Best Restaurants In Redfern
The Best Restaurants in Redfern, From Ramen to Rooftops
These are the best restaurants in Redfern right now, from buzzy wine bars to rooftop Mexican and proper Greek feasts. Once known for just a handful of standouts, the suburb has become one of Sydney’s most exciting places to eat, with trendy cafes, casual ramen and polished diners all within a few blocks.
Sofia is a coastal Mediterranean-inspired diner serving traditional homestyle dishes from renowned chef Justin North. Flavourful yet uncomplicated, dishes spotlight local produce, think chargrilled eggplant salad, slow-cooked lamb ribs with oregano and lemon, and walnut syrup cake. Everything's cooked in Sofia's own family-grown olive oil from Greece.
Mezepotamia brings a thoughtful take on Middle Eastern cuisine to Redfern, drawing inspiration from ancient Mesopotamia. Recently relocated from Leichhardt, the menu centres on generous mezze plates like onion dolmas and a refined Ali Nazik with aged grass-fed steak over smoked eggplant purée and chilli butter.
Perched above The Eve Hotel, Lottie is a vibrant rooftop restaurant and mezcaleria reimagining Mexican cuisine through an Australian lens. The gluten-free menu is made for sharing, think roast chicken in Sinaloa marinade, kangaroo sope and goat barbacoa, paired with house-made tortillas and agave-forward cocktails.
Olympus captures the spirit of a lively Greek village taverna, centred around a 50-year-old bougainvillea under a retractable glass roof. Chef Ozge Kalvo crafts traditional and modern Greek meze, from tarama and fava dips to spanakopita, king prawn saganaki and whole roasted milk-fed lamb.
The Norfolk Hotel is one of Redfern's most historic pubs, spanning two levels with an expansive courtyard. Classic pub eats meet meats off the grill, think buttermilk half chicken and grain-fed rump. Don't miss Taco Tuesday, where tacos drop to $1 every time "The Bell" rings.
Nestled in the heart of Redfern, Fontana is a cosy Italian diner serving authentic dishes with rustic flare. Chef Daniel Johnston's ever-changing menu spans share plates, pasta and hearty mains. Start with ricotta della casa and focaccia, then move onto pappardelle osso buco with tender braised veal.
Bush takes inspiration from traditional Aussie culture, offering a single-page menu of no-nonsense dishes. Head chef Grant Lawn reintroduces the Australian outback through native ingredients, think smoked eel pikelet with chilli jam and saltbush, alongside kangaroo, pepperberry, warrigal greens and Illawarra plums scattered throughout.
With only 28 seats, Redfern's RaRa is an intimate izakaya-style eatery known for hand-pulled ramen and snack-style share food. The signature tonkotsu broth, made from water, garlic and pork bones, comes with your choice of tare and smoky chashu from slow-roasted Bundarra Berkshire pork.
Bart Jr is the second Redfern venue from the Scout's Honour crew, a sophisticated yet relaxed wine bar. The menu rotates every three weeks with creative small plates like pappardelle with duck and porcini ragu, paired with locally grown, biodynamic wines and a rotating cocktail list.
Bringing Middle Eastern flavours to the heart of Redfern, Kepos Street Kitchen serves an all-day Israeli-inspired menu. Signature Tel Aviv falafel and homemade hummus lead the charge, alongside soft-baked eggs, hearty sandwiches and a fresh tabouleh salad tossed with diced tomato and pomegranate.
