Best Casual Restaurants: Sydney CBD's Cool Culinary Hotspots

Do you struggle to find cool yet approachable restaurants to book in for catch-ups? Don't worry, we have got you covered with this killer line up of eateries!

When it comes to this list of the best casual restaurants in Sydney CBD it came down to three things; delicious menu, friendly service and buzzy vibes. In our books, these are our go-to restaurants for mid-week hangs and weekend culinary frivolity.

Golden Century

In Chinatown, Golden Century is a Sydney institution, and a staple on the late-night dining scene. You know they are serving up incredible meals when you spot Sydney's best chefs dining alongside you.

393-399 Sussex Street, Sydney 

Alberto's Lounge

Alberto's Lounge is the neighbourhood Italian restaurant and wine bar from the team behind local favourites Hubert and Baxter Inn. Stylish, yet warm and inviting, Alberto's Lounge features a heavily curated menu of hero dishes and classic eats; all of which are delectable. Intimate and refined, you need to get in early to get a seat.

17-19 Alberta Street, Sydney

Meu Jardim

This sleek, modern restaurant is all about luscious share plates, good wine and cool vibes. Head upstairs for a melt-in-your-mouth dining experience, before kicking on downstairs for a boogie and a tipple or two.

Skittle Lane, Sydney

The Grounds of the City

The highly Instagrammable coffee house-slash-cocktail hotspot, The Grounds of the City has a real old-world charm to it. Come for the delectable cuisine, and stay for the sumptuous libations.

Shop RG 12, 500 George Street, Sydney

CHI by Lotus

Lotus Dining Group has introduced its latest concept, Chi by Lotus, a new casual eatery and bar located on the ground level of International Tower One. With sweeping views across Sydney Harbour and inspired by the vibrant night markets found on Beijing's Ghost Street, this vibrant new venue has been designed to bring to life the buzzing atmosphere and delicious culinary experience of the popular Chinese food street. An extensive drinks list of wine, beer and Chinese-inspired cocktails are there to be enjoyed with a quick bite or over a long, leisurely afternoon while popular pop tunes play overhead to create a fun and lively ambience.

Shop 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Sasaki

Zeroing in on the cuisine from the Shimane region in Japan, the intimate Surry Hills venue is quintessentially Japanese, from the simple décor to the considered menu that features Chef Yu Sasaki’s learnings from his mother’s cooking.

102/21 Alberta Street, Sydney

Wild Sage

Wild Sage features amazing wholesome food throughout the menu, and is a popular Barangaroo hotspot. Always buzzing, the alfresco setting lends itself perfectly for after work drinks that turn into evening feasts

Exchange Place, 3 Sussex Street, Barangaroo

NOLA

Ticking boxes on near every list, this New Orleans style Smokehouse and Bar is a favourite among those with a soft-spot for southern hospitality. Vintage Cajun and Creole flavours are given an inventive twist, and be sure to peruse the Sazerac Ryes and creative cocktail selection for a welcome aperitif.

Level 1, Tower 1/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney

Long Chim

This basement space is funky and fresh and brings Long Chim Sydney to life! This sleek restaurant serves up many of the same dishes you’ll find on the side of the road in Thailand, except here they’re on china plates and you can pick from a wide range of cocktails and alcoholic beverages.

Corner of Pitt Street &, Angel Place, Sydney 

Chefs Gallery

Contemporary Chinese and Asian flavours are celebrated on this menu which is packed with nostalgic favourites like hot pots and Chinese roti, as well as indulgent and delicious lobster tail noodles, flash-fried wagyu beef and crispy honey glazed eggplant. The buzzy vibe and vibrant interiors make this culinary hotspot the place to be each Friday after 5pm.

Regent Place Ground Floor, Shop 12, 501 George Street, Sydney 

Ragazzi Wine & Pasta

A new venture for the team behind Sydney faves Love, Tilly Devine and Dear Sainte Eloise, Ragazzi is the delectable pasta and wine bar of your carb-infused dreams. Ragazzi’s menu changes daily with classic flavours and contemporary cooking at the heart of their culinary offering.

Shop 3, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney