Paddington

Due to open March 23, 2022.

A pioneering “fin-to-scale” eatery by Josh and Julie Niland. Behind the sleek marble counter, chefs deftly butcher sustainably caught fish and utilise every part of the animal across a menu of wildly inventive dishes. A meal here is thrilling, educational, and enhanced by an impressive selection of Australian wine and Japanese sake.

A wood-fired oven, an open-flame hearth and some of the country’s best produce and cocktail bar underneath.

A regional Italian diner that’s barely changed since 1999. Now in Paddington – the generous bowls of beef-cheek-ragu pappardelle are still here, along with more pasta and gnocchi options than ever.

At his first solo restaurant, acclaimed chef Phil Wood explores and expands Australian cuisine with a produce-driven menu combining classic European cooking with local ingredients. There are nods to Aboriginal history, too, plus a fresh take on the classic peach Melba dessert.

Breakfast and lunch from the much-loved bakery.

This bustling, pretty cafe fuses traditional Italian flavours with local brunch staples

There are giant cookies, à la Scout's Honour.

A young team dishes up breakfast until five at Five Ways.

This Paddington bookseller does food, drinks and books. And what a combination that is. Every book across its three levels is second-hand, with regular bargains to be had. The website is constantly updating, with titles landing daily – even if they’re used, the rotation keeps things feeling new.

A Swedish cafe by Funkis serving cinnamon buns, skagen and lingonberry cordial.

A lot of pubs get major revamps, only to lose their old-school charm. Not the Unicorn. The team here have given the spot a stylish but sill pubby fit-out. Drinks here are an inclusive mix of commercial brews and natural wines. Food, meanwhile, involves jazzed up pub classics, and probably the best schnitzel in Sydney.

Italian swagger in Sydney’s most experimental wine bar. Chef Dan Pepperell’s legacy lives on in his unshakeably spectacular pretzel with whipped bottarga, but current head chef Frank Guest's touch across the daily menu brings even more panache to this game-changing Paddo institution.

One of Paddington's old guard, with the doors originally opening in 1890. The current iteration is renowned for its weekly specials and the sunny balcony that overlooks Glenmore Road. Dining is typical pub fare (burgers, steaks and salads), but it’s well executed.

This classic English pub was founded in 1875. There are little Union Jack flags on the table and a menu that lists everything from fish and chips to dhal. It's a classic family pub, filled with dogs, daily specials and match-day Swans supporters.

Bordering Woollahra and Paddington, this fine old boozer is one of the area’s oldest (it opened in 1880). These days it’s one of the best spots in the area to catch some live sport, with screens in nearly every section. The upstairs bistro, with its weekday specials, is also popular.

Josh Niland – of the boundary pushing seafood restaurant Saint Peter – is behind this retail seafood boutique.

Another instalment for the cult bottle shop. Swing past to pick up a bottle of skin-contact chardonnay or a slab of Heaps Normal non-alcholic beer. Or snag a seat in the courtyard out back for by-the-glass-wine and terrine by ex-Old Fitz chef Nicholas Hill.

So much more than the average high-street jeweller.

The crown jewel of the Berkelouw empire in Sydney. This three-storey literary landmark on Oxford Street has everything a book nerd could wish for, not least of all a good cup of coffee from the upstairs cafe. It’s licensed and open late, which means it’s primed for a pre-movie drink if you’re hitting the Verona Palace Cinema next door.

Like the classic takeaway joint, but with more technique.

Creativity, passion and a good eye for what people like makes this gift store a keeper with more than 50 years’ history under its belt.