The Best Restaurants in Balmain for Your Next Dinner Date
From new arrivals to reliable pitstops, these are the best restaurants in Balmain.
Every suburb has their hidden gems - but finding them isn't always easy. Today you can skip the research phase because we've put our heads together to curate this edit of the best restaurants in Balmain.
Fancy some of the best pasta in town? Or channelling more of an Italian vibe? Whatever you're craving, we recommend checking out the scene in this cosy Inner West suburb.
Casa Esquina (Image Credit: Steve Woodburn)
Casa Esquina
Taking over the iconic corner spot on Elliot Street, Balmain (formerly home to L'Unico and Efendy), Casa Esquina is bringing a new vibrancy to Balmain with its chic fit-out and delicious Argentinian eats. From the team behind Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban, the menu showcases the vibrant flavours of Argentina, with a range of premium cuts cooked on the open flame parilla - complete with a chimichurri kit to mix up at your table. However, for the non-meat lovers, the extensive menu caters to a range of tastes, including sweet bread and prawn paella with wagyu fat chilli crunch; black garlic pasta with stracciatella and pecorino and kingfish tiradito, piquillo dressing, lime, jalapeño and shiso.
79 Elliot Street, Balmain
The Cottage Balmain
It didn’t take long for this little gem to become a local favourite. A beautiful cottage on Darling Street turned bar-slash-restaurant, has a grandma’s farmhouse kinda feel but a vintage chic vibe.
It’s different and that's why we love it, from the courtyard and garden to the modern Australia share plates and cocktail list. If you're planning on dining out in a group, The Cottage offers multiple feasting menus that are bound to go down a treat.
342 Darling Street, Balmain
The Fenwick
Exceptional views, a historic building and seasonal produce - The Fenwick offers up the ultimate dining trifecta. Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Balmain, it's also an art gallery!
If you've got something special to celebrate and are looking for an elevated experience, swing by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The squid ink tagliolini will live on in your memory long after you've finished eating.
2-8 Weston Street, Balmain East
Contessa Balmain
A darling of Darling Street, Contessa Balmain is a local favourite where Italian meets American, with lunches of burgers, parmy's and pasta in a vibrant and funky setting.
Serving coffee from The Grounds of Alexandria and sweets by Luxe, breakfast brings in equally appreciative crowds. Order the Rosa's breakfast bruschetta or concede to order envy.
371a & 371b Darling Street, Balmain
Cat & The Fiddle
The Cat & Fiddle Hotel's exclusive in-house restaurant is the perfect place for a group meal out. Based on the concept of share plates, with a Mediterranean influence, the food here is designed to be experienced with people you love.
Start with whipped ricotta and loaded hummus before moving onto mains with a couple of wood-fired pizzas on the side. Top it all off with one of the venues signature cocktails.
456 Darling Street, Balmain
If you've eaten your way through this edit of the best restaurants in Balmain and are keen to score a seat at some of Sydney's other great restaurants, be sure to check out our edit of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney and the best restaurants in Surry Hills.
