Surry Hills

YOUR GUIDE TO FASHION, DESIGN, FOOD AND LIFESTYLE BLOG | PUBLICATIONS | MEDIA | ABOUT | CONTACT

  • URBAN TALKABOUT #53
  • ONLINE MAPS
  1. sydney >
  2. Surry Hills >
  3. Food & Drink

Food & Drink

  1. 121BC

    121BC

    Situated near sibling Vini, 121BC offers over 300, mostly biodynamic, Italian wines. Wine by the glass in the bar covers every Italian region and the wine menu changes monthly. The food is simple and seasonal.

    Address
    4/50 Holt St (via Gladstone St).
    Phone
    9699 1582

  2. Ampersand Surry Hills

    Ampersand Surry Hills

    Feed your minds and stomach at Ampersand's latest space, where second-hand books line the walls of this breezy cafe and wine bar. All day breakfasts to soothe the night before meet with an extended dinner tapas range and cocktails.

    Address
    413 Crown St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9318 1116

  3. Baccomatto Osteria

    Baccomatto Osteria

    This sophisticated tribute to the classic osteria combines culinary nous with rustic charm. Stop by for cheese, wine, prosciutto or homemade pasta - the Italian art of all-day dining with a distinctly Surry Hills twist.

    Address
    212 Riley Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9215 5140

  4. Bangbang café & espresso bar

    Bangbang café & espresso bar

    A true local cafe serving good honest food made with fresh produce and quality ingredients including the crowd pleasing Fish Finger Sarnie, Welsh Rarebit or their signature Wagyu Burger. Coffee by Campos

    Address
    113 Reservoir Street
    Phone
    9281 0018

  5. Bar H

    Bar H

    H is for Hamish. After nine years in the kitchen at Kylie Kwong, Hamish and partner Rebecca have transformed an iconic corner cafe into Bar H- a slick, European transitional bar space offering coffee, wine and modern Australian fare all day.

    Address
    80 Campbell St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9280 1980

  6. Bar Rialto

    Bar Rialto

    Having perfected their style, Bar Rialto provides top quality Pizzas and Tapas, along with a full bar including tap beers and cocktails. Bar Rialto is the perfect place to come for a quiet drink, full meal, or late night cocktails.

    Address
    559 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9310 2266

  7. Berta

    Berta

    Secluded down a laneway, Berta has its roots in Italian cooking. Sibling to Surry Hills restaurant, Vini. The menu is seasonal and designed to share, accompanied by a comprehensive Italian wine list. Four-course sagra dinner every Wednesday.

    Address
    17-19 Alberta St, Sydney
    Phone
    9264 6133

  8. bills Surry Hills

    bills Surry Hills

    A refreshing, relaxed approach to modern Australian dining with a winning formula of great coffee, fresh produce, exceptional service and world-famous eggs.

    Address
    359 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    02 9360 4762

  9. Billy Kwong

    Billy Kwong

    Inspired by the idea of re-creating a traditional Chinese eating house, Billy Kwong offers restaurant-goers fresh, sustainable and locally sourced dishes that captures the spirt of the Kwong's love of food.

    Address
    3/355 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9332 3300

  10. Bishop Sessa

    Bishop Sessa

    Fancy scallop ceviche, duck terrine or a salmon carpaccio that melts in your mouth? This classy diner's artful nod to French cuisine comes complete with global flourishes. Remember to take your passport.

    Address
    527 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8065 7223

  11. Bodega Tapas Bar

    Bodega Tapas Bar

    With its garishly painted dining room and mouth-watering dishes, Bodega has risen meteorically to become Sydney's tapas institution. Our favourite: the sashimi Kingfish on garlic toast with cuttlefish ceviche and mojama- and share the Bodega family love.

    Address
    216 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9212 7766

  12. Bourke Street Bakery

    Bourke Street Bakery

    This famous bakery is eternally buzzing. From unique pastries to gourmet sausage rolls and winning sourdough, this Surry Hills institution serves up delectable treats worth lining up for.

    Address
    633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9699-1011

  13. Button Bar

    Button Bar

    This candlelit drinkery is an exercise in lo-fi elegance thanks to a wood-panelled interior, sumptuous seating and up-cycled fixtures. Sink into a booth and surrender to a cocktail list that's as adventurous as its décor.

    Address
    65 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    9211 1544

  14. Cafe Mint

    Cafe Mint

    A smart, stylish and intimate space where you'll discover Modern Mediterranean cuisine, including locally adored specials such as sweet breakfast couscous and a delectable spicy lamb with hummus.

