A food lover's paradise, Sydney is where all corners of the culinary world come to meet and celebrate, with influences hailing from Asia to Africa and everywhere in between. It is the one place where you can visit a Saturday farmers market and stock up on seasonal fruit and veggies sold by regional producers, grab a cold bottle of homemade kombucha with a tray of samosas and watch the boats sail into the harbour. If you're after unmissable food experiences that go beyond the restaurant table and truly invoke the senses, then this is the guide for you!
1
The Grounds Of Alexandria
One of the most Instagramable places in Sydney, The Grounds of Alexandria is part cafe, restaurant, bakery, roastery and garden covering all of the main food cravings! Once an industrial site, this one-acre lot has been transformed into a vine adorned, terracotta potted little oasis that has drawn queues out the door since it first opened back in 2012. Employing a sustainable approach, The Grounds has its garden which not only is a viable source of produce that goes straight to the kitchen but is the also the focal point of many of the hands-on interactive educational activities they run here.
2
Carriageworks Farmers Markets
Held every Saturday, the industrial halls of the Eveleigh Carriageworks magically transforms into a cornucopia of over 70 farmer and speciality food stalls, making it one of Sydney's most popular foodie shopping and market dining destinations for home cooks and chefs alike. Only showcasing the best in the business, stallholders must apply to the market charter's five principals of authenticity, origin, knowledge, sustainability and excellence. Find fresh ducks, hazelnuts, ground coffee, gourmet food trucks and even the fine Asian cuisine of Billy and Kylie Kwong two of Sydney's most well-loved chefs!
3
Single O Surrey Hills
More often than not you will see the line of coffee fanatics before you even see the hole in the wall that is home to some of ( if not) the best coffee in Sydney. Single O ( Previously named Single Origin Roasters) don't only serve up a mean cup of java, but they are one of the more sustainable roasters in town, sourcing ethically produced beans where possible and even using solar panels to run their roastworks. These guys are serious about their coffee and offer bags of beans ready to be enjoyed in the comforts of your own home.
4
Formaggi Ocello
If you're the kind of person who would prefer their cake constructed out of cheddar rather than chocolate, then look no further than Sydney's own little slice of cheese heaven, Formaggi Ocello. Stocking cheeses from all over the world, expect to find rare and boutique varieties like goats cheese aged in hay and caprino cremosa with truffle. The deli is laden with fresh meats, take away sandwiches and Italian grocery staples of fully imported olive oils, pasta and speciality sauces. Formaggi Ocello regularly hosts themed cheese tasting events in the evenings, check out their website for dates and more details.
5
Harry's Cafe de Wheels Woolloomooloo
Harry de Wheels has been feeding hungry Sydney mouths since it first opened its small caravan doors near the Woolloomooloo wharfs in the late 1930's has been serving up their signature pie, peas and gravy ever since. Hard to miss for its glowing neon sign, Harry's is one of those places that can be appreciated any time of the day. Grab a Harry's Tiger pie or a generously sized chilli dog and take a short stroll along the wharf, where the sea breeze rocks the line of super boats docked at the marina, a classic Sydney backdrop for a classic Sydney feed.
6
Hugos Manly
Jump on the ferry at Circular Quay and make way to one of the best places to indulge in a spot of beachside dining at Hugos Manly. Overlooking the spectacular waterfront views of Manly Cove and the bustle of Manly wharf, dining alfresco in the warmer months is the best way to soak in the sun with a slice of some of the finest pizza in Sydney. Known for their modern and fresh take on Italian cuisine and a killer cocktail menu, this is the place to sit back and graze on a long lunch with a group of friends by the right by the water.
7
Belles Hot Chicken
Famous for their signature fried chicken, American soul food inspired sides and fiery sauces, Belles Hot Chicken has quickly become a Sydney fast food favourite. An insiders tip? Avoid the lunch time queues of office workers during 12pm-2 pm on a week day, where you can wait for up to 40minutes+ oh and a word of advice, it is advisable to wear stretchy pants, the serves are huge. Have a late lunch, order a cold beer, get your hands dirty with the "Really Hot" wings, a side of crispy Old Bay Fries and enjoy the relaxing views which overlook Sydney harbour.
8
David Jones Foodhall
Abundant with gourmet food options, the David Jones Foodhall is let's say not the cheapest of foodie experiences in Sydney but is worth even just a look see. Complete with a wine bar, an oyster bar, sushi bar, fresh green grocer and a cheese counter stocked with stilton, swiss and a number of cheese rarities. The grocery section is ideal for finding those slightly obscure and bespoke grocery items like Tetsuya's black truffle salt, pates or even a traditional British Christmas pudding! If you're an adventurous foodie who loves a bit of a cook in the kitchen, then this is the place for you..and your credit card.
9
The Essential Ingredient
This is your one stop shop for all things food with literally everything but the kitchen sink available to deck out your next cooking adventure. Find pots and pans of all sizes to the exotic ingredients of rose water, snails and locally produced items. Pop by to Herbie's inside the store which offers the biggest range of herbs and spice mixes in Sydney sourced from across the world. If your bookshelf is looking a bit lonely pick up a speciality cookbook from the stands before booking into one of the exciting cooking classes that run regularly in the adjoining cooking school.
10
Tramsheds Harold Park
Once home to the Harold Park racing grounds, the recently renovated Tramsheds foodie precinct is alive with everything from fresh seafood restaurants, a coffee roastery, to pasta making classes and regular markets. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here and it is a great place to head with the whole family. Frequently hosting themed events, keep an eye on their web page for seasonal feasts, cooking classes, wine tasting and even hands-on activities for the kids. Pack the shopping bag too as there are several gourmet speciality shops to tempt the taste buds with!