The Sitchu Team’s Favourite Restaurants in Sydney: From Luxe To Less

It will come as no surprise that here at Sitchu we do a lot of eating. Whether we’re scouring the city for new bakeries, hunting out happy hours or settling in at our local, we’re fond of a good meal. 

In order to help you find a new favourite, we’ve gone and shared our favourite cheap and cheerful, mid-range and boujee go-tos. From humble deli sambos to eight-course degustation’s, this is where you’ll find us returning to again and again – our favourite restaurants in Sydney. 

Sitchu Team’s Favourite Restaurants: Cheap and Cheerful

City Edge Cafe

I always find the best eats come from the most inconspicuous places, and City Edge Cafe is the perfect example. Don’t be put off by the line (it’s very long), in fact, take that as a sign as to how good this place really is.

They’ve got everything from fresh salads, house-made wraps, sandwiches (both toasted and not), rice paper rolls, and freshly squeezed juice — you really can’t ever get bored of this place. My pick? the crumbed eggplant and halloumi sandwich. And if you’re not feeling a whole sandwich, they offer half sandwiches for just $6. Talk about cheap eats.

Sarah, Sydney Editor 

Shop 2 55 Holt Street, Surry Hills

Pastizzi Cafe

Well known for its authentic Maltese pastries and a diverse menu full of traditional Italian/Maltese flavours with innovative twists, Pastizzi Cafe also offers BYO, which is perfect for a cheap night out.

Lauren, Brand Designer and Social Coordinator

109 King Street, Newtown 

Sunset Sabi

Sunset Sabi‘s super terrific happy hour is cheap as chips. Head down on Friday or Saturday between 5pm and 6pm and you can grab bargain drinks and snacks. 

Danielle, Partnerships Manager 

26-28 Pittwater Road, Manly 

Tipo 00 Balmain

Whenever I’m craving a good, classic pizza night, Tipo 00 is my go-to. The pizzas are amazing — the ‘Balmain’ and ‘Salamino’ are my faves, but all are great! it’s also byo and they have the best customer service, so friendly and accommodating, which makes for a really enjoyable night out.

Charlotte, Digital Operations Coordinator 

413 Darling Street, Balmain

Pocket Pizza

Pocket Pizza is a Northern Beaches icon known for its delicious pizzas and punny names: The Netflix & Chilli, Prawnographic and Funghitown. The old-school Italian interiors keep it chill for a cheap and cheerful night out but still cool enough for date night. Just make sure you budget enough room for their tiramisu, you won’t regret it.

Jess, National Editor 

Manly, Brookvale, Avalon

Zanetti 5 Star Gourmet Delicatessen 

Zanetti 5 Star Gourmet Delicatessen in Haberfield offers an authentic, no-fuss Italian deli experience. Known for fresh, generously portioned deli sandwiches priced between $7-12, it’s a haven for Italian meats, cheeses, and antipasti lovers. Unsure what to order? Let Angelo, the owner, create something special for you.

Charlotte, Digital Operations Coordinator 

108 Ramsay Street, Haberfield 

Sitchu Team’s Favourite Restaurants: Mid-Range

Kindred

Kindred offers a delicious Italian menu crafted with ingredients made mostly by hand. The restaurant’s cosy dining area is actually set in the chef’s old lounge room, making the idea of an authentic home-cooked Italian meal really come to life. Menu musts: Smoked trout dip & Carrot Triangoli.

Lauren, Brand Designer and Social Coordinator

17 Cleveland Street, Sydney 

I Maccheroni

It still shocks me how few people know about this neighbourhood gem. Tucked away just off Oxford Street, I Maccheroni is my favourite place for genuinely good Italian. The interiors are warm and welcoming, the wine list is long and decadent, and the menu is truly divine — all their pasta is made in-house after all.

My tip is to go with friends so you can get a couple plates and share. Start with the arancini and zucchini flowers (if they decide to keep these on the menu), then share a couple bowls of their signature pastas. Whatever you do, order the beef cheek rigatoni — you won’t be disappointed.

Sarah, Sydney Editor

3 Jersey Rd, Woollahra

Rovollo

One of the newest kids on the block in the Sydney dining scene, Rovollo is serving some serious theatre alongside a decadent menu of house-made pastas and rich desserts. Go for the cacio e pepe served tableside out of a flaming cheese wheel (yes, actual flames) and stay for the 24-layer chocolate cake.

You’re spoilt for choice with drinks, too, with over 250 wines to choose from.

Jess, National Editor

25 Martin Place, Sydney

Bar Lucia 

Bar Lucia is the perfect spot for a date night or a girls’ night out when you want to savour delicious food in a fantastic atmosphere. With Spanish-style tapas, you can order a bunch of plates to share, or go for their $80 set menu and let your only decision be which wine from their curated list to indulge in.

Jess, National Editor 

5 Kellett Street, Potts Point 

Fratelli Paradiso 

Fratelli Paradiso is perfect for everything from a date night to a long lunch with your besties. My favourite entree is the mozzarella, prosciutto, pizza fritti with honey whilst for a main I can’t go past the spaghettini with roast scampi, cherry tomato and napoli bisque. 

Danielle, Partnerships Manager

12-16 Challis Avenue, Potts Point 

Sitchu Team’s Favourite Restaurants: Luxe

Palazzo Salato

You know those restaurants that leave such an imprint that you instinctively make it your go-to when friends and family are in town? That’s Palazzo Salato.

Every morning, the pasta is hand-rolled by one chef, and trust me when I say, you can actually taste the care in every bite. The service is impeccable — I’m talking food recommendations that feel deeply personal — and the vibe is immaculate. It might look rouge, but try the bottoni (pictured). Filled with ‘nduja, almonds, ricotta and parmesan, all served up in a Reggiano broth, this is one dish you can’t find anywhere else — and one you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite.

Sarah, Sydney Editor 

201/203 Clarence Street, Sydney

Sean’s Panorama

For someone who loves control and checking the menu before I go, you can’t do that at Sean’s as the small menu is ever changing. It’s a good exercise in letting go and trusting in his creativity. Always seasonal, delish local produce and 140 pp 3 course meal. So good! 

Holly, Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder

Fred’s

A visit to Fred’s is as close as I’ll come to being in a Nancy Myers movie! And that experience is priceless. The menu features classic dishes but elevates the flavours to a new level. At Fred’s, the food is as excellent as the atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a touch of luxury for their next dinner out. 

Madeleine, Social and Brand Manager 

380 Oxford Street, Paddington 

Bopp & Tone 

Bopp & Tone is all about cured and cooked meats & seafood, prepared on an in-house (900kg!) wood-fired grill or charcoal oven. Reflecting the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era, it offers lived-in luxury with a relaxed vibe. Pair your meal with a Shiraz during their July Shiraz month to warm yourself from the inside out!

Charlotte, Digital Operations Coordinator 

60 Carrington Street, Sydney 

Felix 

Felix is always my go-to when heading out for a special meal. Start with the Balmain bugs with Marie rose sauce and the oysters with mignonette. For the mains, the steak frites is it!  

Danielle, Partnerships Manager 

2 Ash Street, Sydney 

Loved this edit of the Sitchu team’s favourite restaurants right now and keen to sample more of Sydney’s foodie scene? Be sure to check out our edits of the best new restaurants and bars in Sydney this year.