A Foodie Favourite: The Best Restaurants in Chippendale

A university enclave that packs a culinary punch, Chippendale is a food hub worth knowing about. Ever since Ester first swung open its doors back in 2013, its since welcomed a torrent of hip bars and trendy restaurants. Now a gourmet’s go-to, you’ll find everything from cold drip coffee and hearty pub classics, to fancy fine dining and sizzling street eats – Chippendale is one Sydney suburb with serious foodie credentials. Read on for the best restaurants in Chippendale. 

Kindred

Kindred serves up wholesome Italian fare reminiscent of a bygone era - no fuss yet plated to perfection. Begin with warm sourdough and cultured butter, travel through entrees, mains and pasta and end with something sweet. The pasta is the real standout so if you're a pasta fiend, you'll be thrilled when you're treated to lesser-known goodies like bucatini and cauliflower cappellacci. 

137 Cleveland Street, Darlington 

Longshore

Seafood fans, hold onto your hats! Chippendale has just welcomed its first dedicated seafood restaurant and wine bar and it's everything we could have hoped for and more. The subtle coastal-inspired decor and lengthy wine lists are two huge drawcards but it's the menu that has stolen our hearts. 

The Longshore offering consists of a five-course tasting menu alongside an experimental 10-course snack menu served in two stages - hot and cold. Look forward to highlights including raw Tasmanian scallops with mandarin koshu and makrut lime and Paroo red kangaroo tartare with salted muntries. Be sure to keep that dessert chamber opened as there is plenty for you to sample. The melon custard with candied melon sounds like a bit of us. 

5 Kensington Street, Chippendale 

Olio Kensington St

Taking up residence in The Old Rum Store, Olio provides the simplicity of Sicilian cuisine with an injection of luxury. The menu from head chef Lino Sauro is underpinned by quality seafood and provides a refreshing take on traditional Italian dining. To make the most of your evening, head to the rooftop terrace for a pre-dinner drink and nibble.

2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Koi Dessert Bar

MasterChef fans will recognise Reynold Poernomo, the owner of this fine-dining dessert bar. The Indonesian-inspired dessert bar offers a range of artful Asian-inspired desserts alongside a curated drinks menu.

Koi's experiential offering offers even more than desserts. This 7-course feast will take you on a culinary journey through visually inspiring dishes that taste as good as they look. 

Chippendale and Ryde

Viet

Just downstairs from Mekong in The Old Rum Store, Viet serves up street-style Vietnamese cuisine. Focused on flavour, Chef Bee (ex-Longrain) pairs fresh ingredients with invigorating spices to create a comprehensive menu of well-loved dishes; think spring rolls, dumplings and pho.

14 Kensington Street, Chippendale

The Rose Hotel

A stone’s throw from Sydney University, The Rose has had a workout with thirsty students but a trip to the pub will have you understanding their regular return. The beer garden is the drawcard here, with large picnic benches and big groups creating a warm atmosphere under the twinkling fairy lights. The menu is extensive, from burgers and snacks to salads and vegan-friendly options.

52-54 Cleveland Street, Chippendale

Spice Alley

This hawker-style food court brings a little bit of Singapore to Sydney’s inner west. Sitting in the heart of Kensington Street, Spice Alley is a lantern-filled courtyard - culturally rich and cash free. Stop by for dinner, top up a Kopi Tiam card and fleet between food outlets serving Singaporean, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. A casual, memorable bite worthy of a pre-or post-dinner drink.

Kensington Street, Chippendale

Ester

Firmly cementing itself as a foodie institution, Ester is a destination restaurant drawing in diners from all over Sydney. Share plate style, the seasonal menu showcases masterful pairings of local produce. Seafood, meat and salad heavy, the dishes are exotic and full-flavoured while the fit out is minimal and intimate. Ideal date spot, or fancy dinner with a large group.

46/52 Meagher Street, Chippendale

Eastside Bar & Grill

From the interiors to the food, this is one chic venue. Adopting the atmosphere of New York’s meatpacking district, an American-inspired menu that is touched by the distinctive flavours of traditional Japanese Binchotan charcoal grill. takes the stage And when you’re having a little trouble choosing from the a la carte menu, then opt for the five-course tasting menu. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Gavroche

Paris meets Sydney at this exquisite Parisian bistro. Transforming an old rum warehouse on Kensington Street in Chippendale’s culinary precinct, Gavroche has become a mainstay among a line-up of renowned restaurants. Classic French dishes hailed from Chef Frederick’s Parisian roots are featured throughout and they match an Australian and French wine list. 

Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

The Duck Inn

The Duck Inn is a neighbourhood pub hidden away in the back streets of Chippendale is loved as much for its warm, laidback ambience as for its craft beer and menu that has a strong showing of pub classics. But it’s the signature dishes that keep people local, think the eight-hour braised lamb shoulder and whole baby snapper duck for two. Whether you’re in the beer garden or one of the cosy nooks inside, The Duck Inn is as welcoming as they come.

74 Rose Street, Chippendale

Eaten your way through this edit of the best restaurants in Chippendale and looking for more foodie inspo? Be sure to keep up to date with new openings in Sydney by browsing our best new cafes and best new restaurants articles.