Avril Treasure

There is a lot to get excited about on the streets of Sydney at the moment. The calibre of restaurants making their grand debuts is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And while there are more openings than you could poke a stick at, Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure has rounded up her picks of the ones she thinks should be at the top of your hit list, including chic beachside eatery Bobby's, late-night Indian diner Derrel's, fragrant Sri Lankan wine bar and restaurant Kurumba, the very dapper Bistro George, and fast-paced steak restaurant from the Bistecca team, Alfie's.  Happy eating, Sydney. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

People are choosing plant-based eating for its softer step on the Earth, concerns about animal cruelty, and the health benefits of vegetable-rich diets. Plus, there's been a rise in flexitarian diets – you might not be a full-time vegan, but where you can, you opt for more plants on your plate. Only a few years ago, vegan dining meant a whole lot of pulses and sprouts, but now Sydney is home to plant-based burger shops, classic Italian pizzerias that showcase cheese and meat alternatives, gelato shops that favour coconut bases, and a growing contingent of fine diners offering fancy degustations for vegans. Below, we've rounded up the best vegan restaurants in Sydney. Cool with eggs and dairy? Check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. Got a mixed group? Head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney. On a budget? Have a look at the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want to shop sustainably? Check out our guide to ethical shopping in Sydney here.

Look, if you're in need of a drink at a pub or bar this Christmas Day, we don't blame you. Hell, we may even see you there. Whether you're a Christmas orphan, a backpacker or you just need to get a drink in you to bookend the family madness, Time Out Sydney's writers, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have rounded up the best places to get a drink on December 25. And if you're looking for a place to enjoy a full festive feast, check out the restaurants open on Christmas Day, as well as these top yum cha places.And for every other day of the year, it's always wise to keep this list of the best bars in Sydney handy.

For most, Christmas Day is the Very Best day of the year, filled with Mariah Carey hits, fresh prawns, third helpings of pav and free-flowing booze. But the combined pressure of the extended family, sweltering heat and Everest-like dishes can really take the shine off the day. Which is why you may want to throw caution to the wind and book a table at a top Sydney venue. They will make you and your kin a yuletide feast, pop the Champagne for you, and the very best bit – there's no washing up required on your part. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have rounded up the best Christmas day lunches in Sydney. Don't forget, folks: restaurant staff at these places are working through Christmas Day, so be kind and sling them a tip.  Merry Christmas, and feast on. RECOMMENDED: Where to find the best Christmas lights in Sydney

For those who don't have plans, it can be tricky to find a feed and some caffeine on Christmas Day in Sydney. Don't worry – we've rounded up a select few places that'll be open. For a more formal set feast, check out the best Christmas Day lunches in Sydney. While we are doing our best to keep our lists up to date, make sure you check ahead with the venue you're hitting up (some require bookings). If these book out, there's always yum cha! Here's a list of Sydney yum cha restaurants open on Christmas Day.

Spring 2023 update: It’s no secret that while beautiful, Sydney sure is exy. The good news is that we’re lucky to have a huge amount of cheap eats. And often they rival any dishes you would find in a fancy fine diner. We've rounded up our favourite places with prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Happy eating. Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. These are the ones well worth their salt. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks. Looking for a café to sit down at for coffee and brunch? Here's our guide to the best cafés in Sydney.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydneytown Here are the top bars in the city for when you want to hit the town

Maybe it's signalled by a glimmer of light under a door. Perhaps a queue in an alley that makes you take pause to wonder what the fuss is all about. Or is it the sound of revelry drifting up a flight of stairs in the distance that lures you in? Whatever it is, there's something about the pursuit of getting to a hidden bar – the build-up of anticipation or the knowledge that a drink is somewhere, out there, waiting for you – that we all just can't help but love. Whether they're up high or down below, some of Sydney's very best bars are not all that easy to find. In fact, you've probably walked straight past a few without even knowing they existed. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food and Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have searched for the best hidden bars – and here are the ones you'll have to hunt the hardest for.  Prefer to be out in the open? The best rooftop bars in Sydney might be your best bet, but there are a whole lot of waterfront bars and ace beer gardens worthy of your attention, too. 

There’s a lot to love about bottomless brunch. Firstly – and perhaps the most obvious one – is the allure of free flowing booze enjoyed with your best mates over a few glorious hours, be it Champagne, Aperols, Margaritas or beers. Secondly, Sydney’s cafés and restaurants sure do put on a show with their bottomless brunch, with generous and delicious dishes, as our Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure can attest to (and, she’s tried a lot). Plus, they’re excellent value, when you consider you get a feast and a bunch of tipples. We’re collated our top bottomless brunch picks below, which include everything from pretty Middle Eastern restaurants to classic watering holes, chic wine bars and relaxed coastal eateries. Round up your gang, make a booking and get stuck in. Bottoms up.  RECOMMENDED: These are the best happy hours in Sydney right now Start your morning on the right note with our guide to the city's finest cafés Love a long lunch? Have a look at our guide to the top set menus in Sydney at all price points

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  For more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney

From arts and design treasure troves to European-inspired food markets, these Christmas shopping pop-ups have all the yuletide goods you need to make the silly season really special. If the thought of joining the hoards at a shopping mall in December gives you full body chills, save yourself the bother and add these quaint Chrissie markets to your hit list. This year, you’ll find cost-of-living conscious options (such as sub $20 gift options at Le Jolly Market) alongside some real push-the-boat-out offerings.Regardless of your holiday budget, it’s worth hitting at least one market for your annual dose of festive (if only for the fondue).  Merry shopping. Give even greener presents by stopping by at one of Sydney's best plant nurseries.  Need a tree to put all those market-bought goodies under? Here's where to find the best Christmas trees in Sydney.

Long time locals Adam and Kylie Micola have always dreamed of opening up a seafood restaurant right on Cronulla Beach. And when the perfect sight became available on the south end of Cronulla’s Esplanade – one that’s literally a shell’s throw from the sand – they knew they had to snap it up. Enter Bobby’s – a breezy, Mediterranean-leaning and seafood-championing café, restaurant and bar named after Micola’s dad, which is now open. Decked out with warm wooden furniture, natural stone and expansive open windows to allow for maximum surf and people watching, the 115-seater has a relaxed yet chic coastal vibe. The couple are keen for it to be a spot where locals can stroll in (wrapped in a towel) for a coffee and B&E roll post-swim, or get dressed up for an afternoon of Spritzes and snacks while the sun sets. And they’ve brought in some formidable talent to drive the kitchen, including executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex executive chef Otto and Totti's) and head chef Shaun Baker (ex Bills). Together, the chefs have created a menu with an ocean-to-plate ethos, so you can expect seafood to taste like it’s just been plucked from the sea. Hits from the opening menu include squid with chilli, garlic and parsley; Bobby's prawn roll with iceberg lettuce and Sriracha mayo; and a crumbed barramundi burger with chive mayo. There’s beer battered fish and chips, of course, served traditionally with tartare and lemon, as well as a whole grilled spatchcock with tuscan herbs, garlic and lemon;

Got plans for New Year’s Day? If not, we’ve got a hot oceanside party for you. The Aussie legends of groovy hip-hop band Winston Surfshirt will be taking over the DJ decks at the dreamy Manly Pavillion on Monday, January 1 – and yep, smiles will be all around. Kick off the new year on a high note dancing with your best mates to non-stop feelgood bangers by the local musicians behind boppy hits like 'Be About You' while lapping up the million-dollar ocean views (and sinking a few Aperols, of course). Fuel yourself up to party the day away with Med-style snacks and share plates including Sydney rock oysters, house-made fluffy bread, calamari with lemon and chilli and charred lamb skewers. The sun-soaked New Year’s Day shindig will kick off from 1pm, and will party on until late in the evening. Whack on your sunglasses and your best dancing shoes. Tickets for the New Year’s Day party with Winston Surfshirt cost $60 per person, and that includes a drink on arrival. You can snap them up here, and see more info here. Be about (you) it! RECOMMENDED: These are best secret beaches in Sydney Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's top bars In the area? Have a look at our list of Manly's best restaurants

Renowned for its striking scarlet colour, the waratah is one of Australia's best known native flowers (it's also the floral emblem of New South Wales). The name waratah comes from the Eora word 'warada', which means 'beautiful' or 'seen from afar'. It’s a fitting name for a new neighbourhood bar that’s opening in Darlinghurst on Wednesday, December 6, which aims to tell the story of modern Australia through the connection between growers, Indigenous communities, sustainability and seasonality. The Waratah will source the majority of its produce from First Nations growers and NSW farmers, with a farm-to-glass ethos. It’s not just the name that we like the sounds of: the Waratah is the first venture by new Sydney group Pollen Hospitality, founded by Australia’s former Best Bartender Evan Stroeve (ex Re., Bulletin Place, the Baxter Inn and Shady Pines Saloon) and Cynthia Litster. The duo have brought on Alex Prichard (executive chef at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar) to steer the ship. Talk about an exciting line-up. Located on the corner of Liverpool and Victoria Street in the vibrant and leafy suburb, the Waratah will seat 120 across two floors, with three separate offerings. On the ground floor you’ll find a charming public bar tinged with nostalgia, serving riffs on classic pub fare. Upstairs will be the terrace bar, which will focus on killer cocktails and share plates. And there will also be an open-air courtyard, where you can knock back drinks in the afternoon sun. L

Oh Boy, the dreamy café found at Sydney's beloved harbourside pool – the Andrew Boy Charlton – has reopened with a fresh look, a load of new offerings and bottomless brunch. Oh boy, indeed. Operated by the Bird and Bear group (also Foys Kirribilli, Mosman Rowing Club) this waterside gem is located right by the Botanic Gardens and boasts views of the idyllic pool and pristine harbour. Breakfast hits include the chickpea breakfast bowl with falafel, green tahini, poached eggs, mixed leaves, pickles and yoghurt; sourdough crumpets with whipped ricotta and honey butter; and Oh Boy’s bacon and egg roll with Kewpie and hot barbecue sauce on a milk bun. For lunch, there are crowd-pleasers like a classic cheeseburger with and an Angus beef patty, American cheese, pickles and a side of fries; chicken schnitzel with lemon caper butter and kaleslaw; and a grilled veg panini with eggplant, roast capsicum, pesto, stracciatella and rocket. Poolside dining is now available every day. Snagged a coveted lounge chair by the pool on the weekend? You can order off the QR code and get your meal delivered to you (and not lose your seat). Plus, Oh Boy is now offering bottomless brunch on Fridays to Sundays. Think free flowing Mimosas, sparkling and rosé matched with a three-course feast for $78 per person. We say head down to swim laps, and then hit up Oh Boy afterwards for a feed.   Recommended: Thes are the best bottomless brunches in Sydney Check out the most magical places to see flowers in Syd

Buttery brioche filled with pandan custard, coconut and crumble; a pretzel croissant Rueben sandwich; a twice-baked chocolate and roasted hazelnut croissant; and a Vegemite, avo and fermented chilli scroll. No, these are not the snacks of your Willy Wonka-esque dreams, but some of the items on Shadow Baking’s opening menu. We’re licking our lips just thinking about it. Does the name ring a bell? Shadow Baking has been slinging their golden and buttery treats every month at the Cannery Markets, and have rightly gained quite the following doing so. Made up of three chefs from Gelato Messina – Tom Mitchell, Florian Fritsch and Remi Talbot – the legendary trio have now opened their first-ever bricks and mortar shop in Darlinghurst. So you won’t have to wait all month for their killer baked goods. Seriously, we’ve tried a bunch of Shadow Baking’s pastries and they are some of the best in Sydney. Which makes sense, when you consider the chef’s CVs span everywhere from Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, Rockpool Bar and Grill, and two Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant Den. So, it’s settled. A (minimum) weekly trip to Darlinghurst it is.  Recommended: These are our favourite sandwiches in Sydney The lords at A.P Bakery have opened up another store in the city and we are absolutely here for it Darlinghurst will soon score a 120-seat bar with a farm-to-glass ethos, with Australia’s former best bartender and a Bondi Icebergs chef at the helm

The brains behind legendary Sydney bar Old Mate’s Place and Newtown’s speakeasy-style tropical cocktail boozer Huelo are at it again – this time with a hidden Caribbean-inspired rum bar, affectionately named Old Loves. Found in a dark and moody basement on Clarence Street, the subterranean bar has taken over the spot where Ginny's Canoe Club used to be. And there sure is a lot to love here, including a 320-strong rum list with a fair share of rare and exciting tipples. The team also has a sugar cane press, which allows them to juice sugar cane fresh to order, so guests can enjoy a bunch of rums without tasting it neat or on the rocks. Now that’s neat. Cocktail wise, co-owner Dre Walters says you can expect “classic tiki cocktails and our modern twists”. Some of his favourites are the Banana Hammock with rum, banana, coconut, jerk spice and bitters; and the West Side Ramos with green mango gin, elderflower, coconut rum, cream, citrus and West Coast Cooler. Our ears perked up at Old Love’s seasonal Daiquiris, made from market-fresh fruit. Walters works closely with his fruit suppliers, saying: “He called me the other day and said the nectarines are perfect at the moment, so we did a Charred Nectarine Daiquiri last week.” Another recent combo they've just done is a Mango, Pandan and Coconut Daiquiri – and honestly, that sounds highly smashable. The snack menu is succinct and features island flavours, like Ginny’s mini Cubano; jerk chicken rolls; and a chorizo and potato quesadil

