If you are moved by good food, Sydney’s food scene will make your heart skip a beat – on numerous occasions. I was overwhelmed by the creative effort and dedication to quality that I saw at every turn in this magnificent city. I don’t want to overwhelm you with a super long list, because no one ever has enough time to fit in everything, but if you head to this beauty by the sea, these are a few culinary hot spots I’d recommend you put on your “to-do” list…
Rough & Bare Wholefood Kitchen
1/1 Bungan Ln, Mona Vale NSW 2101, Australia
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If you find yourself around the Mona Vale area outside Sydney (maybe as you are driving to Palm Beach), don’t miss this relatively new, and very cool, healthy café. The food is amazingly imaginative and the flavours and quality blew me away. It’s a great place to hang out on the weekends, or simply stop in whenever you need a nourishing platter of excellent food. On top of this, their food is organic, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free. What’s not to like? Take the drive and try this little jewel.
CHISWICK Restaurant
65 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW 2025, Australia
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Dinner at CHISWICK is a special night out. Set in a chic greenhouse-like structure with lots of grass out the front for the kids to run around on, CHISWICK’s aim is to bring together ‘honest magic’, ‘rough charm’ and ‘memorable food’ – which sums them up well.
With food fresh from their Woollahra garden, their menus are defined by innovation. It takes forever (in the best possible way) to read through and absorb all the unique combinations and ingredients on the menu. It’s such a treat to see a restaurant care so deeply about the provenance of their food and flair, with which it is creates and served. A dinner to remember, that’s for sure.
The Apollo
44 Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW, 2011, Australia
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It’s not often you hear the countries of Australia and Greece mentioned in the same breath, but that is something The Apollo has made moves to change with their fusion of these two heritages under one culinary roof. Bringing the flavours of the Mediterranean to Potts Point, it’s an elegant and minimalist space with such a good vibe.
The salads were unforgettable, and I think they served the best selection of Greek cheeses I’ve ever had. It’s a plant lover’s dream with every dish bursting with flavor. Enjoy a night out there – it’s definitely worth it.
Orchard Street
2 Brighton Blvd, North Bondi, Australia
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No matter where you are in the world, you can’t beat (in fact, you often long for…) an amazing cold-pressed organic juice – and the Orchard Street shops, in and around Sydney, offer that – plus so much more.
I rarely see a business so driven by authenticity and creativity, and you see this in everything, from their smoothie recipes to their alchemy tinctures. They also champion fantastic new natural lifestyle and beauty brands from around Australia, so there is a lot to browse and learn from in each Orchard Street shop.
P.S. My kids loved the vegan, superfood ice cream sandwiches!
About Life
31/37 Oxford St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia (see all locations here)
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I thought I had seen amazing natural and organic grocery stores in California, but About Life really did offer up some tough competition to these. Independently owned, they were packed with the most delicious items – from staples, unique new brands, and excellent prepared food.
When they’re not selling over 10,000 lines of natural, sustainable, ethical and locally-sourced products, they also have a cooking school to help you learn how to use food as fuel, welcome guest speakers, and offer cooking demos. There are many dotted around Sydney, so there’s no excuse to miss it.
Sean’s Panorama
270 Campbell Parade, North Bondi, NSW, 2026, Australia
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Nestled on a corner of Bondi, it can be easy to miss Sean’s Panorama when you’re passing by – but it’s definitely not a place to overlook. As one of Bondi’s iconic restaurants since its launch in 1993, I was keen to check it out – and it sure didn’t disappoint.
With Mediterranean charm and idyllic surf views, this small and quaint spot is foodie heaven! The highest quality ingredients combined with imaginative recipes and the highest quality attention to presentation. It’s not one to miss, but you can only book by calling, so remember to do it ahead of time.
- Photograph: Anna Kucera
- Photograph: Anna Kucera
Photograph: Anna Kucera
