Insider's Guide to Sydney
Our Picks Of The Local Eats
Brunch is a particularly Sydney thing, and on Sunday’s it may seem like the whole city has come to the neighborhood to try the best on offer. Potts Point has so many fantastic café’s & restaurants which would be exhaustive to list, but here are some that we highly recommend and frequent our selves
Access via Fitzroy Gardens opposite the apartment
If you like big meals with a healthy dose of German rustic, then this place is for you. Great for a casual no-frills lunch or dinner (they do take away also) it’s comfort food done well. We can’t go past the Chicken Gypsy Schnitzel.
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Maggie's Potts Point
50 Macleay StAccess via Fitzroy Gardens opposite the apartment
If you like big meals with a healthy dose of German rustic, then this place is for you. Great for a casual no-frills lunch or dinner (they do take away also) it’s comfort food done well. We can’t go past the Chicken Gypsy Schnitzel.
For some thoroughly modern Greek dining in an industrial chic interior. We highly recommend the Saganaki cheese, the Wild Weed and Cheese Pie, oh and the Loukoumades honey doughnuts for dessert… It is very popular and does not take reservations, so get here early (before 7pm) to get a table, or alternatively put your name down with the waiter, and head for a drink at Monopole or The Roosevelt just up the road and they’ll call you when a table is ready (usually a 45 min wait).
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The Apollo Restaurant
44 Macleay StreetFor some thoroughly modern Greek dining in an industrial chic interior. We highly recommend the Saganaki cheese, the Wild Weed and Cheese Pie, oh and the Loukoumades honey doughnuts for dessert… It is very popular and does not take reservations, so get here early (before 7pm) to get a table, or alternatively put your name down with the waiter, and head for a drink at Monopole or The Roosevelt just up the road and they’ll call you when a table is ready (usually a 45 min wait).
An intimate little gem at the “Paris end” of Macleay Street, the Bistro is bit of an institution in Potts Point, having been here since the 1980’s. It’s French inspired with an Australian twist, and perfect for a romantic dinner date. Menu changes here on the regular depending on the produce, but we do recommend the Three Cheese Tart for entree, and their take on Fish n’ Chips is always a winner.
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Macleay St Bistro
71A Macleay StAn intimate little gem at the “Paris end” of Macleay Street, the Bistro is bit of an institution in Potts Point, having been here since the 1980’s. It’s French inspired with an Australian twist, and perfect for a romantic dinner date. Menu changes here on the regular depending on the produce, but we do recommend the Three Cheese Tart for entree, and their take on Fish n’ Chips is always a winner.
Just off the main strip in Potts Point, on a street renowned for its eateries, is Fratelli Paradiso - a bustling and cool bistro known as much for its fresh take on Italian food, as with its suave Italian waiters…we highly recommend it for brunch (as do most locals!). The adjoining bakery is a must-visit pit stop to refuel and re-invigorate in between sightseeing and shopping.
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Fratelli Paradiso
12-16 Challis AveJust off the main strip in Potts Point, on a street renowned for its eateries, is Fratelli Paradiso - a bustling and cool bistro known as much for its fresh take on Italian food, as with its suave Italian waiters…we highly recommend it for brunch (as do most locals!). The adjoining bakery is a must-visit pit stop to refuel and re-invigorate in between sightseeing and shopping.
A leisurely 15-minute walk through Kings Cross and you’ll come to the hip enclave of Darlinghurst, and perhaps to the restaurant and chef who started the brunch phenomena in Sydney, Bill Granger’s Bills restaurant. Brave the line-up and sample the famous Sweet Corn Fritters and/or Ricotta Hotcakes. It’s Modern Australian at its best.
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Bills
433 Liverpool StA leisurely 15-minute walk through Kings Cross and you’ll come to the hip enclave of Darlinghurst, and perhaps to the restaurant and chef who started the brunch phenomena in Sydney, Bill Granger’s Bills restaurant. Brave the line-up and sample the famous Sweet Corn Fritters and/or Ricotta Hotcakes. It’s Modern Australian at its best.
