From bustling pizzerias to vegan-friendly eateries, discover the best restaurants in Newtown.
The inner west is known for a lot of things. It’s arguably the hub of craft beer in Sydney, with countless breweries dotted around the surrounding suburbs. It’s also a hot spot for world-class cafes, vintage stores and of course, impressive restaurants. So without further ado, read on for our guide to the best restaurants in Newtown to tick off your bucket list.
Pistou
Pistou is Newtown’s French-meets-Mediterranean 50-seat, eat-in deli and wine bar. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 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. Ensuring you know what’s on offer, a large cabinet displays a wide and tempting selection of charcuterie and cheeses.
Odd Culture
This bustling bar and restaurant seems to be 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.
Head upstairs for an unforgettable fine dining experience and be treated to some of Odd Culture’s overarching fermentation techniques with the food offering. On the weekends it’s an all-day dining affair, so check out their bottomless brunch or swing by at night for a delicious seasonal cocktail to go with your meal.
Bella Brutta
There are a lot of places to grab a slice of pizza in Sydney but in our humble opinion, Bella Bruta serves up some of the best. From the classic Margarita to the more innovative toppings, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing menu. The Clam is a must-try, with surf clams, pecorino, fermented chilli, garlic and parsley. With a stellar drinks list to match, get ready to pull up a chair and experience one of the best restaurants Newtown has to offer.
Bloodwood
Tucked away 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.
Cafe Paci
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. On the menu, you’ll find inventive dishes like potato and molasses bread, deviled egg, sourdough pasta, and experimental desserts like carrot sorbet with yoghurt and licorice.
Continental Deli
It’s been a stalwart on Australia Street and for good reason. This cosy neighbourhood deli serves up everything from specialty deli essentials to an impressive range of 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. And you can’t leave without trying one of the iconic tinned cocktails. Our pick? The Cosmopoli-tin.
Gigi’s Pizzeria
Speaking of great pizza, there’s another Newtown spot all foodies need to add to their lists… 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, and your vegan friends will love it too!
Golden Lotus Vegan
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 perfect for vegans. Warm up with a nourishing bowl of their famous laksa or pho and sample your way through their affordable banquet menu (great for big groups who want someone else to make the decisions).
Hartsyard
For modern Australian flavours at their best, you can’t go past Newtown’s Hartsyard restaurant. Working alongside local suppliers and producers, this dining room showcases top-notch ingredients and cooking techniques with an inventive menu of reimagined classics. Plus, expect a drinks list that showcases only local Australian wines.
Lonely Mouth by RaRa Ramen
If you’re familiar with RaRa Ramen you’ll be thrilled by this next inclusion. The crew from Redfern’s beloved ramen joint have recently opened a vegan ramen spot in the heart of Newtown. Head to Lonely Mouth for everything from Sunflower & Hemp Seed Shoyu Ramen to Vegan Miso Ramen.
Mary’s Newtown
This list wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of the iconic burger-slinging joint, Mary’s. Renowned for fuss-free burgers, epic craft brews and delicious fried chicken, this rowdy spot is a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
While the experience alone is unforgettable – moody lighting, blaring rock music, and an epic selection of booze – the burgers are up there among our favourite in Sydney. As one of the best restauants in Newtown for a night out, it’s also easy to see why Mary’s feature on our best burgers in Sydney list,
Rising Sun Workshop
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.
Cairo Takeaway
For a casual dining experience that celebrates the best of Egyptian cuisine, swing by Cairo Takeaway, the unassuming corner shop serving up some of the best food in the Inner West. Inspired by Cairo’s street stall scene, you’ll find delicious plates of falafel, pita wraps, charcoal meats, pickles and so much more. Grab a quick bite to eat on the go or take a seat and enjoy your meal with a drink; they also allow BYO wine, winning!
Konak Turkish Kitchen
From recipes that stay true to tradition to modern takes on old classics, Konak Turkish Kitchen is a must-visit for a true Turkish dining experience. On the menu, you’ll find a delicious selection of mezze, bread and entrees, followed by charcoal shish kebabs and generous main courses.
Our picks include the sultan ezmesi, the charcoal eggplant mess, and the lamb shish. Baklava is the dessert superstar, and they offer it in three mouthwatering flavours – pistachio, nutella and biscoff. They also offer an all-you-can-eat menu on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for only $39! The perfect spot for a mid-week feast, and one of the best Turkish restaurants Newtown has to offer.
La Favola
For authentic Italian pasta dishes in the heart of Newtown, you can’t go past La Favola. Specialising in handmade pasta made fresh daily, chef Fabio Stefanelli will lead you on a journey of pasta enlightenment. First, select your pasta shape – choose from the likes of casarecce, paccheri, gnocchi, or fusilli – then choose your sauce. You’ll find classics like carbonara and beef ragu, as well as delicious veggie options like the norma and four formaggi. And for our ceoliac friends, there are loads of gluten free options, which we love to see.
Rosso Antico Pizza Bar
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.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the best Italian restaurants in Newtown?
For authentic pasta dishes, visit La Favola, and for pizza, visit Bella Brutta, Rosso Antico Pizza Bar and Gigi’s Pizzeria.
What are the best vegan restaurants in Newtown?
The Inner West is a hot spot for plant-based foodies! Visit Gigi’s Pizzeria, Golden Lotus or Lonely Mouth by RaRa Ramen.
What are the best bars in Newtown?
For inventive cocktails and impressive wine lists, visit Odd Culture or Continental Deli Bar and Bistro.