Just like the Matildas, Martinis and the Britney memoir, French food is having a moment here in Sydney – if the wave of recent openings are anything to go by. Take for example, Parisian rock and roll wine bar Caravin, the gorgeous Charlotte Bar and Bistro, and South of France-inspired Martinez. Now, new neighbourhood French bistro Chez Blue has joined them. The 90-seater bistro and cocktail bar in Rozelle is owned by the Solotel group, who also oversee Sydney establishments the Clock and the Golden Sheaf, as well as Opera Bar, Aria, and Chiswick with chef Matt Moran. Leading the kitchen is Mark Williamson, who comes from Woollahra French institution Bistro Moncur. At Chez Blue, Williamson will be giving the classics a playful spin. Niçoise salad gets a glow-up to transform into a tuna tartare niçoise with potato galette, egg and green beans; peach and tomato will be paired with goat’s curd, fennel and almonds and plated to look like a French peach melba dessert; and chicken liver pate is served with a brûléed top to crack with some brioche, alongside housemade marmalade and pickles. Plus, on the menu there’s a croque monsieur with melted Comté cheese to dip into; steak frites with sauce béarnaise; and Parisian gnocchi with herb crème fraîche and spring vegetables. Yum. Pretty mosaic floor tiling, vintage lighting, and art sourced from Parasian vintage markets will set the glam French vibe. All that's left to do is order a bottle of French vino. C'est la vie! Recommended: Thes

Born in Italy, Alfredo moved to the Big Apple in the early ’60s to open his own panino shop in the Bronx, serving delicious panini and classic street food to hungry New Yorkers. And this year his nephew, chef Lorenzo Petrachi (who's the former manager of Newton's beloved Gigi’s Pizzeria), opened a sunny King Street Italian eatery inspired by Alfredo. The only thing that’s different between the two trattorias (beside the year), is that Don Fred is 100 per cent plant-based. And in case you’re wondering about the name, "Don Fred" was Alfredo’s nickname. That's amore. Sunflower-yellow walls, tiles from Italy and brown timber tables are a nod to Alfredo’s OG panino shopt, and Petrachi uses a mix of local produce and ingredients sourced from Italy to make you feel like you’re experiencing – and tasting – the real deal, but with a vegan glow-up. Expect salty, carby and tasty snacks, as well as panini and Italian-inspired burgers. A must-order is Don Fred’s ‘polpetz focaccia’, a remix of the Italian meatball sub, but with roasted olive-meat balls, housemade Napoletana sauce, dairy-free parmesan and basil on fresh focaccia. To snack on, we’d go for the ‘carpaccio’ with thin-grilled capsicum, rocket, parmesan and lemon; and the ‘zucchini fritti’, crumbed zucchini wedges with a housemade Napoletana sauce and oregano. On a hot summer’s day, we recommend finishing with a frozen Negroni granita, and then another. Whether you’re plant-based, an Italian lover, or just keen on snacks (us), st

“A Portuguese oasis in Petersham,” is what Jose Silva and wife Basia wanted to create with their corner-eatery Lunas, named after the couple’s daughter. And sitting there one balmy evening in the alfresco courtyard, which overlooks the verdant garden – lush with herbs, citrus, fig and pomegranate trees – while the sun turned from a soft peach to a fiery orange – we’d say they’ve pretty much nailed it. Silva – who also owns pasty shop Sweet Belem (home to Sydney’s best Portuguese tarts), as well as sustainable fish joint Fich at Petersham, (he’s also the co-owner of Double Bay’s beloved Bibo Wine Bar) – opened Lunas in late 2022. An all-day café, Lunas serves classic breakfasts with Portuguese flavours – think hotcakes with a Portuguese tart custard, cinnamon, raspberries and vanilla ice cream; and chorizo scrambled eggs with onion, sobrasada (cured sausage), chives, coriander, and gordal olives. Even avo toast gets pimped up with romesco sauce, coriander, tomato, almonds and vegan feta. To make the most of the dreamy weather, Lunas is now open during the evenings for the first time. Come night time, you can expect traditional yet elevated Portuguese fare, inspired by Silva’s heritage, as well as his 12 years spent as head chef at Guillaume Brahimi’s award-winning Opera House restaurant. Begin with snacks like ‘peixinhos de horta’, fresh green beans deep fried until crisp, salty and moreish; ‘atum cru’, raw bluefin tuna with sofrito, olives and jamon; and pork and beef croquet