A Sydney institution combining the powers of Bill Granger and Kylie Kwong, fusing modern Australian with Chinese. You must try the Duck!......and don't forget the salt bush cakes.
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Billy Kwong
A Sydney institution combining the powers of Bill Granger and Kylie Kwong, fusing modern Australian with Chinese. You must try the Duck!......and don't forget the salt bush cakes.
Located right outside the back door of the building, this comfortable alfresco cafe has a good mix of healthy, delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Take a seat in the laneway and watch the neighbourhood go by
Panhandle Bar
29 Orwell StreetLocated right outside the back door of the building, this comfortable alfresco cafe has a good mix of healthy, delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Take a seat in the laneway and watch the neighbourhood go by
Located just behind the apartment in the pedestrian laneway is this hole-in-the-wall café known for its coffee and great breakfasts too.
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Room Ten
10 Llankelly PlLocated just behind the apartment in the pedestrian laneway is this hole-in-the-wall café known for its coffee and great breakfasts too.
Located in a quiet leafy back street of the neighbourhood, this cafe has a great courtyard to enjoy the fresh & punchy middle eastern flavours that suit the Sydney climate so well.
Hard to beat the Israeli breakfast but the Shuk franchise is also famous for its pastries and breads you can take away with you
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Shuk Elizabeth Bay
61-69 Roslyn GardensLocated in a quiet leafy back street of the neighbourhood, this cafe has a great courtyard to enjoy the fresh & punchy middle eastern flavours that suit the Sydney climate so well.
Hard to beat the Israeli breakfast but the Shuk franchise is also famous for its pastries and breads you can take away with you
This place is so close you can literally smell the croissants in the morning. Located downstairs, this is one of the best patisseries in Sydney, you only need to look at the window display to see why…
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Croissant D'Or
117 Macleay StThis place is so close you can literally smell the croissants in the morning. Located downstairs, this is one of the best patisseries in Sydney, you only need to look at the window display to see why…
The best gelateria in Sydney, with several locations around the city. Brave the lines in summer (and winter) for their meticulously produced signature and seasonal flavours.
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Gelato Messina Darlinghurst
241 Victoria StThe best gelateria in Sydney, with several locations around the city. Brave the lines in summer (and winter) for their meticulously produced signature and seasonal flavours.
After Dark
There’s much fun to be had when the sun goes down in Sydney, and Kings Cross is the focal point of nightlife in the area. Below are some fantastic, more “low-key” bars we frequent and highly recommend.
A great place to start an evening with an extensive wine list, as you’d expect from a chic wine bar as this, along with some amazing food designed to be shared with friends.
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Monopole
20 Curtin PlaceA great place to start an evening with an extensive wine list, as you’d expect from a chic wine bar as this, along with some amazing food designed to be shared with friends.
Just around the corner from the apartment is this upscale New York-style bar with American themed tapas menu and private poker den.
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The Roosevelt
32 Orwell StreetJust around the corner from the apartment is this upscale New York-style bar with American themed tapas menu and private poker den.
Situated at the infamous junction of Kings Cross, this place is a bit of an institution in Sydney, having been around for 25 yrs and recently brought back to life. Mid-week is more of a cocktail lounge situation whilst Fri & Sat becomes slightly more raucous.
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Tatler Sydney
169 Darlinghurst RdSituated at the infamous junction of Kings Cross, this place is a bit of an institution in Sydney, having been around for 25 yrs and recently brought back to life. Mid-week is more of a cocktail lounge situation whilst Fri & Sat becomes slightly more raucous.
A 1920s-influenced bar and hidden gem in Darlinghurst, with moody lighting, leather seats and their craft cocktails are some of the best in the city. A great place to start or spend an entire evening.
