The Best Restaurants in Marrickville for a Flavoursome Bite

Sydney’s biggest suburb (and also one of its best, if you ask us), Marrickville, is one of Sydney’s most established foodie enclaves, offering a delectable array of restaurants, cafés and bars. With a rich array of Vietnamese restaurants, a buzzing bar scene and plenty of breweries, there is an abundance of amazing places to eat and drink in this part of town.

Now, if you don't know where to start, don't fret! We've whittled down all the best restaurants in Marrickville to make your tummy happy and satisfy all your cravings. Scroll on and see our favourite spots that we're certain you'll love, too!

Kin Dining and Bar

Modern Australian meets Japanese and South American flavours at Kin Dining and Bar, which brings unexpected flavour and an elevated dining experience to Sydney's Inner West. Head Chef Peter Wu (of Sunset Sabi fame) puts an innovative spin on Nikkei cuisine in the adults-only venue that's designed to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in a refined ambience. 

Sitchu Tip: The Beef Tataki is the perfect entry into the menu's Japanese elements, and the Corn Ribs served with miso butter are guaranteed to have you coming back for more. Order the Roast Chicken Adobo - fast becoming a fan favourite - and experience an infusion of smokey heat from chipotle chillies with hits of lychee, pineapple and agave. Pair it all with a drink from the seasonal cocktail menu - we loved the Pablo Esco Sour. 

5/359 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Baba's Place

The talk of the Marrickville foodie scene, Baba’s Place is making waves for all the right reasons. Housed in a high-ceilinged Marrickville warehouse, this restaurant is styled à la Nanna. You can expect mismatched plates, odd chairs, candlelight illuminating walls of family photographs and, of course, the Grandma classic, lace-doily tablecloths. This Marrickville restaurant is an ode to the owner’s childhood growing up in Western Sydney migrant families.

The menu is so rich, varied and delicious that you’ll be tempted to go big before you go home, ordering up one of everything to share with your dining companions. Our picks? Make sure you try the house labne and the famous tarama on toast – piped to perfection and served with various toppings. The stuffed capsicum and bouillabaisse bolognese also offer fresh takes on classics.

20 Sloane Street, Marrickville

Two Chaps

By day, Two Chaps is one of the best cafes in Marrickville but by night it’s transformed into one of the best pasta spots in Sydney with a stellar set menu for under $150. Vegetarian and with an emphasis on sustainability, almost everything at this Marrickville restaurant is handmade or locally sourced. Their affordable set menu is available on both Friday and Saturday night and reliably features handmade pastas and local cheeses. Think handmade ravioli, cauliflower with tahini dressing and beetroot-cured pastrami and deliciously delicate desserts. 

And, if you weren't already sold, Two Chaps is also a rare example of a BYO restaurant in Sydney with small corkage per bottle which gives you the perfect opportunity to bust out that wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

122 Chapel Street, Marrickville

Hello Auntie

Bringing Vietnamese fusion to the dynamic foodie scene of Marrickville, Hello Auntie is a vetted spot by locals. A comforting staple for many Sydneysiders, their Pho is a warm embrace in a bowl, satisfying the cravings of the hungry masses. For those feeling adventurous or wanting a hands-on approach, the DIY rice paper roll kit is a must-try. Vegans can take solace in the meat and dairy-free menu. Among their offerings, the vegan pho shines as one of the city's most popular plant-based delights—a hearty, flavourful bowl that transcends dietary preferences.

278 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Barzaari

For those craving a taste of the Eastern Mediterranean in Marrickville, Barzaari is a local gem that dishes out inventive fare in a chic, contemporary setting. The menu is a symphony of flavours, from labne with pomegranate to halloumi with pear, buckwheat, and chardonnay. Dive into the pork souvlaki and slow-cooked lamb shoulder for a hearty experience that captures the essence of the region. Barzaari, a family-run eatery since 2016, takes pride in crafting quality, nutritious dishes inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean. When exploring restaurants in Marrickville, Barzaari is a delicious journey that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

65-69 Addison Road, Marrickville

The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

Marrickville's laid-back vibe finds its epicentre at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, a local watering hole and the official headquarters for Hawke’s Brewing Co.. A hotspot for larrikins and beer enthusiasts, this place has it all—Hawke memorabilia in the pool room, a sun-soaked beer garden, and a tropical mezzanine. But it's the in-house Chinese-Australian bistro that steals the show. Prawn toast is a permanent fixture on the menu, ensuring nobody ever leaves hungry. Whether you're sipping a cold one in the beer garden or challenging mates to a round of pool, The Bob Hawke Centre should be on top of your list.

8-12 Sydney Street, Marrickville

Pepito’s

This Marrickville small bar perfectly encapsulates the essence of the suburb. Like many institutions across the Marrickville foodie scene, Pepito's menu is a celebration in migration with local produce and taberna classics. Pepito’s is also a hot spot for pisco lovers, with a deep deck of the Peruvian spirit and perhaps the best pisco sour in Sydney.

276 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Semola

For a taste of Italy in Marrickville, Semola on Marrickville Road is a must-visit among the vibrant restaurants in the area. Established in 2021, this stylish dining spot is the brainchild of Chef Aniello Bortone and Reth, a dynamic duo with a decade of experience in Sydney's top restaurants. Their passion for true Italian food is evident in every dish, especially their house-made pasta. Crafted with 80% Italian ingredients, the pasta is drawn through a bronze die for that perfect texture to carry their delicious sauces. Whatever handmade pasta you choose, Semola serves up authentic Italian flavours that linger in memory.

212 Marrickville Road, Marrickville

Slim's Quality Burger

If you're hankering for life's simplest pleasure, then you ought to find your way down to Slim's Quality Burger. The brainchild of Michael Tripp, Nik Rollison, and Betty's founder David Hales, Slim's embraces a '50s- and '60s-inspired American diner culture. No fancy frills here—just classic-style burgers made with 100% Angus beef, paired with old-school ice cream sundaes. The menu caters to all tastes, offering choices from crispy fried or grilled chicken to a veggie option with a plant-based patty. Of course, this restaurant in Marrickville isn't complete without its cool interior. Walk into the retro years with its red bench booths, neon-lit signs and colourful tiles.

20 Smidmore Street, Marrickville

Messina Creative

If you love Messina's gelato and you've got an adventurous palate, then you'll love Messina Creative, Sydney's first gelato-centric fine dining experience. Nestled in Marrickville, this intimate 20-seat restaurant offers an ever-changing six-course degustation menu, whipping up creative ways to turn gelato into unexpected, delicious dishes. This unique gastronomic experience is complemented by its minimalist yet elegant set-up, so it's a solid choice for a romantic date. The only catch is that Messina Creative only caters to patrons for thrice a week and its reservations open up every first day of the month, for the upcoming month. So get on their waitlist, stat!

1 Rich Street, Marrickville

Loved this round-up of the best restaurants in Marrickville and keen to keep exploring the best places to eat and drink through the Inner West? We've got you covered! Head over here for Marrickville's best cafes and here for the best brunch spots in the Inner West.