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The latest in Sydney's stable of seriously cool boutique hotels is Little Albion Guest House from the Crystalbrook Collection. The jaw-dropping entryway to the property is hidden halfway down an unassuming alleyway in Surry Hills, and it looks more like someone’s epic architectural mansion than the 35-room guesthouse that it is.

Brix is a bar and distillery introducing patrons to a different side of the spirit through its very own brand, made on site in Surry Hills.

This salon’s seriously chic minimalist interior is the work of George Livissianis, the designer behind a smattering of our city’s most beautiful restaurants (Chin Chin and Cho Cho San, to name just two). As well as being really, really, ridiculously good-looking—your hair will be safe in the hands of Usfin Atelier’s seriously talented creative director Daniel Jianning Liu and his team of pro haircutters, colourists, and stylists.

The superstar at Bistecca is bistecca alla Fiorentina—a really schmancy, Tuscan-style T-bone that is extra large and dates back to 16th century Florence. Brought to you by the crew gave us Grandma’s, Wild Rover and Wilhelmina's, every aspect of this new Italian-inspired steakhouse has been carefully thought out.

Queensland’s Betty’s Burgers is regular on the ‘gram and one of the coolest (not to mention delicious) kids in town. And since opening in the ICC precinct in Darling Harbour last year, we’ve been waiting for the time she’ll head over the bridge and branch out to the ‘burb. Well, team. It’s just happened. Betty’s Burgers is opening in Castle Towers and The Piazza just got good (damn good).

“Your club for nice people and friends.” 

We’re all for weird and wonderful combinations and at Spanish Sakaba you can be assured this is what you will find. It’s Spanish meets Japanese and trust us, the menu is full of all the flair and fun.

Guys, if you’re all about that robotic, hotpot and barbie-wrapped-in-meat (and by meat we mean the super juicy Wagyu kind) life then wow, we’ve found the latest, niche eatery for you. Sydney, Spice World is not your average dine-in affair because if we’re honest, it’s all about the future here (cue all the “oohs” and “ahhs” ever).

Here’s to another secret bar Sydneysiders (and you know we can’t get enough of them). Oh yes, the burger juggernauts have dived head first into a hidden watering hole decked out with old comics, hip-hop memorabilia and pretty much all the nostalgic, good stuff we absolutely loved growing up. And before you ask, of course they’re still serving up a killer burg menu.

The team behind Grandma’s Bar, The Wild Rover and Wilhelmina’s have joined the burger craze which continues to sweep the nation by storm and before we say a single word more, there’s free soft-serve. Yeah-huh, keep reading.

Sitting right in the heart of Cammeray shops is the latest addition to the Brewtown family of cafes across Sydney. Brewtown Cammeray is their first expedition across the bridge and into the north side, which has been welcomed with warm arms by locals because TBH, the north side is always in need of some top-notch coffee. 

Ever wished that skiing could be a legitimate form of transport? Good news—if you stay at Numbananga Lodge, you can actually ski from your accommodation to the slopes, and back again. It’s only 2 kilometres from Perisher Valley! Strap those skis on. Driving is so passé.

Don’t call ZADI a gym. It’s a fitness concept of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that’s designed just for the ladies. 

It’s been three decades and a cool $6 million in the making, but The Imperial Erskineville is finally unveiling the third phase of its epic redevelopment and we couldn’t be more excited. 

If Matteo Double Bay is the mature and relaxed Italian eatery, then Matteo Downtown in the Sydney CBD is the outgoing, sassy younger sister who makes everyone do shots. 

Take your taste buds on a trip to Southern Italy. Hiding in Darlinghurst, Verde blends tradition with innovation as chef Antonio Ruggerio delivers a modern twist on his mother’s family recipes.  

Nothing beats a good old Italiano feast. Right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, this locale is serving up tasty AF Italian. Think unwinding in their epic dining room and taking in the courtyard vibes #alfresco. 

Shanghai Dumpling Bar is the latest addition to Spice Alley, the outdoor Asian hawker-style food collective in Chippendale.

“When are you going to set up a permanent space?”, punters would ask Andres Rodriguez. For the past two years, he’s been slinging arepa—Venezuelan corn pockets filled with meats and slaw—at their popular food stall, alongside co-owners Kysbel Castellanos and Alberto Ferreira. 

Sydney’s dining scene is notoriously fickle. So for Lucio’s not just survive, but also thrive, in Sydney for a solid 35 years is a really, really big deal. 

Recognised (and rightly so) as one of Sydney’s best bars, drinkers flock to Blu Bar on 36 for their famed selection of delicious cocktails, tempting nibbles and uninterrupted views. 

Hold on to your chopsticks, Sydney. An NYC-style Japanese concept restaurant is opening in Surry Hill...and its specialty is sushi pizza.

In a first for Sydney’s CBD, Caffeine Cartel is the only cafe to serve directly to customers on bustling Martin Place. It’s commandeered the lobby space of the United Overseas Bank (UOB) building, and can seat about 20 or so of you lucky souls inside, too.

Pinch us, more pintxos are coming to Sydney. And if you’re not sure what pintxos are, keep on reading (trust us, you’ll want to). They’re the tasty bar snacks, slightly smaller than their more famous big brother tapas, served in northern Spain and Basque regions. You can get them at Can Cava in Bondi, the recently opened Ortzi in Surry Hills, and soon, you’ll get them in Pyrmont. 

The Sydney vegan train keeps on choo-choo-chooing its way around Sydney. Alfie’s Kitchen has been popping up all over town, surprising the city with it’s here-for-a-good-time-not-a-long-time appearances at Sadhana Kitchen, The Midnight Special, Mecca and Rolling Penny. Now, it’s getting serious. They’re putting a ring on it, committing to a permanent venue in Waterloo. 

There’s a lot to like about The Thirsty Wolf. The soft milk bun burgers. The short-but-sweet wine list of mostly Australian whites and reds. The upstairs balcony overlooking Glebe Point Road. Since moving from their OG Newtown digs in December 2017, Glebe locals have been falling for their small wine bar feels pretty hard. 

With all the recent renos, refurbs and hospitality group takeovers, it’s rare that Sydney scores a brand new pub these days. But guys, it’s happening. A new pub is opening in Macquarie Park and not only does it look like we’ll be scoring some damn good cocktails, pub specials and Japanese eats, but it’ll also have a rooftop garden bar.  

We know we’re in good company when we say that carbs are life (also wine, but that’s a conversation for another day). Well, since launching in Melbourne late last year, PAFU pastries have amassed quite the cult following...and now they’re heading up the coast to Sydney. 

Sure, Frank’s Original Philly Cheesesteak and Dogs has a permanent shopfront in Wetherill Park. But their a portable version is in a bus. And all aboard, we say. You’ll find six versions of the Philly cheesesteak here, but all have the same delicious base: thinly sliced rib-eye steak, cheese (“American”, provolone, or the gloriously yellow Cheez Whiz) and grilled onions, piled on a real-deal amoroso bread roll.

A man who treats his beard well, treats his bae well, as they say. And a well-kempt man gets his beard- and hair-grooming needs at Adilla Barbers, the new barbershop from renowned Adilla Colab hair salon in Double Bay. They cater their grooming services for “the modern man” who’s after a cut and trim one week, a cover-the-grey colouring the other, and a facial treatment the next—all with a whisky in hand, of course. 

Sydney’s CBD is a fickle little beast and great restaurants are hard to find. Oh, they’re there, Hiding amongst the tall buildings and bustling business crowd but, if you don’t know where to look, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the tourist traps. Enter: us. Oh, hello, we’re here to recommend the delicious Sydney goods. 

We can count the number of Basque restaurants in Sydney on one hand, and that’s not enough. So now, we’re counting our lucky stars because there’s a new Basque kid on the block (and it’s the same block that houses Butter, Longrain and Chin Chin). 

Good food and great wine have to be two of the best things in life, right? Well the team at Culina Et Vinum (translation: kitchen and wine) couldn’t agree more. The creators, Naomi Lowry and Abhi Mahadevan, are bringing their fine dining and sommelier experience to this venue to create a relaxed environment where you can enjoy amazing eats and even better vino. Sounds good, no?

Nestled on the harbour near Vaucluse, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is a Sydney institution known for its Hamptons-chic style fit-out (the interiors are seriously on point), mouth-watering seafood (think alllll of the oysters) and sweeping views of our stunning city.

Tucked away on a rooftop in the CBD, The Rook is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets (literally). Burgers and draaanks are the name of the game here and it’s the kinda place where good times are guaranteed. With trendy graffiti covering the walls and a retractable roof for when Sydney’s weather is not being friendly, once you find it, you’ll never want to leave.

Slingers of pizza, pasta and other Italian deliciousness, Fratelli Fresh has just opened a mammoth new restaurant in Darling Harbour. 

You might be sick of us saying this but, Merivale has bloody done it again. This time, they’ve taken over The Collaroy and you better believe they’ve given this beachfront locale their signature spin (meaning it’s freaking beautiful, delicious and yes, there will be wine). 

Sitting on the corner of a busy Alexandria intersection, inside a pale pink heritage building lies the Grumpy Barista. Yep, this joint has moved and per usual, it’ll brighten up (pretty much) everyone’s Instagram feeds with their marble tables, indoor greenery and like we said, pink walls. It’s basically everything you already love from Grumpy Barista, but better.

The amazing Merivale team have gone and done it again, The Newport is the ultimate place for your next Sunday sesh, day drinks with the BFFS or a catch up with the fam. The stunning outdoor areas (calling it a beer garden just doesn’t cover it) are literally all you need in your life, with multiple spots serving every kind of food. Want fruity cocktails? Asian stir fry? Pizza? All of the above? Yeah, they got you.

This new joint in Kings Cross is pumped full of so much 80s nostalgia, it’ll give the back corner of your mum’s wardrobe a run for its money (leg warmers we’re looking at you). Chachi’s is Sydney’s newest dive bar and you can find it in Woolloomooloo. 

Shout out to all the special humans, with all of the special dietary requirements. This one’s for you. Nutie Donuts has been slinging their dietary-friendly doughnuts in Balmain for a while now (and on the market scene before that) and now they’re heading to the CBD with their tasty little second store, Nutie 2.0. 

Everyone’s favourite Northern Beaches Sunday sesh spot, The Newport, just got even better with the addition of Bert’s. This one is focusing on fresh produce with a touch of luxe weaved throughout their coastal European menu. Not to mention the seriously lush dining room that gives a not-so-subtle nod to the 1930s (cue hours spent here drinking delicious tipple and top notch nosh).

Coogee Bay Hotel is a Sydney institution. Taking up pride of place smack bang in the middle of Coogee Beach, this super laid back spot screams summer and was made for lazy days in the sunshine (no matter what time of year).

Sydney just scored a brand new luxury skin care clinic that will 110% transform your skin into its best physical form possible. We love nothing more than a crystal clear complexion, especially when there’s a bit of luxe to go along with it—and James Vivian’s first Sydney location is exactly that.

The time to let your inner child run completely free is here and FYI, it’s waiting for you in Chippendale. A brand spankin’ new Timezone (yes, that Timezone) has just opened in Central Park Mall and you guessed it, there’ll be more red Fanta and Hubba Bubba than you can poke a stick at.

It’s a fact—bath bombs turn your regular bath into a party bath. Why have everyday tap water for your weekend soak, when you could have water that’s fizzy, scented and softens your skin?

We refuse to admit that Melbourne does food better than Sydney—it’s against the ‘Sydney is way better/cooler/tastier than Melbourne’ code. But every so often, they send one of their winners up the coast to our waiting hungry bellies and we’d be lying if we said that we weren’t rapt about it. This time, it’s 8bit. You might know them as the arcade gaming slash ridiculously good burger joint and if you don’t, well you’re about to.

Sydney just copped a brand new authentic Mexican restaurant and here, it’s all about wood-fired cooking just like the traditional Latin Americans did it way back when. 

Market City has just welcomed a brand new Korean BBQ into the mix as part of the impressive 1909 Dining Precinct and it’s a winner. Sitting amongst some of the best yum cha, hotpot and sushi in Sydney, KOGI is bringing a touch of luxe to the precinct, with over 15 cuts of premium pork and wagyu beef which diners can cook at their tables’ own charcoal hot plate.

Enmore just scored a new fried chicken joint with allll the fixin’s and you’ll be pleased to hear it’s by the same local legends behind Hartsyard. They knew you’d been missing their signature recipe since Hartsyard became Hartsyard 2.0 a few months ago. 

One of the oldest pubs in Sydney has reopened for the first time in 30 years and honestly, it’s never looked better. The Terminus Hotel is serving up a twenty first century menu with an Aussie wine list to match and those happen to be a few of our favourite things.

The team behind Burger Project and Rockpool Bar & Grill, led by Neil Perry of course, are hitting Sydney with another place we can spend every waking hour eating nothing but the best burgers in town. Burger Project Black Label is turning up the luxe factor on its forerunner, adding even more premium ingredients, table service and a stronger bar-focused situation to boot.

If you haven’t been to The Soda Factory in Surry Hills, do you even Sydney? An institution for anyone over the age of 18, this hidden speakeasy can be found behind a ‘50s Coca-Cola door on Wentworth Avenue.

Aptly named, Harris Miller sits on the corner of Harris and Miller Streets in Pyrmont. We all know that anything short of an absolute feast is a waste of time which is why we ordered the vegan bowl which is stuffed with all of our favourite things, AKA smashed avo, falafel, hummus, zaatar spiced roasted tomatoes and quinoa. And because we're hungry humans, we also added toast (and we're not sorry about it). 

In this age of instant gratification, we’re loving the slow reveal of the Imperial Hotel’s eight-month-long renovation. 

If you’re looking for a new one-stop shop for all things beauty—you’ve just hit the jackpot. Brown Sugar Hair & Beauty is a Coogee local that’s serving up all the beautiful goods on the daily and that means you’ll be leaving here will nothing short of a full makeover.

Taking over the once-loved-by-all-twenty-something-Sydneysiders, Boogie Mountain is about to open in the old Kit and Kaboodle space.

A new poke joint is heading to North Sydney and you know what that means team—no more sad desk lunches. This will be the second Sydney store for Pokéd and did we mention you can finally say CYA to sad desk lunches?

Hidden away in Chippendale’s Kensington Street, you’ll find Mekong serving up some of the best Indochine cuisine in Sydney. WTH is Indochine cuisine, we hear you ask? Think a tasty mix of Asian food inspired by the flavours of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Yep, #droooool.

Oh hail the team of legends who knew we’d only fall too easily for an Italian spaghetti and spritz bar (yep, you read that totally right).