Travelling to the north side of the Harbour Bridge – whether for work or leisure – has long been put in the too-hard basket by those to the south. And vice versa, let’s be honest. The thought of a gridlocked Bradfield Highway is a quick deterrent no matter which way you’re headed. But as of 4.54 this morning, when a driverless train left Sydenham station enroute to Chatswood, the long-awaited city section of the $21.6 billion Sydney Metro is open – so you can officially retire that excuse.

The zippy new train route – which travels under our harbour – brings quick-smart travel (five minutes from Martin Place, three minutes from Barangaroo) to North Sydney’s Victoria Cross, the precinct above the station with a line-up of favourited food stops.

Marrickville Pork Roll is, in Broadsheet’s opinion, the shiny jewel. The Illawarra Road banh-mi-joint-turned-empire retains its name wherever it goes, along with its menu. Darling Square and Quay Quarter Lanes stores popped up, and now the first for North Sydney. Most importantly, the crunchy white roll’s the same, stuffed with your choice of meat or tofu, pate, mayo and veggies.

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Newtown-born burger joint Mary’s is crossing the bridge for the first time, too. This time, there’s an open kitchen, giving 10 commuter-diners a clear view from counter seating. The menu caters for meat-eaters and vegans alike, but there are a few specials. The Grumpy Clucker brings Grumpy Donuts double-glazed rings to the mix, sandwiching fried chicken, a sweetly tangy sauce and pickles. The cheese-powered Studd Siblings leant their expertise to The Punk Roquer, where a Mary’s Fat Patty joins fried spuds and Le Roi roquefort (a mega play on your homebound commute, especially with a P&V-calibre pour from Mike Bennie’s wine list).

Japanese comfort-food spot Dopa (from the Devon team) is there, plus Torotoro Ramen & Tempura Bar, Koji Grill & Dumplings and Doodee King Thai.

The famously decaf- and chai-free Only Coffee has set up shop, with a choice of full cream, skim or oat milk in a slick ’fit. And find star chef Rosheen Kaul’s favourite bubble tea purveyor: Machi Machi.

Two Good Co – the social enterprise on a mission to support and empower women who are experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and trauma – is pouring Single O coffee and serving Breadfern’s baked goods from a coffee cart at the Miller Street entrance. With 50 per cent of proceeds going back into its social programs, your oat lattes are doing more than perk you up.

The venues join a raft of flash opens nearby: Genzo, Soluna, Sol Bread & Wine and Una in the Walker Street precinct; the flame-powered Poetica; vast terrace restaurant Rafi; and charming French patisserie and bistro Loulou in nearby Lavender Bay.

In 2025, Miller House will join the Victoria Cross precinct, as well as five new terrace restaurants on Miller Street. Plus, a mega One Playground outpost complete with spin, HIIT and Pilates studios, yoga and breathwork areas, plus an ice bath and infrared saunas.

Victoria Cross is focused on sustainability, with all retailers required to use renewable energy sources. The complex as a whole is required to maintain carbon output at a minimum of 20 per cent below the industry benchmark.

Victoria Cross
Miller Street, North Sydney

victoriacross.com.au