Ajisen Ramen

Japanese noodle soup house

First established in Kumamoto, Japan in 1968, Ajisen now serves Japanese noodle soup in more than 500 restaurants around the world. Rather than using soy sauce or miso-based soups, the specialty here is tonkotsu, a rich stock made from pork bones and cartilage. High in collagen, tonkotsu is believed to be good for the skin with possible anti-aging properties. Tenderous Ribs Ramen is the most popular item on the menu, served with soft-boned meat that has been slow-cooked for hours.

Address

94 Hay St, Haymarket & 85 Liverpool Street, Meriton World Tower.

Phone

9211 8380 & 9267 8816

Bamboo Dumpling Bar

Best bits of Asian Cuisine

Enjoy many expressions of the humble dumpling under antique birdcages and bikes at this eating house. It's tradition to bite off the tip, drink the juice and finish the rest.

Address

Shop 6, 23-31 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point

Phone

404745393

Bar Nosh

Modern Italian eatery

This humble establishment deals in top-notch nosh with a modern Italian essence. They grind Di Bella for early risers, dish out breakfast all day and evolving candlelit dinners four nights a week.

Address

110 Swanson Street, Erskineville

Phone

8021 4317

BBQ King Restaurant

Classic Chinese-style barbecued meats

An institution since 1979, the charm of BBQ King is still its sumptuous food and famous plates of roast meats. The Peking duck and barbeque pork are popular favourites among the locals.

Address

18-20 Goulburn Street

Phone

9867 2433

Big Fish Little Fish

Buzzy late night diner

Night owls flock to this hole-in-the-wall for an unfussy lineup of midnight eats. Here, culinary cravings are firmly global - it serves up fettucine stroganoff, Steak Diane and everything in between.

Address

370 Anderson Street, Chatswood

Phone

9412 4508

Bimbim, to mix

Korean soul food

Find fresh, healthy, MSG-free food at this Darlinghurst delight, notorious for bringing together the likes of traditional dolsot bibim-bap — a hot stone bowl layered with rice, six veggies and your choice of meat.

Address

169 William St, Darlinghurst

Phone

8095 9830

Biru Biru

Traditional & modern sushi train

Origami & beer light shades, this little Tokyo hideout comes to Darlo! Asahi & Orion tap bīru's, craft bīru's from all over Japan, sake, wines, cocktails & a delicious selection of Izakaya faves such as chicken yakitori, gyoza, tempura & sticky pork ribs!

Address

239 Victoria St, Darlinghurst

Phone

9357 3533

Cafe Court at The Star

Gourmet fare variety

The Star's Cafe Court offering ranges from authentic Turkish to classic fish and chips. Find iconic names including Adriano Zumbo Patissier, Din Tai Fung, Gelato Messina, Flying Fish & Chips, Dergah Grill, Kampung and Pulse Express. Or head to Level 1 and try Luke Nguyen's Fat Noodle, Bistro 80 or Fuel. (Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino).

Address

Cafe Court, The Star, Level G, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont

Phone

Chatswood BBQ Kitchen

Cantonese comfort food

This chirpy barbeque joint serves up Cantonese favourites in humble surrounds. Sample the spring rolls and steaming seafood hotpots or head straight for the highlight - crispy glazed duck crowned with choy sum.

Address

3/387 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Phone

9419 6532

Chinese Noodle House

Transitional northern Chinese food abounds here. Try the specialty dish - knife sliced noodle, requiring a quick and steady hand to shave off noodle ribbons from a block of dough. Have your noodles boiled and served with a clear soup or a saucy pork mince, or get them stir-fried with meat or vegetables - the most popular method. It's all cheap and cheerful with large servings, and all dumplings and noodles are handmade.

Address

TG2, 8 Quay St, Prince Centre, Haymarket.

Phone

9281 4508

Congee and Noodle House

Rice porridge with soul

At Congee and Noodle House slurping up bowls of life-giving congee is a soulful affair. Try the cryptic Thousand Year Egg and Pork version or settle for the house favourite - it's laced with generous pieces of crab.

Address

375 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Phone

9884 8232

Cornerstone Bar and Food

Perfect post-show food and drinks

In keeping with the contemporary nature of the multi-arts institution Carriageworks that houses it, the Cornerstone space is urban industrial perfection. The evening menu is based around delicious and affordable share plates presented casually on wooden boards, with wagyu beef and gruyere sliders or perfect pea and fontina arancini. Come summer, the well-designed outdoor area will be the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a bottle of wine from their carefully curated international list.

Address

Carriageworks Arts Centre 245 Wilson Street Eveleigh

Phone

8571 9004

Darley Street Bistro

Honest bistro food

Like its older sister in Newtown, this casual eatery takes bistro classics and gives them a modern edge. Expect generous servings of slow-braised lamb, spaghetti marinara and Angus fillet paired with a well-priced wine list.

Address

309 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Phone

T: 8068 2182

Emperor's Garden BBQ & Noodles

Well-known BBQ house

You can't miss the display of glistening meats hanging in the window at this popular barbecue house. At the eat-in restaurant, order the famous crispy skin roast duck, salt-and-pepper king prawns or soft shell crab. For a quick takeaway, grab a box of roast duck, soy chicken, sweet barbecue pork or crackling roast pork, packed with optional rice and vegetables. The more adventurous should hunt down the deep-fried pigeon or marinated pork trotters.

Address

213-215 Thomas St, Haymarket

Phone

9281 9899

Farmhouse

A dinner party in a farmhouse

A collaboration between designer Nicholas Gurney and carpenters Aidan Thomas and Brodie Stewart, Farmhouse is a welcoming space with a rustic 19th century feel. A communal timber table, twenty custom hand made chairs and an open kitchen all made from salvaged and reclaimed materials showcase the ethos of the Farmhouse project; Genuine, simple, honest, modest. Chefs Mike Mu sung and Tristan Rosier serve up wholesome, honest food from an ever changing seasonal menu.

Address

4/40 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross

Phone

0448 413 791

Fook Yeun

Classic yum cha and stellar seafood

At night, this yum cha joint draws gourmands and culinary obsessives with its superlative take on a la carte. Don't miss the salt and pepper squid - it's dusted with dangerously addictive five spice mix from Sichuan.

Address

7 Help Street, Chatswood

Phone

9413 2688

gigi

Woodfire pizzas

Hard-core fans rave victoriously about gigi's 13 inches of scant thin crust topped with the secret recipes of Naples. Find a perch between the central woodfire oven and urban murals and review it for yourself.

Address

379 King St, Newtown

Phone

9557 2224

Grill'd Chatswood

Gourmet burgers with heart

Fresh, locally sourced produce, wholesome buns and flame grilled patties - Grill'd debunks the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Don't miss the hot chips with herbed mayo - it's addiction for savoury sorts.

Address

7/409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Phone

9411 4267

Grill'd Crows Nest

The healthy burger specialists

Grill'd debunks the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Find fresh flame-grilled healthy burgers with innovative toppings, made-to-order salads and a Mini Me Pack for little ones.

Address

57 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest. T: 9436 0699

Phone

9436 0699

Grill'd Darling Harbour

The healthy burger specialists

Grill'd debunks the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Find fresh flame-grilled healthy burgers with innovative toppings, made-to-order salads and a Mini Me Pack for little ones.

Address

Harbourside Shopping Centre, Level 2, Pyrmont Pedestrian Bridge End, Sydney

Phone

9281 5121

Grill'd Darlinghurst Crown St

The healthy burger specialists

Grill'd debunk the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Find fresh flame grilled healthy burgers with innovative toppings, made-to-order salads and 'Mini Me' meals for little ones.

Address

241 Crown Street.

Phone

9380 4800

Grill'd Darlinghurst Victoria St

The healthy burger specialists

Grill'd debunk the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Find fresh flame grilled healthy burgers with innovative toppings, made-to-order salads and 'Mini Me' meals for little ones.

