The 18 Best Restaurants in Surry Hills to Try Today
From flame grilled delicacies, to fresh, vegetarian eats, these are Surry Hills' best restaurants to book right now.
A gourmet and foodie favourite, Surry Hills is a culinary mecca boasting an eclectic mix of multicultural eateries and dinner date hangouts. Whether you’re after slow-roasted pork from an Argentinian grill house or a four-course vegetarian banquet, this golden suburb has something for everyone.
Despite their differences, these restaurants all have one thing in common – no matter where you pick, you’ll be walking out a very happy, (and full) version of yourself. Read on for our edit of the best restaurants in Surry Hills.
Pellegrino 2000
This Surry Hills restaurant is one of the hottest places to be (just ask Taylor Swift)! Mixing things up with fresh new twists on old-school classics, Pellegrino 2000 is led by Daniel Pepperell and Michael Clift, the acclaimed duo behind Bistrot 916. From the beautiful interiors to the sumptuous menu, this one is most definitely worth adding to your Surry Hills restaurant hit list.
80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
White Horse
We're big fans of 2024 newbie White Horse. Somehow managing the near impossible feat of creating a multi-space venue (we're talking public bar, garden terrace and restaurant) that feels intimate and warm, this restaurant nails a luxe for less approach. The modern Aussie menu with a French twist covers off all manner of creative dishes including creamed warrigal greens, a beetroot mille-feuille with muntries and native thyme and veal tongue French toast. The same theme can be found woven throughout the deceptively simple yet incredibly delicious cocktail menu. A 100-strong wine list rounds out the offering for the oenophiles.
381 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Jane
Jane evokes the spirit of a 1970s brasserie in everything from the interiors to the playful menu. With a policy of strictly Australian-only produce and zero-waste, you can expect inventive fare, from Gundagai lamb rump to kangaroo tartare. Leave room for the iconic pink cake with vanilla sponge, meringue, bay leaf cream and candied rosella flowers.
478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Fauna
Fauna's serene dining room provides the backdrop for what we're sure will be one of the finest modern Australian meals you will ever have the pleasure of tucking into. Connection is paramount to the Fauna experience making it ideal for a date night. But the thread of connection extends further, with Fauna encouraging diners to connect deeply with their food and its origins. Expect seasonal delights ranging from Tasmanian octopus to BBQ Hornsby Shire spatchcock.
59 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills
Sofia
Nestled atop Bar Clevland, you'll find Sofia, an absolute gem. The gently burning fireplace lends just the right amount of cosiness whilst the cocktail and food menus champion classic South Mediterranean flavours and fresh, seasonal produce. Expect plenty of Sofia's extra virgin oil wherever appropriate (imported from their own olive groves in Mani, Greece) and share plates that arrive impeccably presented and incredibly flavoursome.
Level 1, 433 Cleveland Street, Redfern
Shaffa
Owned by Israeli-born chef Erez Nahum, Shaffa brings its modern twist on Tel Aviv street food to the heart of Surry Hills. Nestled within a narrow alley between a 120-year-old church and a 19th-century inn, the indoor-outdoor space is enclosed by a dramatic 10-metre-high glass roof. Sitting at the chef’s bar, indulging in the set menu is one of our favourite Sydney dining experiences.
80 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Gildas
Gildas pays tribute to the original pintxo, created in San Sebastian with just three simple ingredients - a guindilla pepper, an olive, and an anchovy. This classic Basque snack, which was founded by the owner and chef, Lennox Hastie, after his time spent in the foothills of the Basque country, was the inspiration behind Gildas. Here, you'll be able to sip on rosés from the Barossa Valley and red from Ribera del Duero but it's their collection of Sherry that's well worth a dance on your tastebuds.
46-48 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Armorica
Armorica serves up a sophisticated French offering and is a favourite amongst those who want more than just a great meal - they want an experience. This 150-seat Parisian Brasserie pays homage to the city of lights, embracing the timeless charm of classic French dining, with that certain je ne sais quoi that only the French know how.
490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Chin Chin
A true interior design marvel, Chin Chin occupies the iconic Griffiths Tea building in Surry Hills, an aged beauty filled with modern charm. Their menu features a vibrant ensemble of Southeast Asian flavours with a Thai twist.
Sitchu Tip: The crispy barramundi and green apple salad, caramelised pork, peanuts and chilli is a must-try.
69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Kiln
Eighteen levels above the hustle and bustle of Surry Hills sitting atop Sydney’s Ace Hotel is Kiln. The menu focuses on woodfired cooking, going heavy on seafood and veggies. The wine list is curated by P&V’s own Mike Bennie with a cocktail list that leans into Italian and Asian flavours, which are echoed throughout the menu.
47-53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
Nour
A Lebanese restaurant, but not as you know it. A popular spot on Crown Street’s foodie trail, Nour creatively transforms the traditional flavours of Lebanon into artistic Insta-worthy dishes. The interiors are just as gorgeous, a contemporary fit-out with plush pink chairs and glass doors opening out onto a gorgeous terrace.
3/490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Itō (Image Credit: Jiwon Kim)
Itō
A very welcome addition to the Crown Street scene, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Head Chef Erik Ortolani has combined his Italian heritage and passion for Japanese cooking to craft something truly unique. Dishes like yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga and Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso grace the menu and will give you a whole new appreciation for fusion cuisine.
Key to the Itō experience is the drinks menu which features Japanese inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and an extensive sake selection. The pared back interiors with fun pops of colour set the scene for the perfect night out.
413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hill
Poly
The laidback industrial interiors match the menu at Poly, which is made up of 20 wines by the glass, 10 sakes and 8 cocktails, including the bar’s spin on a Negroni with a splash of tequila. The food here is meant to be eaten with your hands.
74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
The Blue Door
You're not going to forget this degustation anytime soon. This 18-seat restaurant takes farm-to-table dining to new heights with all animal proteins purchased directly from NSW farms that Chef Dylan Cashman and his team have personally visited. As for veggies, it's regenerative crops only.
The dining room of The Blue Door is relaxed, modern and elegant and the 7+ course menu is curated to perfection (and rotated weekly depending on what's been sent by the farmers).
Sitchu Tip: Opt to pair your meal with the 98% NSW-sourced wine list.
38 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills
Firedoor
Set in the back streets of Surry Hills in a heritage-listed building, Firedoor has a well-earned reputation for their sumptuous wood-fired cooking. Here, everything is cooked to order over wood coals – they burn a collection of different woods to bring out all the natural flavours.
23/33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
NOMAD
For mouth-wateringly good Middle Eastern food in a converted warehouse setting, head to NOMAD. Tucked away on a Surry Hills backstreet, this exotic gem has well and truly made its mark on Sydney’s buzzing dining scene. And it’s not hard to see why. The menu is designed for groups, and there are delicious options for vegetarians. The wine list is boutique and features lots of homegrown talent.
16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Porteño
An Argentinian restaurant and grill house that has made Surry Hills its home. Porteño uses traditional Parilla (barbeque) and Asado (pit of fire) to prep their meat – so you know it’s going to be juicy and succulent. There are definitely a few standout woodfired dishes that you can't go wrong with ordering and pairing with their selection of South American, Italian and American wines.
50 Holt Street, Surry Hills
Yulli's
One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney, Yulli’s is known for its eclectic menu, which combines Asian, American and Moroccan flavours – as well as many cheesy delights. The four-course banquet menu is perfect if you need a little guidance. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample Yulli's range of beers fresh from their Alexandria brewery - they've got a few on tap as well as plenty of cans.
Sitchu Tip: If you get the chance, order the Kingu Karaoke Rice Lager for a deliciously light accompaniment to your meal.
417 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Made your way through all the best restaurants In Surry Hills and looking for more? Check out the new restaurants and bars in Sydney that you need to know about. We guarantee you'll find something that will delight your tastebuds.
