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A foodie’s guide to Sydney
March 19, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 9 min read
Sydney is the nation’s mecca for many things, but its foodie scene is certainly one to marvel. With a mix of stunning locations, fabulous feasts, and diverse cuisines, there is something to suit every tastebud and mood. The plethora of options can often feel overwhelming, especially on your first visit, so to make things simpler, we’ve rounded up some of the best choices.
Whether you‘re planning a date with your special someone, want to bring the whole family together over fabulous food, or are craving a hang out with friends, it’s all covered here.
Bring the kids
The Grounds of Alexandria
Broken into three dining areas, The Grounds of Alexandria has something for everyone, including plenty of room to roam for the little ones. For casual eats, visit the Café section, where kids under 12 can dig into The Grounds’ signature mini rainbow pancakes, adding a colourful spin on a sweet classic, or munch on some toasted cheese and sweetcorn quesadillas if you’re visiting for lunch.
https://thegrounds.com.au/alexandria-cafe-reservation
St George Sailing Club
There’s not much that beats a day by the water with family, unless of course it’s complemented by wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and fresh seafood to dig in to. St George Sailing Club is a perfect choice for the whole family, just sit back and watch sailors glide through Botany Bay in this spacious, recently refurbished venue. While there is a designated kid’s menu, there are plenty of familiar favourites on the ‘grown-ups’ menu that the little ones will still love.
https://www.stgeorgesailingclub.com.au
Coogee Pavilion
Coogee Pavilion is well-known as a great venue for families, and we understand why. The three-storey pub is located right next to Coogee Beach, and the downstairs level is a haven of kid-friendly fun with giant Scrabble boards and a play area. They also have warming wood-fired pizzas (which come in both kids and regular sizes) and a full kids menu including refreshing smoothies, perfect for a post-beach trip energy boost.
https://merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilion
Fancy date spots
Fred’s
Stepping into Fred’s certainly isn’t a typical dining experience. The rustic design is reminiscent of an old farmhouse and the menu, which is proudly locally sourced and seasonally updated, certainly complements the warm setting. Choose from a range of elevated favourites including sage and spinach barbajuan, and oven baked chicken accompanied by grapes, almonds, tarragon, and aioli. Their menu changes all the time, but a delicious evening out is practically a guarantee.
https://merivale.com/venues/freds
Totti’s
If you prefer a date-lunch over a date-night you can’t go past a visit to Totti’s in Bondi. Their lunch options include flavourful pastas, refreshing salads, and a jam-packed antipasto menu, but make sure to save space for dessert. Totti’s Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser not to be missed.
https://merivale.com/venues/tottis
Pearl
A visit to Pearl is a memorable occasion with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, acclaimed Cantonese cuisine, and a carefully curated wine list to boot. It’s impossible to visit without enjoying their Dim Sum range which includes Pan Fried Wagyu dumplings. The team also have a strong seafood focus so make sure to select a few prawn dishes and set your tastebuds on a culinary adventure.
https://www.pearldining.com.au
Catch up with friends
Jane
This boutique retro bar and restaurant in Surry Hills is the perfect spot for an early evening catch up with friends, made better by its unbeatable happy hour from 5pm to 6pm on weeknights and 4pm to 6pm on weekends. Drinks start from $6 to $12 during this time and includes their namesake Jane Martini made with Gin, and wild rose vermouth.
https://www.janesurryhills.com
Bills
Breakfast with friends is always a good choice but, breakfast with your pals over the best scrambled eggs in town, is an unbeatable combination. Bills, which has multiple venues across Sydney, has become a famous breakfast spot for locals with everything from sweet corn fritters and ricotta hotcakes, to a ‘full aussie’ breakie and chilli fried egg and bacon.
Johnny Gio’s
Catching up with friends doesn’t always mean dining in. Johnny Gio’s serves up delicious Italian eats perfect for sharing. Pick up the Vego lover pizza, garlic and mozzarella bread, veal meatballs and head off for a mouth-watering picnic at Bondi.
https://johnnygiospizza.com.au
Shadow Baking
Brought to you by a few of Gelato Messina’s best chef’s, this new bakery has been selling out every day since opening its doors. Featuring a range of creative pastries (think, lamington brioche, choc hazelnut and caramel croissants, or fennel sausage focaccia) this moreish destination is open Thursday to Sunday and opens from 8am. There isn’t much seating so either head to a local park or back to your home or hotel and dig in.
https://nomnie.com/shadowbaking
ARTICLE 17:
Community: QLD communities
Title: Idyllic Fraser Coast
Copy:
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, jetting off for the school holidays, or planning a much-awaited escape with friends, meet your match with the Fraser Coast, only a three-hour drive from Brisbane.
Within just a few days you can visit World Heritage sights, experience tastes from the sea, glide through clear blue waters, bask in endless sunshine, and cheers to gorgeous sunsets.
Discover our Fraser Coast top picks here.
