Sydney’s new wave of salad bars is flipping the script on sad lettuce drenched in vinegar. We want vibrant, flavour-packed bowls that hit hard – and that’s what we get.

We’re visiting spots in South Eveleigh, Newtown and Potts Point for bowls that are making greens the main event.

Butterleaf, Newtown

This sweetly named, family-run newcomer’s just arrived on Missenden Road. Couple Rawad and Reem Haidar are rethinking the salad brief entirely, and making everything in-house. They’re flame-torching grass-fed steak and Hibachi-roasting tofu; they’re candying pecans and topping bowls with pistachio crumble; they’re mixing in slices of crisp pink lady apple and whipping Pepe Saya butter.

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A hot order is the Buffalo Ranch, where smoky grilled chicken is smothered in revved-up buffalo sauce then rested on a bed of crisp cos lettuce, cherry tomatoes, charred corn and red onion. The flavour’s packed on with parmesan, rosemary-roasted croutons and a swirl of buttermilk ranch.

And to elevate your greens? A side of sourdough with that velvety whipped dairy, and a house-made blueberry and basil lemonade.

195 Missenden Road, Newtown
@butterleaf.life

Salad Days, Potts Point

The serves here are mega, and the vibe is laidback. On leafy Bayswater Road, the philosophy is simple: salads done right, every day.

The menu is a crowd-pleaser: The Killer Caesar, with grilled chook, broccoli, bright pickles and crunchy pangrattato, is as popular as The Friday Fish & Chips, where potatoes and glazed salmon take a takeaway classic on a healthier route. There’s a hearty roasted pumpkin and quinoa creation, and one that reportedly busts a hangover, with golden chicken schnitzel and corn chips on top. All dietaries are catered for, and you can build your own if you’re particular.

Shop 4, 2–14 Bayswater Road, Potts Point
@saladdays.au

Sana, South Eveleigh

Chef Joel Bennetts and Daniel Sorridimi (owner of fan-favourite cafe Blackwood) opened Sana in January. The bright, breezy lunch spot is tucked away in the South Eveleigh precinct, and puts a tasty Middle Eastern spin on the classic salad bar.

The flavour-packed bowls are hefty, and layered with pickled veggies, spiced proteins and house-made dressings. A standout option is the Sana Bowl, with tender lamb mince, zucchini noodles, jalapenos and a bold garlicky dressing. Or, build your own protein plate with the likes of poached chicken or tahini salmon, Mediterranean or cauliflower rice, plus zingy house slaw, pickles and almonds. Mix and match with bases like cauliflower rice, proteins like lamb shoulder or falafel, and a selection of seasonal toppings.

Shop 8, 1 Locomotive Street, South Eveleigh
@sana.mediterranean