Sydney's cooking is built on proximity to Asia and on produce that arrives in very good condition. 20 bookable food tours below — plus the neighbourhoods and dishes the city is built around.
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The guide
Sydney's cooking is built on proximity to Asia and on produce that arrives in very good condition. The migration waves of the last seventy years brought Cantonese, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Greek, and Thai kitchens, and the result is a city where the most interesting cooking is often thirty minutes from the harbour in a suburb no visitor has heard of. Seafood is the local strength. Coffee is taken seriously to a degree that surprises Americans, with flat whites made properly at neighbourhood cafés rather than chains. Brunch is a genuine institution here rather than a weekend novelty, and it is done better than almost anywhere.
Where to focus
Four neighbourhoods to anchor a few days of eating
Surry Hills
Just south of the centre and the densest good eating in the inner city. Small restaurants, wine bars, and the cafés that exported the modern brunch format worldwide.
Cabramatta
Forty minutes west by train and the largest Vietnamese community in Australia. Pho, banh mi, and herb stalls at prices the inner city cannot match.
Marrickville
Greek and Vietnamese, plus breweries in old warehouses. Where the inner-west crowd eats when it does not want to book a table.
Chinatown & Haymarket
Cantonese for a century, plus newer Sichuan, Malaysian, and Japanese places. Late hours and the night market on Fridays.
What to eat
The dishes the city is known for
- 01
Sydney rock oysters
· A native species, smaller and more mineral than Pacific oysters. Eaten raw with nothing on them beyond lemon. - 02
Flat white
· Espresso with steamed milk and minimal foam, invented somewhere between here and New Zealand. Ordered at a café that roasts its own. - 03
Meat pie
· Individual pastry filled with minced beef and gravy. Bakery food, eaten standing, and better than the description suggests. - 04
Barramundi
· Native fish, firm and mild, usually grilled with the skin crisped. On menus from pubs to expensive dining rooms. - 05
Banh mi
· Cabramatta and Marrickville do a version as good as Vietnam's, on a lighter roll suited to the local bread. - 06
Lamington
· Sponge cube dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Bakery standard, and the subject of an ongoing argument with New Zealand.
Practical notes
Meal timing, tipping, payment
Cafés open from 7:00 and brunch runs until about 15:00. Dinner starts 18:00 and kitchens close earlier than in Europe, often by 21:30. Tipping is not required because wages are high; ten percent for good service is generous. Many restaurants are bring-your-own wine for a small corkage fee. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday. Public transport reaches Cabramatta and Marrickville easily.
All 20 food tours
Updated 2026-09-11The full list · sponsored partner links
- 01
Hunter Valley Wine and Cheese Tasting Day Tour from Sydney
Embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque Hunter Valley, renowned for its exquisite wines and gourmet delights. This day tour from Sydney offers exclusive tastings at three of the oldest wineries in the Hunt
10h - 02
Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney Tasting Day Trip
Escape Sydney and unwind in the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley on a private full-day wine country tour. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel and guide you through Australia’s oldest wine regi
10h - 03
Sea Cliff Bridge Tours with Whale Watching and Wine Tasting
Uncover Australia beyond the city with a crafted tour focusing on coastline, local food, and natural wonders. This unique experience blends four highlights: a 90-minute whale watching cruise, a visit to the Kiama Blowhol
10h - 04
Hunter Valley Private Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney
Explore Australia's oldest wine region, the beautiful Hunter Valley, on a small group private day trip from Sydney. Sample some of the region's best wines and learn about wine making from the passionate and inspiring loc
10h - 05
Hunter Valley Premium Tastings with Lunch
