The Best Restaurants In Newtown

Pistou is Newtown's French-meets-Mediterranean 50-seat, eat-in deli and wine bar. It's the perfect place for a long lunch or to pop in for a cheeky vino and nibbles. Designed to offer rustic charm, the venue has a welcoming vibe and is reminiscent of a homely space somewhere in the French Provence.

This bustling bar and restaurant is one of the busiest spots on King Street, and for good reason. There's not one set cuisine at Odd Culture, but with Jesse Warkentin and Caleb Venner (both ex-Continental Deli) working with the group's Executive Chef James MacDonald (ex-Hubert), you'll be eating from an all-star team.

Bella Brutta serves crowd-pleasing wood-fired pizza, from the classic Margarita to more inventive toppings. The Clam is a must-try, with surf clams, pecorino, fermented chilli, garlic and parsley. Pair it with a stellar drinks list and a seat in the courtyard.

Since swinging open its doors in late 2019, Cafe Paci has been delighting Sydney diners with a European-influenced a la carte menu and wine list showcasing small-scale producers. You'll find inventive dishes like potato and molasses bread, sourdough pasta, and experimental desserts like carrot sorbet with yoghurt and licorice.

Vegans, rejoice! We've got another plant-based spot to add to your Newtown restaurant list… This bustling restaurant serves up some of Sydney's best authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with every dish on its menu suitable for vegans. Warm up with a nourishing bowl of laksa or pho and sample your way through their affordable banquet menu.

Part sake bar, part restaurant and part records club, any drink, meal or sound at Ante is guaranteed to impress. The sake sommeliers can pair the Japanese drink to the menu, which changes up regularly.

From ex-Momofuku Seibo and Osteria di Russo & Russo chefs, this unassuming, Southeast Asian inspired restaurant feels like Newtown's little secret. With less than 40 seats, it's an intimate dining experience packed with flavour and spice. "Piqu" itself is a play on the word meaning spicy in French, so come prepared for some heat.

Let Andrea and Valerio, two old Italian friends, welcome you into their osteria at the quieter south end of King Street. The shopfront is easy to miss, but inside you'll find house-made pasta, Roman-style pinsa and a signature braised octopus with potato and leek velouté.

Newtown's dedicated seafood restaurant sits on Australia Street beside Continental Deli. Mister Grotto is an intimate 30-seater led by Head Chef Måns Engberg, serving oysters shucked to order, raw bar dishes and charcoal-grilled catch from top-tier Australian fishermen. Book ahead or walk in.

This list wouldn't be complete without the iconic burger-slinging joint, Mary's. Renowned for burgers, craft brews and fried chicken, this rowdy spot is a must-try for locals and visitors alike. The experience alone is unforgettable, think moody lighting, blaring rock music and an epic selection of booze.

On the southern end of King Street you'll find Bloodwood, the neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant perfect for an intimate dining experience. Since 2010 Bloodwood has been serving inner west locals with an ever-changing menu of creative locally sourced ingredients and innovative drinks lists spanning from local beers to natural, sustainably-produced wines.

It's been a stalwart on Australia Street and for good reason. This cosy neighbourhood deli serves an impressive range of fresh and tinned delicacies and cocktails. Swing by for a leisurely long lunch of cheese, charcuterie or tinned fish and head upstairs to their Bistro for a dinner of share-style Mediterranean influenced eats.

This 100% plant based pizzeria attracts long queues for a reason. Expect flavourful wood-fired pizzas, delicious Italian-influenced cocktails and must-try sweet treats to cap off your feast. One of the best Italian restaurants in Newtown. Your vegan friends will love it too!

Part motorcycle workshop, part restaurant, Rising Sun is a unique spot to grab a delicious feed in Newtown. Head upstairs to experience this friendly neighbourhood restaurant for yourself, with a selection of slurp-worthy ramen dishes, Japanese-inspired bar snacks, and delicious drinks on their menu.

For casual dining celebrating Egyptian cuisine, this corner shop serves up some of the Inner West’s best food. Inspired by Cairo's street stall scene, it serves delicious plates of falafel, pita wraps, charcoal meats and pickles. Grab some takeaway or take a seat and enjoy your meal in the sunny courtyard.

Specialising in handmade pasta made fresh daily, chef Fabio Stefanelli let you first select your pasta shape then your sauce. You'll find classics like carbonara and beef ragu, as well as delicious veggie options. And for our ceoliac friends, there are loads of gluten free options, which we love to see.

Last but certainly not least is another Newtown pizza hot spot, Rosso Antico. Expect drool-worthy pies topped with classic Italian flavours, with a perfect wood-fired crust on every slice. Our pick? Don't miss the Quatro Formaggi for an indulgent pizza experience.

Upstairs at the much-loved Odd Culture, a French bistro is tucked between the rafters for a cosy dining experience. Chicken liver pâté, escargot and Bavette steak frites round off the menu.

One of Sydney's most acclaimed Thai eateries, and named the best four times running, Thai Patong offers some of the most authentic dishes outside Bangkok. The celebratory atmosphere makes it perfect for occasions that will make you feel like you're dining in an ornate temple.