Newtown is a melting pot of cultures, resulting in a playground of late-night pizza windows, vegan cafes, South African eateries, and Egyptian neighbourhood corner shops, frying up the best falafels in town.
This is just the beginning, for a full picture of Newtown’s best cafes and restaurants, check out the list below.
Cairo Takeaway
The falafels here are freshly made every order, and well worth the few minutes wait for a seat. Inside, there are a few tall tables, and out the back, you will find a garden-style seating area, with tables and chairs. If there’s no room, you can always pull up a milk crate on the sidewalk, where there are a few tables. The rest of the menu is filled with delicious pickles, meats on a stick, pita bread, crispy fries, and roast eggplant. It’s one of the best places to grab a tasty cheap eat here.
Stanbuli
Hiding behind a pastel pink and purple hair salon is this Turkish diner, serving unique meze and Sofra menus. Indulge in seemingly endless dishes, colourful plates, and fresh, hot bread. There’s a pretty impressive wine list for those who like to enjoy a tipple with their dinner.
Cafe Paci
Cafe Paci is more upscale, but the food is still wholesome, and the interiors are European class. Enjoy the a la carte menu boasting Finnish dishes such as deviled eggs with trout roe, potato dumplings swimming in XO sauce, and grilled mackerel with pepper Panzanella and chilli butter. The wine list is curated by Giorgio De Maria, but if you’re after something more, the large format drinks are always a hit.
Mary’s Newtown
Is there a more iconic place than Mary’s? Just as you would in Circular Quay, you can find their classic, mouthwatering American cheeseburgers and shoestring fries at the Newtown haunt. You will also see cheap beers and progressive local wines on the list. Let’s not forget the loud music to keep the party going.
Gigi’s Pizzeria
Before 2015, Gigi’s fired up traditional Neapolitan pizza, but now it’s strictly plant-based, offering a haven for vegans in the area looking for good pizza. Owner, Marco Matino, is always tinkering with flavours, pushing the boundaries of what vegan food is and tastes like. It’s a popular place, so expect lines.
Soulmate Coffee
Chow down on Philly-style deli hoagies and cold brews at this nextgen cafe. There are free-pour taps of batch brews, and international roasts curated by Single O. The interior is light and fresh, with gentle curves, and banquettes to sink in. The all-day menu boasts brunch classics including eggs on sourdough, but also mushroom toastie, and house-made bagels smeared with cream cheese and lox if you choose so.
Odd Culture
Odd Culture is a mix of a bar and restaurant from the team behind the Old Fitz and Oxford Tavern. Here, they experiment with ferments, making beer, butter, and bread. Expect to see ales, ciders, and natural wines on the drinks menu. As for the food, beer bread is a must and the blood pancake is different, but worth the adventure. If you’re after a brew, there is a bottle shop attached to Odd Culture, where you can pick up some unique brews.
Flying Tong
Looking for modern Korean cuisine? Flying Tong has all the Korean fried chicken and spicy sauces you could want. You won’t find all the traditional Korean dishes you know about. Instead, expect bulgogi fries, gochujang-chicken tacos, and cheesy corn. Try a Korean beer or local Sydney brew.
Bella Brutta
Bella Brutta is another Italian restaurant, slinging fresh pizzas topped with LP’s Quality Meats. Pizzas run anywhere between $22 to $30 for a clam pizza covered in pecorino, chilli, and garlic. The starters are classic Italian dishes including burrata, prawns in XO butter, and BBQ octopus. It’s a great place for date night, or just when you’re craving seriously good pizza.
Bloodwood
Bloodwood is the first restaurant in Newtown to bring mid-range, fine dining dishes. The menu boasts modern Australian-share plates and a great list of organic and biodynamic wines. The industrial fit-out keeps in tune with the neighbourhood but, you’ll be treated to a gastronomy excursion like no other.
Hartsyard
Hartsyard aims to define casual fine dining with its bistro focusing on fresh produce and Australian seafood. The tasting menu is a great way to experience the offering, which could include. kangaroo tartare or sake-buttered calamari. You can order off the a la carte menu from the bar as well. Bookings are recommended as it can get busy here.
Lonely Mouth by Ra Ra
This straightforward eatery is the brainchild of RaRa Ramen, so you get the same quality, but expect bowls of vegan Japanese noodles, and small bites. That’s right, this place only offers up vegan ramen. Expect plant-based Tantanmen Ramen, which is a spicy Sichuan based nutty broth topped with plant-based mince, black fungus, and bok choy. There is also a sunflower and hempseed shoyu ramen, shoyu tare cauliflower karaage, and corn tempura to snack on. Order an extra serving of noodles or chilli oil to top up.
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