    Address
    579 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    02 9319 0848

  15. Caffe Sicilia

    Caffe Sicilia

    Located in buzzing Surry Hills, Caffe Sicilia represents an authentic dining experience from old school Sicily. From the rustic regional Sicilian cuisine to the old world service and decor, this cucina, caffe and pasteria evokes 1940s Sicily unlike anywhere else in Sydney.

    Address
    628 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9699 8787

  16. Cowbell 808

    Cowbell 808

    Eighties decor, mismatched furniture and graffiti murals aside, this joint impresses with homemade cafe fare, including bulging burgers and hotcakes topped with house-smoked bacon ice-cream.

    Address
    616 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 5044

  17. Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse

    Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse

    A hub for coffee aficionados, Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse applies a sophisticated attention to the variety and preparation of the coffee bean. Learn about alternative brewing methods or look at the variety of machines, grinders and accessories while you enjoy brunch from their team of chefs.

    Address
    2/50 Holt Street
    Phone
    9699 9656

  18. Dome Bar

    Dome Bar

    Eclectic, warm and decadent, DOME is the perfect place to enjoy live performances, unwind with friends, or host a private party, corporate celebration or business conference in one of Sydney's most beautiful bars and function rooms.

    Address
    589 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9699 3460

  19. Essenza

    Essenza

    Like a Tuscan trattoria, Essenza Italian offers a warm and rustic setting whilst maintaining a commitment to traditional Italian cuisine as shown in its selection of breads, pastas, salads, steaks, veal, chicken and seafood specialties.

    Address
    560 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 8907

  20. Farmer Jo

    Farmer Jo

    A kitchen and café producing flavoursome breakfast treats. Hidden down Surry Hill's Hutchinson Street - find it by following the aroma of sweet roasting oats.

    Address
    45 Hutchinson Street, Surry Hills
    Phone

  21. Fifi Foveaux

    Fifi Foveaux

    The ruby wallpaper, red chandeliers, Phillipe Starck gnome stools and fancy decor spell posh but things are kept deliciously simple here. Expect fine coffee and food at great prices in this bustling hangout.

    Address
    428 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    02 9380 6881

  22. Formaggi Ocello

    Formaggi Ocello

    Foodies delight in Formaggi Ocello's fine selection of rare Italian, French and Australian farmhouse cheeses, plus breads, jams, mustards, cured hams, fresh seasonal fruits, cafe and wine bar. A welcome retreat from the urban street.

    Address
    Shop 16, 425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9357 7878

  23. fouratefive

    fouratefive

    Exceptional food, great juices (watermelon, lemon and mint, or apple, pineapple and mint) and Single Origin coffee makes for a very popular cafe.

    Address
    485 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 6485

  24. Gelato Messina Surry Hills

    Gelato Messina Surry Hills

    The mad professors of Darlinghurst desserts have brought all the fan favourites to the new location too including the poached figs and marsala and salted caramel with white chocolate.

    Address
    389 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8354 1223

  25. Gnome Cafe

    Gnome Cafe

    The perfect spot to settle in for brunch, lunch or dinner, Gnome is a cosy cafe and wine bar with an array of delicious dishes perfectly matched with a specialty coffee or glass of wine.

    Address
    536 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9332 3191

  26. Ho.Mei

    Ho.Mei

    This unpretentious eatery blends a sense of adventure with the soulfulness of a home kitchen. Come for Asian-style tapas, a well-edited drinks list and the type of warm, unhurried service that elevates your dining encounter to culinary bliss.

    Address
    Shop 8/38-52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8021 4806

  27. Hudson Meats

    Hudson Meats

    Hudson Meats respects traditional meats and delicacies with integrity by following the paddock to plate philosophy. Sourcing only regional produce they nurture a refined yet humble local experience.

    Address
    1/410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9332 4454

  28. Kawa Cafe

    Kawa Cafe

    A Parisian-style cafe where creatives gather and indulge in organic meals. Big brekkies, great coffee, homemade cakes, biscuits, pies and a locally renowned luscious organic chicken meatball sandwich.

    Address
    346-350 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    02 9331 6811

  29. Koko Espresso Bar

    Koko Espresso Bar

    Effortlessly cool, Koko is top on the to-do list of coffee addicts. Sumptuous brekkie and lunch menu including flavoursome sandwiches that locals traverse Sydney for. (Voted 5 out of 5 beans, Sydney Coffee Guide, '05, '06 & '07).