Swinging open its doors in 1986, the OG Jacksons on George quickly became the spot for late-night antics in the Emerald City. Sadly, I was underage when the boozer was in its heyday. But I’ve heard the stories. Heck, I think the whole of Sydney has. The Sydney stalwart closed down in 2018 and hibernated for five years. And in September 2023 – after being snapped up by new Sydney hospitality group DTL Entertainment, composed of Icebergs’ restaurateur Maurice Terzini, publican Michael Broome and entrepreneurs Paul Ford and Steve Bannigan – Jacksons on George finally reopened after a complete transformation. It now sports a casual bar, a European bistro and a schmick rooftop bar. So long, sticky carpet. From the outside, Jacksons on George is an impressive architectural masterpiece – the kind that makes people whistle – designed by the Sydney-based award-winning Studio Hollenstein. People have said it looks like a white veil, but all I can see while approaching one Saturday is a giant, perfect wave. A tip of the hat to Terzini’s coastal roots. This isn't the only thing that Jacksons on George and Icebergs have in common – former Icebergs chef Steven Sinclair is leading the charge in the Bistro George kitchen. Impressively, Sinclair also earned his stripes working at England’s Michelin-starred L’Enclume. It makes sense then that the chef, who hails from Northern Ireland, drew on both experiences to create his European- and Australian-leaning menu. It’s a perfect spring day when w

Brendan King says his nanna never cooked while he was growing up, and instead always remembers his grandpa in the kitchen, preparing spiced tandoori wings and fiery pork vindaloo. Derrel’s – the new late-night Indian diner by Public Hospitality (also Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez) and Baba’s Place Creative (a new hospo creative agency by the Baba’s team) – is named after King’s grandpa, and is a nostalgic ode to his food and the dishes that King loves to cook and eat himself. Prior to Derrel's, King sharpened his knife skills at Baba’s Place in Marrickville, a venue that’s big on celebrating Sydney’s suburban multicultural cuisine. The fact that Derrel’s is inspired by King’s time growing up in an Anglo-Indian household feels like a natural, delicious progression. The colourful, retro-looking space – found on Parramatta Road in Camperdown – features a bright-pink counter, menus printed on Woman’s Weekly covers from the ’80s, vintage upcycled furniture and a framed Roy Keane Manchester United Jersey on the wall. We dig it. And when we say Derrel’s is late-night, we mean it – the eatery is open until 2am on the weekends, and King wants it to be the place people stop by for their end-of-night salty fix. Derrel’s succinct menu includes snacks; kathi rolls (Indian-style wraps); curry plates served with rice, roti, lime, onion and chutneys; plus sides, sweets and drinks. We love the sounds of the tandoori chicken wings made from King’s grandpa’s recipe; the “chip putty” with added

Get out your Santa hats: the beloved annual Martin Place Christmas Markets are back with the opening weekend kicking off on Saturday and Sunday November 24 to December 23 from 11am to 8pm. The festive markets will then be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December leading up to Christmas (AKA the biggest day in Mariah Carey’s calendar) – so you can get gifts for your loved ones and support small businesses at the same time. How’s that for Christmas cheer? From ripe and juicy cherries to festive wreaths, deliciously smelling candles, boutique wines, Christmas puddings, jewellery and chic homewares, these markets are chock-a-block full with excellent stalls and passionate stallholders, set to bring festival cheer to even the Grinchiest among us. Save up your pocket money as some of the stallholders include premium gift options 3b Designs; Kikinoki zen products; Nakheel premium bedding; Berliner Bakery donuts; Thicc Cookies; Natas and Co; Cora; Ayre; Alrok; and Savannah Estate winery. Snackwise, expect to find dishes from Mexico, Japan, Israel and more. Plus, live music will keep the vibes high. You’ll find the Christmas markets in the pedestrian boulevard of Martin Place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. And if you needed even more reason to come on down on the opening Saturday, towards the end of the day Santa will light the spectacular Martin Place Christmas tree complete with dazzling fireworks. The opening weekend will also see Matin Place transformed into a festive w

Jamie Oliver – the OG naked chef, dad of five, and the person responsible for improving the lives of millions of people around the world – was just in Sydney (we’re not blushing, you’re blushing). Oliver was in town for a bunch of things, including an in-conversation with the formidable Melissa Leong at the Sydney Opera House, as well as spruiking his new cookbook, 5 Ingredients Mediterranean. And of course, he was here to explore our Big Beautiful City. (We chatted to Oliver ahead of his trip, which you can read about here.) Time Out Sydney’s Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure and Sydney Editor Alice Ellis caught up with Oliver onboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation Of The Seas, and can attest that he was even better in real life. Not only did Oliver make time for everyone, he was warm and down-to-earth, cracking jokes and sharing stories about his life. And, most importantly, he was kind. No wonder the chef/ author/ game-changer is so universally adored.  While in Sydney, Oliver ate and drank his way around our Emerald City, and did a bit of sightseeing. Below, we’ve rounded up everywhere Jamie Oliver went and where he ate, in case you want to follow in the superstar chef’s footsteps. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb One of the very first things Oliver did when he landed in Sydney was the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb with his eldest daughter Poppy and her boyfriend Ben. It’s his second time tackling the stairs, and he said it was a pleasure to be in awe of our beautiful city. “A m

