things fun. The space itself feels brighter, sharper, and more in tune with where Sydney’s CBD is at — elevated yet effortlessly relaxed, it’s the kind of pub where a quick drink can easily turn into a lingering dinner.
Reopened on March 16, The Flynn is currently welcoming guests Monday–Friday from 10 am–3 am, with Saturdays to follow later this month.
2A Bligh St, Sydney
Hotel Harry’s Just Underwent a Major Glow-Up
A Surry Hills institution since 1912, Hotel Harry has just undergone a significant renovation, readying it to serve the community for many more decades to come.
One of the biggest changes has been that of the menu, developed by Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett. The team have scored some fab new kit — namely a French Rotisol rotisserie, a wood-fired Parilla Grill and a Marana Forni pizza oven from Italy — which you can imagine has upped the ante. And yes, weekly specials are still very much present. As for the interiors, think elegant Parisian bistro.
40/44 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
Sydney’s Domestic Terminal Levels Up With the Arrival of LouLou Domestic Airport
Heading to Sydney Airport T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal sometime soon? Well, your terminal time has just levelled up. Say bye to stale airport croissants and bonjour to one of our favourite Sydney bakeries, LouLou. Those on a morning flight are welcome to kick off their trip with LouLou’s iconic French viennoiseries, baguettes, pastries, handmade pies, petit fours, madeleines, paired with one of this French cafe’s perfect coffees, of course.
But wait…it gets better. When evening rolls around, the cafe transforms into a wine bar with charcuterie, parfaits and cheese plates up for grabs. You’d be mad not to order some treats for the flight whilst you’re there.
Sydney Domestic Airport, T3 Qantas Terminal
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