Urban List Recommends

Moon & Back has quietly expanded in Rosebery, opening a new adjoining space dedicated to design-led homewares, matcha, living pieces, ceramics and knick-knacks—aptly named Noom Store.

This wine shop stocks way more than sips, boasting a curation of the coolest foodie gifts from glossy chilli oils to slick pasta sauces. 

Dishing up meals and serving cafe drinks from the front corner of a bike store, Rushi brings a Japanese-inspired breakfast and lunch menu to Cronulla.

(S)MER is a Sydney-based studio that brings together fragrance and denim under one clear vision.

Discover the bold, boundary-pushing Marrickville florist putting Sydney/Eora on the map.

Buttered is a Sydney bakery and cafe offering a selection of much-loved Korean pastries and top-notch drinks.

International thrifting brand Savers now has a Thrift Boutique on Oxford Street, bringing affordable pre-loved goods to Darlinghurst.

Global thrifting giant Savers’ first Sydney store in Hoxton Park Prestons is 1590 square metres of pre-loved gems waiting to be discovered.

The Sydney CBD is now home to the world’s largest LEGO store, covering 900 square metres over two storeys of hands-on fun for future designers, inventors, builders and artists.

Forget celebrity fragrances and department store clerks handing out smelling strips. If you love hard-to-find, boutique fragrances dreamt up by artisans from far-flung places, Libertine Parfumerie is for you. 

While our shores were long awaiting a dedicated Golden Goose store, Sydney now plays host to two boutiques: the first located in Sydney’s CBD and a second outpost at Bondi Junction. 

Shopping in Sydney will get a whole lot more exciting when cult Scandi brand GANNI opens its doors at The Galeries on Friday 2 June. 

SWOP is a store selling sustainably sourced vintage and preloved gear, launched in Brisbane. Just a few years later, SWOP has gone on to open stores in Sydney and Melbourne.

Travelling or dreaming of travelling? HAULIER's Paddington flagship boutique, inspired by 70s-era airport lounges, should be just the ticket. Think vintage Holiday magazines and Slim Aarons Euro summer and you've got the right vibe. 

Translated simply as “butcher shop”, Macelleria is more than just that, since the Chief Meatologist (yes, it’s a thing), Peter Zaidan believes in their ethos of providing quality meat with good value for money in mind. In a genius move, they also have a burger menu that allows you to try their meat before you commit to buying it for the fridge at home. There are three chicken schnitzel options, with fillings like seeded mayo, Parmigiano, and coleslaw to accompany your chook. There are a staggering nine options in the beef department and the 100% Cape Grim Angus beef patties are accompanied by bacon, cheddar, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, depending on your preferences.

Led by Grant Hilliard, Feather and Bone takes sustainable practice very seriously. That means only selling pasture-raised meat from regenerative farms—each personally visited by the Marrickville butchers with information passed onto you.

The name Victor Churchill carries some real weight in Australia’s butcher game.

Headed up by Mike Bennie and Lou Dowling, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants' Newtown outpost is our forever go-to for delicious chilled reds, pet nats, orange wines, funky wines, and hard-to-find Aussie spirits that'll seriously level up your home-made Negroni game.

It’s finally happened. After a handful of years operating as a pop up shop in the leafy streets of Surry Hills, Little Succers has left its roots, so to speak, and made the big leap over the pond to greener pastures. We’re talking about a permanent terrarium studio right in the heart of Neutral Bay.

If you’re a ceramic fiend, you would have definitely heard of cutting-edge pottery studio Bondi Clay. The Flood Street institution is well-known for its cute date night classes and its sustainable approach to pottery. It's one of the few studios that sticks to renewable energy and doesn’t use single-use plastic bags.

The fact is, a city can never be too overcrowded with florists, which is why you need to know about Sydney’s newest floral mecca dedicated to luscious blooms and whimsical flowing foliage.

Sharpen up team, The Bespoke Corner Tailors have officially landed in Sydney and our wardrobes couldn’t be happier. After taking Melbourne by storm with their South Yarra boutique, the dynamic duo behind the store—Miles Wharton and Rami Mikhael—have returned to their roots in Sydney. 

Created by the legends behind men’s streetwear label ZANEROBE, SUBTYPE features a very covetable collection of sneakers, all hand-selected based on their design credentials, exclusivity, innovation, and creativity.