From historic neighbourhood watering holes to hip new bars with sunny beer gardens, our vibrant pub culture is a big part of what makes Melbourne such a great city to live in. In fact, we'd argue we've got some of the best boozers in all of Australia. We love them for their vibes, sure, but it's also what you can eat and drink there that draws us in by the droves. (This writer's partial to a mid-week steak and a pinot.) But have you ever wondered what the most popular meal and drink of choice is? Well, wonder no more. New research by pub app the Happiest Hour has just revealed Sydney and Melbourne’s respective favourite pub meals and drinks, as well as those we're now shunning. Parma lovers, the results may surprise you. In sad news for pies, the flakey hand-held bite ranked at the bottom of the list in both cities, while the legendary parma (Sydney calls it “parmi”, but we reckon they’re wrong) only got a vote of love from 39 per cent of Melburnians and 26 per cent of Sydneysiders. That's a sharp slip from its ranking near the top of the list a decade ago. RIP. Photograph: Supplied / Australian Venue Co At 53 per cent, juicy burgers are the most-loved eats of choice in Melbourne pubs, a fact that should come as no surprise if you've sunk your teeth into one of these bad boys. Pizza is closely followed at 50 per cent. Across the border, Sydneysiders share our love for a slice of 'za, but tacos also took up a top spot on their list of faves. Joonas Karppinen, co-founder of t

From charming heritage boozers to watering holes with sunny courtyards, it’s no doubt that pubs are the cornerstones of our city, and here in Sydney we have some absolute doozies. When it comes to pub meals and drinks of choice, we all have our go-tos – whether that’s bangers and mash with a glass of pinot noir (hello), golden schnitty and an ice-cold pint, or juicy steak and a (likely underdressed) salad. Have you ever wondered what the most popular meal and drink of choice is? Well, wonder no more. New research by pub app the Happiest Hour has just revealed Sydney and Melbourne’s respective favourite pub meals and drinks (as well as those we're now shunning). Parmi lovers, the results may surprise you. In sad news for pies, the flakey hand-held bite ranked at the bottom of the list in both cities, and the legendary parmi (Melbourne calls it “parma”, but we reckon they’re wrong) only got a vote of love from 26 per cent of Sydneysiders, and 39 per cent of Melburnians. RIP. Photograph: Supplied/The Old Fitz Tacos and pizza are the most-loved meals of choice in Sydney pubs, and anecdotally that checks out. Over across the border, burgers are the favourite meal in Melbourne at 53 per cent, with pizza following closely at 50 per cent. Joonas Karppinen, founder of the Happiest Hour, reckons this could be because tacos and pizza are shareable dishes, and best enjoyed with mates (unlike, say, a steak). You heard it here first, folks: Sydney is better at sharing (Melbourne, please

Forget maybe – you should definitely make plans to head over to Sydney’s schmick and glamorous bar Maybe Sammy, now also known as the Best Bar on Earth (though, be prepared to line up). That’s because Top 500 Bars just announced Maybe Sammy as the winner of their prestigious awards at a recent ceremony in Paris, with venue manager Sarah Proietti and bar manager Hunter Gregory there to collect the coveted gold star. The Rocks boozer jumped up from its 17th spot in 2022 to beat a whopping 500 bars across 122 cities and 53 countries, coming out right on top. If that’s not calling for a cocktail or three, we don’t know what will. Top 500 Bars compiled the thirst-inducing list using results from more than 2,000 sources, including reviews from liquor experts and journalists, as well as data from online reviews, search engine results and social media channels. Essentially, they wanted the list to reflect what bars the people actually loved – and the results are in. Maybe Sammy it is! Photograph: Daniele Massacci “It’s such an honour for our bar team to be recognised for the time and effort they put into making the experience at Maybe Sammy exceptional, and for that to be acknowledged on a global scale is so humbling,” said co-founder of Maybe Sammy Stefano Catino. "We couldn’t be happier to top the list this year, it’s a very special moment for the whole team.” The next Sydney bar to make the list was sepia-hued the Baxter Inn, which came in at number 87, followed by sustainable w