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Hunter Valley with exclusive experiences at three of its most iconic estates: Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood, and Tyrrell’s Wines. Each renowned vineyard welcomes you with its signat
11h - 06
Sydney Opera House VIP Experience: Guided Tour, Dinner & Drinks
Feel like a star on the ultimate evening out and experience the best that Sydney has to offer. Make your way to The Lounge on the upper level near the Box Office, where you will be met by a friendly member of Sydney Op
3h - 07
Hunter Valley Escape A Day of Wine Art and Aussie Countryside
Why You'll Love It Unwind in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region with a handpicked selection of hidden gems. This journey blends scenic beauty, rich flavours, local art, and tranquil countryside—perfect for wine
11h - 08
Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens for 2
Take your time to spend a glorious afternoon amongst the flora and fauna of the Royal Botanic Gardens enjoying an indulgent picnic hamper curated by Luke Nguyen. Just collect your picnic box from Botanic House at your se
24h - 09
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Private Tour From Sydney
Go Beyond Tours' Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney have friendly local guides. See spectacular the Hawkesbury River Sightseeing around all the gorgeous scenic sights of the Hunter Valley. Learn about the wine speciali
10h - 10
Sydney Harbour Sail Like a Local Lunch Tour
Sail like a local on Sydney Harbour! Operated by Salty Sydney Harbour. Set sail on a 12m luxury Beneteau 40.7 yacht. An informative skipper or instructor aboard will provide commentary on the harbour. Have a go at ste
3h - 11
Kids Cooking Classes
You'll get hands on with this activity, mixing, kneading and rolling. It will be 3 hours of cooking. Our friendly team will help your kids relax and enjoy the experience.
3h - 12
Guided Step-Up Paddle Board Tour of Narrabeen Lagoon
Take a long and stunning tour of Narrabeen Lagoon with one of our awesome guides!! Adaptable to all levels our Tours can be tailored to your confidence and ability out on the water. The Narrabeen Tour lasts an average o
1.5h - 13
Wildlife, Wineries and History || Luxury Private Tour From Sydney
The Southern Highlands blends, native Australian wildlife, cool-climate elegance, pastoral charm, and rich history. Your day begins in Berrima, a village of sandstone cottages and colonial character. The road then leads
10h - 14
Bespoke Cycle Tours - Sydney Harbour E-Bike Coffee/Lunch Tour
Bespoke Cycle Tours specialize in small group interactive tours particularly for mature age travelers. Locations incl. Sydney, regional Australia, Sweden and Italy. This 17 km leisurely Sydney e-bike ride for 2-4 people
5.5h - 15
Sydney Harbour Wine Experience: Australian Wines Discovery
Discover Australia's Soul in Every Sip. From vine to glass, immerse yourself in a truly distinctive Australian wine adventure, where passion flows as freely as the wine itself. You will get to taste wines from all over A
2.5h - 16
Guided Street Food Tour in Kings Cross Sydney
Embark on a tantalising journey through Kings Cross Sydney's vibrant streets while savouring delectable street food delights from around the globe. Our Street Eats Tour takes you on a culinary adventure that's as iconic
2h - 17
Mindful Tea Ceremony
Join us for relaxing tea ceremony experience and spend a calming afternoon reconnecting to your inner self. Learn about the ancient wisdom and philosophy behind each purposeful and measured movement and how it can help
1h - 18
Hunter Valley Day Tour
Did someone mention chocolate, cheese, and award-winning wines? This is a day tour you won’t want to miss! Our carefully curated itinerary takes you to the oldest wineries in the Hunter Valley, where you’ll uncover the r
8.5h - 19
Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour | Full Day Experience From Sydney
Our day trip Hunter Valley Vineyards Tour departs from Sydney in the morning and returns to Sydney early evening. This bespoke tour ensures the finer details including your choice of wineries, preferred grape varieties
10h - 20
Australia Day Tall Ships Lunch & Race on Sydney Harbour
Join us aboard the one of our historic tall ship vessels Coral Trekker, Soren Larsen or Southern Swan as we take part in the thrilling Australia Day Tall Ships Race. Sit back and watch the crew set sails and battle for l
4h