Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most popular foodie suburbs and with good reason.
What’s not to love about this bustling inner-city spot? Brimming with cafes, bars and countless delicious dining spots, it has to be one of our favourite areas in Sydney to wine and dine.
Wondering where to start? We’ve done our delicious homework and rounded up an extensive list of the best restaurants in Surry Hills. From some of Sydney’s best fine dining establishments to elevated casual eats and trendy bars, take your pick from the list below!
Armorica
Armorica is a new addition to Surry Hills seamlessly blending timeless allure with a modern twist. Renowned restaurateur Andrew Becher, celebrated for his ventures Franca and Parlar, draws inspiration from the classic charm of Parisian Brasserie culture. At the heart of the offering lies a custom-crafted Josper grill, infusing traditional wood-fire techniques into many of the delectable offerings. Find out more here.
Bar Copains
A recent addition, this charming wine bar beckons with an inviting atmosphere and an array of French-inspired delights that leave an indelible mark on your palate. With its snug ambience and a menu that evolves with French influences, Bar Copains has swiftly become a cherished afternoon retreat in the lively Surry Hills locale. Find out more here.
Beau
Gildas
Acclaimed chef Lennox Hastie unveiled Gildas in 2022, the captivating wine bar echoing the flavours of the Basque Country. Drawing inspiration from Basque cuisine’s reliance on local and authentic ingredients, Gildas promises a symphony of flavours, including lamb grilled over coals, cured meats, piquillo peppers, and artichokes. Find out more here.
Mille Vini
We are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to Italian restaurants in Surry Hills, and Mille Vini never disappoints. MV Bistro & Wine Bar has turned into a luxe Italian restaurant and bar within the same space on Crown Street. The venue scored a major renovation in 2021 boasting fresh interiors, contrasted by the historical building from the 1840s. Head Chef Francesco Di Gioia pays homage to classic Italian cuisine from all regions. On the menu, you’ll find classic Italian dishes like fish crudo, lemon linguini and ricotta tortelli, and a few must-try signature dishes like their poached octopus salad. Find out more here.
The Blue Door
Paving the way for sustainability in the hospitality industry is The Blue Door Chef Dylan Cashman. As one of the newest fine dining restaurants in Surry Hills, The Blue Door houses just 20 guests, and the menu is centred around their connections with local makers and growers. It’s unlikely you will visit and be served the same plate of food. The menu rotates each week to reflect the nature of seasonal produce from local farmers, creating an unforgettable dining experience every time you visit. Find out more here.
Arthur
Arthur is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar set on Surry Hills’ leafy Bourke Street. Take a seat and enjoy a curated set menu of modern Australian eats and delicious drinks to match, making this a perfect date-night spot. The menu uses exclusively Australian-grown and produced products, with native Australian ingredients such as Davidson plum and bush tomato the stars of the show. Find out more here.
Bartolo
For modern Italian eats and cocktails, you can’t go past the iconic Surry Hills restaurant Bartolo. Run by the crew from Kittyhawk, The Lobo and Big Poppas, swing by this Crown Street dining room for a fun, food, and wine-filled evening. On the menu, you’ll find generous pasta dishes like pappardelle with wagyu beef shin ragu and produce-driven dishes like ox-heart tomatoes with olasagasti anchovies. Find out more here.
Rosie Campbell’s
Rosie Campbell’s is a captivating Jamaican haven nestled at the junction of Campbell and Crown Street in Surry Hills. Brimming with Caribbean allure, this lively establishment invites you into a world of bold patterns, colourful decor, and vintage Caribbean memorabilia. The menu boasts an array of authentic Jamaican dishes, including coconut pepper prawns, slow-cooked curry goat, rich oxtail stew, plantains, and mouthwatering beef patties. Find out more here.
Chin Chin
Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Surry Hills, foodies will be well acquainted with the institutional dining room, Chin Chin. This restaurant, renowned for its modern Asian food and creative cocktails, is located in the heritage-listed 100-year-old Griffiths Teas Building in Surry Hills. Swing by for bold, punchy share plates and expertly crafted drinks; good times are guaranteed. Find out more here.