Is there life outside Earth? What do aliens look like? Will Beyonce ever visit Down Under? If you too lay awake at night pondering the Great Big questions of the universe, then you’ll be stoked to know a top Sydney bar has just created 17 wild and wacky celestial-inspired cocktails – including one that's an edible astronaut. And yes, we know the mind-boggling drinks may not hold the answers to your deepest, darkest questions, but you’ll sure as hell have a great time knocking them back while you ponder on it all. Called ‘Above the Clouds’, the fun cocktails have been created by the award-winning Dean and Nancy on 22 team, who want to invite their guests on a 'celestial journey' beyond level 22. Think Aladdin and Jasmine’s magic carpet ride, but right here in Sydney, and with more booze. Photograph: Supplied/Dean and Nancy on 22 Take a (return) trip to the moon with the Rocketman, Dean and Nancy’s first edible cocktail shaped like a buttercup-yellow astronaut and presented to you in a cloud of smoke. The chilled cocktail is made up of vodka, lemon and fior di latte ice cream, violet liqueur, ginger, and vanilla with a white-chocolate mould (and we reckon after a few of these you may be seeing stars). Make friends with outer space folk with the Alien on Holiday, a fantasy-style fruity cocktail featuring gin and sherry, plus lime, kiwi and pistachio. We’ve also got our eyes on the Ray of Light, a whiskey highball complete with its very own whimsical illuminated LED circle. Rea

Think you know food pronunciation? Can you confidently say everything from tagliatelle to tteokbokki? Just weeks after we revealed all the pasta names we mispronounce, yet another study has just dropped the bombshell that there's a whole linguistic universe of food-related words that are tying our tongues up in knots. Whether you'd rather avoid the embarrassment of getting your favourite meal wrong when you ask for it at a restaurant, or you're simply curious to see the results of the research, we'd bet there's at least one of these words you haven't been saying the right way.  Topping the list for most mispronounced dishes is gyros (correctly pronounced as “yi ros”), that famous hand-held Greek snack made up of a soft pita bread stuffed with grilled meats, fresh salads, and piping hot chips. The second hardest dish to say is pho (pronounced correctly as "fuh"), the Vietnamese bowl made up of soul-enriching broth, noodles, rare beef, and fragrant herbs. And coming in third place is gnocchi ("no kee") from Italy, those delightfully pillowy dumplings made from potato. Remitly, a US-based financial services provider for immigrants, conducted the research by pulling together the names of 2,700 dishes from more than 165 countries around the world and then combined that with search terms including "what is" and "how to pronounce". The team then analysed the data to see what dish names were searched for most regularly over the previous year – and now the results are in. Photograph:

A new study has just revealed the world’s most mispronounced dishes, and yes, you might be saying your favourite meal wrong. We're lucky that Sydney is filled with a swathe of eateries slinging cuisines from all over the world, so are you keen to find out if you're saying the words right? Topping the delicious list for most mispronounced dishes is gyros (correctly pronounced as “yi ros”) the life-affirming hand-held Greek snack made up of a soft pita bread stuffed with grilled meats, fresh salads, and (crucially) hot chips. The second hardest dish to say is pho (pronounced correctly as "fuh"), the Vietnamese bowl made up of soul-enriching broth, noodles, rare beef, and fragrant herbs. And coming in third place is gnocchi ("no kee") from Italy, those pasta-adjacent perfect little dumplings made from potato with the consistency of a pillow. Remitly, a US-based financial services provider for immigrants, conducted the research by pulling together the names of 2,700 dishes from more than 165 countries around the world and then combined that with search terms including "what is" and "how to pronounce". The team then analysed the data to see what dish names were searched for most regularly over the previous year – and now the results are in. Photograph: Supplied/Pho Tau Bay  Below are the the world’s top ten most difficult to pronounce dishes:  Gyros, Greece – correct pronunciation “Yi ros” Pho, Vietnam – “Fuh” Gnocchi, Italy – “No kee” Pizza, Italy – “Peet suh” Quesadilla, M

Chuck on your finest frock or linen number and grab your sunglasses because Sunday sessions are back at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, and quite frankly we’re thirsty. Rub shoulders with the beautiful at one of Sydney’s best places to catch the sunset with a drink in hand while you listen to a line-up of top local and international DJs playing non-stop bangers. Seriously – Touch Sensitive, Yolanda Be Cool, Running Touch and more will all be spinning tunes each Sunday while the sun goes down. And the best bit? Entry is free, so you’ll only have to fork out for your Aperols and hot chippies. Photograph: Andrew Baldacchino We say make a day out of it and come for lunch beforehand. Us? We’d be going for a bucket of fresh Aussie tiger prawns, lobster rolls, and finishing with a prosciutto, rocket and buffalo mozzarella pizza. Located smack-bang on an idyllic harbour beach, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has been a Sydney stalwart for more than 100 years. Renowned for bringing the good vibes and great classic summer hits, we reckon this is a pretty good place to end your week on a high. Summer Loading will be kicking off each Sunday from 3pm. You can see the full line-up here. Catch you at the front for ‘Pizza Guy’. RECOMMENDED: These are the best rooftop bars in Sydney Quench your thirst with the top happy hours in Sydney right now Check out the finest and hottest new restaurants in Sydney