STAY
Kingfisher Bay Resort
Soak up the salt air as you indulge in a perfect island retreat at Kingfisher Bay Resort on K’Gari (Fraser Island). Nestled amongst tree-covered dunes, this resort offers a range of options from luxurious waterfront houses to spacious, fully equipped holiday villas, all providing an ideal setting to recuperate before a day of sun, sand, and sea.
Mantra Hervey Bay
If you’re searching for direct access to the Great Sandy Strait, Mantra Hervey Bay is top of the list for waterfront resort accommodation. Kick back and unwind by the lagoon pool with a drink in hand as you overlook the picturesque scenes of the seaside town. Taste your way through Hervey Bay’s strip of restaurants, bars and bistros beside the Mantra, offering endless choice and entertainment options.
https://www.mantraherveybay.com.au
Torquay Caravan Park
Experience the excitement of setting up your caravan site along the water’s edge, at the Torquay Beachfront Caravan Park. Whether you’re choosing a glamping tent or family caravan, this is the ideal homebase for relaxed leisure seekers looking to lose themselves in a captivating novel, or thrill-seekers eager to set sail on a tour, discovering the hidden gems of the Fraser Coast.
https://beachfronttouristparks.com.au/our-parks/torquay-tourist-park/
EAT
Dune Restaurant
Embark on a culinary journey that will be a feast for your senses at the Dune Restaurant and Rainforest located in K’gari. Enjoy sophisticated Asian fusion dishes from Peking duck spring rolls to spicy Kung Pao Chicken paired with island-inspired cocktails, and world-class wines.
https://www.kingfisherbay.com/food-and-wine/dune-restaurant.html
Enzo’s on the Beach
Take in uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea and palm trees whilst indulging in a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at Enzo’s on the Beach. Enjoy live music on your bean bag as you relish in the varied tastes of a croissant benedict, Moreton Bay bug slider, or selection of pizza classics. If you’re in the mood for something light, you simply can’t resist pairing a cheese board with a crisp sauvignon blanc.
https://www.enzosonthebeach.com.au
Mr Whippy
A local favourite for good reason, the Mr Whippy’s ice cream van can be found at multiple locations throughout the Fraser Coast. Follow the sound of their iconic tunes and treat yourself to freshly made, real dairy ice cream that is truly unmatched on a hot summer’s day.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Mr-Whippy-Fraser-Coast-100063454156775
Beach House Hotel
An elevated and much-loved pub-style venue, Beach House Hotel offers Aussie classics from Chicken Parmi’s to reef and beef. This award-winning seaside gem in Hervey Bay, is a perfect family-friendly option to unwind whilst enjoying live entertainment, making it a definitive crowd favourite.
https://www.beachhousehotel.com.au
Aquavue Beachfront Bar and Eatery
A family business for over 20 years, Aquavue is the ultimate spot for a morning pick me up with their iconic scones and cabinet of homemade cakes. Wash the sweetness down with a Seven Miles Gusto coffee, featuring a signature blend of rich caramel and notes of spice and cocoa.
DO
Fraser Island Tours
Set out on a half-day tour to K’gari for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Take in the clear turquoise waters that surround you while keeping an eye out for turtles and vibrant fish. As you make your way back to the marina, enjoy a tasty Aussie barbeque to wrap up the trip.
West Coast Fraser Island (rezdy.com)
Hiking & Walking Trails
Start the day tying up your laces and set off traversing through the Mary2Bay Rail Trail, winding through the 20-kilometre urban charm of Hervey Bay. As you zigzag through the trail, embrace the scenic forest areas that stretch from Nikenbah and Maryborough. https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/m2brt/
Whale Watching
No Fraser Coast getaway is complete without a visit to the official Whale Heritage Site where your family are guaranteed a spectacular show. During the cooler months, watch on from the surrounding islands or mainland as the entire Fraser Coast becomes a rare haven for humpbacks. For a surreal experience, you can find yourself face to face with these majestic mammals during an exclusive whale swimming tour.
https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/whale-watching/
Fish the Fraser Coast
Renowned for having the most diverse fishery in Australia, the Mary and Susan River form two expansive estuary systems that make for a unique fishing experience. From barramundi to coral trout, these waters are teeming with exceptional catches.
https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/fishing-on-the-fraser-coast/fishing-guide/
SEE
K’gari Shipwrecks
A marvel in and of itself, the world’s largest sand island, K’gari, is home to many shipwrecks. The most famous of these, The Maheno, was washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935 en route to Japan. Take the kids for a day exploring the Maheno, as well as many more fascinating wrecks scattered along the coastline of the island.
https://www.fraserisland.net/fraser-island-history/fraser-island-shipwrecks
The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum
The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum is a haven for history buffs. This non-profit initiative showcases an impressive collection of over 10,000 military and colonial artifacts, providing a glimpse into the war efforts that took place on the Fraser Coast Region and Queensland.
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Queensland (maryboroughmuseum.org)
The Story Bank
Step back in time to embrace the magic of Mary Poppins whose author, PL Travers, was born in the tiny town of Maryborough. Enjoy a family fun day out visiting her heritage-listed birthplace that has been transformed into The Story Bank – a world of tales, memories, and stories from Maryborough and beyond.
https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/product/the-story-bank/
