The tourist attractions, museums, tours and of course, the shopping, are all great ways to see a new city, but if you really want to experience the flavor of a new city, dine with the locals and indulge in the delicacies that make each restaurant special in its own right.
On a recent flight to Australia, I caught up with the men and women who spend their down time down under at Sydney’s best restaurants and bars. Next time you find yourself in Sydney, take these suggestions from the flight attendants of VAustralia (and a few from me), and don’t forget to let us know your favorite spots.
Breakfast
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Jo from VAustralia recommends the following three places: Bill’s, Surrey Hills; Barzura, Coogee Beach; and Jed’s Cafe, Bondi Beach.
Lunch
After a long day of beach walks and surfing, VAustralia’s flight manager, Annie, recommends Cafe Sydney in Circular Quay.
Annie also suggests Icebergs, along the Coastal Walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach and Hugos at Manly Beach.
If you find yourself in the Blue Mountains, make sure to stop by Common Grand.
Dinner
Sally-Ann’s favorite restaurant in Sydney is Ripples, located directly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Milsons Point. “It’s an institution,” she says. But be warned: Ripples is BYO, so if you go, go with your drink of choice.
Seafood
Among other things, Australia is known for its fresh seafood. While you’re here, don’t miss Oyster Bar on Circular Quay, Fishface at Darlinghurst and the Raw Bar at Bondi Beach. My first night in Sydney I stopped into the recommended Fish at the Rocks, located in The Rocks, and treated myself to dinner and wine – fresh Mulloway and a glass of Shiraz.
You can’t beat the nightlife in Sydney. The girls at VAustralia suggested the following must-stops for late-night cocktails, and I can confirm that these picks were prime:
Head to The Horizon Bar on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel at dusk. Watch the sunset over Sydney with a champagne cocktail and you’ll feel first-class the rest of the night.
The Ivy is five floors of nightclub and a great place to spend the evening after drinks at Zeta Bar, located on level four of Hilton Sydney.
For those wanting a cold beer (or a few), head to Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in The Rocks. Lord Nelson brews its own beers and has, at minimum, a dozen to taste at a time. I recommend the Three Sheets and a side of potato wedges for a mid-afternoon break.