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For the Foodies: Sydney Food & Drink News
The most exciting food news in Sydney right now.
The Sydney food scene is THRIVING. Following an incredible 2024, packed with new openings, 2025 has already kicked off with a bang.
With a swathe of talented chefs choosing to make their home in our harbour city and bringing us the best flavours from around the world and locally, it’s never been a better time to be a Sydney sider. If you’re keen to stay abreast of the must-know food news in Sydney, we’re here to help.
The Inner West Distillery Trail is Now Open
It’s long been acknowledged that the Inner West is the craft brewery capital of Sydney. But this groovy region is also a haven for boutique distilleries and the newly opened Inner West Distillery Trail is here to shout it from the rooftops.
Made up of nine distilleries, you’ll find plenty of world-class whiskey, rum, gin and vodka littered along the trail.
Blackwattle Distilling Co co-founder Kieren Doyle notes, “We all offer something a little bit different, from the drinks we create through to the spaces we’re housed in, from tasting rooms and bottle shops to cellar doors, bars and heritage-listed warehouses”.
The only thing left to do? Get exploring!
You can view the self-guided interactive Inner West Distillery Trail here
Make Haste! Snapchat is Handing Out Free ButterBoy Cookie Boxes Next Sunday
In a sweet revelation, a new study conducted by Snapchat has revealed that Gen Z Aussies are finding the most joy in life’s little moments. And it doesn’t stop there. The study also found that 94% of Gen Z use snacks to show they care, whether that’s catching up over food, sharing food, or treating friends to their favourite dishes.
In celebration of small joys, Snapchat has teamed up with ButterBoy for a one-day event on Sunday 7th September. Attendees can expect four limited-edition cookies — Matcha and White Chocolate, Fairy Bread, Chilli Choc and Marshmallow Crunch. All you have to do is show your app and you’ll receive a Snapchat ‘blind box’ containing a combination of two of the flavours, crafted by Cookbook Author and Foodie Content Creator Jasmin Weston.
Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday!
Sunday 7th September, from 10am until boxes run out
Pitt Street Mall, Sydney
Sydney Institution Monopole to Close (But It’s Not All Sad News)
A big year from the Bentley Group has seen one of 2025’s most exciting openings — seafood and steak grill Eleven Barrack — as well as a recently announced farewell to two-hatted dining stalwart Monopole.
After 13 years, as The Bentley Group’s lease comes to a close, the decision to close the restaurant comes with a silver lining. October will see the group take on a new space in Barangaroo’s recently completed One Sydney Harbour Lendlease development with the opening of Watermans. Chef Darryl Martin (ex-Barzaari) will be leading the charge in the kitchen with an Eastern Mediterranean menu. Guests can look forward to warm hummus with green zhoug, labneh with salted cucumber and lemon jam, pickled watermelon and raw tuna salad with sumac and sweet and sour Abrolhos scallop with sesame praline.
Diners are encouraged to enjoy a last meal at Monopole before the last service on Saturday 6th September before gearing up for October’s opening.
Bennelong Bar Introduces New $50 Per Person Experience
At $50 per person, it’s worth it for the view alone! The ‘Bennelong in 45 minutes‘ experience allows you to soak up some pre or post under-the-sail ambience for a fraction of the usual price. Enjoy a signature cocktail alongside three delicious bar snacks. A little slice of paradise!
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
This Dubai Chocolate Thickshake is Your Next Foodie Obsession
The Dubai chocolate craze is making its way through Australia and the latest dessert to be given a pistachio makeover is Ribs & Burgers’ thickshake. Top off your meal with this decadent dessert or swing by for an afternoon pick-me-up.
What can you expect? Lashings of pistachio paste and chocolate sauce topped with generous sprinklings of pistachio crush and crispy kataifi pastry. It’s here for a good time, not a long time so be sure to pop it on your must-eat list.
Locations across Sydney, find your closest here
Two of Sydney’s Most Beloved Dining Spots Are Landing At Terminal 3
Airport dining just got a serious upgrade. Sydney icons Loulou and Maggio’s are set to land at Terminal 3, bringing their much-loved flair for French bistro bites and Italian café classics to the Qantas domestic terminal. Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant and espresso pre-flight, or something more elevated between gates, these new arrivals promise to bring a little inner-city indulgence to your departure lounge.
For the uninitiated, Maggio’s is a Cammeray mainstay known for its pastries, paninis and smooth-as-silk coffee, while Loulou (the bistro-deli hybrid Sydneysiders can’t get enough of) is set to deliver a refined yet relaxed take on airport dining. With these two heavy-hitters joining the terminal’s lineup, grabbing a bite before boarding just became a whole lot more delicious.
Sweet Treat O’clock at Lode Pies
If you’re someone who’s always on the hunt for a sweet treat to break up the work day, this one’s for you. LODE Pies & Pastries is serving a Banana, Pecan & Chocolate Pain Suisse that’s nothing short of outrageous (in the best way). We’re talking layers of caramelised banana, rich dark chocolate and pecan frangipane, all wrapped up in LODE’s signature flaky pastry.
It’s the kind of treat that feels like dessert, breakfast, and a hug all in one — and yes, it pairs perfectly with your 10am flat white or your 2pm Earl Grey. No need to wait for a limited-time drop either — this one’s a permanent menu fixture, ready and waiting for your next pastry craving.
Available at all LODE locations across Sydney.