Dead Ringer
For modern Australian meets European eats, you can’t go past a visit to Dead Ringer, a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. This Surry Hills bar and restaurant nails casual dining with ease. Whether you swing by for a boozy brunch or nab a table for drinks and snacks after dark, you won’t be disappointed. Find out more here.
The Dolphin
From an airy dining room to an alfresco bar, The Dolphin is the iconic Surry Hills pub and restaurant that has it all. Set in the heart of Surry Hills on Crown Street, swing by for burgers, pizzas and elevated pub mains. Find out more here.
Don’t Tell Aunty
For an Indian restaurant that doesn’t play by the rules, head straight to Surry Hills’ Don’t Tell Aunty; undoubtedly one of the most creative restaurants in Surry Hills. With a menu spanning across all the regions of India (with Australian and American influences thrown in for good measure) expect everything from epic banquet menus to the restaurant’s iconic butter chicken. Find out more here.
Firedoor
For a unique dining experience, head straight to Surry Hills’ Firedoor Restaurant. With no gas or electricity in the kitchen, every dish is cooked over two wood-fired ovens, three grills and a wood-burning hearth. Firedoor has won multiple industry awards, and chef Lennox Hastie was featured in the wildly popular Netflix series, Chef’s Table, so it’s no surprise that reservations open up three months in advance. So don’t wait, book your spot and watch the chefs work their magic in this world-class dining room. Find out more here.
Gogyo
The Japanese restaurant group Gogyo, renowned for its signature ‘burnt kogashi ramen’, has opened its first Australian restaurant in Surry Hills. Located on Albion Street the Japanese bar and restaurant have taken over the old Salaryman site. This lively ramen bar isn’t a straight in and out situation, with its creative cocktail menu and buzzing atmosphere, you will want to stay for hours. Find out more here.
Henrietta’s
Henrietta is the new Middle Eastern-inspired charcoal chicken eatery that’s landed in the heart of Surry Hills. As you’d expect, the hero of Henrietta’s menu is free-range charcoal chicken, infused with Middle Eastern flavours. Grab a whole or half charcoal chicken and enjoy a selection of flavourful sides, including house-made hummus, tabbouleh and fattoush salads. Find out more here.
Nour
Another powerful Middle Eastern restaurant is Nour, on the heart of Crown Street in Surry Hills. From brunch to dinner and drinks, expect simple, colourful dishes doused in spices. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like chicken bits shawarma, raw bluefin tuna and the must-try spiced beef short rib with leek, durra and black lime. The airy, light-filled space makes it the perfect setting for your next long lunch; and why not make it a boozy affair with the option to make it bottomless? Find out more here.
Nomad
Tucked away in the backstreets of Surry Hills, Nomad has been a favourite among Sydney foodies for years. It’s a destination for serious wining and dining, complete with an extensive cellar door filled with drops sourced locally and abroad. The menu features a broader range of house-cured charcuterie, smoked ocean trout basturma, halloumi, date-glazed wagyu tongue and so much more. Find out more here.
Pasta Emilia
As Australia’s only certified organic pasta brand, restaurant and cooking school, expect nothing short of exceptional at Surry Hills’ Pasta Emilia. From beautiful sauces to hand-made pasta dishes, you’ll want to come hungry to this delicious spot. Find out more here.
Pizza Fritta
Pizza Fritta is a new Italian bar and eatery in Surry Hills, dubbed as the cheeky little sister to Via Napoli. The signature menu item here is set to be the pizza fritta, a deep-fried pizza dish similar to the calzone, with the finest ingredients sourced from Naples and cheese folded inside. Find out more here.
Poly
Located in Surry Hills’ Paramount House Hotel, Poly is a luxe wine bar and restaurant serving up modern Australian dishes and top-notch drinks. From snapper crudos and oysters to classic cocktails and wine, you won’t want to miss this must-visit dining spot. Find out more here.