    Address
    2/118 Devonshire Street (entry via Holt St).
    Phone
    8399 0100

  30. Le pelican

    Le pelican

    Ensconced in a heritage building complete with sandstone wall and garden, this French inspired restaurant run by Jean-Francois Salet serves modern meals imbued with the soft, lighter style of Mediterranean cuisine.

    Address
    411 Bourke Street.
    Phone
    9380 2622

  31. Li'l Darlin

    Li'l Darlin

    Like its lovely sisters in Randwick and Darlinghurst, this intimate bar is perennially popular for killer cocktails - the Icyee Lychini is legendary! Enjoy well priced wines and tasty share plates including gourmet tapas pizzas, topped with everything from smoked trout to crispy Peking duck. Arrive early to ensure a seat overlooking the street in the candle-lit, vine-laced space; visit on Sundays for live evening music.

    Address
    420 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 5488

  32. Longrain Surry Hills

    Longrain Surry Hills

    Wicked cocktails and Thai street food circulate Longrain's chic and sexy cocktail bar, with resident DJ's setting the perfect mood. Try the Caipiroska, Ping-Pong and Bloody Longrain cocktails, or sit-down to contemporary Thai upstairs.

    Address
    85 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9280 2888

  33. Lumiere Café & Patisserie

    Lumiere Café & Patisserie

    Relaxed, friendly Bourke Street neighbourhood café & French patisserie. Famous for all day breakfast and some of the best coffee in Sydney. Choose indoor or outdoor dining, or take home a delicious house made cake or patisserie

    Address
    St Margarets, 425 Bourke Street.
    Phone
    9331 6184

  34. Maloneys Grocer

    Maloneys Grocer

    Maloneys Grocer is a family owned business centered on a philosophy that 'Life is too short to eat poor quality food'. Their aim is to provide the best quality products to their customers in a friendly and welcoming environment.

    Address
    4/490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9331 3811

  35. Me & Art

    Me & Art

    A welcoming café and art gallery tucked away in a beautifully restored terrace in Surry Hills. This contemporary Asian gallery specialises in affordable Japanese art. Me & Art also has a coffee roaster who creates sculptures from fresh roasted coffee and the perfect cup for you to enjoy in the graffitied courtyard.

    Address
    62 Mary Street Surry Hills
    Phone
    0432 280 356

  36. Mister Fox

    Mister Fox

    Mister Fox is the place to be if you like great food, funky lounge music, superb cocktails and an excellent selection of interesting wines by the glass. A nice selection of craft beers available too.

    Address
    557 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    0414 691 811

  37. Morena

    Morena

    Headed by Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia, diners can expect haute cuisine Latin American style at Morena. Saravia deftly combines Peruvian flavours with fine Australian produce from blue eye cod to seared alpaca backstrap.

    Address
    15/425 Bourke St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    0405 902 896

  38. MoVida

    MoVida

    The Sydney outpost of this celebrated Melbourne tapas empire combines Frank Camorra’s trademark culinary nous with a fitout that nods to Catalan warmth and sophistication. Try the anchovies crowned with tomato sorbet.

    Address
    50 Holt St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8964 7642

  39. Mr Mo

    Mr Mo

    From the bacon-and-egg rolls with chilli-jam to the smashed-egg sandwich with leg ham and Swiss cheese, this café is about comfort food - done exceptionally well. The friendly staff make magical coffees, smoothies and fresh juice.

    Address
    168 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9212 2258

  40. Orto Trading Co.

    Orto Trading Co.

    A British-inspired home to hearty meals with a warm design feel. Graze on truffle popcorn before tucking into rustic share plates like beef and Guinness stew, lamb belly or whole roasted artichoke

    Address
    38 Waterloo St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 9427

  41. Parma

    Parma

    This restaurant encapsulates everything that’s good about the Italian town of Parma: antipasto platters with all the trimmings, hard-to-find wines and a lively dining room. Now open for breakfast daily from 8am.

    Address
    285 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9332 4974

  42. Pasta Emilia

    Pasta Emilia

    It is from the deep well of gastronomy in Anna Maria’s home region (Northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna) where Pasta Emilia’s name and recipe ideas are sourced. A register of tortelli favourites and seasonal creations occupy shelf space in the glass doored fridges and freezer.

    Address
    259 Riley Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9386 1516

  43. PLAY Bar

    PLAY Bar

    Housed in the old 'Chess Discount Store' PLAY Bar is bringing a raw, underground vibe to Surry Hills. Enter through the black timber door and down the stairs to discover an intimate space with turntables, a ghetto blaster hung from the wooden rafters, graffiti murals lining the exposed brick walls and perfectly comfy leather lounges.

