There are more than 30 wines by the glass and a daily menu at this old-school wine bar. Stop by for a glass of nero d’avola and a couple of Gildas or settle in for larger plates like mafaldine.

An iconic inner-west corner is now home to a fire-powered Argentinian diner by the Tequila Mockingbird team. Come for the theatrical open kitchen, courtyard barbeques and one of the suburb’s strongest cocktail lists.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Poke, smoothie bowls and espresso served in a coconut.

A cosy little nook in Balmain.

Almond-and-raspberry croissants by an ex-Tetsuya chef? Count us in. But if you’re all about the savoury stuff, you’ll have a tough time choosing between ham and provolone and the four-cheese danish with truffle oil.

With coffee from The Grounds, locally sourced produce and perhaps the best French toast in Sydney, what’s not to love about Bar Contessa?

Simple, earthy Mediterranean.

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

A wine and cheese store celebrating small scale producers.

Rescued and restored European furniture with a story to tell.

Menswear that puts tradition before trends.

Essential pieces for the female wardrobe.

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.

Interiors stylist and writer Andrea Millar has opened a concept store on Montague Street with a curated offering for bohemian living.

A cosy bar across several levels.

At this colourful Mexican cantina, kitsch and fun reign supreme. Cantina won't be winning any awards for authenticity, but the food tastes great and the vibe is always good.