The Best Surry Hills Restaurant to Dine at Now

Nestled in the heart of Sydney, the restaurant scene in Surry Hills has become an unparalleled dining destination.

While Sydney is no stranger to incredible eating experiences, Surry Hills stands as a testament to the city’s unique culinary landscape, and promises an epicurean adventure of diverse flavours, aromas and experiences. Each of Sydney’s revitalised precincts has something wonderful to offer, and Surry Hills restaurants’ cater to every taste and budget, making it a gastronomic haven. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or are a seasoned local, Surry Hills invites you to savour the extraordinary. Here are our top picks for where to eat.

1. Firedoor

Best for: Seasonal cuisine cooked over coals

Fire is the blazing focal point of Firedoor restaurant, awarded three hats in this year’s Good Food Guide Awards. Dinner here is a particularly unique experience as everything is cooked by fire, with the flame’s embers used to enhance the natural characteristics of the seasonal ingredients on offer.

diners enjoying a meal at Surry Hill's Firedoor restaurant — Pull up a chair inside Firedoor restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

The open-plan kitchen encourages diners to watch on and marvel as food is prepared, encouraging the same sense of wonder and fascination with fire that drives owner and chef Lennox Hastie to do what he does best.

Chef Lennox Hastie in the kitchen at Surry Hill's Firedoor restaurant — Watch Chef Lennox Hastie as he prepares the food. (Image: Nikki To)

Address: Firedoor , 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills

2. Kiln

Best for: Sydney skyline views and modern Australian cuisine

Kiln is a marvel, positioned 18 stories high above the Ace Hotel and with glittering views extending out over Sydney. The open kitchen and woodfire hearth nod to the restaurant’s namesake as one of the colony’s earliest kilns, and the native timbers and earthy palette capture the colours of the Australian landscape.

the rooftop dining at Kiln restaurant, Ace hotel — Dine at Kiln and enjoy rooftop views over Sydney . (Image: Anson Smart/Destination NSW)

While diners may come curious to try the Australian classic with a twist, Jatz biscuit with smoked butter and anchovy, they also find a contemporary menu featuring seasonal produce and woodfire cooking.

the elegant dining interior at Kiln restaurant, Ace hotel — The restaurant’s interior is filled with native timbers and earthy palettes. (Image: Anson Smart/Destination NSW)

Address: Kiln , 53 Foy Lane, Sydney

3. The Rover

Best for: East London classics

The Rover offers the best of both worlds, with an inviting restaurant upstairs that combines liveliness with a sense of intimacy, and a vibrant cocktail floor on the ground floor downstairs to either begin or end the night.

the classy dining interior at The Rover, Surry Hiils — Start or end your meal in the downstairs bar. (Image: Dominic Loneragan)

The menu showcases refined East London classics, bistro staples, and seafood specials reflecting produce in season.

pouring wine into the glass with food on the table at The Rover, Surry Hills — Get your seafood fix at The Rover. (Image: Dominic Loneragan)

Complemented by attentive service and a thoughtfully curated wine list and world-class cocktails, dining here feels like you’ve stepped into the charming coast of the British Isles.

the restaurant interior of The Rover, Surry Hiils — The dining interior at The Rover exudes class and charm

Address: The Rover , 75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

4. Chin Chin

Best for: Contemporary South East Asian cuisine

The Sydney outpost to Melbourne’s original restaurant, Chin Chin in Surry Hills captures the imagination from the moment you enter the heritage-listed Griffiths tea building.

the exterior of Chin Chin, Surry Hills — Chin Chin evokes vibrant and eccentric vibes. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Chin Chin’s buzzy ambience is unparalleled, creating a space where industrial warehouse chic, music, and pink neon lights seamlessly collide. The creative, extensive menu focuses on offering South-East Asian bold flavours, and sharing plates is recommended. Attentive staff and a dynamic drinks menu make this a high-energy experience to be remembered.

a table-top view of food on the table at Chin Chin, Surry Hills — Feast on Southeast Asian flavours at Chin Chin. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Address: Chin Chin , 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

5. Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant

Best for: Rustic Italian charm

An iconic staple of Crown Street, Mille Vine has emerged from its recent interior facelift and shines with bustling rustic charm. Mille Vine’s impressive new menu showcases authentic flavours with a focus on classic recipes, including the poached octopus salad and truffle pecorino drizzled with blossom honey.

dripping sauce into a dish at Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant, Surry Hills — A drool-worthy dish at Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant.

