Italian$$paddington
Italian-leaning wine bar on William Street, Paddington, Sydney. Antipasti, daily pasta, the city's first natural-wine bar by-the-glass list since 2010.
Signature: Pasta of the day, Saltimbocca crostini, Burrata with peas
Order: Pasta of the day and a Lambrusco.
Tip: Limited bar stools; arrive early or settle for the bench seats outside.
Vietnamese$marrickville
Vietnamese banh mi counter on Illawarra Road, Marrickville, Sydney. Hank and Nancy Tran (ex-Coogee Hot Rolls) opened in 2026 in the old Alex'n'Rolls site.
Signature: Pork banh mi, Chicken banh mi, Vietnamese iced coffee
Order: Classic pork banh mi with extra chilli.
Tip: Cash and card; quick service even at the lunch peak.
Italian$$$newtown
Italian wine bar on Enmore Road in Newtown, Sydney. Pasta, aperitivo, a small-producer Italian wine list curated by the team behind Marta and Cucina.
Signature: Pasta of the day, Aperitivo board, Tiramisu
Order: Pasta of the day and a glass of Etna Rosso.
Tip: Walk-ins at the bar; book ahead for the tables on Friday and Saturday.
Chinese$$$potts-point
Suburban-Cantonese on Llankelly Place, Potts Point, Sydney. The Cantonese duck and roast pork are the house specials; open Tue-Sun lunch and dinner.
Signature: Prawn toast, Sweet and sour pork, Yum cha selection
Order: Prawn toast and Mongolian lamb.
Tip: Bookings open four weeks ahead; the lunchtime yum cha is the easier ticket.
Hungarian$$randwick
Hungarian neighbourhood diner on Belmore Road, Randwick, Sydney. Cabbage rolls, goulash by the bowl and a long beer list; Tue-Sun breakfast and lunch.
Signature: Wiener schnitzel, Gulyasleves, Chimney cake
Order: The schnitzel and gulyasleves.
Tip: Limited tables; book ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner.
Italian$$$newtown
Old-school trattoria on Australia Street, Newtown, Sydney. Hand-rolled pasta, nose-to-tail Italian cooking, low-lit room from the Pasian & Daughters group.
Signature: Pasta of the day, Vitello tonnato, Pollo alla cacciatora
Order: Pasta of the day and vitello tonnato.
Tip: Walk-ins at the bar; bookings open three weeks ahead.