This Paddington rooftop bar delivers a signature Jatz snack from Mitch Orr, cocktails from a local pro, a Mimosa service and plenty of West Hollywood style.

From the team behind Shaffa, this space transforms a former grocery store into an intimate bar that flirts with the Med and the Middle East. Come for seafood-forward small plates and seriously good bread.

Porcine and P&V have always shared the same premises, but the pair's wine bar in their courtyard shows off the very best of both.

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.

Four distinct spaces in a Victorian-era pub package. The brassy, stain-glassed Royal Bar downstairs is a great spot for a beer and some live sport. Upstairs the restaurant does upmarket pub classics. One more level, and you’re on the rooftop. You can dine year-round up here, thanks to some retractable coverage. But in summer, it’s rosé-ready – the good stuff is pouring on tap.

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.

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.

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.

One of the best places to see artfully directed cinema in Sydney.

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.

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.

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.

The chef trained at Thomas Keller's legendary French Laundry in California as well as some of LA's hottest restaurants.

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

Breakfast and lunch from the much-loved bakery.

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

Offering goods to fill the pantry and fridge, all from small local producers.

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

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

An unassuming little cafe on the Oxford Street strip.

A polished wine bar on the top floor of Berkelouw's Paddington store.

This gem is a little slice if Italy hidden in the heart of Paddington.

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.

Inspired by Southern California Motels, this boutique hotel is an urban oasis that plays to its Paddington location.

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.

At his first solo restaurant, acclaimed chef Phil Wood explores and expands Australian cuisine with a produce-driven menu driven by classic European techniques.

“A French bistro above a bottle shop” sounds like a straightforward brief. But there’s nothing straightforward about this cosy inner-city restaurant. (Or the bottle shop for that matter.)

A modern Thai restaurant serving twice-cooked master-stock chicken and Wagyu brisket that takes four days to prepare.

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.

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

A pioneering “fin-to-scale” eatery by Josh and Julie Niland. In the large open kitchen, the chefs utilise all parts of the fish to create a menu of wildly inventive dishes. A meal here is thrilling, educational, and enhanced by an impressive selection of Australian wine and Japanese sake.

Paddo Inn is home to Il Baretto, an Italian diner that feeds all corners of the venue. In the restaurant out back, the a la carte menu includes hand-made gnocchi, antipasti and aperitivo. And in the timber-fitted front bar, you’ll find home-style Italian fare such as meatballs and lasagne to match well-priced wine and beer.

A saucy burger joint on Oxford Street.

Pizza done just right on Oxford Street.

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.

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.

The sequel to the cult Newtown shop is almost a mirror image of the OG. Except here, you can settle into the courtyard for by-the-glass pours and snacks a la Porcine upstairs.

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.

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.

Dive in for facials, skincare products and aquatic-inspired design.

Stonewashed linens, crisp cottons and beautiful accessories, designed right here in Sydney.

Luxury mid-century Scandinavian furniture and interiors that will lift any home.

An Australian flagship selling the brand’s famous skeleton flats, and injecting a dose of California into Sydney.

So much more than the average high-street jeweller.

Womenswear styles designed in Sydney and delivered weekly. Plus homewares, jewellery and Italian eyewear.

The best place to find activewear and athleisure clothing.

The Melbourne furniture maker's grand Paddington store.

Luxury statement pieces for women with big budgets.

Bohemian street style filtered through a Parisian lens.

Like the classic takeaway joint, but with more technique.

The Australiana-themed textile and homewares brand’s permanent base in Paddington.

Kit Willow’s Paddington store is a century-old space stripped-back to its beautiful basics.

Lee Mathews has a boutique in Paddington at The Intersection.

A casually stylish men’s fashion and lifestyle house on Oxford Street.

When Oxford Street began to droop, Joseph Darling saw an opportunity to play a role in the creative renovation of the once-vibrant street.

Drop off your film for Hillvale to process, and for you to download later.

Camilla and Marc’s second line, C&M, has its own home in Paddington.

A whimsical and most definitely quirky jewellery boutique.

A specialised eyewear boutique housing some of the world’s most formidable brands.

A goldmine of recycled fashion and vintage designers.

Local designer with a distinctly feminine aesthetic

A local brand with functional Swedish style.

Cameras, music books and iconic images of rock greats.

Soft curves and clean lines from Melbourne-based furniture company Jardan.

An Australian owned, international epidermal destination.

Local and international designers and killer staff make this one of our favourites.

Made-to-order suits and shirts from an extremely well dressed man.

Locally designed, hand-made lingerie,