The adventurous cocktail list and curated wine selection, with an emphasis on local producers with Italian varieties, has been designed to complement the food menu.

a spaghetti dish at Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant, Surry Hills — The Mille Vini Spaghetti is bursting with bold flavours.

While the vibes are high here every night, Wednesday evenings offer a set menu with live Jazz from 6-9 pm. Fancy brunch instead? The two-hour drink and food package is to die for, featuring bottomless limoncello or mulled wine, depending on the season.

a bartender pouring wine into the glass at Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant, Surry Hills — Find an adventurous cocktail list and curated wine list.

Address: Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant , 397 Crown Street, Surry Hills

6. NOMAD Sydney

Best for: Fine dining with a focus on sustainability

Nomad’s food is inspired by travels through the Middle East, Spain and Morocco. Famous for their charcuterie and flatbread staples, Nomad’s commitment to sourcing the very best produce from local growers and pursuing sustainability shines through their dynamic menu.

a table-top view of food at NOMAD Sydney — Savour a well-curated menu at NOMAD Sydney.

The focus of the thoughtfully curated wine list is on emerging producers and those with a dedicated commitment to organic farming practices, both locally and internationally. Nomad Sydney turned 10 this November, and their commitment to excellence in the Surry Hills culinary scene was marked by being awarded one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards.

the dining interior at NOMAD Sydney, Surry Hills — Book a table for two at NOMAD Sydney.

Address: Nomad , 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills

7. Mark and Vinny’s

Best for: Experimental Italian classics

Mark & Vinny’s takes the call of “don’t be upsetti, eat some spaghetti" very seriously, offering a buzzy, bustling experience that delights the senses in all the best ways.

chili watermelon margarita at Mark and Vinny’s, Surry Hills — The drinks menu is as tantalising as the food.

Greeted by Vinny at the door, diners are offered an innovative Italian menu that pops with unexpected colour and offers sustainable, ethical culinary delights that cater to vegans, celiacs and carnivores alike. Mark & Vinny’s creativity also delivers in their extensive spitz menu.

a plate of Gnocchi at Mark and Vinny’s, Surry Hills — Vegans, celiacs and carnivores are well taken care of here.

Address: Mark & Vinny’s , g07/38-52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills

8. The Blue Door

Best for: Ethical, producer-focused cuisine

With a seating capacity of only 18, The Blue Door celebrates ethical dining and sustainability in an intimate setting. The seven-plus course tasting menu changes each week, reflecting what Head Chef and owner Dylan Cashman is sent from farmers he has personally visited.

the entrance of The Blue Door restaurant, Surry Hills — Slip behind the blue door into the intimate dining space. (Image: Amanda Michetti)

Complementing this meticulously planned menu is a curated wine list showcasing the best of around 150 New South Wales wines selected by wine aficionado Angelica Nohra, winner of the 2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year, demonstrating the Blue Door’s commitment to pairing local food with local wine.

the dining at The Blue Door restaurant, Surry Hills — The Blue Door celebrates ethical dining and sustainability in an intimate setting. (Image: Amanda Michetti)

Address: The Blue Door , 8/38 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills

9. Spice I Am

Best for: Authentic, innovative Thai cuisine

Spice I Am embodies authentic Thai cuisine innovation, with Head Chef Sujet Saenkham regularly travelling to Thailand to stay at the forefront of culinary developments. This is reflected in the menu, which features delicious dishes made with fresh and zesty vegetables and herbs grown in the Spice I Am farm.

a farm-to-table dish with fresh veggies at Spice I Am — The Surry Hills restaurant serves dishes made with produce from the Spice I Am farm.

Address: Spice I Am , 90 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills

10. Don’t Tell Aunty

Best for: Traditional food with a contemporary twist

Holding firm to the sacred gesture of serving others, Don’t Tell Aunty marries the traditional with the unconventional by taking the finest ingredients and breaking the rules. The restaurant ambience resonates with the pulsating energy of the kitchen, and the menu showcases creativity and thoughtful experimentation. A decadent bottomless brunch option is also on offer.

lamb chops at Don’t Tell Aunty, Surry Hills — Find an eclectic menu that blends the unconventional with the traditional at Don’t Tell Aunty.