Porteño
Tucked away on Holt Street in Surry Hills, Porteño is an Argentinian BBQ joint designed to be enjoyed with friends. Serving up authentic dishes straight from the grill, watch your meal come to life using a traditional Parilla (BBQ) and Asado (pit of fire). Find out more here.
SANG by Mabasa
It might only seat a handful of tables, but SANG is undeniably serving up some of Sydney’s best home-style Korean dishes. Pull up a stool at the bar, grab a glass of vino and let this family-run restaurant serve you refined Korean dishes you’ve never tasted before. Find out more here.
Pellegrino 2000
Having only opened in January 2022, Pellegrino 2000 is quickly making its name as one of the best Italian restaurants in Surry Hills. From the founders of Bistrot 916 in Potts Point comes this neighbourhood trattoria serving up Italian classics like spaghetti vongole and lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle, complete with their own signature touches. The moody, ambient lighting sets the scene for a night of unforgettable food, delicious wine and cocktails.
Spice I Am
You’ll find Spice I Am on any good best Thai restaurants in Sydney list, and it’s easy to see why. The always bustling, unpretentious BYO joint is a favourite amongst locals and is certainly one of our personal favourites. The menu is filled with flavour-packed, spicy dishes that are hard to top! Find out more here.
Cicerone Cucina Romana
Cicerone is an ode to Rome’s underground culture and food, and the impressive 4.8 Google rating speaks for itself. Founded in 2021, this tucked-away neighbourhood gem is casual Italian dining at its best. The menu features nostalgic dishes such as puttanesca and drool worthy Roman style pizzas fresh from the woodfire oven. Find out more here.
Tokki
A favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, Tokki is a fusion of everything we love about Japanese and Korean cuisines. On the menu, you’ll find an expertly curated selection of share plates, but we recommend sitting back and ordering the Feed Me set menu, from $75 per person. Must-try dishes include the kingfish ceviche, pork belly bao, and of course, a few of their famous signature cocktails. Find out more here.
Shaffa
From the open kitchen to the oodles of fresh and preserved produce on display, you know you are in for a treat the moment you step into Shaffa. Set in an alleyway next to a 120-year-old church and a 19th-century inn, this Middle Eastern restaurant is a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. The menu features a delicious array of shared plates inspired by Tel Aviv cuisine, from octopus with lima bean hummus to lamb kofta and chicken shawarma. The perfect spot for date night or birthday lunch. Find out more here.
Giuls
For the love of pasta, you must visit Giuls, the laid-back, modern Italian restaurant serving up classic dishes with a twist. With a menu inspired by the Tuscany region, you’ll find dishes like orecchiette with nduja sauce and conchiglie with vodka, pancetta and taleggio. On the drinks menu, you’ll find signature cocktails like Giuls Secret Garden, plus an Italian-focused wine menu. Find out more here.
Izakaya Fujiyama
This award-winning Japanese restaurant in Surry Hills is a must-visit. The Izakaya menu is made to share, featuring a selection of nigiri, baby sushi rolls, hot dishes such as the tuna belly karaage, and grilled dishes. With amazing service and an impressive selection of sake and Japanese beer. Find out more here.
Did we miss one of your favourite restaurants in Surry Hills? Hit us up – newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com
Frequently asked questions:
What are the best restaurants in Surry Hills for special occasions?
For special occasion dining in Surry Hills, we recommend visiting The Blue Door, Chin Chin or Firedoor.
What are the best restaurants in Surry Hills for casual dining?
For casual dining in Surry Hills, visit Dead Ringer, Spice I Am or Henrietta’s.
What are the best Italian restaurants in Surry Hills?
The best Italian restaurants include Surry Hills include Mille Vini, Pasta Emilia, Pizza Fritta, Bartolo, Cicerone and so many more. Looking for more must-visit Italian restaurants in Sydney? Check out our list here.