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Eau De Vie
285 Darlinghurst RdA 1920s-influenced bar and hidden gem in Darlinghurst, with moody lighting, leather seats and their craft cocktails are some of the best in the city. A great place to start or spend an entire evening.
Underground cocktail bar and cabaret lounge boasting one of the best cocktail menus on offer anywhere.
Comfortable and cozy interior to make you feel right at home while you indulge the Lovely & the Ugly — Signature drinks inspired by people and places that have defined Sydney’s culture.
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Milky Lane Kings Cross
36 Bayswater RdUnderground cocktail bar and cabaret lounge boasting one of the best cocktail menus on offer anywhere.
Comfortable and cozy interior to make you feel right at home while you indulge the Lovely & the Ugly — Signature drinks inspired by people and places that have defined Sydney’s culture.
Shop Like a Local
Shopping is an art in Potts Point and fantastic hidden gems are tucked away in the side streets of this village-like neighbourhood. You’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a patch of New York. Below are some of our favourites
A great place for gifts sourced locally and from around the world, that you won’t find everywhere.
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Becker Minty
Manning StreetA great place for gifts sourced locally and from around the world, that you won’t find everywhere.
Chic florist located just next door to the building. Enjoy it for the always lush street display or delve into the bloom filled interior for a floral treat
Poho Flowers
117 Macleay StChic florist located just next door to the building. Enjoy it for the always lush street display or delve into the bloom filled interior for a floral treat
A great place for gifts sourced locally and from around the world, that you won’t find everywhere.
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Macleay on Manning
85 Macleay StA great place for gifts sourced locally and from around the world, that you won’t find everywhere.
You'll never know what you might find in this chic local antique centre.
Lots of different vendors with a mix of jewellery, pottery, trinkets & curiosities. All very well curated and presented.
You'll be hard pressed to find a bargain but you may just find a new family heirloom.
Potts Point Galleries Sydney
67 Macleay StYou'll never know what you might find in this chic local antique centre.
Lots of different vendors with a mix of jewellery, pottery, trinkets & curiosities. All very well curated and presented.
You'll be hard pressed to find a bargain but you may just find a new family heirloom.
An independent bookstore with a carefully selected range, they also gift wrap.
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Potts Point Bookshop
14 Macleay StAn independent bookstore with a carefully selected range, they also gift wrap.
Nestled amongst the neighbourhood’s Art Deco buildings, this colourful market is just across the street from the apartment, which is lovely to wake up to on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The organic farmer’s market is buzzing on Saturdays from 8am until around mid afternoon with fresh produce. The Sunday market features bric-a-brac, as well as food stalls. The bacon & egg rolls are legendary.
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Kings Cross Organic Food Market
Macleay StreetNestled amongst the neighbourhood’s Art Deco buildings, this colourful market is just across the street from the apartment, which is lovely to wake up to on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The organic farmer’s market is buzzing on Saturdays from 8am until around mid afternoon with fresh produce. The Sunday market features bric-a-brac, as well as food stalls. The bacon & egg rolls are legendary.
Potts Point Landmarks Not To Be Missed
Some secret spots and some not so secret spots, here is what us locals enjoy having on our doorstep
Take a stroll down to Elizabeth Bay (taking the stairs off 20 Macleay St to Billyard Ave), admiring the Art Deco architecture to this cute tucked away park that’s perfect for a Sunday picnic or a relaxing stroll with views of the harbour. There’s also a café located on the marina.
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Beare Park
Ithaca RoadTake a stroll down to Elizabeth Bay (taking the stairs off 20 Macleay St to Billyard Ave), admiring the Art Deco architecture to this cute tucked away park that’s perfect for a Sunday picnic or a relaxing stroll with views of the harbour. There’s also a café located on the marina.
This stately home is now a museum open to the public. It’s the original homestead of the Potts Point area when it was an orchard dating back to 1835. When constructed it was considered the finest in the colony and now enjoys some of the best views Sydney Harbour has to offer. Arthur McElhone Park across the street is another good picnic option.
