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Nestled away in Greenwood Plaza, Underground Espresso prides itself on specialty coffee, with beans by Di Lorenzo. The passionate and friendly baristars are experts in their trade and it's no wonder why locals flock here for their caffeine fix. Apart from the coffee, you'll also find a selection of delicious, freshly baked sweets. One of the best coffee shops north of the bridge, this hole-in-wall café is well worth a visit.

Surry Hills' sanctuary, Vaia Beauty offers personalised beauty treatments to suit all your needs. Whether you are looking for an aromatic facial, therapeutic massage, spray tanning, waxing or express manicure, Vaia and her team are experts in every field and deliver a luxurious, completely customised experience. Housed within a gorgeous terrace on Bourke Street, the salon and spa is a breath of fresh air in this bustling precinct.

Hailing from Brisbane, Harajuku Gyoza serves up traditional Japanese dumplings, straight from Tokyo's Shibuya ward. Built on the traditions of izakaya (an old-school Japanese bar), you'll find a selection of Japanese beers, including Kirin on tap, Hitachino and Sapporo, as well as wines and Japanese specialties like sake, umeshu and iced green tea. Don't leave without sampling their mouthwatering salted caramel dumplings with ice cream.

If you've got a hankering for a steaming bowl of udon, some incredibly fresh sushi, or all you can think about is biting in to a fresh, crunchy morsel of tempura, then Daruma will satisfy your cravings and then some. If lunchtime looms and you're looking for cheap eats in the CBD, look no further than the Daruma bento box or karaage curry. 

Located in the back streets of Darlinghurst, this boutique izakaya bar serves delicious home-style Japanese. Walking inside you'll feel as though you've been transported to Tokyo, with its vintage Japanese posters and vast range of sake. Highlights on the bill include in the yellow tail fish sashimi, teriyaki chicken and rolled omelette.

Founded by Shari Veitch in October 2013, sky–lab offers aerial yoga courses, combining methodology of yoga, dance, pilates and suspension fitness to get you looking long, lean and down right awesome. Don't be scared by the anti-gravity part of the yoga - you'll be safely suspended in a soft hammock where you'll learn simple moves all the way to more complicated poses. If you're after a unique way to exercise, sky–lab's anti-gravity yoga is definitely one to try!

The Eastern suburbs counterpart to the Newtown-founded Luxe Bakery is a different vibe, but still completely delicious. Open breakfast and lunch, the relaxed space caters to ladies lunches, groups, families and more. Head in for lunch and sample the selection of gourmet salads before deciding to head back in and work your way through the menu. 

Opening its doors in October 2014, Ippudo at Central Park is the second Ippudo ramen store to appear in Sydney. Ramen lovers can order a bowl of Ippudo's signature akamaru and shiromaru ramen with their famed thin Hakata-style noodles. For those needing a ramen fix in the Chippendale area, Ippudo is the place to go!

This drinking venue on Enmore Road has tagged itself as Newtown's neighbourhood blues and rock 'n' roll bar. Can't argue with that – on any given night, guest DJs or live musicians, play quality tunes. Cheer yourself up with a decent selection of imported and local beers, classic cocktails, wines-by-the-glass. For a fiver, score yourself a hot dog, or a Not Dog for the vegetarians. If you feel like splashing out, upgrade to some sauerkraut and cheese. No tacky themes here, just good vibes for good times.

Don't let the phrase 'health food' put you off. This place serves some of the tastiest and good-for-you meals this side of the Harbour Bridge. Tuck into a salad of organic chicken breast, carrot, pepitas and miso dressing, or a bowl of roast vegetables and kale, topped with quinoa and tahini. Wash it all down with a green smoothies and Little Marionette coffee. Mums, dads and suffering baby-sitters, your kids will have no qualms eating their vegetables with the children's menu, offering mini-me versions of the big-kids dishes. If you still can't make up your mind, check out their lunch and breakfast specials. Power up!

Gluten-freedom fighters, rejoice! This is one democracy that welcomes you with open arms. This bustling corner bakery churns out delicious wheat-free loaves that banish the chewy gluten-free cardboard of yesteryear from existence. From Monday to Sunday, take a break from the nearby ocean waves and feast on the pizza slice of the day, or excellent paninis stuffed with colourful salad greens. Sweets get a good look in too – if you're lucky enough, nab an almond croissant, spelt scone, or sticky-glazed fruit bun. Oh yes, and did we mention it's all organic?

Let's get this out of the way – it's pronounced "Lizzy and Bath". Great. Now let's talk about the food. It's good. And it's good for you. For the hungry worker lunch crowds, there is an ever-changing line-up of vibrant salads, organic sourdough sandwiches filled with pulled pork, rare roast beef or caprese salad, and for the colder months, soul-reviving stews and soups (kale, celery and tomato... Yes please!).

Tutti A Tavola! Everyone to the table! Such is the philosophy of Massimo Mele, the Tasmanian-born, Naples-raised head chef of Italian restaurant La Scala on Jersey. Whether or not diners choose to share dishes, the focus is on the communal experience of having a meal together. The a la carte menu offers a variety of shared plates (do the octopus salad. Do it!) and meaty and seafoody mains, while also catering for vegetarians and children.

Not since Fleetwood Macchiato have we laughed so hard at a cafe name styled on a pop culture icon. With the tag line "Bruce Leaves you satisfied", this salad bar, hidden behind a car dealership, knows how to make your greens taste so good. The salad range includes chicken or sashimi soba noodle with white sesame dressing; and spiced lamb with beetroot, kale, and couscous in a tamari-balsamic dressing.

Despite its name, Le Petite Tarte Cafe and Patisserie shows that it's not the size, but how you use it, that counts. And Glebe can count itself lucky for this slick eatery. The savoury dishes are modern cafe fare, speckled with hints of French culinary influence, and made with seasonal ingredients.

When you're thinking dumplings, Walsh Bay is not the first place that pops into your mind. This eatery fills up quickly with pre-theatre goers as well as regular diners, possibly lured by the killer combo of dumplings and cocktails.

This charming old-world bookstore is located at McMahons Point but will instantly transport you to the streets of London or Paris. A treasure trove for book lovers, Blues Point Bookshop houses a wide selection of classics, non-fiction, fiction and children's books, with friendly notes and recommendations from the shop's owner Helen Baxter. The comfy armchairs are the perfect spot to while away an afternoon.

Literally located on the busiest street in Australia, and part of QT Sydney, Parlour Lane Roasters is open from early until evening and can satisfy your needs from breakfast all the way to after work drinks. Head in for breakfast eat in or to go, a very reasonably priced lunch, or a cheeky cocktail after work. 

Indecisive diners breathe a sigh of relief because Bay Ten Espresso has you covered. Breakfast sees sourdough toast and muesli and yoghurt pairings while for lunch it's all about the sandwich. There are three varieties to choose from including: dijon roast beef with beetroot radish; poached chicken and avocado; and grilled eggplant and zucchini with crumbed goat feta.

This one is for all you Spanish food and drink lovers out there! Fino Par is bringing an authentic Spanish flair to Sydney's CBD. With a focus on sherry (not just for your grandma) and top-notch Spanish cuisine, you will be deliciously catered for. Don't go past the barrel-aged sangria and be sure to try one of their sherry based cocktails too. As for food, the smoked oysters are a winner as well as their croquettes. Yum!

From the team behind Barefoot Coffee Traders in Manly comes Kingswood, a rustic coffee hub in the middle of Sydney's CBD. Pop in and watch the coffee theatrics at work before being tempted by a stack of Belgian waffles with melted chocolate or a pastry from the ever-changing selection. 

Just a hop, skip and a jump from St James station in Hyde Park, Metro St James offer breakfast, lunch and a wine bar with dinner options for city-dwellers and foodies alike. We highly recommend the Hirasama kingfish with scallop, caponata, onion puree and seaweed with a glass of crisp white if you're heading in for dinner.

A favourite among the CBD crowd, Momo Brasserie combines a New York-style menu founded around reasonably priced and high quality fare. If you're heading in for lunch, be sure to sink your teeth into one of the deli sandwiches; the New York Pastrami is everything you could want in a lunch. 

Offering a chic, industrial fit out that perfectly transitions from early morning coffee to corporate lunch and romantic dinner, Bowery Lane offer fresh produce, delicious cocktails and a great atmosphere all day long. 

The minds behind La Renaissance Patisserie and Baroque Bistro created Baroque Pantry to offer the very best in daytime dining. Make your way in for brunch and indulge in a cocktail or two before diving into the eggs cocotte with smoked bacon, taleggio cheese, potato, mushroom and tomato on sourdough toast.

Housed within the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Matt Moran's CHISWICK At The Gallery offers a fresh, seasonal menu with a focus on local produce.

Located in (yes you guessed it) Redfern, Breadfern is the newest bakery to hit our streets and we're licking our lips in glee. Think handmade rye breads, tiramisu cakes, hot pastries, custard tarts, salted caramel fondants and so much more! Plus, there are plenty of creations for you gluten-free kids so there's no need for tears.

Melbourne's renowned pay-as-you-feel vegan restaurant has spread its roots to Sydney, with the opening of Lentil As Anything in Newtown. The 'honesty policy' restaurant founded by former Sri Lankan refugee, Shanaka Fernando, offers an array of tasty vegan dishes, where diners are invited to pay what they feel the meal is worth.

Health nuts rejoice in the raw, organic, cold pressed juice from Cali Press. The Bronte juice bar offers the full selection of cold pressed juices, a selection of organic wholefoods and AllPress coffee for those that need a bit more than a juice fix. If you're a green juice fan, go for evergreen: pineapple, pear, cucumber, kale, parsley, ginger and watercress. 

When we heard of Mama's Buoi and its selection of delicious Vietnamese cheap eats, it was full speed ahead to Surry Hills. Head in at lunchtime for a hearty bowl of pho or one of their wonderfully fresh rice paper rolls. Now offering lunchtime catering, there's no more excuses for sad desk sandwiches.

Housed within the PARKROYAL at Darling Harbour, ABODE is the latest restaurant to hit Sydney's dining scene. The modern bistro-style dining room oozes elegance and is designed to celebrate all things Australian-made. Rattling the pots and pans is head chef Ryan Hong (previously of Rockpool Bar & Grill) who has created a seasonal menu, which showcases premium Australian meats and seafood. Standouts include Broken Bay oysters, Tasmanian king salmon and signature gourmet burgers. Wash it down with a pick from their selection of boutique wines, craft beers and delicious cocktails.

Coffee, burgs, and spicy fries—need we say more? Piccolo Me really has got it all, with a menu so long that scrolling through it is a minor finger workout. With a responsible attitude towards the local industry and a sustainable future, brothers Charlie and Roy developed Piccolo Me as a trusted Australian brand committed to serving the planet and the community. Their mission has been nothing short of a major success, with the brothers now operating countless cafes across Greater Sydney. Over their tenure, they’ve genuinely mastered making the perfect coffee, using beans that are fair trade, organic, and sourced from local roasters. Their latest concoction, the Mintella Bomb, offers a fresh take on an old favourite, mixing swirls of minty goodness with the rich, warm flavours of classic hot chocolate.  

Located in the heart of the CBD, Bombay Brow Bar is a beauty salon, which provides more than just meets the eye. Not only experts in eyebrow shaping and threading, the salon also specialises in henna, express yoga, meditation and high tea. Drop by during your lunch break for a little slice of serenity.

Joining the ranks of Sydney’s best cafes, Marcelle is a welcomed addition to Potts Point. With perfectly brewed Toby's Estate coffee, Ovvio organic teas and a delicious all-day menu, Marcelle is the perfect spot to kick back and watch the world go by. Highlights on the menu include the poached eggs with smashed avocado and sweetcorn salsa, maple-roasted pumpkin salad and the Reuben toastie.

Aboutlife in Surry Hills is a powerhouse for natural and organic produce. In store you'll find aisle upon aisle of delicious wholefoods as well as their self-service food bars offering breakfast favourites, salads, and hot pots to nourish and feed your body. Replete with a herbal dispensary and catering service, Aboutlife is a one-stop-shop for all your health needs. Before you leave be sure to try one of Aboutlife's famed guilt-free raw cakes.

This is one for the burger lovers out there. The first of the Neil Perry burger empire, Burger Project CBD is pumping out burgers, shakes and fries to hungry city diners. Serving a range of tasty burger options including a classic beef burger, mushroom burger and one with a Korean twist, the menu will have you salivating before you even enter the restaurant.

bills' Bondi location has all the marks of the signature Granger style, and much more. You'll find all the classics in the form of ricotta hotcakes and corn fritters, as well as a huge array of Asian-inspired eats. The menu is fresh, seasonal and chock full of flavour. bills is the perfect place for a catch-up breakfast, long lunch or romantic dinner.

Originally a small leather goods company established in 2002, LIFEwithBIRD has blossomed into the modern womenswear brand it is today. Co-founders Bridget McCall and Nicholas van Messer put their collective photography, styling and design skills to use in their classic yet distinctive collections. With their first Sydney store nestled in the iconic Strand Arcade, home of Australia's premier designer boutiques, LIFEwithBIRD is sure to feel right at home.

The modern Vietnamese street food on offer at Roll'd is a well-curated selection of traditional pho, banh mi, rice paper rolls, noodle salads, and even sweet iced coffee and peach iced tea. The canteen-style interiors evokes a kind of glorified street side stall, but hungry crowds and long queues may make it difficult to nab a seat.

The sixth venture of Sydney's illustrious Phoenix Restaurant Group brings sophisticated Chinese dining to the Eastern Suburbs. Lofty interiors in the Zetland's East Village complex make for a spacious, fresh yum cha experience. The mainstays of yum cha are on the menu, along with regional Chinese specialties, including shark fin and crabmeat soup and braised abalone.

Ahh Xenos, one of our favourites here at The Urban List. Established in 1969, this authentic Greek Taverna brings the heart and soul of Athens to Sydney. Complete with outdoor seating – perfect for people watching – Xenos boasts some of the tastiest Greek food in Sydney. From hand stuffed Chalcidice olives to a fabulous mezze plate and the best spanakopita going round there's something for everyone at Xenos.

Located on the beautiful tree-lined Blues Point Road is Piato, a cosy joint with a Mediterranean flare. The huge tapas-style menu has a lot on offer. From the freshest seafood to a range of hearty meats and pasta it is easy to feel satisfied after a sitting at Piato. The outdoor alfresco seating area is perfect for summer, while the intimate indoor dining area allows for a comfortable atmosphere in the cooler months. Overall, a great place to go for all the foodies out there.    

Established in 1973, Athenian offers traditional and modern Mediterranean cuisine. The slow baked roast lamb is their signature dish – and one of our favourites. Located in an elegant heritage building on the walk to Martin Place, the traditional Greek restaurant caters for vegetarians and any specific dietary requirements. Being a family owned and operated business it is easy to feel at home when dining at Athenian.

After opening in 2013, InYoga has become a go-to for city-dwelling 'yogis'. Located on Cooper Street in Surry Hills, InYoga offers a full spectrum approach to yoga as a lifestyle, starting with physical practice on the mat. It is InYoga's goal to give back to the community, giving 10% of all profits made to charity. Classes start from 6:15 am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.

Located in the beachside suburb of Coogee is Cozzi Café, a little nook that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy – and not just because of the coffee. The friendly staff will always greet you with a smile and the interior design will make you feel like you're on holidays every day.

A home favourite to Coogee locals, the Square Peg Café stands alone (no pun intended) as one of the Eastern Suburbs hotspots for good coffee, food and vibes. Located in a prime spot with views of Coogee beach, the café serves up amazing food in large portions. Our pick of the menu is the chicken schnitzel, pesto and salad wrap - Mmm. The Square Peg is open from 6:30am daily.

Coogee's newest café/restaurant is here. Located on Arden Street, The Little Kitchen is making waves amongst the locals. The menu features succulent roast chicken, braised beef as well as a small selection of fresh seafood dishes. It's affordable, welcoming and an all round great time. The Little Kitchen is open from 7am daily.

Let them eat cake! A dream come true for coeliacs and those with wheat allergies, the Imperial Gluten Free Bakery is dedicated to all things satisfying – bread, cakes, biscuits and pastries – minus the wheat. Owner Joseph Maroun, a baker of 16 years experience, devised the range of goods for the growing number of people who can't eat the dreaded grain. Standbys such as meat pies, sausage rolls, banana bread and even pizzas can be bought from the Rydalmere shopfront and purchased online.

No longer does a gluten intolerance mean you have to miss out on hot cross buns, Christmas puddings, or pizza night. 

Wah gwan? That's Jamaican for 'what's up?' and if you're a regular at Queenies, you'll know that what's up is mouth-watering jerk pork, sweet potato fries and coconut soft shell crab with hotstepper sauce, and maybe some friend plantain to snack on. Wash it down with a rum cocktail such as Sugar Mamma (Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, sugar cane juice, lime, ginger ale) and feel the island riddims.

A one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs, Ella Bache is your go-to salon in Bondi Junction and better yet, with multiple locations across Australia you will never be too far from an Ella Bache salon. From body treatments, massages and customised facials, to waxing, nails and spray tans, Ella Bache expert therapists will ensure you walk out feeling amazing. They also stock the full range of Ella Bache skincare products, along with Jane Iredale mineral makeup, so you'll be able to maintain the results at home.

The Bronzing Boutique is the go-to spot for celebrities and those in the know from L.A to Sydney! The Sydney flagship salon is a Bahamas inspired oasis set in Double Bay and has bronzed the bods of Delta Goodrum, Lindsay Lohan, Joh Bailey and Sophie Monk, just to name a few. Experts in bronzing, brow shaping and waxing, you'll walk out of this sanctuary feeling and looking gorgeous.

Offering a range of services from exfoliations, body wraps, mani/pedis, and facials for all skin types and needs, Bronzalicious in Neutral Bay has something for everyone. With wedding packages, make up services and spray tans, the team at Bronzalicious will have you looking your best in no time! With particular focus on their tanning services, bronzing is not just an art form but a science. Boasting custom made professional tanning and exfoliation equipment to deliver a better, more precise tan which is also safer! Whether you head on in for a beach worthy tan, a relaxing, stress-melting massage or an 'only as old as the skin you feel' facial, you won't leave disappointed! There is a 100% happy-client guarantee!

Maggy, the brains and beauty behind Tan Republic is a spray tanning goddess with over 15 years of experience in the beauty, hair and makeup industry. Step inside and feel instantly at home with aromatic candles, warm towels and for the time poor, shower booths for your pre-tan prep. With a focus on providing quality, long lasting, non-steaky, natural looking tans you will most definetely leave Tan Republic looking like you've just got home from an exotic, island destination holiday.

To look gorgeous and feel sexy, The Tan Appeal at Double Bay is where it's at. This salon focusses solely on tanning and how best to prep and prime your skin so that your spray tan will last longer and you will no longer want to expose your skin to the harmful UV effects of the sun. Offers custom spray tans, which are designed to suit your particular skin colouring and needs, you'll be sure to look like you just stepped off a private jet from The Maldives (no questions asked)!

I hate being bronzed—said no one ever. If you want (aka need) one of the best tans in town, you need to get yourself to Tan Temple STAT!

If you're on the hunt for for modern homewares, a gift, or just something gorgeous to add some character to your home, MOZI is your winner - the experts behind the brand can cater to any reason or occasion. With seasonal designs, original patterns and some of the most adorable gifts that aren't too 'gifty', MOZI is the kind of store you can easily get lost in – or max out your credit card. 

Housed within the iconic Grace Hotel, Vapiano in Sydney offers homemade delicious Italian dishes of pasta, pizza and salads freshly cooked in front of you. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, as well as delicacies like carpaccio, smoked ham pizza and prawn pasta. The large space boasts outdoor seating and is perfect for a night out with friends.

Only open during the warm summer months, The Star's Sky Terrace is back for the second year in a row. Indulge in delicious cocktails and a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. If you're feeling peckish, pop-up stalls from some of The Stars best restaurants (including BLACK by ezard, Sokyo and Momofuku Seiōbo) will be on rotation, serving up some pretty mean bar snacks. This is one rooftop bar in Sydney you won't want to miss out on!

This gorgeous little family run café is home to some of the northside's best breakfast, lunch and coffee. Stock up your pantry with gourmet finds from around the world, or simply indulge in their organic and sustainable café menu. Our picks are their fresh fruit with granola and yoghurt for brekkie and the toasted sandwiches for lunch.