In the former home of Paddington institution Lucio’s, this homey diner carries on its predecessor’s legacy with classic Italian dishes, non-traditional pastas and a selection of mainly Italian wines.
Buzzing Bootleg Italian does “bootleg” plant-based versions of Italian classics. The whole menu – from fluffy dough balls with garlic butter to cacio e pepe and lasagne – is vegan. Don’t forget to order a serve of incredibly convincing tiramisu.
This backstreet local made a particular name for itself under Colin Fassnidge's culinary leadership but is now under new management. It retains its produce-driven menu but without the nose-to-tail ideas Fassnidge was keen on. There's a bigger wine selection than most pubs and taps pour all of the classics.
An unassuming terrace house on the outside; a fun Latin American bar and diner on the inside. Dishes span Peruvian, Mexican and Brazilian flavours, backed up by a solid selection of tequila and mezcal. The best drink on the menu? The Tequila Mockingbird, of course.
The old-school Italian with the iconic green door has been kicking hard since 1987 with honest Napoli-style fare including hand-made pastas, fish and beautifully prepared meat courses. The tablecloths are white, the upholstery is floral and the service is pitch-perfect.
At the Melbourne-born roaster’s first Sydney shop, you’ll find seasonal espresso blends and single origins alongside excellent pastries and bread. Plus, everything you need to lift your coffee game at home – from hand-grinders to espresso machines and beyond.
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.
An all-star cast has been assembled for this vinyl-spinning bar: P&V's Mike Bennie is on wine duty, Maybe Sammy is handling cocktails, and star chef Clayton Wells is doing food. The highlights? A fried-potato dish and BYOR (that’s bring-your-own-records) nights.
The team behind Maybe Sammy have moved into a heritage Paddington pub and created a Mexican-inspired bar all about good times. There’s a DJ booth, disco ball and a menu that riffs on classic Mexican dishes. Cocktails are a big yes given who’s behind the place.
Set over two storeys in an iconic Paddington terrace, Sydney’s most experimental wine bar has Italian swagger in spades. Come for pastas that are anything but traditional, and a pretzel with whipped bottarga that’s so spectacular it’s never left the menu. The wine list changes so frequently, you could visit three times in a week and never get bored.
Like end-to-end diner Fred’s upstairs, this warm basement bar employs the best of the season’s produce on a menu that truly has something for everyone. Fancy something fresh and lively? Sure thing. Or perhaps a stiff, old-school classic? Right this way.
Like a cross between a pub, a bistro and chicken shop. Enjoy the rotisserie-focused menu in this sleek and sunny fit-out. If you've got a solid amount of pals for an event, ask for the private space, a magnificent frieze-covered dining room with a sun roof.
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.
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.
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.