    Address
    Basement, 72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9280 0885

  44. Rainford Street Social

    Rainford Street Social

    Sink into one of the beckoning corner Chesterfields with a Numero Uno coffee, sip on one of the come-hither cocktails at the bar or dine on a menu of predominantly British influenced dishes designed for sharing with old and new friends alike. The community-orientated nature of Rainford Street Social is evident not just in the Outré Gallery artworks adorning the walls or the pooch bowls out the front but the sense of homeliness that pervades the whole room.

    Address
    500 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9357 2573

  45. Reuben Hills

    Reuben Hills

    If you are obsessed with typography you’ll fall in love with Reuben Hills as soon as you see the slightly askew font that graces its signage, which hints at a different sort of inner city cafe. The deceptively small frontage gives way to a long, lean interior that stretches out towards a back alleyway. Inhabitating two levels, the ground floor is home to the cafe that serves coffees sourced from Central America and a simple but delicious menu that could have been lifted from a village diner in Honduras. The upper level is home to the coffee roasting laboratory where you can take part in coffee tastings every Friday at 10am, amongst the impressive coffee roasting equipment.

    Address
    61 Albion Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9211 5556

  46. Single Origin Roasters

    Single Origin Roasters

    Roasters of sustainably grown coffee from around the world. Serving up their outstanding espresso and delicious food from the cafe, the new Sideshow coffee bar alongside is ideal for a walk-by espresso or alternative brewing method.

    Address
    60 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    9211 0665

  47. Sparkle Cupcakery

    Sparkle Cupcakery

    Cupcake devotees can get their sugar fix here. Sparkle Cupcakes are for celebrating with a cheeky indulgence of champagne and cupcakes. Baked daily, each cupcake is hand finished and topped with a splash of colour. Visit for a T Party, Sparkle Bake Class or sweet treat.

    Address
    132 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    9361 0690

  48. The Apartment

    The Apartment

    The Apartment, or El Apartmento as the owners like to call it, is located on level one of The Carrington in Surry Hills and is the 70s incarnated... but in an apartment in Barcelona.

    Address
    Level 1, 563 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9360 4714

  49. The Book Kitchen

    The Book Kitchen

    This warm cookbook-filled enclave with dynamic menu has won local hearts. Sample The Book Kitchen's repertoire of fresh, seasonally appropriate produce with coffee and newspapers in morning light or more exclusively with wine by night.

    Address
    255 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    0420 239 469

  50. The Clock Hotel

    The Clock Hotel

    The regular hangout for the creative, professional Surry Hills crowd. Sip extravagant cocktails at the Balcony Bar (a perfect sunset location), sample delicious tapas and classic 'pub grub', or relax at the ever popular Street Bar booths.

    Address
    470 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
    Phone
    9331 5333

  51. The Devonshire

    The Devonshire

    Jeremy Bentley and Matthew Kemp ensure a Modern European experience here where diners are treated like old friends. Plates are adorned with scallops, squid, celeriac and pomegranate through to Devonshire tea creme brulee.

    Address
    204 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9698 9427

  52. The Dolphin Hotel

    The Dolphin Hotel

    With its central location, versatile spaces and innovative bistro menu, The Dolphin Hotel is the best pub destination for both Surry Hills locals and the wider Sydney public.

    Address
    412 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9331 4800

  53. The Norfolk

    The Norfolk

    The Norfolk re-opened in December 2010 with a brand spanking new pub menu, a new look, an awesome wine list, new drinks and a new outlook.

    Address
    305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9699 3177

  54. The Rustic Pearl

    The Rustic Pearl

    A fusion of balkan, mediterranean, turkish, greek and french cuisine. With a focus on quality produce, making as much on the premises as possible.

    Address
    415 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    0413 444 161

  55. The Sandwich Shop

    The Sandwich Shop

    Reservoir Street's favourite lunchtime twist on the traditional is renowned for sandwiching sustainable and sophisticated ingredients involving pulled pork, fontina cheese and house-made sauces. Breakfast is an option, as are supreme salads and great coffee.

    Address
    44 Reservoir Street
    Phone
    9211 8710

  56. The Trinity Bar

    The Trinity Bar

    A firm favourite with the locals since 1998, The Trinity Bar serves up great food and friendly service in an inviting atmosphere. Settle in with something delicious from the menu paired with a craft beer in either the Outdoor Terrace of Eden's Room, for a great pub-lunch or night out.

