Best Restaurants in Darlinghurst

Looking for the Best Restaurants in Darlinghurst? Then we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will showcase some of Darlinghurst’s best and most popular eateries. From Thai, Indian and French to Italian, Japanese and Vietnamese the choice of cuisines in the area is heavily influenced by flavours from all over of the world. So whether you are looking for a refined and upscale venue for a birthday celebration, a laid-back joint to meet up with your mates, or a brand new place to try for your next date night, there are several places you can visit. Below, in no particular order, is a selection of some of the best of all Darlinghurst restaurants to dine at. Order from any of them, and you won’t be disappointed by the gastronomic experience you will be presented with.

A Tavola

Established in 2007, A Tavola is a stalwart on the Darlinghurst Restaurant scene. Dishing up regional Italian dishes and a delectable range of housemade pasta, their classic and authentic menu presents two choices of spuntini, entrees and handmade pasta, which support their daily card of specials. Striving to showcase the finest of seasonal and local produce, one of their signature dishes is their agnolotti, which is served with ricotta, sweet corn, pangrattato and pecorino. If you are gluten intolerant, A Tavola will provide you with a suitable option on request, as well as cater to most other food allergies and dietary requirements. One of the best aspects of dining at this place is that they have a communal long table. So you can make new friends as you eat!

Buffalo Dining Club

If you love Pecorino cheese then you should make a point of visiting the Buffalo Dining Club. Located over on Surrey Street, this very cool, retro-style eatery serves up a sensational range of pasta dishes that revolve around an incredible Pecorino Ramano cheese wheel, which is imported from Sardinia on a monthly basis. The Buffalo Dining Club also offers a terrific selection of dishes made with buffalo mozzarella, in addition to prosciutto and salads. A homely restaurant that is known for its swift and friendly service, one of the best things to eat here is their zucchini flower starter, which is stuffed with honey. Pure Heaven on a plate! The wine list is very good too and if you have managed to keep some room for dessert you most certainly won’t be disappointed either.

Gaku Robata Grill

If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, then Gaku Robata Grill is a great option. Lying in the heart of Darlinghurst Road, this classy venue presents a sophisticated twist on the traditional informal eating and drinking style of Japanese Izakaya. Radiating charm and ambience in abundance, the food menu at the Gaku Robata Grill includes a range of delicious ramen, sushi and charcoal-grilled meats. You can’t come here without trying the tender slow-cook pork which is served with homemade noodles and sweet egg. Unless of course, you are a vegetarian, in which case the spicy veggie ramen is the go. If you love sake, there are some great options available too, as well as a fabulous range of cocktails and wine.

Brick Lane

Sharing the same name as the famous street in the east end of London that houses countless Indian restaurants, Brick Lane is an Indian fusion restaurant that defies centuries of culinary history. Situated on Stanley Street, this cool space, with exposed brick walls and feature murals, dishes up a range of Indian-inspired fusion eats that may ruffle the feathers of some traditionalists. However, with dishes like Indian Tacos, Loaded Masala Fries and a spiced kingfish fillet, Brick Lane is winning over an army of new fans open to experiencing a range of exciting new tastes. Even the classic desserts from around the world have had an Indian makeover, with chai and chocolate mousse and chai creme brulee being two options you simply must try.

Restaurant Moon

For many years now Restaurant Moon has been considered to be one of the best restaurants in Darlinghurst. A place where tradition and modern cuisine collide, this fabulous venue presents refined and innovative European and Thai fusion dishes in a space that is sleek, stylish and contemporary. Overseen by Head Chef Aum, the food at Restaurant Moon has a real ‘wow’ factor to it and is offered in the way of a set degustation menu, as well as some chef specials that may include the likes of Thai Curry with Chicken Dumpling and Sydney Rock Oysters that are served with grapes. To support the food menu an excellent range of wines and cocktails is also available, which you can enjoy in a cosy atmosphere with great service.

Chaco Ramen

Established in 2014, Chaco Ramen have a simple aim – to be the leader of ramen culture in Australia. They are certainly achieving that goal currently in Darlinghurst by serving exceptional ramen that plucks the heartstrings of their customers. Situated on Crown Street, Chaco Ramen is a buzzy, vibrant place that features Japanese characters on its walls. Their four signature ramens are all based on classical technique, though have been given a modern twist to make them unique and even more desirable. A couple of these, the Chilli Coriander and Yuzu Scallop ramen are particularly popular. In addition to the ramen, they also sell a spectacular selection of yakitori dishes too, which can be washed down with their very good quality range of sake.

