The Best Restaurants in Sydney's Inner West for a Satisfying Bite

In the vibrant heart of Sydney's Inner West, there's a culinary scene that is as diverse as it is delectable. Now, we all know that 'Inner West is best', and these places are the crème de la crème. With that in mind, we've selflessly been rounding up the best restaurants in Sydney’s Inner West and ordering up an indulgent storm. We promise no hype, just the real deal when it comes to satisfying your inner foodie. 

Without further ado, here is the definitive list of the best restaurants in Sydney's Inner West. Your taste buds can thank us later.

Bellevue Cottage by Antoine 

Chef Antoine Moscovitz of the ever-picturesque Bellevue Cottage by Antoine serves up classic French-Australian fusion dishes. Think smoked black Angus brisket pot pie and truffle mash–the ultimate comfort feed. And if you’re getting your steps in around the Glebe Foreshore, this couldn’t be more perfect! If you ask us, a jog isn’t a jog if you don’t come home with a coffee and a croissant.

55 Leichhardt Street, Glebe

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

Melt in your mouth, fluffy goodness – good gnocchi disappears like fairy floss in your mouth and the Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers serve great gnocchi. Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theo Roduner opened up Sydney’s first dedicated gnoccheria—and arguably one of the best restaurants in the Inner West—as a testament to their deep-rooted passion for authentic Italian cuisine. In their 'Gnocchi Love Factory,' they use the finest local produce to create their signature gnocchi and pairs it with traditional sauces prepared following closely guarded family recipes. 

119 King Street, Newtown

P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants

Amidst the best restaurants in Sydney’s Inner West, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants is a haven for fine Australian and imported natural wines, a champion of local craft beers, and a repository of artisan spirits, sake, delectable snacks, and a thoughtfully curated range of non-alcoholic options. The masterminds, Lou and Mike, bring their wealth of experience to create this culinary haven, where the pursuit of quality and unique flavours takes centre stage. Their Paddington venue is also a wine bar you can visit for your next date night!

Enmore Road, Newtown

Continental Deli

Continental Deli, a gem among the Inner West's best restaurants, is a true all-rounder. As an extension of the acclaimed Porteño family, now under the capable stewardship of Michael Nicolian, Continental Deli promises an exceptional drinks menu. From their signature Martini in a tinny to classic favourites like the Manhattan and Cosmopolitan. Yet, it's not just about the libations; Continental Deli houses an assortment of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, even in-house-prepared seafood, and sweet treats. If you enjoy the finer things in life like Chef Guillaume Brahmi, then you’ll know where to hang out next while in Sydney’s Inner West.

210 Australia Street, Newtown

Emma's Snack Bar 

Emma’s Snack Bar is a charming eatery that perfectly melds the time-honoured traditions of Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist. And they do it sensibly, creating an inviting, affordable, and ever-so-welcoming dining haven. Enmore locals adore it, and food enthusiasts travel from near and far to devour the delectable mezze and the homemade kebabs. The decor nods to nostalgia, and the menu encourages a leisurely exploration, inviting you to share delicious moments with family and friends around a communal table.

59 Liberty Street, Enmore

Queen Chow

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic street food scene of Hong Kong, Queen Chow offers a refreshing take on traditional Chinese dishes. Anticipate a feast of classics, from succulent barbecued ducks to live seafood bursting with freshness, and an array of sizzling wok-fried specialties. At its Enmore joint, you can forget about greasy hangover cures; this spot offers vibrant, flavour-packed modern Cantonese dishes in a revamped pub setting. It's a perfect package with a chic bar, a light-filled roof terrace, inventive cocktails, and excellent service.

167 Enmore Road, Enmore

Baba's Place

Baba’s Place, tucked away in an industrial Marrickville warehouse, serves up a diverse culinary experience, much like Sydney's immigrant communities. Co-owner and head chef Jean-Paul El Tom, influenced by his Lebanese background, crafts a menu that's a fusion of various heritages, including Macedonian and Greek, paying homage to the city's cultural diversity. The concise yet inventive menu showcases delicacies from house-made Lebanese labne to Shanghai-style noodles. Baba’s place is fitted out to be like everyone’s suburban home, as you’ll dine surrounded by a striking melange of family heirlooms, op-shop treasures, and '80s-style wall decor. 

20 Sloane St, Marrickville

Hello Auntie

Hello Auntie, Sydney's cherished Vietnamese eatery, makes you feel like you’re really dining at your favourite auntie’s house—with plenty of traditional, vegan and vegetarian options! Think spring rolls, banh xeo crispy coconut turmeric crepe packed with your favourite flavours, wagyu egg noodles. With its charming decor and welcoming ambience, it's one of the best restaurants in the Inner West, satisfying cravings for Southeast Asian cuisine.

278 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Mamak

Mamak is a winning combo of affordability, accessibility, and amazing Malaysian cuisine. This Inner West restaurant also treats its patrons to a showmanship of their culinary prowess. Watch in awe as skilled chefs toss, flip, and stretch roti dough until it's almost see-through. To make the most of your visit, load up your table with their flaky, flavourful roti, ayam goreng, and nasi lemak. Don't leave without trying their sweet, crispy roti tisu.

Chatswood and Haymarket

Shenkin

Shenkin, a beloved culinary gem in Sydney's Inner West, masterfully fuses Israeli culture with a tantalising menu and top-tier coffee. Their unwavering dedication to crafting 80% of their offerings in-house ensures a dining experience that's both unique and consistently fresh. While each Shenkin venue boasts its distinctive charm, the original Shenkin Kitchen in Enmore offers a breezy and inviting atmosphere that sets it apart. In our opinion, their shakshuka is unbeatable!

Enmore, Erskineville and Newtown

Rice Pantry

Rice Pantry has certainly earned its place as an Inner West favorite, thanks to the culinary ingenuity of Cecilia and Jackie. Hailing from first-generation Australian-Vietnamese and Australian-Chinese backgrounds, their menu is a creative homage to Asian cuisine with a modern twist. From gourmet rice bowls to Vietnamese fried chicken and irresistible baos, Rice Pantry serves up a delicious fusion of flavours that keeps locals coming back for more to get their cravings sorted.

Marrickville

Zeus Street Greek

Some of the best spots in Sydney is actually the cheapest, but what Zeus lacks in price, it makes up for in flavour. When your tummy’s growling, Zeus Street Greek, which has locations all across the city, is the place to be. Be warned, you’ll want to order everything, and there’s zero judgement in that. Leave with a feast of spanakopita, halloumi chips and feta filo fingers drizzled with honey and sesame, or load up on the souvlaki. It comes in chicken, lamb, pork and vegetarian varieties. 

Broadway and Dulwich Hill

Chargrill Charlie's

When it comes to comfort food, Chargrill Charlie's stands tall among the best in Sydney's Inner West restaurants. This local chain, with a cult-like following across Sydney and Melbourne, has been dishing out home-style goodness since 1989. Their commitment to crafting thoughtful, no-fuss food with fresh ingredients and love shines through in every bite. Upping the game of the local chicken shop, you can pair your bbq chook with their gourmet salads and decadent sides.

Annandale and Drummoyne

If you loved this edit of the best restaurants in Sydney's Inner West and are keen to explore further afield, be sure to check out our roundups of the best vegan restaurants in Newtown and the best restaurants in the CBD.