The Best Restaurants in Paddington for a Snazzy Spread

Best known for its incredible line-up of cafes, trendy boutiques, designer stores and fine art galleries, Paddington scores top points for a weekend pit stop. You could easily spend a whole day meandering along Five Ways, Oxford Street and William Street. But that’s not all you can do around this posh suburb. It’s worth extending your day trip into the night to discover a whole host of tempting restaurants serving delicious plates from all over the world. Before you head down to one of Paddo’s best bars, line your bellies with delicious food from the best restaurants in Paddington. 

Ursula's Paddington

Led by chef and owner Ursula, this cosy eatery serves up a range of delectable dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. The menu showcases an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully updated regularly to align with the changing seasons. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of pasta or a perfectly cooked steak, Ursula's has got you covered. Ursula's offers a warm and inviting ambience, complemented by impeccable service. 

92 Hargrave Street, Paddington

Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea

Zafferano is a charming trattoria that brings a slice of Sicily to Sydney. Helmed by the talented Sicilian-born chef Simone Crivello and his partner Isobel Galloway, Zafferano's menu includes signature Sicilian classics like fluffy pizza and considered seafood dishes. Drawing inspiration from Palermo, the restaurant boasts forest green walls, exquisite marble finishes, and large windows that provide a picturesque frame to the tree-lined, terraced streets of Paddington. 

354 South Dowling Street, Paddington

Porcine

Specializing in all things pork, Porcine serves up an array of creative and delicious dishes that showcase the versatility of the beloved meat. From crispy pork belly to juicy pork chops, the menu is a carnivore's dream come true. Vegetarians need not fear, as there are also plenty of flavourful veggie dishes available. The rustic and warm ambience of Porcine adds to its charm, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night or a night out with friends.

268 Oxford Street, Paddington

Tequila Mockingbird

Breaking free from the stereotypical burritos and fajitas, Tequila Mockingbird offers an inventive menu that's both literary and delectable. Your visit should include sampling their ceviche tacos that burst with fresh and zesty flavours, and their fried tapioca is not to be missed. The whole menu showcases Tequila Mockingbird's culinary prowess, blending Latin and Asian influences seamlessly. To complete your experience, signature tequila-based cocktails and mescal pours stand ready.

6 Heeley Street, Paddington

Chubby Cheeks

Paddington’s Chubby Cheeks dishes up modern Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu artfully marries traditional Asian flavours with top-tier local ingredients, featuring delectable offerings like tea-smoked duck breast on a banana blossom salad, a 12-hour smoked Rangers Valley wagyu brisket with green papaya and burnt chilli sauce. The drinks menu has been curated to fit the flavour profiles of the dishes and the wine list focuses on light varietals from Australia, New Zealand and France. 

437 Oxford Street, Paddington

Barbetta

Paddo’s Barbetta is an all-day Italian-style eatery that embodies the essence of Italian authenticity and familial warmth. Introduced to the neighbourhood by the food-obsessed Cipri family in 2018, Barbetta captures the Italian way—embracing diners with open arms and delectable offerings. 

Barbetta prides itself on traditional techniques and their menu is a testament to simple, nourishing dishes with classic Italian flavours infused with a modern twist. Throughout the year the team opens the kitchen to welcome those eager to learn. You can hop on their workshops on pasta making and Italian cooking so you can upskill, too!

2 Elizabeth Street, Paddington

Saint Peter

Saint Peter has recently settled into a new home at The Grand National Hotel. Double the size of the original restaurant, Saint Peter 2.0 offers a restaurant, bar and private dining room alongside a custom-made chef's table for six. 

You can look forward to an incredible Australian rock oyster menu at the bar. As for the full dining experience, you can expect a welcome to the restaurant at the kitchen counter before a progression of perfectly presented dishes. The drinks list, curated by sommelier Houston Barakat, spans the globe with a niche focus on vineyards located in coastal locations. 

161 Underwood Street, Paddington 

Fred's

Fred's, located on Paddington's lively Oxford Street, combines the warmth of a friend's rustic country home with the culinary magic of an open-fire hearth. Here, it's all about life's simple luxuries, from just-harvested greens to artisanal bread and sustainably sourced meats and seafood. The thoughtfully crafted wine list celebrates ethical choices and small growers who embrace environmentally friendly practices.

380 Oxford Street, Paddington

The Paddington

A fusion of sophistication and nostalgia, The Paddington offers a unique trifecta as a bar, restaurant, and pub, boasting a minimalist yet striking interior that pays homage to Paddington's storied past. Its design recalls a classic butchery, with white glazed ceramic tiles, timber panelling, and dark timber furnishings. Upstairs, the atmosphere shifts to feature booth seating, mirrored tables, and a leather-fronted cocktail bar. This reinvented neighbourhood pub has played a role in the revival of Oxford Street. The distinct sections of The Paddington each have their unique style. 

384 Oxford Street, Paddington

Buon Ricordo Ristorante

If restaurants could be heritage-listed, we’re certain Buon Ricordo would be first on the list. Buon Ricordo, a Sydney dining institution since the '80s, is headed by Chef Armando Percuoco, a Naples native, who began his culinary journey at 14, showcasing his enduring passion for authentic Italian flavours. 

Buon Ricordo envelops diners in Italian artistry and ambience, leaving them with quite literally a buon ricordo or good memory. Its menu goes by the saying “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Hence, they let the fine, fresh ingredients shine through their expert classical Italian techniques. 

108 Boundary Street, Paddington 

10 William Street

Tucked away in a Paddington terrace, 10 William Street is a chic wine bar-slash-restaurant perfect for date nights and catch-ups with friends. Led by the Fratelli Paradiso brothers, it's a hub of culinary experimentation, offering an ever-evolving menu that artfully melds Italian traditions with contemporary Australian and Asian influences.

This dynamic eatery thrives on creativity, crafting a menu that shifts with the seasons. Summer brings vibrant salads and sumptuous crudités, while winter offers hearty delights like ragus and creamy risottos. With a stellar wine list showcased on a blackboard, 10 William Street encourages patrons to explore new wine horizons. The cosy ambience and rule-free vibe make it a must-visit.

10 William Street, Paddington

Loved reading up on Paddington's best restaurants and now on the lookout for the ultimate gastronomic experience in Sydney? Look no further than our curated lists of the best restaurants in the area. From charming Italian trattorias to cosy French bistros, we've got you covered with a variety of delectable options to suit every taste.