The fact of the matter is—a city can never have too many greenhouses and nurseries. And, the newest house plant emporium to land on Sydney soil is hailing in hard from the Central Coast, so bring a car with enough space because you’ll be going home with the lot.

UPDATE: For the course of the COVID-19 lockdown, Bondi Clay has launched a set of online tutorials and take-home clay kits. You can pick up full and half bags of white stoneware clay and tools from the Bondi studio, or have the clay delivered if you live in the Eastern suburbs. 

Sydney’s sassy same-day plant delivery service PlantGirl has opened its first bricks-and-mortar set up in the heart of the Inner West, which means you’ll be able to deck out your digs in lush greenery and bright planters.

Bringing a little Swedish heritage to Sydney, Fjällräven CBD concept store is packed with all the durable gear you could need. And made in classic Scandinavian designs, expect a whole lot of sustainable materials like recycled wool, recycled polyester and PFC-free waterproofing.

Founded in Melbourne, NIQUE's Surry Hills outpost features their full range of minimalist, monochrome and androgynous streetwear. 

Enter Sydney based painter Vicki Lee's eponymous two-storey gallery space and get ready for a sweet sensory experience. 

Bringing its easy-going styling to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Assembly Label’s Manly retail store fits perfectly with the Australian coastal lifestyle. The Scandinavian-inspired fit-out, courtesy of design duo Mr and Mrs White, breathes new life into this Manly street corner.

Above The Clouds is a mid to high-end streetwear and sneaker boutique in Darlinghurst, offering some lust-worthy shoe porn that is worth blowing your rent money on.

The legend behind Tokyo Bird and Osaka Trading Co., has brought Sydney something extra special. Banchō Bar, is the latest venture from Jason Ang, located in the lane behind Quay Street in Haymarket.

After the huge success of their Surry Hills paint and sip studio, Cork & Chroma has added a second location over the bridge in St Leonards, because Sydney’s art scene just won’t quit.

Lyons Gallery showcases never-before-seen glamourous celeb shots from the most collected photographers in the world. 

“Women buy about 27kgs of clothing a year and throw away about 23kgs of that amount away per year,” says EKOLUV founder Emily Kate Symes. Woah.

The brand new Sydney CASA LOEWE flagship store showcases modern elements of Loewe's hometown, while paying homage to the iconic label's heritage.

International brand, MUJI is bringing their minimalist, affordable and uber cool vibes to Westfield Chatswood. Covering over 884 square metres (that’s really freakin’ big) the Japanese store offers errrrythang from clothing and homewares, to skincare and travel products…its literally the ideal one-stop-shop. 

There's a lot happening at Surry Hills' Paramount Building.

NOLM launched first as an online boutique in 2017, sporting a serious edit of some under the radar emerging designers that you would be hard pressed to find in store anywhere in Australia. Now they’ve opened a bricks-and-mortar one-stop-shop in Chippendale, a stone’s through from other cool, ground-breaking Sydney institutions like White Rabbit Gallery and LP’s Quality Meats. 

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.

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

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.

If you have ever wanted an excuse to purchase a hanging floating chair for home, this is it. German-born furniture company, DEDON has recently opened their first flagship showroom in Sydney and ICYMI, that is very good news for you... and very bad news for your credit card. Located in The Cannery, this place sells woven outdoor furniture that has aesthetic goals written all over it. We're talking about the kind of things you’ve got saved under your dream home Pinterest board and don’t even bother denying it, we all have one.

Get ready to unleash your inner rebel kids because Dr. Martens is making its way down under for their first ever Australian retail store. 

Here to change the jewellery game in Sydney, Sarah & Sebastian just opened their first flagship store on Oxford Street in Paddington. These are the guys behind the super fine jewellery you’ve probably seen on Insta and if you’ve been stuck on what to buy your mum/friend/girlfriend (you get it), you’ve just found it.  

They say a new workout wardrobe is the best way to motivate yourself back into the gym and TBH we’ll take any excuse to kit out our wardrobe. 

Got a special event coming up, but nothing to wear? Never fear—Your Closet, an online rent-a-designer-dress service, has opened its first brick and mortar store in Neutral Bay. 

The three most romantic words in the English language: chocolate gift box. Gift-giving just got a whole lot easier (and prettier) with the beautiful little handcrafted truffles from Good Measure Co.

The Galeries is the perfect mix of luxe, artsy and damn delish food. And now it’s getting a brand new addition—the gentSac flagship store. Think of this place as the ultimate destination for the millennial gentleman, whether you’re buying for yourself or your S.O. 

