Planning your next staycation or heading to Sydney from out of town? Here’s our guide to where to eat, drink, play, and stay in Chippendale.
Tucked away in the heart of the inner city is a thriving hub of food, drink, arts and culture. Meet Chippendale, the destination for foodies, art lovers, and anyone looking to escape their every day for the weekend. To help you discover the best of this suburb, we’ve teamed up with Four Points by Sheraton to deliver your ultimate walking guide of where to eat, drink, play, and stay in Chippendale.
EAT
Kensington Street
Kensington Street in Chippendale stands out as a vibrant lifestyle hub, housing some of Sydney’s finest dining establishments. Among the notable options, you’ll find Longshore, a recent addition focusing on sustainable seafood, Paripe, serving approachable Spanish tapas, Olio, renowned for their exceptional Sicilian cuisine, and Gavroche, offering a touch of French sophistication. With such a diverse array of choices, you’re guaranteed a remarkable dining experience no matter which restaurant you select.
Spice Alley
Escape to the laneways of Spice Alley and you’ll be transported to a world of vibrant colours and flavours with cuisines from around the globe. Located on Kensington Street in the centre of Chippendale, Spice Alley is home to a sea of hawker-style eateries that traverse the vast landscape of Asian cuisine. Expect everything from traditional Singaporean dishes at Alex Lee Kitch, Cantonese street food from Hong Kong Diner, and KYO-TO’s Japanese dining hall.
Find Spice Alley at 18-20 Kensington Street, Chippendale 2008. Open Sun to Wed from 11am to 9:30pm and Thurs to Sat from 11am to 10pm.
Ester
Ester is a chic restaurant boasting an eclectic menu and a striking concrete-walled ambiance enhanced by a wood-fired oven. Led by acclaimed chef Mat Lindsay, this modern Australian eatery offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. Their menu features delectable shared plates and smoked mains, with highlights such as woodfire calamari, roasted carrots, and decadent shellfish platters, complemented by a superb selection of wines and beverages.
Find Ester at 46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale 2008. Open Tue to Sat from 6pm to 10pm and Sat and Sun from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
KOI Dessert Bar & Dining
Be sure not to overlook KOI, the renowned dessert bar in Chippendale. At KOI, you won’t encounter the typical gelato and cupcakes. This establishment, founded and managed by the Poernomo brothers – Ronald, Arnold, and Reynold, offers a sensory journey through their exquisite desserts. Step into their award-winning venue, where you can explore their downstairs patisserie and cafe for cake and coffee, or venture upstairs for a refined dining experience featuring both savory and sweet delights.
Find KOI Dessert Bar & Dining at 46 Kensington Street, Chippendale 2008. Open for cakes and coffee Tues to Sun from 11am to 10pm.
DRINK
Lil Sis
Discover Chippendale’s newest wine bar, situated on the upper floor of The Abercrombie, a well-known Broadway establishment that has recently undergone a revitalisation. Here, you’ll encounter a delightful Parisian wine bar concept featuring a diverse range of natural wines, freshly sliced deli meats, and a mouthwatering assortment of jaffles. This charming spot offers an ideal setting for a sunny afternoon, with sunlight streaming through the windows, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels akin to visiting a friend’s house while enjoying a glass of wine.
Find Lil Sis on the Ground Floor of Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale 2008. Open Tue to Sun from 4pm to 11pm.
Malt Bar
Discover Malt Bar at Four Points by Sheraton, a relaxed destination to savour a drink. Retreat from the city’s commotion within the bar’s chic outdoor seating, extending to the pedestrian lane off-Broadway. Whether your preference is for expertly crafted classic cocktails or a range of contemporary mixes, Malt Bar has you covered. Additionally, beer enthusiasts can delight in a diverse assortment of draft brews, including the exclusive locally brewed Chippendale beer unique to this establishment.
Find Malt Bar on the Ground Floor of 88 Broadway, Sydney 2008. Open Tue to Sat from 5pm to 9pm.
Gin Lane
Gin Lane, the brainchild of Grant Collings, is a cocktail bar renowned for its extensive collection of handpicked gins, numbering over 150 varieties. Nestled on Kensington Street, this intimate establishment seamlessly bridges the 18th-century charm with a contemporary twist through its innovative drink offerings and stylish decor. Radiant lighting and a timber interior come together to evoke the quaint elegance of historic London townhouses.
Find Gin Lane at 16a Kensington Street, Chippendale 2008. Open Mon from 5pm – 11pm, Tues, Wed and Sun from 4:30pm – 11:30pm, Thurs from 4pm to 12am, Fri from 2:30pm to 12am and Sat from 2pm to 12am.
Handpicked Cellar Door
Situated at the junction of Kensington and Outram Streets, the urban winery Handpicked Cellar Door extends a warm welcome to wine enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Here, you can sample a wide array of wines sourced from diverse regions across Australia and the globe, all conveniently gathered under one roof. Handpicked Wines takes pride in their meticulous selection of the finest regions and grape varieties, offering a delightful assortment that spans from Margaret River’s cabernet, and Yarra Valley’s chardonnay, to the delectable pinot noir hailing from New Zealand’s Central Otago.
Find Handpicked Cellar Door at 50 Kensington Street, Chippendale 2008. Open Tue and Wed from 11am to 9pm, Thursday to Sat from 11am to 10pm and Sun from 11am to 9pm.
The Barrie
Experience the enchanting late-night vibes at The Barrie, where time slips away as you explore their remarkable cocktail menu and groove to live music. This establishment has taken the reins from the iconic Freda’s bar, inheriting its legacy. The venue effortlessly combines liveliness with sophistication and offers an outstanding wine list featuring all-Australian selections, alongside an equally impressive cocktail menu.
Find The Barrie at 107-109 Regent St, Chippendale 2008. Open Thurs from 5pm to 11pm, and Fri to Sat from 5pm to 3am.
PLAY
Palace Cinema
What better way to unwind than by checking out the new big-screen releases? Finding its home inside Chippendale’s Central Park Mall is the boutique Palace Cinemas. This first-class movie destination is far from your average multiplex, screening everything from new releases to local art-house flicks. Make sure to visit their Beer Hall for craft beers or head to the gourmet candy bar for local wines, bubbles, and spirits plus a selection of upscale film snacks.
Find Palace Cinema Central Park on Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale 2008. Open daily.
Central Park Mall
Speaking of Central Park Mall, get your dose of retail therapy at this luxe shopping destination. Explore over 40 retailers with dozens of brands including Adidas, Superdry Glue Store, Hype DC, and many more.
Find Central Park Mall at 28 Broadway, Chippendale 2008. Open 10am to 8pm daily.
Chippendale Green
Get outdoors and explore the stunning architecture of famed architect Jean Nouvel and botanical artist Patrick Blanc who have created the world’s largest vertical garden building. The cantilevered heliostat reflects sunlight to the plants during the day, and make sure to check it out at night when the installation transforms into a dazzling work of art. Equally distinctive is the Halo, a dynamic wind-activated kinetic sculpture that turns and tilts in finely tuned counterbalance.
Find Chippendale Green on O’Connor Street, Chippendale at the back of the Central Park Mall.
White Rabbit Gallery
Get lost in a world of weird and wonderful contemporary Asian art at Chippendale’s White Rabbit Gallery. This gallery boasts the world’s largest and most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art, with a rotating selection of provocative exhibitions on display year-round. The best bit? Entry is free!
Find White Rabbit Gallery at 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale 2008. Open Wed to Sun from 10am to 5pm.
STAY
Four Points by Sheraton Central Park
Located just a brief stroll away from Central Station, in the heart of Chippendale, you’ll come across Four Points by Sheraton Central Park. With the city’s finest attractions within easy reach, this is an ideal home base for a staycation or a getaway. If relaxation is your aim, Four Points offers all the essentials. Check into a spacious, contemporary suite offering panoramic city views, complete with roomy bathrooms featuring refreshing rainforest showers and a comprehensive array of amenities for your comfort. For those seeking activity, the 24-hour fitness center is at your service, or you can kick back with a glass of wine at the welcoming Central Quarter Restaurant and Malt Bar, raising a toast to a flawless weekend retreat.
Find Four Points by Sheraton at 4 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale 2008. To book your room or for more information, click here.