Address: Don’t Tell Aunty , 414 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

11. Bad Hombres

Best for: Vegan and gluten-free refined Mexican

The team at Bad Hombres deliver on their promise of “Bad Hombres Good food" with their Mexican plant-based restaurant. With a fully vegan and gluten free kitchen, this inventive and mouth-watering menu caters to everyone.

a close-up of Mexican food at Bad Hombres, Surry Hills — Enjoy vegan Mexican delights at Bad Hombres.

A friendly and frenetic atmosphere brings a party vibe that caters to big groups and couples, and diners are kept happy with the range of weekly specials, including Taco Tuesdays (3 tacos for $15) and Tequila Thursdays ($13 Margaritas).

tacos at Bad Hombres, Surry Hills — Carnivores won’t be disappointed.

The small wine list is vegan and mostly natural, and there is a range of tequila/mezcal cocktails on offer too, including a classic frozen margarita for the hot summer months.

a margarita drink at Bad Hombres, Surry Hills — Cap off the night with a cocktail.

Address: Bad Hombres , 40 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills

12. Gogyo

Best for: Date night elegance

Ramen sensation Gogyo may be a chain, but it is one of a kind in the Sydney culinary scene. Founded by the acclaimed ‘Ramen King’ Shigemi Kawahara in 2003, this Surry Hills restaurant is the first location for Gogyo in Australia, following in the footsteps of restaurants in Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Hong Kong.

the exterior of Gogyo, Surry Hills — Step into the traditional Japanese restaurant, Gogyo.

With a wide selection of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, the standout is kogashi-style ramen, where fragrant flavours are evoked using a unique charring technique. The interior of this restaurant reflects a meticulous eye for detail, thoughtfully combining tradition with elegance.

a bowl of ramen at Gogyo, Surry Hills — Slurp authentic Japanese ramen at Gogyo.

Address: Gogyo , 52 – 54 Albion Street, Surry Hills

13. Nour

Best for: Chic and playful Lebanese flavours

Nour, a Lebanese restaurant established in 2016, has become a vibrant fixture in the Surry Hills scene. The dedicated culinary team, spearheaded by Executive Chef Paul Farag in collaboration with Head Chef Gianluca Lonati, strives to showcase traditional Middle Eastern favourites with a playful, fresh twist.

the restaurant interior of Nour, Surry Hills — Dine inside the lavish light-filled space at Nour.

The soft, pastel colours and crisp lines of the lavish light-filled space appeal to small groups and couples alike. Tantalising bottomless brunch sharing packages are also available, should you wish to start enjoying the food earlier in the day.

raising a cocktail glass at Nour, Surry Hills — Raise a glass at Nour. (Image: Jiwon Kim)

Address: Nour , 3/490 Crown Street, Surry Hills

14. Porteño

Best for: Award-winning dry-aged steaks

The two-hatted restaurant, Porteño, currently ranks an impressive 40th in the 2023 World’s Best Steak Restaurants list. Exuding authenticity and excellence, Porteño belongs to the Porteño Group, the same team behind Bastardo, Wyno x Bodega and Humble. Co-owned by chefs Elvis Abrahanowicz and Ben Milgate, the menu showcases not only tantalising steaks but a range of hand-cut speciality meats prepared on traditional grills. The lively ambience that comes from an open-plan kitchen and thoughtful selection of wines make Porteño a memorable dining experience.

Address: Porteno , 50 Holt Street, Surry Hills

15. 170 Grammi

Best for: Roman-style pizzas

If you’ve ever wondered what your favourite pasta dishes would taste like on a pizza, wonder no more! 170 Grammi, sister venue to Via Napoli, has now opened and is serving up some seriously flavoursome pizzas with an inventive twist. There’s cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and the signature porchetta di ariccia.

Food from 170 Grammi in Surry Hills — The wood-fired pizzas are made using only 170 grams of dough. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

With 13 wood-fired pizzas on the menu, all made using only 170 grams of dough, and the unmissable maritozzis that are making a name for themselves, 170 Grammi is a Surry Hills destination in and of itself.

maritozzis from 170 Grammi in Surry Hills — A visit to 170 Grammi isn’t complete without a *maritozzi*. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

Address: 170 Grammi , 428 Crown St, Surry Hills

For more of Sydney’s best eats, read our pick of the best restaurants in Sydney.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

15 restaurants in Surry Hills to dine at now