 

Malabar South Indian Restaurant

For almost 20 years, the Malabar Darlinghurst Restaurant has been delighting the diners of Darlinghurst with its huge selection of South Indian specialities. Set within an eye-catching space that features incredible floor-to-ceiling murals of Indian scenes, as well as 100 solid timber chairs for guests to sit on, Malabar Darlinghurst Restaurant offers a sharing-style food menu that showcases a selection of fresh, healthy and traditional dishes. Whether you fancy something substantial like a Barramundi Varuval or a Goan Fish Curry, or something a little lighter like a Dosai, your taste buds are in for a flavour explosion at the  In true Indian style, the portion sizes are huge and the service is fast, while the atmosphere is very engaging.

Bills

At Bill’s, they are all about consistency. Consistency of food, consistency of coffee and consistency of service. This goes a long way to explaining why this fantastic cafe has impressed for so long. Known for its incredible ricotta hotcakes – which are a must-try for any first-time visitor – Bill’s is another notable eatery on Liverpool Street that has stood the test of time. It’s a bright and buzzy cafe that is always busy, with many people coming here to enjoy brunch or lunch. Aside from the hotcakes, they offer an excellent range of egg dishes and baked goods too, while the coffee is exceptional. All of which can be enjoyed at long communal tables which you share with other hip and trendy foodies.

Black Bottle

If you are looking for somewhere to eat top-quality food and consume some delicious wine, Black Bottle is a great place to visit. A stylish neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant on Darlinghurst Road, it presents an impressive menu of French bistro food and Mediterranean share plates in a comfortable and relaxed setting. With Daily Happy Hours between 5-7 pm, an evening at Black Bottle can start with crafted cocktails and delicious wines. Before indulging in a range of gastronomic delights, curated by the Head Chef Raphael, like Hiramasa King Fishg Crudo, Wagyu steak frites, charred Fremantle octopus and gratinated onion soup, which collectively showcases the best in local, fresh and seasonal produce.

Soi 25

An AGFG Award Winner in both 2021 and 2022, Soi 25 is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Darlinghurst. Aiming to redefine Thai fusion food by pushing the boundaries of cooking techniques and styles to new levels, this fantastic venue offers a range of contemporary Thai dishes that have been inspired by classic street foods from Bangkok and other culinary areas. Using the freshest of ingredients to create bold and innovative new flavours, the a la carte and set menus at Soi 25 have been carefully curated by Head Chef Ken Pongsakorn. Paired with an excellent range of drinks and cocktails, the meals are presented to diners in a relaxed setting, and with fast and friendly service.

Casoni

Those who like a wide selection of wines to pair with their lunch, or evening meal, should consider a visit to Casoni on Bourke Street. Offering over 100 premium wines from around the world, which can be served by the glass via Coravin, this fabulous European-focused wine bar also serves a delicious range of modern Italian food including freshly made tagliatelle and gnocchi. Located within a breezy space that features outdoor tables and timber interior furnishings, one of the main selling points of Casoni is that its head chef is committed to creating new and inventive specials every week. This ensures the menu stays relevant and gives you a great reason to come back!

Elements Bar and Grill

Ask anyone in Darlinghurst ‘where is the best place to get steak?’ and the chances are they will say the Elements Bar and Grill. Offering a hearty menu that champions the finest cooking techniques and best quality produce, this stalwart on Palmer Street specialises in mouth-watering steaks that are perfectly seared and sizzled every time. As well to their top-quality steaks, Elements Bar and Grill also offers a delicious range of pasta and vegetarian dishes too, while their range of cocktails and wines cover all tastes. Considering how busy they are, the service here is always very good. Its fast, friendly and very professional, while the overall atmosphere is buzzy and congenial.

Big Poppa’s

Open 7 days a week, until 3 am, Big Poppa’s is a very popular, award-winning Darlinghurst restaurant that has been satisfying the late-night hunger pangs of Sydneysiders for several years. Located within a dark, brick-lined venue on the vibrant, main strip of Oxford Street, the venue plays nothing but hip-hop music. It also serves up a wonderful range of Italian dishes, as well as artisan cheeses and a robust selection of wines that Big Poppa’s sommelier personally hand curates. The perfect venue for a low-key date night, or to hang out with friends, the vibe here is relaxed and infectious. Inside the space is quite versatile. So you can stand and mingle like you are at a cocktail park, or alternatively sit down and eat at a table, like a proper dinner.