Jillian's Cakery on Elizabeth Street in Sydney's trendy Surry Hills is a haven of vintage cakes. Seriously this place will give you strong primary school bake sale vibes and remind you of your grandmother's kitchen—cue nostalgia and drooling. Jillian Butler quit her corporate day job to pursue her passion for baking and we couldn't be happier that she did because her cakes and other sweet treats are just what the doctor ordered. Jillian's Cakery offers a serene sanctuary where it's the norm to while away an afternoon sipping on coffee, tucking into delicious slices of cake and being treated like princes and princesses with the great service. 

Kin & Kind is the home of Sydney’s best workshops for parents, with classes that’ll feed your creativity (hello indoor gardening), your belly (hit up the kimchi workshop) or teaches you how to master the art of the perfect phone-shot movie. Founders Miriam and Josie are the brains behind this genius operation, offering a dynamic alternative to the standard child-focused activities on offer. 

Leaf Supply are Sydney's ultimate indoor plant people. Fresh-delivering gifts of greenery and potted happiness to doorsteps around Sydney, Leaf Supply believes green spaces are better places and foliage is the new flower.

If trendy boutiques are your jam then you need to get yourself to The Standard Store in Barangaroo, STAT. 

What happens when a couple of Irish folks open an American bar and grill? Steak and beer, of course. For any Aussie, this is the ultimate combo, which is exactly what Mr. G’s is serving up on the daily. And by any means, this certainly isn’t your average steakhouse—enjoy your sirloin, rump or scotch, straight out of a wood-fired, charcoal driven oven. The only electricity here is the one you’ll feel when you pair your smoky steak, with an American craft beer or whisky (there’s 100 to choose from FYI).

Sydney’s newest addition to the luxury fashion scene, Harrolds, has opened up in CBD Westfield. If you’re looking to treat yourself (who isn't?) after a hard-earned promotion, a breakup, running your first marathon, or just for making it to Friday in one piece (totally warranted), we guarantee your next purchase is hiding in Harrolds.

With more to like than just their good looks (and smells), Bondi Wash will have you smelling and feeling great with their non-toxic, biodegradable and plant-based products. We love to support local, and so do these guys, using ingredients sourced from the best Australian suppliers (Tasmanian pepper, Sydney peppermint and lemon tea tree all feature). Their home, body, lifestyle and dog ranges (yes, pups are included), mean there’s something for everyone and every occasion. Is there anything these guys haven't got right? We don't think so.

For the creative amongst us, Petal Post delivers a box of long lasting blooms straight to your doorstep, and they’re just waiting to be whipped up into a totally instaworthy floral arrangement. Perfect for those times when you want to send just a little something, or an everyday I’ve got my life together bouquet, these boxes start at $45, including delivery. And if you’re not as florally focused as some, never fear because the Petal Post team include a floral arranging guide in every box. Make sure to order the night before because these bad boys are picked straight from the market the morning of delivery. Talk about some sweeeeeet petal service.

The Cork & Chroma paint and sip studio has opened in Surry Hills, following three years of crazy success at their flagship studio in Brisbane. We’re pretty glad they’ve come to town and you should be too. These guys run guided painting sessions, where you are encouraged to bring all of your mates and a bottle of wine (it’s BYO) to sip as you paint. We know, it’s pure genius.   

If you’re looking for a way to vamp up your interior style (or window shop away a weekend) Sutherland homewares store, Ur Place, was made for you. Specialising in all things monochrome, this trendy lil’ place will make you re-think every bit of Ikea you own (as well as the you had planned on saving).

Lucy Folk is a jewelry and accessories brand that combines designer Lucy’s love for food, travel and design by transforming them into wearable pieces of art. Think super cute hats, pretty sunglasses, a curated collection of clothing, and dainty jewellery. It’s an Australian brand so we can’t help but be a little bit proud. PLAYA is located on the corner of Gould and Hall Streets in Bondi Beach so while you’re taking a stroll through the shops on your beach break, don’t miss this gem. You’ll definitely find a reason to treat yo’self at Lucy Folk.

Joining the ranks of Somedays store in Surry Hills, the Someplace team have opened a brand new outpost in Barangaroo. Basically, they’re trying to bring back the brick and mortar in a time where we are lazily ordering online without ever trying anything on. Stocking brands like Céline, Garrett Leight and Nikben, each piece has been selected to strike a balace between Scandinavian, European, American and local fashion and accessories. 

Lululemon is moving down to Bondi Beach, opening their brand new concept store right there next to the sand (or close to it, anyway). One of only five in the world, the store will stock a curated collection of clothing and swimwear. It’ll basically have all of your favourite Lululemon activewear pieces, plus a whole bunch of brand new pieces.

Some of the world’s best baked cheese tarts have finally landed in Australia and it needs to go on your hit list for this weekend ASAP. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts have been plating them up to hungry locals in Kuala Lumpur for years and thanks to the team over at Papa Rich, you’ll be able to nab one too. If you're already a fan of the tarts, then you might be in for a slight, barely-there amount of disappointment because the formula is being shaken up slightly, featuring Australian-only cheeses. We're more than okay with the change though, because us Australians definitely know our way around dairy, that's for damn sure.

Behind the façade of what looks like a plain ol’ garage in Leichhardt lies coffee haven and car buff’s dream, Kollector Cars and Coffee.

Tucked away in Cronulla, Anna’s Shop Around the Corner is one of our fave spots in Sydney to cosy up to a good book and sip on velvety hot chocolate on a cold, rainy, winter’s day.

Charlie Rabbit is Sydney’s ultimate dessert bar, and they’re committed to satisfying that sweet tooth of yours in a single visit to their CBD store (although you’ll no doubt be back again for round two). 

If #cleaneating is the way you choose to live, you should probably choose to shop at Naked Foods at Tramsheds too.

Another notch has been added to Barangaroo’s bedpost, with the opening of European-style food emporium, Bel & Brio. We’re talking 800 square metres of wining, dining, take away and shopping and it is one of the only places in the area that you can head to, to pick up your weekly essentials, a morning coffee or a quick lunch. Once the sun goes down they’re even serving wine and cocktails as well as a light dinner. 

Since the success of their health food store in Manly, oFarm has recently opened a store and raw café in the new fresh section of Westfield Warringah Mall. oFarm sells certified, biodynamic and chemical free goods, so if you're after something a little healthier, this is the place you need to go where you can buy absolutely everything; from meat and dairy to bread and grocery items including many organic treats.

The Corner Booth is that one stop shop that just keeps on giving. You know, that shop where you enter promising yourself you're just looking, then buy half the store.

They’ve been filling our bellies with sweet deliciousness for 40 years from their iconic location in The Rocks, and have opened their second location in Waterloo. Here you'll be able to pick up handmade pastries, tarts, cakes and chocolates, as well as a little something-something for lunch too (did someone say sausage rolls and pies?!).

Set in the heart of Darling Street, Rozelle, The Sackville is more than just your local pub in Sydney. Grab a few friends, kick up your heels and enjoy the daily specials from the bistro menu. Featuring all your fave pub classics, and some, including side dishes perfect for sharing with the chargrilled baby octopus at the top of our list and the jalapeno peppers with goat's cheese. The steaks are lightly smoked with hickory and the twice-cooked pork belly is enough to send us pork lovers into a frenzy. 

At Sugar Pop Bakery, couture dessert is most definitely a thing. Their dessert pops are designed for easy gorging without the messy fingers and are so intricately designed that you almost won’t want to pop them in your gob (we would like to see you try).

Artisan butcher, Kingsmore Meats has opened the second outpost of their family-owned and run butcher in food hub, Saporium. They source only the highest quality meat from small, independent and local farmers who raise their animals naturally, humanely and sustainably.

The Dreamer Label designs clothing taking inspiration from modernist architecture and abstract geometric forms. This fashion label is built around the idea of simplicity, creating refined yet casual pieces with clean lines and classic silhouettes (which we love). Using natural fabrics, the guys at The Dreamer Label believe in producing organic products that not only look good on, but are also good for the planet. 

For charming home and giftware, Rose St. Trading Co invites you to step inside the doors of their small but again, charming shop on Military Road in Mosman. Founders Cate and Alex aren’t the slightest bit shy about their obsession for colour, cashmere, pearls and fabulous handbags, as well as injecting their own skills and passions as interior designers into their budding brand. Fashion and accessories have become an important category for Rose St. who promise a pleasurable shopping experience underpinned by what they like to call: “old fashioned customer service”. Rose St. Trading Co can also be found in Double Bay. 

They've done it again – the people behind Bourke Street Bakery are pretty much royalty in the Inner West and they're extending their empire as far as they can reach. The Banksmeadow store is pretty amazing though because they've created an environment that aims to create as little waste as possible. But here's the thing – they haven't just said they're going to do it (like all of our New Year's resolutions that were out the door by the 7th of January), they've actually done it!