    Address
    505 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8333 9999

  57. The Wanderer

    The Wanderer

    With friendly staff and a diverse playlist pumping, this is an unassuming and buzzy place perfect for catching up with friends. The menu gives a cheeky nod to dude food but keeps things interesting with a pork schnitzel, rhubarb relish and sauerkraut slider. The cocktails alone warrant a visit - share a one litre ‘bartender crockpot’ of Belly Full of Rum (Havana Bianco, Rhurbarb cordial, ginger beer and lime juice).

    Address
    501 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9699 8852

  58. The White Horse Hotel

    The White Horse Hotel

    The White Horse Hotel, Surry Hills, is a grand building distinguished by a giant silver stallion perched on its roof. Inside is a lavishly designed meeting and drinking venue with contrasting spaces spread over two levels featuring sculptural ironwork, a luxurious private roof terrace and an open fireplace.

    Address
    381-385 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8333 9999

  59. The Winery

    The Winery

    With shrines to Elvis, a playful all day menu and Sydney's only wine laneway - it's clear The Winery isn't taking itself too seriously and really is a place to play.

    Address
    285A Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8070 2400

  60. Toast Cafe

    Toast Cafe

    A fashionable haunt of foodies from all over Sydney, this incredible café, caterer and gourmet retail store has delectable selection of cheese, jams, pasta, olive oil, bread, coffee, tea and gifts.

    Address
    45 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9280 2615

  61. Tokonoma

    Tokonoma

    Tokonoma's focus on the style of Japanese 'izakaya' dining fuels its sophisticated and sharply designed space with an irresistible allure. Be it intimate social dining or corporate functions, your senses will be indulged on all levels

    Address
    490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9357 6100

  62. Twig Café

    Twig Café

    Twig Café treats the 'organic' claim seriously, with a solemn promise to sustainability that mixes with serious foodie credentials for an all day brekkie, high tea or lunch experience you won't forget. Stay tuned for news on evening fare.

    Address
    357 Cleveland St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8021 6406

  63. Ume Japanese Restaurant

    Ume Japanese Restaurant

    This celebrated restaurant serves up a masterful take on modern Japanese fare and won itself a Sydney Morning Herald chef's hat in the process. It also offers a sake lineup to stoke your love affair with rice wine.

    Address
    478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9380 7333

  64. Vini

    Vini

    Find simple yet elegant Italian food put on the menu board daily. Choose from over 25 Italian wines available by the glass. Vini holds weekly regional dinners on Tuesdays.

    Address
    3/ 118 Devonshire Street (via Holt Street), Surry Hills.
    Phone
    02 9698 5131

  65. Watts on Crown

    Watts on Crown

    Partners in life and business, the owners of Watts on Crown present an inviting bistro reflective of 10 years of European living - a local vibe that can mean something to everyone. Fresh and homemade inspires the evolving menu.

    Address
    368 Crown St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    8068 0461

  66. Yachiyo Japanese

    Yachiyo Japanese

    Riding on the success of Sushi Yachiyo in Darlinghurst, Katsu Yachiyo is proudly serving creative Japanese deep fried dishes as well as fresh Sushi and Sashimi.

    Address
    208 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9690 2424

  67. Youeni Foodstore

    Youeni Foodstore

    Youeni's second chapter is about the diverse experience of food. Offering iconic baked treats and delicious fare for breakfast and lunch, every order is treated with ingredients made in-house, including their cultured butter and slow-cooked meats.

    Address
    3/8 Hill St, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9380 7575

  68. Yulli's

    Yulli's

    Yulli's is a vegetarian restaurant, providing share style food that fuses southern European and South East Asian cuisines. There is a 30 strong NSW brewed craft beer list and locally sourced boutique wine list to boot.

    Address
    417 Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9319 6609

  69. Zensation Tea House

    Zensation Tea House

    This charming Oriental tea house specialises in Chinese tea and ceremony. It is an emporium for tea lovers, novice to connoisseur - with over 50 house specialties. Alongside its tea collection, Zensation also hosts appreciation courses.

    Address
    656 Bourke Street, Redfern East
    Phone
    9319 2788

  70. Zushi Surry Hills

    Zushi Surry Hills

    This local take on izakaya dining serves up artful sashimi along with an ambience that conjures the elegant backstreets of Kyoto. Ask for a Ginger Ninja cocktail and retire to the sake garden for a piece of Japan-inspired bliss.

    Address
    2A/285A Crown Street, Surry Hills
    Phone
    9380 8830