Address

314 Victoria St, Darlinghurst

Phone

9331 6562

Grill'd World Square

The healthy burger specialists

Grill'd debunks the myth that all burgers are low in nutritional value. Find fresh flame-grilled healthy burgers with innovative toppings, made-to-order salads and a Mini Me Pack for little ones.

Address

Under Ground Level, World Square, Sydney

Phone

9261 4900

Hannah's Hot Pies

Authentic Aussie tucker

With the world on the brink of a devastating war, an enterprising Sydneysider by the name of Harry Edwards opened a caravan café near the front gates of the Woolloomooloo naval dockyard. Word spread quickly with Harry's 'pie n' peas' and crumbed sausages soon becoming a popular part of the city's nightlife - keenly sought by sailors, soldiers, cabbies, starlets and coppers alike. A trip to Harry's lets you enjoy authentic Aussie tucker while taking a trip back through Harry's history.

Address

562 Harris Street, Ultimo

Phone

9211 2506

Hernandez Restaurant

Delicious Spanish cuisine

Tucked away on the trendy end of Burton Street in Darlinghurst, this relaxed restaurant with outdoor seating offers Spanish tapas as well as delicious sweet treats like 'churros' and and 'arroz con leche'.

Address

1 Burton Street, Darlinghurst.

Phone

9380 9006

Jazz City Diner

New Orleans inspired diner

Gatsby-era cool meets American kitsch at this much-loved eatery, which serves up sophisticated versions of diner classics. Don't miss the Jamaican jerk chicken wings and pork belly burger - comfort food with a serious dash of soul.

Address

238 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

Phone

9332 2903

Kuki Tanuki

Japanese Bar & Restaurant

Like an underground spot ripped out of a side alley in Tokyo, anime graffiti graces the walls of this funky sake bar and Japanese restaurant. On offer are moreish items of seasonal Japanese dishes and a drinks list of scrumptious sakes, cocktails, wines and imported Japanese beers. Kuki Tanuki is quickly gaining notoriety amongst the areas best hidden places.�

Address

61 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville

Phone

8084 7438

La Brasserie

The soul of Paris in the heart of Sydney

La Brasserie offers superb traditional French cuisine matched by a comprehensive selection of fine French and Australian wines. From a casual Kir Royal and Saucisson to a classic creme brulee the menu is generous and fairly priced.

Address

118 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

Phone

9358 1222

Lucetta Pizzeria

A cosy Italian inspired restaurant serving a large variety of dishes from pizza and pasta to chicken, lamb and grilled salmon. Feel at home with the red and white checked tablecloths and friendly service.

Address

Shop 1, Kent St

Phone

9251 1011

Matee Turkish Grill

Turkish eatery

Be inspired by the extensive menu of made-to-share mezze on offer: grilled meats, flavoursome dips and a feast of vegetarian choices. The popular brown-blistered savoury pastry (gozleme) is always hard to resist. Live music on Sunday nights.

Address

528 King Street, Newtown

Phone

9565 2815

Menya Noodle Bar

popular noodle bar in the heart of chinatown

With a reputation for serving up some of Sydney's best ramen, Menya is a haven for noodle lovers. Its signature tonkotsu soup is made by simmering pork bones, or order the new torigara soup which is a chicken soup alternative. Both soups are served with either a soy or miso base. Try the kogashi-ninniki ramen - sweet with caramelised garlic - or stick with the original ton-toro with fatty slices of roasted pork. Hiyashi cold noodles are refreshing in summer.

Address

Shop TG8, 8 Quay Street

Phone

9212 1020

Miss Chu

Vietnamese hawker style Café

Known as the queen of rice paper rolls, Miss Chu brings her bold take on Vietnamese hawker favourites to this hole in the wall canteen come cafe. Order from quirkily designed menus or take advantage of the catering service.

Address

Cnr Bourke & William Streets, Woolloomooloo

Phone

8356 9988

misschu Bondi

Vietnamese hawker style tuckshop

Slightly removed from the masses, the queen of rice paper rolls has set up shop in a fashionably tucked away Bondi Beach laneway. Serving up Misschu's usual favourites, enjoy a selection of Sake poured at the stylish inside bar, with some Banh Xeo specialties from their newly added Vietnamese Crepery.

Address

178 Campbell Pde

Phone

9365 7762

misschu Darlinghurst

Vietnamese hawker style tuckshop

Known as the queen of rice paper rolls, misschu brings her bold take on Vietnamese hawker favourites to this hole in the wall tuckshop-cum-cafe. Order from quirkily designed menus or take advantage of the catering service.

Address

Shop 1, 150 Bourke Street (Corner Bourke & William Streets), Darlinghurst

Phone

8356 9988

misschu Sydney Opera House

Vietnamese hawker style tuckshop

Known as the queen of rice paper rolls, misschu brings her bold take on Vietnamese hawker favourites to this hole in the wall tuckshop-cum-cafe. Order from quirkily designed menus or take advantage of the catering service.

Address

Opera Kitchen, Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney

Phone

0450 099 888

misschu Underground

Modern Vietnamese tuck-shop

Known as the queen of rice paper rolls, misschu brings her bold take on Vietnamese hawker favourites to this hole in the wall tuckshop-cum-cafe. Order from quirkily designed menus or take advantage of the catering service.

Address

Regent Place, 501 George Street, Sydney

Phone

9283 0357

Mother Chu's Taiwanese Gourmet

Authentic Taiwanese cuisine

Fresh yu tiao are the highlight here, fried bread sticks best served with congee rice porridge. Watch the dumpling makers in the open kitchen as you order some freshly made pork or beef dumplings.

Address

Shop 1-4, 86-88 Dixon Street

Phone

9211 0288

Palate

Cool down with a scoop of sorbet or gelato at Palate or try one of their specialty lattes in taro, black sesame and green tea. The savoury menu includes pasta, steak, beef satay and Hainanese chicken rice.

Address

World Square, Shop 17-18

Phone

9264 3661

Pepper Seeds

Thai restaurant

Exposed brick and wood-panelled walls set the scene at this Thai joint, serving spruced-up versions of tasty favourites including curries, stir-fries and flavourful salads in indoor and outdoor dining rooms. Takeaway and home delivery available.

Address

Shop 2, 10/418 Darling Street, Balmain

Phone

9555 5248

Ramen Bar

Japanese Ramen Bar at Berkelouw

Tucked into the back of the ground floor at Berkelouw Books is a hidden gem. 11 red lanterns hang above a long communal table and the red walls glow invitingly as the aroma of freshly cooked ramen dishes wafts into the 36-seat space

Address

Ground Floor, 6-8 O'Connell St, Newtown

Phone

9557 0775

Satang Thai Exclusive

Join the constant gaggle of uni students at Satang Thai Exclusive and hoe into generous serves of pad thai stir-fried rice noodles or chicken mixed with cashew nuts or doused in a sticky chilli jam. The buzzy modern dining room stretches over two floors with casual timber benches downstairs and wooden chairs on the first floor. Crispy pork belly with chilli, garlic and basil is always a crowd-pleaser or try the funnysounding drunky noodle which comes with a sweet and spicy black bean sauce. Soothe any tingling tastebuds with a tall glass of cold and sweet Thai red tea.

Address

203-204/107 Quay St, Haymarket

Phone

9212 5889

Sel-Fish

Fish & chips on Bronte Beach

It's all in the special blend batter at Sel-Fish; the Eastern suburbs' pick for fish 'n' chips. Whether you like it clean, battered, grilled or flash fried the taste is fresh, light and crispy.

Address

491 Bronte Rd, Bronte

Phone

9387 7956

Silk Road Chinese Halal Restaurant

Authentic Muslim Chinese eatery

This is the recently opened second venue for this popular Muslim Chinese eatery. Explore the cuisine of Chinese Hui people, a Muslim ethnic minority who hail from far North-West China. Try Xinjiang lamb shish kebabs dusted generously with cumin, the Chinese hamburger, or their vast range of dumplings. All noodles are handmade on the premises.

