Restaurants

  • An ex-Sailor’s Thai chef brings a mix of tradition and innovation to Balmain.

  • Natural wines, handmade pasta, sliced-to-order deli meats, and a cacio e pepe so popular that it’s got its own tote bag – you can find them all at Fabbrica's inner west pop-up at the base of Balmain's historic Exchange Hotel.

  • The golden rule at this neighbourhood pizzeria? No half-and-half. It’s the same story at its Bondi sibling, where you’ll find a similar selection of red, white and vegan pizzas made in true Napoli style. There’s also a big focus on antipasti, and Negroni served nine different ways.

  • Go Saturday nights for raki, music and 40 kinds of meze, or on the weekend for an epic multi-course breakfast banquet.

  • It might feel like Grandma’s lounge room, but the drinks at The Cottage Bar & Kitchen beat Granny’s tea by a colonial mile.

  • With its sexy, colourful interiors and a Masterchef alumnus in the kitchen, Wilhelmina’s is the darling of Darling Street.

Cafes

  • Starting out as a popular lockdown bakery, Home is the work of a self-taught pastry chef who’s also done stints at Noma and Quay. Everything from classic to crème brûlée-topped croissants are possibilities here.

  • Little M brings boutique coffee and brunch to Balmain.

  • A tiny cafe servicing local offices and lunch-hunters in the know.

  • Simple, earthy Mediterranean.

  • A cosy little nook in Balmain.

  • Poke, smoothie bowls and espresso served in a coconut.

Bars

Shops

  • Nutie started as a market stall selling gluten-free and vegan baked goods every weekend. These days it's a fully fledged shop with a cult following for its colourful gluten-free doughnuts, vegan brownies, Rocky Road, muffins and more.

  • A wine and cheese store celebrating small scale producers.

  • The Source Bulk Foods stores in Balmain and Willoughby are providing a relaxed, old-fashioned shopping experience.

  • This Aesop store over the Anzac Bridge was designed with Henry Wilson.

  • Rescued and restored European furniture with a story to tell.

  • Essential pieces for the female wardrobe.