Pilu Family Launches Coastal Italian Crudo Bar in Circular Quay
Sydney’s hospitality world is buzzing this week as Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini, the duo behind Pilu at Freshwater, are setting sail into the city with their new restaurant, Flaminia, opening this summer at Pullman Quay Grand. Named after the ship that brought their family to Australia in 1959, Flaminia channels the charm and spontaneity of Italy’s port towns with a focus on simple, seafood-forward cooking and warm seaside hospitality.
Picture oysters shucked to order at a dedicated crudo bar, regional antipasti, sunlit seafood pastas and light seaside wines — all served with harbour views. Whether you’re after a quick pre‑opera drink, a sunset bite by the water or a leisurely lunch with effortless elegance, Flaminia promises refined coastal dining with Australian seafood at its heart.
Level 2, Pullman Quay Grand (entry via Macquarie St or Circular Quay).
Celebrated Aussie Chef Mark Best To Transform Sydney Tower’s Iconic Revolving Restaurant
Brace yourselves, Sydney: come 13 August, your beloved revolving restaurant atop Sydney Tower is getting a full-on glow-up — courtesy of rockstar chef Mark Best (the brains behind the late, great Marque). Now reborn as Infinity by Mark Best, the venue marries 81-story, 360° harbour-and-skyline panoramas with a slick new look (think navy, timber, brass) and updated interiors post a multi-million-dollar refresh.
The menu is pure Aussie storytelling: starter bites include slick Coffin Bay oysters with sea foam, cute South Coast sea urchin crumpets, steamed grouper and succulent lamb neck paired with pickled radishes. With 90 seats, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a wine list curated by industry legend Polly Mackarel, this is where elevated Aussie produce meets dizzying elevation. In Chef Best’s words: “Come for the view, stay for the hospitality” — and maybe even stay for the food that actually lives up to it.
108 Market Street, Sydney
El Jannah Heads East with Free Charcoal Chicken to Celebrate
Western Sydney’s cult-favourite chicken slinger El Jannah is heading east, officially opening its first-ever Eastern Suburbs outpost in Randwick. Famous for their smoky charcoal chicken and that iconic garlic sauce, the Granville-born favourite is bringing its flavour-packed legacy to a brand-new crowd — and they’re celebrating with a little name-based mischief.
On Saturday 26 July, anyone named Charlie (or Charles, Charlotte, Charlene… you get the gist) can score a free charcoal chicken meal—no strings attached, just flash your ID. Not a Charlie? No stress — you can still sink your teeth into a $5 quarter chicken meal, complete with chips, garlic sauce and a drink, all day long. Whether you’re an Eastie getting your first taste or a Westie making the pilgrimage, this is one finger-licking launch you won’t want to miss.
Valid only on Saturday, July 26th
141-143 Belmore Road, Randwick
Sydney’s Favourite Dessert is Back
If you happened to miss out on this viral, limited-edition dessert back in April, we’ve got some good news. The jiggly pannacotta capybara dessert has returned to Pantry Story in Stanmore, available only on weekends. The deliciously, mousse-like dessert sits on top of a perfectly flakey raspberry pastry, and it is heaven in a bite.
Run, don’t walk, we have no idea how long this one will stick around for.
336 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore
Cult American Chain Auntie Anne’s Lands in Parramatta
Craving that warm, doughy nostalgia from the US? Auntie Anne’s — the world’s biggest hand‑rolled soft pretzel chain — is rolling into Australia, opening its first local store this month. Expect all the mall‑favourite flavours freshly made on site: classic salted pretzels, cinnamon sugar twists, sweet almond, and even pepperoni‑cheese. Plus, bite‑sized pretzel nuggets (both savoury and sweet), baked hot around the clock.
Opening July 26
Westfield Parramatta
Lankan Filling Station to Close Its Doors After Seven Delicious Years
Sad news for all: Lankan Filling Station, Sydney’s beloved home of hoppers, spice-laden curries and sambols that pack a punch, is preparing to say goodbye. After seven years of bringing the bold, complex flavours of Sri Lanka to a tiny Riley Street corner in Darlinghurst, the restaurant will close its doors soon — with the final service expected by the end of winter, per an Instagram post.
Since opening in 2018, the venue has become a cult favourite, celebrated for its lacy-edged hoppers, punchy black curry and playful, spice-forward snacks. From humble beginnings as a market stall to a hat in every edition of the Good Food Guide, Lankan Filling Station has been a fiery force in Sydney’s dining scene — and we’ll be making a beeline for one last feast while we still can.
Italian Street Kitchen Drops a Limited Edition Matcha Tiramisu
Could it be possible that our favourite dessert just got better? Italian Street Kitchen has brought two of life’s greatest joys — matcha and tiramisu — together and we thank them for that from the bottom of our hearts. Envisage layers of matcha-infused zabaglione, white chocolate mascarpone, and delicate savoiardi. Or better yet…taste it for yourself. Find more details here.
Bella Vista, Neutral Bay, Parramatta & Penrith
The Ultimate $39 CBD Lunch Special
In welcome winter news, there’s a new lunch special in town that’s too good to pass up. Sleek award-winning cocktail bar, Jackalberry, has got you sorted for a cosy spot, two courses and a drink to sip whilst you’re at it. If you’re after something hearty, opt for the charred lamb or creamy bucatini carbonara. For those after something lighter, the menu is packed with options from teriyaki salmon to build-your-own salads. As for dessert, how does a warm sticky date pudding sound?
$39 (includes two courses and a drink)
Available 11am to 3pm daily, make a booking here
161 Sussex Street, Sydney
If you loved this edit of Sydney food news and are looking for more openings around the city, be sure to check out our edit of the best new restaurants, cafes and bars in Sydney.
