The Best Restaurants in Surry Hills to Try Today

Surry Hills is a culinary mecca boasting an eclectic mix of multicultural eateries and dinner date hangouts. Some of the best restaurants in Surry Hills include Firedoor for wood-fired cooking in a heritage-listed building, Shaffa for modern Tel Aviv street food under a 10-metre glass roof, and Jane for an Australian-only take on the 1970s brasserie.

If you don’t believe us, just remember it was voted Best Foodie Suburb in the 2025 Sitchu Awards (as voted by you). So, whether you’re after slow-roasted pork from an Argentinian grill house or a four-course vegetarian banquet, this golden suburb has something for everyone. 

Best Restaurants in Surry Hills for a Special Occasion

Shaffa

Owned by Israeli-born chef Erez Nahum, Shaffa brings its modern twist on Tel Aviv street food to the heart of Surry Hills. Nestled within a narrow alley between a 120-year-old church and a 19th-century inn, the indoor-outdoor space is enclosed by a dramatic 10-metre-high glass roof. Sitting at the chef’s bar, indulging in the set menu is one of our favourite Sydney dining experiences.  

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Best For: Special occasion, Date night, Solo dining, Outdoor dining
Need To Know: Set menu available at the chef’s bar.

Armorica

Armorica serves up a sophisticated French offering and is a favourite amongst those who want more than just a great meal – they want an experience. This 150-seat Parisian Brasserie pays homage to the city of lights, embracing the timeless charm of classic French dining, with that certain je ne sais quoi that only the French know how.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: French
Best For: Special occasion, Group dining, Date night
Need To Know: Seats 150.

Best Wood-Fired and Grill Restaurants in Surry Hills

The Blue Door

You’re not going to forget this degustation anytime soon. This 18-seat restaurant takes farm-to-table dining to new heights with all animal proteins purchased directly from NSW farms that Chef Dylan Cashman and his team have personally visited. As for veggies, it’s regenerative crops only.

The dining room of The Blue Door is relaxed, modern and elegant and the 7+ course menu is curated to perfection (and rotated weekly depending on what’s been sent by the farmers).

Sitchu Tip: Opt to pair your meal with the 98% NSW-sourced wine list.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine:
Best For: Special occasion, Date night, Wine lovers
Need To Know: Only 18 seats. The 7+ course menu changes weekly based on what the farmers send.

Kiln

Eighteen levels above the hustle and bustle of Surry Hills sitting atop Sydney’s Ace Hotel is Kiln. The menu focuses on woodfired cooking, going heavy on seafood and veggies. The wine list is curated by P&V’s own Mike Bennie with a cocktail list that leans into Italian and Asian flavours, which are echoed throughout the menu.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Seafood
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Wine lovers, Cocktail lovers
Need To Know: Located 18 levels up, atop the Ace Hotel.

Porteño

An Argentinian restaurant and grill house that has made Surry Hills its home. Porteño uses traditional Parilla (barbeque) and Asado (pit of fire) to prep their meat – so you know it’s going to be juicy and succulent. There are definitely a few standout woodfired dishes that you can’t go wrong with ordering and pairing with their selection of South American, Italian and American wines.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine:
Best For: Group dining, Date night, Wine lovers

Bessie’s 

A brand-new restaurant from the talented pair behind Bar Copains, you can expect the same attention to detail at this fire-fuelled kitchen. Bessie’s is a homage to the duo’s grandmas and the early love of food they fostered. In an extra special touch, all dishes are served on handmade ceramics.  

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine:
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Group dining

Firedoor

Set in the back streets of Surry Hills in a heritage-listed building, Firedoor has a well-earned reputation for their sumptuous wood-fired cooking. Here, everything is cooked to order over wood coals –  they burn a collection of different woods to bring out all the natural flavours. 

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine:
Best For: Special occasion, Date night, Group dining

Best Date Night Restaurants in Surry Hills

White Horse

White Horse is a bit of a hidden gem, flying under the radar with its low-key luxe for less approach. The multi-space venue (we’re talking public bar, garden terrace and restaurant) feels intimate and warm. The modern Aussie menu with a French twist covers off all manner of creative dishes including creamed warrigal greens, a beetroot mille-feuille with muntries and native thyme and veal tongue French toast. The same theme can be found woven throughout the deceptively simple yet incredibly delicious cocktail menu. A 100-strong wine list rounds out the offering for the oenophiles.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Date night, Wine lovers, Cocktail lovers, Outdoor dining
Need To Know: Multi-space venue with a public bar, garden terrace and restaurant.

Pellegrino 2000

This Surry Hills restaurant is one of the hottest places to be (just ask Taylor Swift)! Mixing things up with fresh new twists on old-school classics, Pellegrino 2000 is led by Daniel Pepperell and Michael Clift, the acclaimed duo behind Bistrot 916. From the beautiful interiors to the sumptuous menu, this one is most definitely worth adding to your Surry Hills restaurant hit list.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine:
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Group dining

Jane

Jane evokes the spirit of a 1970s brasserie in everything from the interiors to the playful menu. With a policy of strictly Australian-only produce and zero-waste, you can expect inventive fare, from Gundagai lamb rump to kangaroo tartare. Leave room for the iconic pink cake with vanilla sponge, meringue, bay leaf cream and candied rosella flowers.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Group dining

Best Wine-Led Restaurants and Small Plates in Surry Hills

Gildas

Gildas pays tribute to the original pintxo, created in San Sebastian with just three simple ingredients – a guindilla pepper, an olive, and an anchovy. This classic Basque snack, which was founded by the owner and chef, Lennox Hastie, after his time spent in the foothills of the Basque country, was the inspiration behind Gildas. Here, you’ll be able to sip on rosés from the Barossa Valley and red from Ribera del Duero but it’s their collection of Sherry that’s well worth a dance on your tastebuds.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Spanish
Best For: Wine lovers, Date night, Locals

Poly

The laidback industrial interiors match the menu at Poly, which is made up of 20 wines by the glass, 10 sakes and 8 cocktails, including the bar’s spin on a Negroni with a splash of tequila. The food here is meant to be eaten with your hands.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, Cocktail lovers, Date night, Locals

Best Asian Restaurants in Surry Hills

Itō (Image Credit: Jiwon Kim) 

Itō

A very welcome addition to the Crown Street scene, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Head Chef Erik Ortolani has combined his Italian heritage and passion for Japanese cooking to craft something truly unique. Dishes like yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga and Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso grace the menu and will give you a whole new appreciation for fusion cuisine.

Key to the Itō experience is the drinks menu which features Japanese inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and an extensive sake selection. The pared back interiors with fun pops of colour set the scene for the perfect night out.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Japanese
Best For: Date night, Cocktail lovers, Wine lovers

Chin Chin

A true interior design marvel, Chin Chin occupies the iconic Griffiths Tea building in Surry Hills, an aged beauty filled with modern charm. Their menu features a vibrant ensemble of Southeast Asian flavours with a Thai twist. 

Sitchu Tip: The crispy barramundi and green apple salad, caramelised pork, peanuts and chilli is a must-try. 

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: South-East Asian
Best For: Group dining, Date night, Weekend plans

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Surry Hills

Nour

A Lebanese restaurant, but not as you know it. A popular spot on Crown Street’s foodie trail, Nour creatively transforms the traditional flavours of Lebanon into artistic Insta-worthy dishes. The interiors are just as gorgeous, a contemporary fit-out with plush pink chairs and glass doors opening out onto a gorgeous terrace.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Lebanese
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Outdoor dining

NOMAD

For mouth-wateringly good Middle Eastern food in a converted warehouse setting, head to NOMAD. Tucked away on a Surry Hills backstreet, this exotic gem has well and truly made its mark on Sydney’s buzzing dining scene. And it’s not hard to see why. The menu is designed for groups, and there are delicious options for vegetarians. The wine list is boutique and features lots of homegrown talent.

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Best For: Group dining, Wine lovers, Special occasion
Need To Know: Vegetarian options available.

Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Surry Hills

Yulli’s

One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney, Yulli’s is known for its eclectic menu, which combines Asian, American and Moroccan flavours – as well as many cheesy delights. The four-course banquet menu is perfect if you need a little guidance. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample Yulli’s range of beers fresh from their Alexandria brewery – they’ve got a few on tap as well as plenty of cans. 

Sitchu Tip: If you get the chance, order the Kingu Karaoke Rice Lager for a deliciously light accompaniment to your meal. 

Suburb: Surry Hills
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Best For: Group dining, Locals, Weekend plans
Need To Know: Four-course banquet available.

