Italian$darlinghurstMon-Wed 12:00-22:30, Thu 12:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:30, Sun 12:00-22:30
Gelato Messina's Darlinghurst flagship on Victoria Street, Sydney. House-churned gelato, weekly special-flavour drops, walk-in friendly weeknights.
Signature: Salted caramel and white chocolate, Pannacotta with fig jam, Doughnut sandwich
Order: Two-scoop cup of salted caramel and pannacotta.
Tip: The doughnut sandwich is a hidden Messina menu item, ask at the counter.
Middle Eastern$$redfernMon 08:00-15:00, Mon 07:30-15:00, Tue 08:00-15:00, Tue 07:30-15:00, Wed 08:00-15:00, Wed 07:30-22:00, Thu 08:00-15:00, Thu 07:30-22:00, Fri 08:00-15:00, Fri 07:30-22:00, Sat 08:00-15:00, Sat 08:00-22:00, Sun 08:00-15:00
Modern Middle Eastern cafe on Kepos Street, Redfern, Sydney. Chef Michael Rantissi's shakshuka for breakfast, mezze plates and lamb shawarma at dinner.
Signature: Shakshuka, Lamb shawarma, Falafel plate
Order: Shakshuka and the lamb shawarma plate.
Tip: Daytime walk-ins, evening bookings; the Friday set menu is a sleeper hit.
Seafood$$$cbdMon-Sat 11:30-22:00, Sun 11:30-22:00
Long-running waterfront seafood on Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney CBD. Whole grilled fish, prawn cocktails, the classic Aussie seafood restaurant by the water.
Signature: Whole grilled snapper, Salt-and-pepper squid, Mixed grill platter
Order: Whole grilled snapper with chips and salad.
Tip: Lunch service has a harbour-bridge view from the outdoor seating.
Greek$$$potts-pointMon-Thu 18:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-21:30
Modern Greek institution on Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney. Saganaki with honey and oregano, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, share-style table.
Signature: Saganaki with honey and oregano, Lamb shoulder, Spiced black-eyed beans
Order: Lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes for two.
Tip: Bookings essential; the kitchen runs late Friday and Saturday.
Japanese$$cbdTue-Sat 12:00-23:00
Late-night izakaya on Bridge Street, Sydney CBD. Wagyu tartare, sake-driven cocktails, dark room with a constant playlist of 80s J-pop classics.
Signature: Wagyu tartare, Miso eggplant, Karaage chicken
Order: Wagyu tartare and miso-glazed eggplant.
Tip: Bar walk-ins after 9pm; kitchen open till midnight Friday and Saturday.
American$$newtownMon-Tue 16:00-22:00, Wed-Thu 16:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-22:00
Mary's pub burger on Mary Street, Newtown, Sydney. Cheeseburgers, fried chicken and mac and cheese in a former church-turned-rock-bar. Daily till late.
Signature: The Mary's burger, Fried chicken, Mac and cheese
Order: The Mary's cheeseburger and a side of fried chicken.
Tip: Loud room; sit upstairs if you want conversation.