Sydney’s Best Neighbourhood Restaurants For A Relaxed Dining Experience

Eat, Restaurants, Sydney / 27 January 2021

Kick back for a relaxed feed at Sydney’s best neighbourhood restaurants.

Let someone else do the cooking and book your spot at one of Sydney’s top casual dinning spots.

Alberto’s Lounge, CBD

The heart of the CBD might be the last place you’d expect to find one of Sydney’s best neighbourhood restaurants. But, that’s exactly what Alberto’s Lounge delivers. This inner-city Italian restaurant and wine bar is both cosy and intimate, with a wholesome menu of starters, pasta and so much more.

Bella Brutta, Newtown

Nothing says a casual dining experience like wood-fired pizza, and Newtown’s Bella Brutta slings some of Sydney’s best. This neighbourhood favourite has a punchy pizza list and a delicious range of cocktails, wines and beers to sip your way through, too. Perfect for a casual date night or relaxed catch up with your crew.

Cairo Takeaway, Enmore

Don’t let the name of Cairo fool you, this is much more than a grab-and-go spot. For some of the best no-frills Egyptian eats, you can’t go past this cosy neighbourhood spot. Pull up a chair in their courtyard and enjoy plates of falafels, fried cauliflower, and delicious pita bread, with most of the menu priced under $20.

Casoni, Darlinghurst

Looking for contemporary Italian food at its best? Head to Casoni, the neighbourhood restaurant perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Enjoy hearty bowls of handmade pasta (the Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter and sage is a must), antipasti, starters and so much more. They’ve got a killer cocktail and drinks offer to match, too.

Chica Bonita, Manly

Looking for flavourful Mexican bites in the Northern Beaches? Flock to Chica Bonita for a casual Mexican dining experience, inspired by Mexican and Baja California street cuisine. Plus, they make a top-notch margarita, too.

Don’t Tell Aunty, Surry Hills

For delicious Indian dishes that don’t plenty by the rules, head to Surry Hills’ Don’t Tell Aunty. This relaxed, casual dining spot serves up a vibrant menu of street food eats. Make sure to try their Unauthentic Butter Chicken and get a basket of naan for the ultimate nourishing dining experience.

Kindred, Chippendale

While we might not be able to travel to rural Italy for a homecooked meal, Kindred restaurant is the next best thing. This cosy restaurant delivers some of the best eats of any neighbourhood restaurant in Sydney, showcasing delicious pasta, housemade bread, salads, sides and more.

Pizza Madre, Marrickville

Get a slice of delicious wood-fired sourdough pizza from Marrickville’s Pizza Madre. This neighbourhood eatery is perfect for a cheeky mid-week dinner or weekend date night, with plenty of innovative flavours and delicious drinks on the menu.

Sáng by Mabasa, Surry Hills

Experience authentic Korean cuisine at its best at Sang by Mabasa. This Surry Hills eatery is a family-run institution, with simple yet nourishing dishes served from this cosy kitchen. They’re currently serving a curated set menu along with a delicious takeaway menu.

SUNDAY, Potts Point

Meet SUNDAY, the new restaurant and bar bringing hearty mains and playful takes on the classic roast chook to Potts Point. As the name would suggest, SUNDAY celebrates the long-standing family tradition of gathering with family and friends for a hearty feed on a Sunday. But at this new rotisserie diner, you’ll score roast chicken, sides, and salads ‘worthy of your grandmother’s dining table’ every night of the week.