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Writer's pictureAgent Dee

11 Must-Eats In Sydney For First-Time Visitors

For travellers whose itinerary is dictated by their taste buds, Sydney is a foodie dream come true. The city’s culinary scene is as vibrant and dynamic as its cosmopolitan residents, with offerings ranging from some of the world’s best oysters to Firedoor’s exquisite steak. Though the dizzying range of choices may seem overwhelming, first-time visitors can add the following eateries to their list, which has all the iconic must-eats covered.


1. Fish & Chips at Sydney Fish Market

Fish & Chips © DanielFoodDiary

Located on the harbour in Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont, Sydney Fish Market is a vibrant, authentic working fish market. The largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it features a range of seafood and fresh produce retailers, as well as cafés and restaurants, a wholesale auction, working wharf and the Sydney Seafood School. A dish not to be missed is the Fish and Chips from Peter’s Fish Market; the unparalleled fresh fillet is encased in a beautifully browned batter and served with crispy chips. The wharf view tops off the iconic Sydney dining experience.


2. Strawberry Watermelon Cake at Black Star Pastry


Black Star Pastry © Destination NSW


The strawberry watermelon cake is as delicious as it looks. It’s been copied multiple times the world over, but that beautiful strawberry and watermelon cake you see online originated in Sydney at Black Star Pastry. Chef Christopher Thé originally created the Strawberry Watermelon Cake for a wedding. Little did he know that his creation of layered almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream and watermelon would be declared as “the world’s most Instagrammed cake” by the New York Times. Stop by their original outlet in Newtown to satisfy your sweet tooth.







3. Scrambled Eggs at Bills

Scrambled Eggs at Bills © MissTamChiak

Bill Granger, a self-taught cook, first opened bills in Darlinghurst in 1993, where it immediately made its mark for its legendary breakfasts, served at the famous central communal table, frequented by locals and travellers, families and friends alike. Championing a produce-driven menu, Bill Granger’s scrambled eggs have been touted as the best scrambled eggs in the world. The buttery eggs are incredibly light and creamy and make for the ultimate breakfast, paired with thick toast, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and a perfectly sliced avocado.


4. Gelato Messina

Gelato Messina © Destination NSW

Setting the benchmark for gelato in Australia, Gelato Messina offers over 40 unique gelato flavours. The institution is best known for their experimentation with new flavours, as 5 of its 40 flavours are weekly specials. You can expect the highest quality of ingredients, their creamy jersey milk is supplied from their very own dairy farm and their handmade chocolate uses the highest quality single-origin Ecuadorian cacao. Ideal for a hot summer’s day, head to any of their 11 stores across the city for a refreshing afternoon treat.


5. Steak at Firedoor

Steak at Firedoor © Destination NSW

Priding themselves on being masters of cooking with fire, Firedoor is Australia’s only fully wood-fueled restaurant, relying on their two wood-fired ovens, three grills and a wood-burning hearth. Recently featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s menu offers the best available seasonal and local produce. A carnivore’s delight, the restaurant’s dry-aged steak is served with a sprinkle of salt.


6. Veggie Burger at Mary's

Veggie Burger at Mary's © Destination NSW



Founded in 2013, Mary’s has become one of the most popular burger joints in the city. Decorated in a dive bar style, the walls are covered in graffiti, which is complemented by a soundtrack of loud punk rock music. Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will be blown away by the establishment’s plant-based option, which features a fried veggie patty made with mushrooms, carrots, white beans and soy protein, sandwiched in between the pillowy bun, vegan cheese and special Mary’s sauce.








7. Floating Pavlova at Bar M

Floating Pavlova, Bar M © Destination NSW

Reinvigorating the once-abandoned historical tyre factory, Bar Machiavelli Rushcutters Bay is an inspiringly new take on traditional Italian cuisine. Their floating pavlova puts a spin on one of the nation’s most-loved desserts, featuring seasonal fruit and Chantilly cream floating on a bed of candy floss.


8. Meat Pie at Bourke St.Bakery

Meat Pie, Bourke St. Bakery © Destination NSW

The humble meat pie is a quintessentially Australian dish, and one of the best can arguably be found at Bourke St Bakery. Baked and raised from humble beginnings in Surry Hills, this cult bakery has grown to become one of Sydney’s most iconic food destinations. Their meat pies are handmade with the freshest ingredients and feature favourites such as the Beef Brisket, Red Wine & Mushroom Pie and the Vegan Vege Curry Pie.


9. Pre-Theatre Set Menu at Bennelong

Bennelong © TheFork

If you’re catching a show at the Sydney Opera House, pair that iconic experience with an exquisite dinner at Bennelong. Tucked within the city’s most famous building, Bennelong offers a culturally significant and inspiring menu showcasing a most magnificent production of Australian food and wine. Enjoy a special two or three-course, pre-theatre à la carte menu seven nights a week at 5:30 pm, 5:45 pm and 6 pm.


10. Seafood at Saint Peter

Seafood, Saint Peter © Destination NSW

Having recently transformed from a conventional table-and-chair dining room, Saint Peter now features a striking marble-topped bar separating the kitchen on one side and the diners on the other. Showcasing Australian sustainably-sourced seafood, indulge in some of the world’s best oysters sourced from different parts of New South Wales including the Moonlight Kiss Rock Oyster from Bateman's Bay as well as an array of fresh catches including the Coral Trout Sandwich with crispy skin and tarragon mayonnaise.


11. Roast Duck at Mr.Wong


Roast Duck, Mr.Wong © Boyeatsworld

Mr. Wong pays homage to classic Chinese influences in a contemporary style. The Cantonese-style menu features over 60 dishes including faux Shark Fin Soup and Abalone served Steamboat style, as well as an unrivalled dim sum selection. Arguably their most famous dish is the roast duck, arriving crisp-skinned with a perfect fat to meat ratio. The duck is paired with "pillowy" soft pancakes, freshly sliced cucumber and hoisin sauce.

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