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

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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

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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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

15 restaurants in Surry Hills to dine at now

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

1. Firedoor

2. Kiln

3. The Rover

4. Chin Chin

5. Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant

6. NOMAD Sydney

7. Mark and Vinny’s

8. The Blue Door

9. Spice I Am

10. Don’t Tell Aunty

11. Bad Hombres

12. Gogyo

13. Nour

14. Porteño

15. 170 Grammi

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

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife

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

1. Firedoor

2. Kiln

3. The Rover

4. Chin Chin

5. Mille Vini Wine Bar & Restaurant

AI Prompt

6. NOMAD Sydney

7. Mark and Vinny’s

8. The Blue Door

9. Spice I Am

10. Don’t Tell Aunty

11. Bad Hombres

12. Gogyo

13. Nour

14. Porteño

15. 170 Grammi

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

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

A four-level dining venue with dazzling views just opened on Sydney Harbour

60 of the best restaurants in Sydney for 2026

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife