Eat (eat-play-love-travel-2)

It’s one of New York City’s best cocktail bars, and an outpost has made its way to our fine shores. The neon psychic sign is the only clue you’ve found this pro... leer más It’s one of New York City’s best cocktail bars, and an outpost has made its way to our fine shores. The neon psychic sign is the only clue you’ve found this prohibition-style speakeasy tucked off Martin Place. And the sign is no decoy – the psychic is real. No sooner have you entered this dimly-lit, moody basement bar, you spot the lady shuffling her tarot cards.<br/ <br/ To drink, choose from a carefully curated menu, and you can be quite certain the dapper bartenders take the art of the cocktail very serious. The dinner menu is also not just for show.

Tucked into the sandstone depths of The Rocks, The Doss House oozes with character. In the heritage-listed building’s 170-year history, it’s housed a bootmaker,... leer más Tucked into the sandstone depths of The Rocks, The Doss House oozes with character. In the heritage-listed building’s 170-year history, it’s housed a bootmaker, boarding house, opium dealer – and now whisky bar. The underground space is made up of five cosy nooks, including an outdoor terrace. Behind the bar, you’ll find a world of whisky, with this drinking den slinging some peaty Scotch, rare Japanese whiskies and locally-made brown liquid, as well as a selection of cocktails, wines and beer, and one of the better cheese platters I’ve had in Sydney.

It’s the size of a bath, with only a handful of seats, but what Bar Topa lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Part of The Ivy Precinct, this tapas and pintxo... leer más It’s the size of a bath, with only a handful of seats, but what Bar Topa lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Part of The Ivy Precinct, this tapas and pintxos bar draws on all the right cues from Spain, with a no-fuss small plate menu and pint-sized drinks list of Spanish wines.<br/ <br/ Bar Topa is where you go for a snack and sip. Grab some jamon and olives from the counter display, order some croquettes and patatas bravas, and wash it back with a vino rosado. All awfully-good – and being part of the Merivale stable what else can you expect.

Two sittings, one set menu and 10 elegant dishes. Surry Hills’ latest restaurant offering, Arthur, is one big dinner party. The menu is always evolving, favouri... leer más Two sittings, one set menu and 10 elegant dishes. Surry Hills’ latest restaurant offering, Arthur, is one big dinner party. The menu is always evolving, favouring whatever produce is in season, and mostly made from scratch, including the godlike sourdough and accompanying cultured butter.

With weekday specials, Barrio Cellar is both delicious and affordable. Enjoy $10 burgers on a Monday, $3 tacos on a Tuesday and half a dozen wings for $6 on a W... leer más With weekday specials, Barrio Cellar is both delicious and affordable. Enjoy $10 burgers on a Monday, $3 tacos on a Tuesday and half a dozen wings for $6 on a Wednesday. That’s dinner done for three out of the seven. <br/ <br/ This buzzy basement space off Elizabeth Street is relaxed and welcoming, billed as a ‘late night tequileria and eatery’. The food is fresh, serving everyone’s Mexican and Southern Californian favourites – try the quesadillas, jalapeño poppers or loaded fries. And the drinks list is not for the faint hearted, with a hectic selection of cocktails, tequila and mezcal. <br/ <br/ Oh and did I mention there’s a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights?

One of Sydney’s first small bars, you still want to shove this cocktail powerhouse in your pocket. It has all the ingredients for a fun, relaxed, good time: str... leer más One of Sydney’s first small bars, you still want to shove this cocktail powerhouse in your pocket. It has all the ingredients for a fun, relaxed, good time: street art, slouchy couches and some serious mixologists behind the swizzle stick.<br/ <br/ The inventive, freewheeling cocktail menu runs the gamut from fun spritzers to hefty late-night cocktails. Try the Darlinghurst Rollerblading Club – a cocktail of raspberries, lime, Bombay Sapphire, honey and PX sherry.<br/ <br/ Food isn’t forgotten either with a selection of cheeses, meats and small shares, such as cheeseburger spring rolls, polenta truffle fries and veggie nachos.

Enjoy the flavours of Sicily at this Italian restaurant found in an historic warehouse space on Chippendale’s Kensington Street. Homemade pastas, produce that’s... leer más Enjoy the flavours of Sicily at this Italian restaurant found in an historic warehouse space on Chippendale’s Kensington Street. Homemade pastas, produce that’s fresher than a winter dip at Icebergs and plenty of seafood.

You can’t help but fall in love with this dinner restaurant also on Owen Street in Huskisson. Wildginger expertly brings the flavours of Thailand to NSW’s South... leer más You can’t help but fall in love with this dinner restaurant also on Owen Street in Huskisson. Wildginger expertly brings the flavours of Thailand to NSW’s South Coast – love. It also offers some incredibly reasonable banquet menus, starting at $39.50pp – love. And you can BYO wine, with a bottle-o right next door – so much love.

With Bronte Beach a runny sneeze away, beachside brunching doesn’t get much better than this. Named after the kiddie rock pool at Bronte Beach (that, yes, I pre... leer más With Bronte Beach a runny sneeze away, beachside brunching doesn’t get much better than this. Named after the kiddie rock pool at Bronte Beach (that, yes, I prefer to swim in than the beach), the Bogey Hole Café has been pleasing the palates of Bronteans for nearly 25 years. It was one of the first cafes to pop up on the now heavily populated strip facing off with the beach.<br/ <br/ The Bogey Hole Café is small, with European-style café chairs and tables spilling out onto the street. While it has plenty of character it’s not trying to be on-trend or anything it’s not. The take-away coffee cups are Plain Jane and there’s no wanky quinoa or kale smoothies in sight. “Thank tomatoes,” sighs the husband. It’s all an ode to Bronte’s age-old village feel.<br/ <br/ The café fare is authentic. I had the full-flavoured BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato), which was served on super fresh sourdough from Iggy’s Bread. While the coffee and tea comes courtesy of Toby’s Estate.<br/ <br/ Overall, it’s a cute spot for eggs and coffee pre-beach with frands.

One might not expect to find some of Sydney’s best seafood in the Hills town of Dural. But that’s exactly what awaits at Cod’s Gift. When we visited for lunch t... leer más One might not expect to find some of Sydney’s best seafood in the Hills town of Dural. But that’s exactly what awaits at Cod’s Gift. When we visited for lunch there were actually so many wows.