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Elizabeth Bay House
7 Onslow AveThis stately home is now a museum open to the public. It’s the original homestead of the Potts Point area when it was an orchard dating back to 1835. When constructed it was considered the finest in the colony and now enjoys some of the best views Sydney Harbour has to offer. Arthur McElhone Park across the street is another good picnic option.
A lovely large park with tennis courts and sports oval and grand-stand, ideal for jogging, with views of the harbour and large marina. It can be confusing on a map how to get there so our tip is take Roslyn St off Darlinghurst Rd turn left into Roslyn Gardens, and right into Warratah St, a 10 minute walk from the apartment.
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Parco di Rushcutters Bay
2A New South Head RdA lovely large park with tennis courts and sports oval and grand-stand, ideal for jogging, with views of the harbour and large marina. It can be confusing on a map how to get there so our tip is take Roslyn St off Darlinghurst Rd turn left into Roslyn Gardens, and right into Warratah St, a 10 minute walk from the apartment.
One of Sydney’s best-kept secrets is this outdoor pool with the loveliest of locations, on the shores of Woolloomooloo Bay, near the Royal Botanic Gardens, with panoramic views over Sydney Harbour.
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Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
1c Mrs Macquaries RdOne of Sydney’s best-kept secrets is this outdoor pool with the loveliest of locations, on the shores of Woolloomooloo Bay, near the Royal Botanic Gardens, with panoramic views over Sydney Harbour.
Eat the rest of Sydney
If you've ventured outside Potts Point and are looking for somewhere great to eat as you explore other areas of Sydney, here's a few favourites further afield
If you're in Chinatown and overwhelmed by casual dining options, this place makes their own noodles and dumpling fresh in front of you. Robust and rustic, they won't disappoint.
Very well priced with a no frills interior and service. Don't leave without trying the dumplings steamed or pan fried, whatever your preference
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Chinese Noodle Restaurant
8 Quay StIf you're in Chinatown and overwhelmed by casual dining options, this place makes their own noodles and dumpling fresh in front of you. Robust and rustic, they won't disappoint.
Very well priced with a no frills interior and service. Don't leave without trying the dumplings steamed or pan fried, whatever your preference
World famous Shanghai dumpling house. Elegant, refined Chinese cuisine in an elegant modern setting.
Be careful not to break the dumpling skin and let all the flavoursome soup escape
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Din Tai Fung World Square Restaurant
644 George StWorld famous Shanghai dumpling house. Elegant, refined Chinese cuisine in an elegant modern setting.
Be careful not to break the dumpling skin and let all the flavoursome soup escape
Sydney institution serving up simple and authentic Italian food full of flavour.
Big bustling locations across the city make it a go to option for a hearty meal in many parts of the city
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Fratelli Fresh Alexandria
52 Mitchell RdSydney institution serving up simple and authentic Italian food full of flavour.
Big bustling locations across the city make it a go to option for a hearty meal in many parts of the city
Sydney institution serving up simple and authentic Italian food full of flavour.
Big bustling locations across the city make it a go to option for a hearty meal in many parts of the city
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Fratelli Fresh Walsh Bay
16 Hickson RdSydney institution serving up simple and authentic Italian food full of flavour.
Big bustling locations across the city make it a go to option for a hearty meal in many parts of the city
Come for the kitch interior, stay for the fantastic modern mediterranean food. New to the city's restaurant scene but making a big impact.
Only a 5 minute walk from Redfern station that's on a direct line from Kings Cross.
Redfern is an up and coming area for young professionals and artists alike filled with galleries, cafes and vintage stores
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Ron's Upstairs
133A Redfern StCome for the kitch interior, stay for the fantastic modern mediterranean food. New to the city's restaurant scene but making a big impact.
Only a 5 minute walk from Redfern station that's on a direct line from Kings Cross.
Redfern is an up and coming area for young professionals and artists alike filled with galleries, cafes and vintage stores