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Yachiyo

Located on Victoria Street, the Yachiyo Japanese Bistro is a modern restaurant that offers some of the most inventive Japanese cuisine in Sydney. Open for lunch and dinner every week, from Tuesday to Saturday, this casual and intimate, neighbourhood restaurant offers an authentic dining experience for all the family. Presented by cooking method, the menu at the Yachiyo Japanese Bistro features a range of grilled, seared, raw, sizzling and fried dishes, as well as other noodles, stews and rice sides. Curated by head chef Mitsuhiro Yashio, offerings like Miso Grilled Pork Rib and Kyoto Duck shine from the menu. Whilst vegans and vegetarians can enjoy delicious plates of Popcorn Cauliflower, Zucchini Flower Tempura, and Agedashi Tofu, with sake and a wide selection of wines.

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Kindness Vegan

Over at the Kindness Vegan Kitchen, they operate with a simple food philosophy – to champion a balanced, healthy and compassionate lifestyle. An exceptional, vegan, Thai restaurant that is committed to aligning its beliefs and morals with the food they serve to you, all of its dishes are made with the best and freshest quality of fruit and vegetables. In addition, their curries and stir fry sauces are all homemade by the Kindness Vegan Kitchen to gluten-free recipes that are also free from animal products. Open for dinner and lunch – to dine in or takeaway – the food here is delicious. If you enjoyed what you ate, the restaurant also offers a range of frozen meals which you can take home to eat on another day.

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Eat Fuh

If you are after a soul-satisfying bowl of pho look no further than Eat Fuh. Located on Victoria Street, this lovely, family-run business specialises in Vietnam’s national dishes. They also serve up other authentic Vietnamese food like Banh Mi and laksa in a quaint setting with outdoor seating. Priding itself on offering dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and rich bold flavours, Eat Fuh is a buzzy venue that is renowned for the speed and friendliness of its service. Open 7 days a week from 11 am to 10 pm, don’t be surprised if there is a queue to get into the place when you arrive for dinner. The wait will be worth it, so use the time to decide on what you want to order.

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Sagra

Offering a quintessential Italian dining experience in the heart of Darlinghurst, Sagra is a popular restaurant to visit for gourmet pizza, pasta and other antipasti delights. Located within a quaint brick terrace on Stanley Street, the venue presents a menu that features plenty of homemade and seasonal ingredients. It changes weekly to keep giving customers a reason to come back, but dishes like pan-roasted Murray cod and chargrilled lamb make regular appearances. At Sagra, everything, from the butchery and the bread-making is prepared in-house, while plans to make their own cheeses and wines are in the pipeline too. The restaurant also offers an excellent drinks list, while its atmosphere is always laid-back and unpretentious.

Bon Vin

If you are looking for an upscale venue for your next date night then consider making a reservation at Bon Vin. Located on Stanley Lane, you will definitely need to make a reservation as it’s only open on Thursday to Saturday, so the demand to dine there is very high. However, if you can secure a table you will be treated to a fantastic French dining experience. Set within in a seductive sandstone cellar which is resplendent with an impressive wall of glowy wine bottles, Bon Vin is one of Sydney’s most romantic and intimate bars. Serving up a wonderful dining experience that is not rushed, dishes like Confit Duck Leg and Market Fish En Papillote are just some of the delights you may enjoy. The exceptional wines are sourced from all over the globe, while the service is world-class too.

Bella

Offering a one-of-a-kind vegetarian and pescatarian experience, the Bella Restaurant & Wine Bar provides a taste of Italy in the heart of Darlinghurst. Taking inspiration from gastronomic regions like the Amalfi coast and Venetian Apennines, the Bella Restaurant & Wine Bar showcases a menu that fuses innovation, tradition and gourmet taste. Overseen by Brazilian-born head chef Adriana, who operates out of an open kitchen, some of the sumptuous dishes on the menu include Kingfish cartoccio and Parmigiana di melanzane. Matched with a robust selection of hand-curated fine wines, the overall dining experience this fabulous restaurant on Victoria Street offers is nothing short of exemplary.

Buon Ricordo Ristorante

Since first opening its doors in 1987, Buon Ricordo has remained as one of the leading Italian restaurants in Darlinghurst. Bringing the food of Naples to the tables of Sydney, head chef David Wright offers a fantastic menu of classical dishes that champion the authentic cooking techniques and flavours of Italy. Renowned for using the best quality and freshest local ingredients to create seasonal dishes that burst with flavour, the food at Buon Ricordo is lauded around the world. Their Fettuccine al Tartufovo, was labelled by Italy’s Grazie magazine as ‘the best pasta in the world’. Not to be undone, their extensive wine list has several awards for its quality too.