Worth the Short Walk: Restaurants on the Surry Hills–Redfern Border

Island Radion (Image Credit: Steven Woodburn) 

Island Radio

A part of Sydney’s buzzing new precinct Wunderlich Lane, Island Radio might have been one of 2024’s last openings but it was also one of the most exciting. A Sydney-esque take on Southeast Asian Street food, it’s the energy that will hit you first at this new spot. Picture this: You’re sipping on a pandan cocktail, reggae tunes are playing, and you’ve got an adobo chicken bun on the way. Life is good!

Swing by the noodle bar for bowls starting from $15, or, if you’re feeling something slightly fancier, head to the eating house for vibrant interiors, and flavoursome, out of the box dishes. Got an upcoming event? Book the 12-seat dining room and you’ll score a private karaoke room, too!

Suburb: Redfern
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: South-East Asian
Best For: Group dining, Cocktail lovers, Quick bite, Weekend plans
Need To Know: Noodle bar bowls start from $15. The 12-seat private dining room includes a private karaoke room.

Sofia 

Nestled atop Bar Clevland, you’ll find Sofia, an absolute gem. The gently burning fireplace lends just the right amount of cosiness whilst the cocktail and food menus champion classic South Mediterranean flavours and fresh, seasonal produce. Expect plenty of Sofia’s extra virgin oil wherever appropriate (imported from their own olive groves in Mani, Greece) and share plates that arrive impeccably presented and incredibly flavoursome. 

Suburb: Redfern
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Best For: Date night, Cocktail lovers, Group dining
Need To Know: Located on Level 1, above Bar Cleveland.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Restaurants in Surry Hills 

What are the best restaurants in Surry Hills?

The best restaurants in Surry Hills span wood-fired cooking, modern Middle Eastern and inventive vegetarian menus. Firedoor on Mary Street cooks everything to order over wood coals in a heritage-listed building, while Shaffa on Albion Street serves a modern take on Tel Aviv street food beneath a 10-metre-high glass roof. Jane on Bourke Street channels a 1970s brasserie with strictly Australian produce, and Porteño on Holt Street grills meat over a traditional parrilla. Surry Hills was voted Best Foodie Suburb in the 2025 Sitchu Awards, so there is no shortage of strong options.

Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Surry Hills?

Yes. Yulli’s on Crown Street is one of Sydney’s best-known vegetarian restaurants, with an eclectic menu that draws on Asian, American and Moroccan flavours. Its four-course banquet is a good choice if you would rather leave the ordering to the kitchen, and the beer list comes from Yulli’s own brewery in Alexandria. For a group dinner with meat-free options, NOMAD on Foster Street serves Middle Eastern food in a converted warehouse, with a menu designed for groups and good vegetarian options. Between the two, vegetarians are well looked after in Surry Hills.

What is the best restaurant in Surry Hills for a special occasion?

For a meal to remember, The Blue Door on Waterloo Street is hard to beat. The 18-seat restaurant serves a seven-plus course degustation built around animal proteins bought directly from NSW farms the team has visited, with the menu rotated weekly depending on what the farmers send. Pair it with the wine list, which is 98 per cent NSW-sourced. For something with more theatre, book a seat at the chef’s bar at Shaffa on Albion Street and order the set menu, served under a dramatic 10-metre-high glass roof between a historic church and inn.

Which Surry Hills restaurants are good for groups?

NOMAD on Foster Street is built for group dining, with a Middle Eastern menu designed for groups, good vegetarian options and a boutique wine list featuring plenty of homegrown talent. Yulli’s on Crown Street is another easy pick, as its four-course banquet takes the guesswork out of ordering for a table with mixed tastes. For a larger celebration, Armorica on Crown Street is a 150-seat Parisian-style brasserie, so it can comfortably seat a sizeable party. Contact each venue directly about group bookings and minimum numbers before you lock in a date.

Where can I find wood-fired cooking in Surry Hills?

Firedoor on Mary Street is the best-known name, cooking everything to order over wood coals and burning a mix of different woods to bring out natural flavours, all inside a heritage-listed building. Porteño on Holt Street grills meat Argentinian-style using a traditional parrilla and asado fire pit, with South American, Italian and American wines to match. Bessie’s on Albion Street, from the team behind Bar Copains, runs a fire-fuelled kitchen with dishes served on handmade ceramics. On the Surry Hills edge, Kiln at the Ace Hotel focuses its menu on wood-fired seafood and vegetables.

Made your way through all the best restaurants In Surry Hills and looking for more? Check out the new restaurants and bars in Sydney that you need to know about. We guarantee you’ll find something that will delight your tastebuds.