Today, renowned farm-to-table chef Danielle Alvarez has been announced as the new culinary director of the Sydney Opera House event venues, operated by hospitality group Trippas White. The cookbook author and founding chef of Sydney favourite Fred’s has created beautiful menus for all the private soirées to be held in the iconic building’s Yallamundi Rooms, the Utzon Room and Northern Foyers – think weddings, intimate cocktail events, corporate networking and gala dinners. So yes, we will now be booking an event at the House. Alvarez will be joining top chefs already in the House, including Peter Gilmore at Bennelong and Mark Olive at new restaurant Midden by Mark Olive. Alvarez’s passion for using fresh, seasonal produce, as well as working with local producers, will shine through in the menus. Trippas White chief executive officer Kevin Zajax said the partnership is a “perfect match”. “Danielle cares deeply about the connection between food and culture, and I can’t think of anywhere better to bring this together than arguably the world’s most recognisable cultural destination,” he says. “I feel tremendously honoured to have some impact on the food being served at the Sydney Opera House,” adds Alvarez. “It is a global icon of Australian culture, and my goal is to bring together people, produce and events that will further showcase all the incredible things this diverse country has to offer.” To celebrate Alvarez’s next chapter, as well as the release of her second cookbook,

Keen for some good, thirsty news to lift your spirits? The 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) just went down in London Town, and Australia's very own gin hero Four Pillars won International Gin Producer of the Year for the third time. That's right, Four Pillars produces the Best Gin on Earth. We're pretty chuffed.  While this alone is a huge deal in itself, the rocking distillery and gin brand also broke some records on the night. It's the first time any gin producer from around the globe has won the award three times, with Four Pillars having beaten out all other contestants in 2019 and 2020 prior to this year's event. The IWSC is the world's largest and most prestigious spirits competition and attracted more than 4,000 entries from international distilleries, with gin being the biggest category of them all. "Back in 2013, we set out with the ambition to make world-class gin, so to win this award three times is simply mind-blowing," said co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie, who was in London to accept the award. "I kind of knew we had a chance when two of our gins scored 98 points but kept it on the lowdown until last week when I dusted off the kilt! It’s a massive thrill for our team back at home and for the Australian spirits industry overall, and even sweeter that Four Pillars celebrates 10 years of making gin this December". The two gins that scored 98 out of 100 points were Four Pillars' Bloody Underhill Vineyard Shiraz Gin 2022 and Single Bar

The word ‘legend’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but when it comes to describing none other than Mr Jamie Oliver, we reckon it fits like a glove. The celebrity chef, cookbook author, dad of five and lover of lemon has been a fixture in our lives – and hearts – for more than 24 years, ever since he first debuted on the hit TV show The Naked Chef. From the get go, Oliver won the world over with his genuine warmth, passion for food and tongue-in-cheek attitude. He was a guy you wanted to be mates with, someone you felt you could trust – and importantly, he taught people around the world that cooking can be a joy (and that it can happen in minutes – just how much time depends on which of his books you’re looking at). Oliver has written more than 26 award-winning cookbooks, starred in countless TV shows, seen more than 70 restaurants across 22 countries come to life, and had a family with wife Jools. He's also done incredible work around championing healthy eating in schools. His mission of creating a happier, healthier world through the joy of food has been a constant throughout his whole career and he has positively impacted the lives of millions. Impressive stuff. And the best bit? By all accounts fame hasn’t changed him, and Jamie Oliver still seems like the legend we first saw on our screens back in 1999 (well, perhaps not all of us – I was five at the time). Excitingly, Oliver is coming to the Sydney Opera House for an Australian-exclusive one-off show this November. I

Get ready to slurp: legendary ramen restaurant Gumshara is reopening this week – and in good news you won’t have to go far, as the new digs are still in Chinatown. After 14 years of operation in the Eating World Food Court, news dropped in August that the beloved ramen joint would be closing to make way for a massive new development. Thankfully, the team has found a new 40-seater site on the corner of Kimber Lane and Little Hay Street to serve hungry Sydneysiders, as reported by Good Food. Spearheaded by co-owner and head chef Mori Hogashida, Gumshara has gained legions of fans – 700 of whom lined up for hours on their last day of trading at Eating World – for its collagen-enriched noodle soup made using a traditional Japanese method. It takes a whopping seven days to make the pork stock for the tonkotsu ramen and just three ingredients: water, miso and 120kg of pork bones. The result is a rich, soul-warming bowl of noodle soup with an incredible porky flavour and enough guts for two. The exact opening date is not confirmed, but it's meant to be this week. We will keep you posted. RECOMMENDED: Check out our favourite Japanese restaurants in Sydney Love ramen? Slurp your way around the top ones in the city Feel like Chinese food? Here is our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney