【Sydney Food】Her{curio}Majesty’s Sydney Good Food Guide for cheap eats

When I do my holiday research, I like to find food tips in other cities that are “local favourites”, rather than just “good enough for the tourists”. That’s when I decided to publish a Guide like this for Sydney – the city that I have lived and loved for the past ten years.

I present to you, HER{curio}MAJESTY’s Good Food Guide for cheap eats in Sydney.

This Guide is dedicated to people looking for good and cheap eats in Sydney (mostly in CBD), nothing fancy. This post is not sponsored and the content reflects my honest and humble opinion of the Sydney food that I have tasted and often have cravings for. I hope you would enjoy them as much as I have!

How to read this Guide:

Restaurants are grouped by cuisine, in alphabetical order, except for coffee, dessert and bars which are listed at the end.
Scroll to the end for an interactive Google Map with all the restaurants pinned.
Warning: Do not read this on an empty stomach.

Enjoy! .

– Aussie –

♥ Bottom of the Harbour (where: Balmoral Beach)

The best fish’n’chips in Sydney.

Pro tips

I like: “Battered Fish & Chips”.
Come on a sunny day and spend a day at Balmoral Beach.
Have a drink at The Boat House after lunch.

Click [here] for my full review on Bottom of the Harbour.
Click [here] for my full review on The Boat House.

♥ The Oaks Hotel (where: Neutral Bay)

Pro tips

I like: Steak.
The outdoor seating area decorated with fairy lights is very romantic at night.
I’ve heard good things about the vegetarian food here too.

Click [here] for The Oaks Hotel’s official website.

♥ Hurricane’s Grill and Bar (where: various locations)

Hurricane’s Bondi is a favourite, but not the other locations.

Pro tips

I like: “Ribs”.
Various locations in Sydney but they are owned by two separate groups. Best location is in Bondi.
Reservation is highly recommended as it is extremely popular.

Click [here] for official website of Hurricane’s Grill and Bar.

♥ Harry’s Cafe de Wheels (where: various locations)

Not a favourite place of mine, but a must for tourists

Pro tips

Various locations across Sydney. Go to the Wooloomooloo location for best atmosphere.
Central Baking Depot (Sydney CBD) and Bourke Street Bakery (Surry Hills and various locations) are good alternatives for Aussie pies.

Click [here] for official website. Photo credit: Harry’s Cafe de Wheels.
Click [here] for my full review on Central Baking Depot.
Click [here] for my full review on Bourke Street Bakery.

♥ Pancakes on the Rocks (where: various locations)

Not a favourite place of mine, but a must for tourists

Pro tips

I like: “Devil’s Delight” (chocolate pancakes with chocolate and strawberries).
Various locations in Sydney. Best location is at The Rocks (open 24 hours), but be prepared to queue.

Click [here] for my full review on Pancakes on The Rocks.

– Brunch –

♥ Grumpy Barista (where: Petersham)

My favourite Avocado Smash at Grumpy Barista

Pro tips

I like: “Avocado Smash/Smashed Avocado” with salmon.
They are closed on Sunday.

Click [here] for my full review on Grumpy Barista.

♥ The Grounds of Alexandria/Potting Shed (where: Alexandria)

I am not a big fan of the food at The Grounds, but I love the atmosphere

Pro tips

Avoid coming during brunch and lunch rush or be prepared to wait at least an hour.
The Potting Shed next to The Grounds of Alexandria takes booking. Consider eating lunch at the Potting Shed and then grab a coffee at The Grounds of Alexandria.
Come on a sunny day and enjoy the rustic and hipster atmosphere with farm animals.

Click [here] for my review of The Potting Shed.
Click [here] for The Grounds of Alexandria’s official website.

♥ Four Frogs (where: Randwick, Mosman, Circular Quay)

One of my favourite brunch and comfort food places

Pro tip

I like: “Feta cheese, avocado and mushroom”.

Click [here] for my full review on Four Frogs.

– Chinese –

♥ Chinese Noodle Restaurant (where: Haymarket & various)

My favourite Chinese handmade noodles in Sydney CBD

Pro tips

I like: Anything with handmade noodles. Vegetarian dumplings.
The servings are massive.

Click [here] for my full review on Chinese Noodle Restaurant.

♥ Masterbowl (where: Chinatown & various)

Affordable chilli dry pot in the heart of Chinatown

Pro tips

I like: fish fillet, beef slices, bokchoy, tofu puff.
Minimum five ingredients only to cook up a pot.
Be prepared to queue. Place is not the most hygienic so be warned.

Click [here] for my full review on Master Bowl.

♥ Yang Guo Fu (where: Chinatown & various)

Sydney’s new craze in 2016 and my new favourite winter dish

Pro tips

I like: tofu puff, fish fillet, beef slices, mushrooms and lots of vegetables
Be conservative when you pick the ingredients or you would end up with a giant bowl that you can’t finish after everything’s chopped up and cooked.

Click [here] for my full review on Yang Guo Fu.

♥ Chef’s Gallery (where: Sydney near Townhall & various)

Pro tips

I like: “handmade egg and spinach tofu”.
My experience at Chef’s Gallery varied. There were times where I was left disappointed by the blandness of the food. But there were also times that I found my meal utterly satisfying.
People like to compare Chef’s Gallery with Ding Tai Fung because rumour has it that Chef’s Gallery was opened by Din Tai Fung‘s ex-chef. I can eat Din Tai Fung to my heart’s content when I go back to Taiwan so I rarely have Din Tai Fung in Sydney.

Click [here] for Chef’s Gallery’s official website.
Click [here] for Din Tai Fung Sydney’s official website.

– Italian –

♥ Panzerotti (where: Sydney near Wynyard)

My favourite Italian restaurant

Pro tips

I like: “Amatriciana” and “Chicken Salad”.
They only do one dessert a day, must order.

Click [here] for my full review on Panzerotti.

– Japanese –

♥ Masuya Suisan (where: Haymarket)

Soy milk hot pot at Masuya Suisan

Pro tips

I like: “Wagyu Snow Hot Pot (garlic soy milk soup)” which is suitable to be shared between two people.
I was told that you can ask to add soy milk for free (limited once per pot).

Click [here] for my full review on Masuya Suisan.

♥ Miso (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Deep fried pork cutlet at Miso

Pro tips

I like: “Salmon Bento” simply because I’m a salmon lover.
Pork cutlet lovers must try their pork cutlet teishoku.

Click [here] for my full review on Miso.

♥ Sushi Tengoku (where: Kensington)

Super size aburi nigiri at Sushi Tengoku

Pro tips

I like: “Aburi Salmon”, “Aburi Scallop”, “Tamago”, “Salmon Tengoku Maki”, “Soft Shell Crab Roll”, “Baked Scallops”.
They have recently moved to 262 Anzac Parade (just a few blocks down from their old address at 121 Anzac Parade).

Click [here] for my full review on Sushi Tengoku.

♥ Sushi Suma (where: Surry Hills)

Gigantic kaiso salad at Sushi Suma

Pro tips

I like: “Kaiso Salad” and “Chef’s Suggestion dinner set with teriyaki beef”.
Best known for its value for money.
A similar restaurant nearby is Suzuya.

Click [here] for my full review on Sushi Suma.
Click [here] for my full review on Suzuya.

– Japanese Ramen –

I have grouped Japanese ramen in a category of its own because I don’t really have a favourite ramen spot. Most ramen joints in Sydney are fairly decent. Here is a list of the places that my friends and I tend to frequent more often.

♥ Gumshara (where: Chinatown)

Pro tips

Small shop in Chinatown’s food court with super thick soup base. I find it too thick for my liking, but it is a lot of people’s favourite. The servings are massive.
Click [here] for Gumshara’s official Facebook page.

♥ Ippudo (where: Sydney near Townhall & various)

Pro tips:

I thought about whether to include this in the list as this is an international chain. However, a Japanese friend of mine loves it here and it doesn’t feel right to exclude it when it comes to ramen in Sydney.
Prices are on the expensive end, especially considering that the servings are not big.
Click [here] for the offical website of Ippudo Sydney.

♥ Menya (where: Sydney city & Chinatown)

Pro tips

I like: “Karage shoyu ramen”, “Tonkotsu ramen”.
Prices are reasonable and the servings are decent.
Click [here] for the offical website of Menya.

♥ Ryo’s Noodles (where: Crows Nest)

Pro tips

Known by many as the best thick soup ramen in Sydney.
Click [here] for the offical Facebook page of Ryo’s Noodles.

♥ Yasaka Ramen (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Pro tips

I like: “Kakuni Ramen with simmered pork soft bone”.
Click [here] for the offical website of Yasaka. Click [here] for my full review on Yasaka.

♥ Ichiban Boshi (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Pro tips

Ichiban Boshi was one of the first ramen restaurants in Sydney. I used to come here all the time during my University years. However, I stopped coming because there is always a queue outside. Since then, more ramen joints have opened up so Ichiban Boshi has somewhat lost its shine in comparison.
Click [here] for the offical website of Ichiban Boshi.

– Korean –

♥ Madang (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Seafood pancake at Madang never disappoints

Pro tips

I like: “Haemul Pajun (seafood pancake)”, “So Go Gi Jabchae (beef starch noodles)”, “Haemul Nurungji Tang (crispy rice pot)” and “Mul Neng Myun (cold noodles)”.
Madang now takes reservations for groups of more than 4 people for their upstairs tables for dinner. Expect to queue without a reservation.

Click [here] for my full review on Madang.

– Lebanese –

♥ Hawa (where: Granville)

The best kind of charcoal grilled chicken ever

Pro tips

I like: “Charcoal chicken”.
Always order extra garlic sauce. Always.

Click [here] for my full review on Hawa.

– Malaysian –

♥ Kopitiam (where: Ultimo)

My favourite curry chicken at Kopitian

Pro tips

I like: “Curry chicken”, “Special tofu”, “Vegetarian Omelette”, “Oatmeal Prawns”.
Round up a few friends and order dishes to share with rice. Their stir-fried and curry dishes are better than their noodles.

Click [here] for Kopitiam’s official Facebook page.

♥ Ipoh on York (where: Sydney near Townhall)

A good place for laksa in Sydney CBD

Pro tips

I like: “Tofu laksa”, “Char Kway Teow”.
Ipoh on York is always the place to go for an affordable and satisfying lunch when you can’t shake that Asian craving.
Another famous laksa place in Sydney CBD (near Wynyard) is Chinese Malay.

Click [here] for Ipoh on York official website.
Click [here] for my review on Chinese Malay.

– Seafood –

♥ Sydney Fish Market (where: the one and only)

Seafood overdose at Sydney Fish Market

Pro tips

I like: Freshly shucked oysters, sashimi, ginger and shallot mud crab.
If the outdoor seating area gets too crowded (either overflown by humans or seagulls, or both), go across the street and have a picnic in the park.

Click [here] for my full review on Sydney Fish Market.

– Thai –

♥ Chat Thai (where: Haymarket & various)

Pad Si-ew at Chat Thai

Pro tips

I like: “Mhu Bhing (Grilled pork skewers)”, “Pad Si-ew”.
Expect to queue.

Click [here] for my full review on Chat Thai.
Click [here] for my full review on Samosorn by Chat Thai.

♥ Home Thai (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Pro tips

Great Thai restaurant, especially if you like it spicy.
Expect to queue.

Click [here] for Zomato reviews of Home Thai (their link to their official website is broken at the date of writing).

♥ Green Peppercorn (where: Sydney near Townhall)

Thai and Laos cuisine at Green Peppercorn

Pro tips

I like: “Banana Flower Salad”, “Duck Curry”.
Try “Fried Ice cream” for dessert.
For a similar experience, try Holy Basil nearby.

Click [here] for my full review on Green Peppercorn.
Click [here] for my full review on Holy Basil.

– Vietnamese –

♥ An Restaurant (where: Bankstown)

I’ll have a bowl of An Pho any time

Pro tips

I like: “Beef Pho”.
There is a carpark next to the restaurant.

Click [here] for my full review on An Restaurant.

♥ Tan Viet (where: Cabramatta and Eastwood)

Crispy chicken at its best at Tan Viet

Pro tips

I like: “Crispy Chicken” with rice noodle soup.

Click [here] for my full review on Tan Viet.

♥ Hong Ha Bakery (where: Mascot)

I like my pork roll at Hong Ha

Pro tips

I like: “Pork Roll”. Meatball roll is quite nice too.
I have heard good things about a similar operation, Marrickville Pork Roll, which I haven’t tried.

Click [here] for Hong Ha’s Zomato review.

♥ Pho Toan Thang (where: Flemington)

When in Flemington, eat Pho Toan Thang

Pro tips

I like: “Raw Beef Pho”.

Click [here] for my full review on Pho Toan Thang.

♥ Gia Hoi (where: Haymarket & various)

A good and quick pho fix at Gia Hoi in Chinatown

Pro tips

I like: “Raw beef noodle soup (pho)”.
I come to Gia Hoi if I need an emergency pho fix in the city.
Pho Pasteur is right next door of Gia Hoi Haymarket.

Click [here] for the Tripadvisor review page for Gia Hoi.
Click [here] for the Zomato review page for Pho Pasteur.

– Dessert –

♥ BlackStar (where: Newtown & Sydney near Townhall & various)

The famous strawberry watermelon cake from BlackStar Pastry

Pro tips

I like: “Strawberry Watermelon Cake”, “Raspberry Creme Brulee Tart”, “Pistachio Lemon Zen Cake”, “Chocolate Chiffon Cake”.
Definitely try the strawberry watermelon cake, but don’t limit yourself to that only. Black Star has many other great desserts.

Click [here] for my full review on BlackStar Pastry.

♥ La Renaissance (where: The Rocks)

The best mille feuilles I’ve had in Sydney at La Renaissance

Pro tips

I like: “Mille Feuilles”, “Creme Brulee”, “Vialdi”.
Sit at the courtyard away from the hustle bustle of The Rocks.

Click [here] for my full review on La Renaissance.

♥ Bourke Street Bakery (where: Surry Hill & various)

Pastries at the original Bourke Street Bakery on Bourke Street

Pro tips

I like: “Creme Brulee Tart” (although it is quite sweet), “Rhubarb Tart”.
Try their Aussie favourites: pies and rolls.
Try Central Baking Depot in Sydney CBD (near Wynyard) for similarly high quality baked tarts, rolls and pies.

Click [here] for my full review on Bourke Street Bakery.
Click [here] for my full review on Central Baking Depot.

♥ Tea Cosy (where: The Rocks)

Have a Devonshire Tea and relax at The Tea Cosy in The Rocks

Pro tips

I like: “Devonshire Tea”.
Their homemade jam and cream is amazing. I tried the pear jam and it was delicious.

Click [here] for my full review on The Tea Cosy.

♥ Cow and Moon (where: Enmore)

World champion gelato at Cow and the Moon

Pro tips

I like: “Mandorla Affogato” – the one and only World Champion gelato at Cow and the Moon.
Yes, you can buy the World Champion gelato by the tub – however, they won’t be able to reserve it so you will just have to rock up and try your luck.
The well known Sydney favourite is Gelato Messina (I was a huge fan, but now I find it too sweet).
My new favourite ice cream place is Good Times Artisan Ice Cream in Potts Point.
Gelatissimo is another successful gelato chain in Sydney. It offers the more traditional fare.

Click [here] for my full review on Cow and The Moon.
Click [here] for official website of Gelato Messina.
Click [here] for official Facebook page of Good Times Artisan Ice Cream.
Click [here] for official website of Gelatissimo.

– Coffee –

Sydney’s cafe and coffee trend has seen strong growths over recent years – some even claim that we are as good as Melbourne in the coffee game now. Here is a list of the places that I have heard good beans about.

♥ Campos (where: Newtown & various)

Pro tips

Campos has its own cafe in Newtown, Sydney. Many cafes across Sydney (and in fact other places in Australia) use Campos’ coffee.
Click [here] for official website of Campos.

♥ Gumption (where: The Strand near Sydney Townhall)

Pro tips

There are no seats at Gumption, people come here especially for their coffee – stand, sip, leave.
Click [here] for official website of Gumption.

♥ Single O (where: Surry Hills & Sydney near Townhall & various)

Pro tips

Head to Sydney CBD cafe for a quick coffee fix, and the Surry Hills cafe for a more relaxed experience.
Click [here] for official website of Single O.

♥ Mecca (where: Sydney near Wynyard & Circular Quay & various)

Pro tips

Click [here] for official website of Mecca.

– Bar –

I am not really a bar person, so admittedly I don’t know much about the bar scene in Sydney. Here are two that I have been to where you can enjoy the spectacular Sydney Harbour view.