Australia
Australia
Before living in Sydney for four months, Australia was just a mysterious country far, far, far away. Out of all of the cities I visited in Australia, Sydney was one of my favorites, if not my favorite. There is so much to do and see. You have the Harbour bridge, the Opera House, the beautiful beaches and coastal walks, and of course the amazing food and drink scene. Australia is known for their beautiful breakfasts (it’s not just a necessity, it’s a way of life), their coffee snobbery (do not walk into a café and just ask for a coffee!), and their Asian cuisine. They are very close to Asia and not so close to Mexico, if you are choosing between an Asian and Mexican restaurant…keep that in mind.
Breakfast and Brunch
This was my family’s all-time favorite brunch spot when they visited me. When I went to Bare Naked Bowls next door, they sat outside at this café. I do have to admit, it was incredible, and in between bites of my acai bowl, I would try all of their dishes, and that is why it has earned a spot of my eating guide. I recommend the oatmeal or the poached eggs, both are simple, but both are very delicious.
Location: Bronte
When my parents rented a house in Bronte, I visited this spot once a day. Their acai bowls are incredible but they don’t just stop there. They have salad bowls, smoothies, smoothie bowls, yogurt bowls, loaded toasts, “healthy” pastries, superfood lattes, coffee, and tea. There is not a lot of seating inside or out, so grab a bowl and head to the beach or walk the coastal walk!
Locations: Bronte and Manly
Australia is known for their beautiful and extravagant breakfasts and brunches, but not everything tastes as lovely as it looks. This café is more aesthetically pleasing than cozy but the menu is impressive. The Blue Majik smoothie bowl changed my life in more ways than one. It is beautiful, it is delicious, and it has edible flowers. My friend was equally emotionally moved by her coconut rice pudding. This place is pretty eating at its finest.
Location: Chippendale
If you were to Google best brunch places in Sydney, Bondi Wholefoods would probably be on nine out of ten websites. This place tastes as good as it looks, which is fantastic because it is also healthy. The little market attached to it has some great superfood items and healthy products you can’t really find at a typical grocery store in Sydney. The location in Bondi is usually very crowded but they turn over tables fairly quickly so it’s definitely worth the wait. I recommend the superfood bowl or the breakfast bowl with coconut yogurt, coconut and date oat bircher, and fresh fruit…my mouth is watering just thinking about this place!
Locations: Bondi and Surry Hills
Lunch and Dinner
There are hundreds of great Thai restaurants all over Sydney, but this spot has to be one of my favorites. The menu is flexible and allows you to order a dish to your liking. The curries are fantastic and they are just spicy enough, but not too intense…unless you prefer it that way. It is also possible to order a full meal and appetizer here without emptying out your wallet which is always a plus.
Location: Darlinghurst
This small, intimate, cozy restaurant on Oxford Street will have your mouth watering as you watch your food being prepared in their open kitchen set up. The menu is always changing based on what is fresh and what foods are in season. Try your best to save room for dessert. There is dessert is so good there is a separate kitchen for it.
Location: Paddington
This place is expensive but it is worth every penny. From the ambiance, to the drinks, to the food, this place is one of a kind. If I could have tried everything on the menu I would have. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I recommend ordering a cocktail and then the Stir Fry Prawns with a roti basket on the side.
Location: Surry Hills
The décor and ambiance of this restaurant make it a perfect place to come for a drink or to have a meal with friends, especially on their outdoor patio. Their menu has something for everyone, even the vegans! The service is great and the wine menu will keep you there for hours.
Location: Surry Hills
Other Favorites
Looks over Bondi beach, book a reservation ahead of time, it is expensive but the food and experience make it all worth it
Everything about this place is amazing. The food, the atmosphere, the rooftop (go on Sunday during the day for a fun time!), you will not be disappointed
one of my favorite acai bowls in Sydney, right on Coogee Bay Road, so grab one before you go to the beach!