Address

Shop 2, 209 Thomas Street

Phone

9211 5881

Super Chef BBQ

Authentic Hong Kong style goodness

Follow the sound of the butcher's cleaver at Super Chef BBQ where roast ducks, crackling roast pork and sweet strips of barbecue pork are chopped to order and served with rice, noodle soup or dry noodles

Address

Shop 305, Level 3 Market City

Phone

9211 3118

Sushi St

Sushi bar and japanese wine bar

Fast, fresh and without fuss, the sushi train here is hard to beat. From ready-to-go plates and a la carte specials - think chicken-and-avocado rolls, sashimi salads, miso with myo ga and spicy udon noodles - to the funky designer lighting and anamaie wall mural, this place packs a punch. The wine list is equally interesting, with sake, wine and beer (including Orion on tap) labels thoughtfully selected to pair with seafood and light Japanese fare.

Address

76 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

Phone

T: 9365 5672

The Atlas Kiosk

New school milkbar/kiosk

Pull up a curbside milk crate at this cafe, where the menu is as eclectic as the design. Worldly curios, including a jukebox and vintage Turkish movie posters, complement beach shack-chic flourishes such as reclaimed wood panels and a menu of milkshakes and sundaes. People of all walks lounge at the communal table, flipping through magazines and making the most of the free Wi-Fi, occasionally pausing to order inspired spice driven dishes such as Turkish gozleme and Israeli shakshuka.

Address

14 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

Phone

T: 9130 5301

The Hill Eatery

Local eatery and wine house

Isolated and with a view, The Hill Eatery is about farm-to-plate freshness rarely tasted elsewhere. A nod to the owners' Port Lincoln roots, rich seafood features prominently across the share style menu perfectly paired with winning wines.

Address

Shop 5, 39-53 Campbell Pde, North Bondi

Phone

9130 2200

The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room

Bar and oyster room

This bar and oyster room combines big city brassiness with the kind of classic elegance that could spark envy in Don Draper. Classic cocktails, amazing tunes and a reputation for being busy every night. Food is by Master Chef Sean Connolly.

Address

225 George Street, Sydney

Phone

9247 6744

The Rice Den

Old-school flavours get a modern makeover

This hip eatery re-imagines old-school flavours for modern palettes. Come for sublime duck pancakes, tempura quail egg skewers and an imaginative take on the Vietnamese classic San Choy Bao.

Address

3/77 Archer Street, Chatswood

Phone

9411 2001

Twelve

Pizza bar & restaurant

A lively eatery happily lit by dangling globes and fragranced by a modern Australian and Italian menu. Twelve's pizza, pasta and dolci favorites are easy on the pocket and pleasant on the taste buds.

Address

222 King St, Newtown

Phone

9519 9412

Twisted Noodle Bar

How spicy do you like it? You can take charge of your own chilli and sour levels when you order the Yunnan noodle in pork soup, the biggest selling dish at Twisted Noodle Bar. Choose from none to extreme chilli and zero to large serves of their sour preserved vegetables. There are a dozen different noodle soups on the menu plus interesting side dishes like fried chilli chicken wings and soft bone pork. The kitchen makes its own chilli paste using three different types of chilli and boils 200 litres of fresh pork stock every day. That's a lot of noodle soup!

Address

Shop 44/1 Dixon St, Chinatown

Phone

9267 2327

Yellow House Pop Up

Cafe, restaurant, function space

Expertly prepared Modern Australian fare that celebrates the seasonal combined with a top-notch wine list star at this pop up eatery at Sydney’s iconic Yellow House.

Address

57-59 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Phone

9356 3070

Your Place

Café by day, Thai by night

Stylish cafe by day, contemporary Thai restaurant by night, this slick establishment uses fresh, local ingredients to create global flavours - think, baked breakfasts, salads and baguettes, stir-fries, dumplings and curries prepared by highly experienced chefs.

Address

G3/182 Blues Point Road, North Sydney

Phone

8021 2828

Zambrero

Modern Mexican

Zambrero's fervent following stems from its 'fresh food done fast' ethos. Supporting the best local produce, Zambrero is a taste explosion with slow cooked meat, handmade guacomole, homemade salsas and sauces all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

Address

107-111 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Phone

9358 1900