Macquarie Centre has more than just fashion

Fashion retailers Alice McCall, Scanlan Theodore, Forever 21, H&M and more are now open at The Macquarie Centre in North Ryde. As the centre spreads it’s wing into the fashion world it also expands it’s culinary pallet. If you’re ever doing a spot of shopping in the centre down at North Ryde and feeling like a bite to eat, don’t just head down to the food court. Here’s our list to the best places to eat in the new and improved Macquarie Centre.

Bondi Pizza 

The original Bondi Pizza started in Bondi Junction as a great casual dining spot, with a spectacular view over the city and beach. Now, the popular pizza joint, has spread all over Sydney, opening four more stores, including the newest one in the Macquarie Centre. They’re well known for their thin-pressed pizzas with tasty toppings like grilled chilli prawns or marinated lamb. You can’t go wrong with the classic margarita or supreme. There is also a great selection of options from the grill, salads, pastas, wine and cocktails to make your lunchtime dining a bit more interesting.
Bondi Pizza 
Shops 446 & 447, Level 3 Macquarie Centre, Macquarie Park  9889 5852, Mon – Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm  Fri- Sat: 11am-11pm (lunch and dinner)

Chef’s Gallery 

Another restaurant to cross the bridge is Chef’s Gallery, the multi-award winning Chinese contemporary restaurant. At Macquarie, you’ll get the exact same menu as the CBD, so be prepared for heaped plates of handmade noodles and saucy meat dishes. Their Macanese style mini burgers are a must-try, with fluffy buns filled with a pork fillet, pork floss, lettuce and a sweet chilli mayo dressing. We love their deboned duck with lychees served in a light mint and chilli plum sauce. They have an extensive wine, beer and cider list to match as well as some interesting cocktails, incorporating Asian style flavours to classic cocktails. For $10 per bottle you can also BYO wine.
Chef’s Gallery
Shop 407, Level 3, Herring Rd, Macquarie Centre, Macquarie Park 8040 7483, Mon – Sun: 11am – 9:30pm

The Vogue Cafe 

You’ve probably seen this cafe filling up your Instagram feed with one of their insane milkshake creations that continue to bring the boys to the yard. Hidden away on level two, right next to the carpark, the Vogue Cafe offer classic cafe fare with a wide range of breakfast and lunch options. Their food is ok but it’s their milkshakes that really draw a crowd.  They come topped with assorted goodies like chocolate, lollies and many other little surprises. They release new specials every week and this week it’s Magic Doodle: pieces of oreo and crunchie mixed with chocolate custard and nutella. Definitely worth a visit if you too have a bit of a sweet tooth.
The Vogue Cafe
Shop 60 Level 2 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Macquarie Park 9887 2570, Mon – Sun: 7:30 am – 5pm (Thu open till 8:30pm)

TGI Friday’s 

Head to the outskirts of the Centre for TGI Friday’s where you can get boozy drinks and an American style buffet. The popular US franchise that started in New York has now opened in Macquarie with this new two-story American-style saloon. Perfect for groups (and diet-free days), you can sink your teeth into a giant burger, or get your hands greasy with plates of loaded potato skins and buffalo wings dripping with Jack Daniels sauce. If you need a bit of a mid-week pick-me-up, this place promises to make everyday Friday!
TGI Friday’s
Shop 454, Level 4 Herring Road Macquarie Centre Macquarie Park 9888 3440, Mon – Sun: 11:30am to late

Ippudo 

Another international dining sensation is Ippudo, Sydney’s favourite new ramen joint. It may be small, but this ramen bar is always teeming with people. You’ll find it just outside the front entrance of the centre on the street level. With Hakata style dishes, these noodles are authentic, comforting and delicious. Try the Shiromaru Motoaji, the classic ramen made with the original Tonkotsu broth and served with the ultra-thin noodles, pork belly, bean sprouts, black fungus and spring onions. Kick things up a notch and throw in some gyoza or karaage chicken on the side and pair with a refreshing selection of Asian beer, sake and wine.
Ippudo Sydney
Level 3, Herring Road Entrance Macquarie Shopping Centre Macquarie Park  8964 7490, Mon – Sat: 11am – 8:30pm Sun 11:am-8pm

THR1VE 

Located just outside the Macquarie Centre is Thr1ve, the ultimate lunch destination for paleo diners. Taking over the old Oporto space, Thr1ve offer nutritious and delicious gluten free sandwiches and salads. You can also make your own with a range of fresh ingredients to choose from. Start with a bowl of brown rice, potato mash, zucchini noodles or a bed of leafy greens and top it with whatever meat, vegetables and any other goodies you want. To top it off, they have a selection of guilt-free milkshakes including flavours like salted caramel and pina colada. They also serve brekky from 7am with healthy breakfast bowls, primal toast and coffee.
Thr1ve 
Bus stop entrance Herring Road, Macquarie Centre Macquarie Park 9889 1198, Mon – Wed: 7am – 6pm, Thu- Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat-Sun: 7am -6pm

The Missing Piece 

Just one floor up from The Vogue Cafe, The Missing Piece is another milkshake bar and cafe that’s become Insta-famous. Go on a sugar high with creations such as their new combo of Nutella, passionfruit and lime, topped with chocolate, strawberry oreos and skittles. But past milkshakes, they are also the home of the “Croffle,” a cronut combined with a waffle, as well as a delicious range of breakfast and lunch options. If you aren’t looking for a shake, there are many other drink options including cold pressed ice teas, smoothies and even a tasting platter of coffee with espresso piccolo, flat white and filter. Perhaps you’ll find what’s missing in your life at the Missing Piece!
The Missing Piece
Level 3, Macquarie Shopping Centre Corner Of Herring Road And Waterloo Road,Macquarie Park, 0410 278 244, Mon – Sun: 8am – 5pm (Thu open till 7:30pm)