It’s easy to think that social enterprise cafes and restaurants serve up humble soups and salads in rooms that resemble your grandma’s house or a hospital cafeteria. Sure these places exist for great reason (and don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em), but Sydney also has a few do-gooder spots that strive for a finer dining experience.
If you want your next brunch or celebratory dinner to be an ideal blend of food and philanthropy, try one of these exciting eateries.
Here are the best social enterprise restaurants and cafes in Sydney.
Kabul Social
CBD
A bit over a year after The Taliban took over Kabul, a new Sydney social enterprise cafe opened called Kabul Social. The CBD venue is located on the ground level of the MetCentre and celebrates the food, stories, culture, and people of Afghanistan. It's the new venue from the Plate It Forward team (who are also behind Colombo Social), who have employed and trained a predominantly female team of Afghan people seeking Asylum. Not only that but, for every meal purchased at Kabul Social, the team donate two meals—one to disadvantaged communities in Sydney and the other to families in Afghanistan through not-for-profit Mahboba's Promise.
The small, vibrant blue-hued diner is mostly geared for takeaway, with 25 seats available for those who wish to dine in. Dishes include fresh, handmade mantu (spiced lamb dumplings) and aushak (garlic chive dumplings) topped with tomato and lentil sauce and mint yoghurt; chicken or vegetarian kabuli "burgers", which are more like a gyros with made-to-order Afghan bread made by the venue's "Chief of Bread" Yakut; and sides such as crinkle cut fries, spiced mung bean rice, and an onion, tomato and cucumber salad. You can also opt to build your own "Loaded Box" with your choice of base, protein, and sauces. Kabul social is open for takeaway and walk-ins every Monday–Friday, from 11am–3pm. Find out more about Kabul Social here.
Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney
Surry Hills
It's not every day that one of the world's best chefs sets up shop in your city—let alone a restaurant that serves vulnerable communities rather than the well-heeled. But Massimo Bottura—the chef behind three-Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana—has teamed up with local food waste organisation OzHarvest to do exactly that. Welcome to Refetttorio—a social impact restaurant in the heart of Surry Hills.
The two-storey, 50-seat space is primarily a communal kitchen for socially vulnerable communities, serving lunch every Tuesday–Friday. The kitchen is run by a small team of chefs and volunteers, with the lunch menu changing weekly. The dishes are always gourmet vegetarian fare that's made with rescued ingredients, naturally. Outside of the gratis lunches, the space hosts educational programs run by OzHarvest, as well as activities and support services for local charities. So how can you visit? You can experience Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney by heading to one of its upcoming neighbourhood dinners or a private event. Book a spot at an upcoming neighbourhood dinner here.
Colombo Social
Enmore
Lovers of Sri Lankan fare can feast for a good cause these days thanks to Colombo Social. Aside from blending contemporary cooking techniques and Amma’s (Mum’s) cookbook, the Enmore restaurant also provides employment and training for asylum seekers. It's partnered up with Settlement Services International (SSI), a refugee support agency aiming to help refugees in the early stages of their settlement journey. Plus, for every person who dines on the Amma’s Banquet Menu, the restaurant provides a meal to an asylum seeker in need. Food-wise, you'll be tucking into dishes such as soft shell crab tacos, beetroot bhajis, spicy goat curry, rice hoppers and sambals. Book here.
The Freedom Hub
Waterloo
Modern slavery is still prevalent in many countries today—including Australia. And The Freedom Hub is here to help end it, both here and around the world. The hub houses an events space and a survivor school where survivors are set up for the workforce through one-on-one mentoring, supported learning, and practical application. The school is funded through the on-site ethical cafe, with 100% of profits donated back into the school and to the wider cause. The cafe fit-out is industrial-chic and it serves specialty teas, coffees and nutritious food like acai bowls, corn fritter stacks, haloumi rolls, and smashed avo.
Song Kitchen
Surry Hills
This YWCA-owned cafe and restaurant in Surry Hills donates all of its profits to supporting victims of domestic violence. The Mediterranean-inspired menu at Song Kitchen was created by head chef Liz Mason and relies on Australian grown produce. It includes several fine dining dishes like blue swimmer crab pasta and steaks. Song Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner. Book here.
Heart Cafe
Bondi
Heart Café in Bondi is a project of Wayside Chapel and offers hope to disadvantaged youth through paid traineeships. It is one of the more family-friendly destinations on this list, with plenty of light and space for kids or groups. After opening in late 2018, customers are already raving about its colourful, healthy menu, quality produce and, well, heart.
Parliament On King
Newtown
Inner West locals will know of the café on South King that is tucked away literally in someone’s living room. Now Parliament on King resembles a small but comfy library and retains some of the charm Newtown has lost to flashy chains and fast food. It’s a great place to venture solo or for a good chat with a mate, but the best part is that it trains and employs asylum seekers and refugees looking to forge their path in the hospitality industry. This means the menu is rich with top food from the employees’ home countries, such as Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Now check out the best refugee-owned restaurants in Sydney.
Image credit: Kitti Gould, Kitti Gould, Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney, Colombo Social, The Freedom Hub, Heart Cafe