Bring your friends around to Marrickville Metro for a delicious dining experience, followed by some last-minute Xmas or Boxing Day shopping.
If there’s one thing we love about Christmas, it’s the excuse to rally up our friends and family for a feast at our favourite restaurants. There are hundreds of group-friendly venues in Sydney that spring to mind, but one destination that’s sure to please all tastes is Marrickville Metro.
The Inner West mall undertook a $142 million renovation earlier this year that included the addition of a dozen new restaurants. From Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, modern Australian and more, there’s something to suit everyone’s palate this festive season. Plus, you can do some last-minute Christmas shopping with 40 new retailers and a huge Coles supermarket inside.

Rice Pantry
For lovers of spice and all things nice, we’d head straight to Rice Pantry. Dine inside their newly renovated space boasting wooden furniture, peachy tones and pops of greenery, or dine alfresco in the bustling alleyway. Head Chef Bryan Zhu is at the helm of the kitchen paying homage to Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Expect delicious and fun dishes including Okonomiyaki Loaded Tator Tots, Vietnamese Cured Beef with puffed rice crisps and Hainan Rice-Cream with chicken fat caramel and brown butter puffed forbidden rice. The Christmas Banquet is perfect for groups, offering an 8-course menu for $88pp. Find out more here
Nanyang Malaya Cafe
If you’ve been missing your foodie trip to Malaysia, Nanyang Malaya Cafe can take you there through taste! Expect traditional flavours and Malaya delicacies such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, laksa, soft flaky roti, fragrant curries and Singaporian Chilli Mud Crab. Since Sydneysiders love a brunch, the menu also features Malaya twists on breakfast classics including Asam Smash Avocado Toast, Rendang Beef Burgers with savoury rendang slow-cooked beef and Roti Char Siew Wraps. Find out more here

Raman
Raman offers Mediterranean eats that are perfect to share from the middle of the table. The chefs have taken traditional Middle Eastern flavours and created dishes with a more modern flair. From unlimited dips, salads and mixed meat skewers, there’s something for everyone’s palate and enough to feed even the biggest of appetites. The beverage list is plentiful featuring fruity cocktails and a variety of wines. The Christmas Banquet is a great option during the festive season at $37 or $59pp. Find out more here

Firestone
Looking for a more casual option? Firestone is the perfect place with a menu featuring steak, burgers, pasta and more. All the meats are served on a hot stone which means it comes out sizzling with drool-worthy aromas. You’ll only find premium meats on the menu including Wagyu Beef Rump, Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Wagyu Beef Rib Eye and Lamb Rump. There’s also a brunch menu served from 11am offering innovative dishes including Waffle Chicken Avo with buttermilk fried chicken, Aussie Wagyu Beef Burger and the Firestone Club Sandwich. Find out more here
Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen
The team behind Sono in QLD, one of Australia’s most awarded Japanese restaurants bring casual Japanese fare to Marrickville Metro. You’ll find a mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes including Japanese curries, fresh poke bowls and ramen. The team combine the finest culinary technique with premium ingredients to bring something special and unique to the table. Find out more here
Izakaya Tori
If you want to take yourself to the Golden Gai region of Japan, head to Izakaya Tori for traditional Yakitori. You can find the venue by following your nose to the smell of charcoal-cooked meats on a Robata Grill. This is a fun experience where you can choose from a range of different meats served on a stick and they’re all bursting with flavour. There’s also a range of Japanese sake at the bar for those who want to get into the festive spirit. Find out more here
China Fusion
You know it’s an authentic Chinese restaurant when it was established over 20 years ago in mainland China… The team of highly trained chefs specialise in Shanghainese fine dining cuisine. Expect to see modern takes in culinary traditions from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other regions of greater China. All those classics you love are on the menu including Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Peking Duck, Sizzling Mongolian Beef and Honey Chicken. Find out more here
The Grumpy Italian
There’s no crowd-pleaser greater than Italian and The Grumpy Italian is serving some of the best in Marrickville! The chefs use fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavours to create dishes with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Like a visit to Nonna’s, you’ll never leave hungry. Indulge in Nonna’s Meatballs, Arancini, Fettucine Ragu, Gnocchi Pesto and Lasagne. Find out more here
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