Buttercream Bakery have progressed quickly from small cupcake orders to some of the most divine wedding and birthday cakes we’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for your traditional white cake with white flowers this is not the Sydney bakery for you.  Buttercream’s cakes are colourful, hand painted, and can be considered delicious works of art.

This is streetwear by the people, for the people. The People Vs. are creating high quality, vintaged-inspired, fashion fundamentals that are sure to fill your wardrobe and drain your bank account (in the best way possible). It started out in a small street-market in Bali where they built up their knowledge and experimented with silhouettes, dyeing, and printing and have expanded to working exclusively with General Pants Co. to create their signature detail and design. 

Sydney institution Bourke Street Bakery has branched out west with its Parramatta store. As usual, the Parramatta bakery will be serving up some of the best pastries, loaves and cakes in Sydney. We can never pass up a white chocolate, passionfruit and meringue tart but Bourke Street Bakery are also bringing the (baked) goods to savoury lovers with their range of sausage rolls, sandwiches and pies. Parramatta, you should be flocking down to Church Street for some Bourke Street love.

The beloved masterminds behind DAILY Blooms Melbourne have moved up the coast to us lucky folk in Sydney! Known for snagging the most exclusive flowers, straight from the farmer to your arrangement, DAILY Blooms are all about locally sourcing the freshest produce on the market. That way your flowers not only last longer, but they smell like a bouquet should…fresh to death. None of this importing mumbo jumbo, where flowers travel longer to get to you than they stay alive – just the purest flowers straight from the source.

One of Sydney's best Italian restaurants, Pasta Emilia serves up fresh, hand made pasta that's mostly organic. More than just a delicious restaurant, these guys sell at local markets, host cooking classes and offer items you can take home (and cook up a storm). There's a strong focus on sustainability here and they truly support local suppliers, farmers and artisans through the ingredients they use.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of mid-week in North Sydney, Bourke Street Bakery is a hole in the wall storefront, serving artisan sourdough and piping hot pastries. You can pick up something to go – we recommend the pork and fennel sausage roll or a sneaky white chocolate, passionfruit & meringue tart. Alternatively you can drop in to stock up on your weekly loaves of fruit sourdough or classic rye.

If you are a sourdough (or carb) enthusiast, then you are likely familiar with one of Sydney's best bakeries, Bourke Street Bakery. Located in the heart of Barangaroo, their store is ideal for popping in on the way to work to stock up on your favourite treats or for settling in for the longer haul. They serve coffee, pies, sausage rolls, tarts, cakes and all kinds of carby wonders.

Gleebook’s is a quaint bookstore in Sydney’s Inner West, with literally (you guessed it) every book you can image. Whether you're a small human, a design nerd, weekend chef or literary AF, you're guaranteed to find your next read here. 

Scooping out some of Sydney's best gelato, RivaReno Gelato is bringing authentic Italian desserts to the shores of Barangaroo. The gelato here will be some of the softest and creamiest you'll come across and the guys here use fresh ingredients (no artificial flavourings here!) including single origin Valrhona chocolate, caramelised pecans and ‘high altitude’ mascarpone, as well as pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds that have been imported from Italy.

If you’re after a new wardrobe or just a statement piece, then Incu Paddington is where you’ll want to head if you’re east side. With a range of local and international designers, you’ll be sure to find something to give your credit card a bit of a work out. But don’t worry, it’ll be worth it.

Your one stop shop for luxury international designer clothing in Sydney's CBD, head to Incu to stock up on brands like; Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant and Comme des Garcons. From luxury sweaters to perfectly fitting jeans and dresses that will quickly become wardrobe staples, this is where you go to treat yourself. 

Featuring a curated collection of men's apparel in Sydney’s CBD, Incu will challenge the strength of your credit card and self control alike. They offer unparalleled access to international designers such as Kenzo, Garrett Leight, Outerknown and Acne Studios ensuring that you will leave with a new wardrobe of luxury yet totally wearable clothing, that only comes from a little bit of indulgence.

Bringing in the fashuns from around the world (and locally too), Incu Paddington Mens delivers the goods in the fashion department. Cultivating looks to fit your lifestyle, the warm, modern and stylish floor plan creates a haven for those looking to update their wardrobe (even for those who hate shopping).

For lovers of handmade baked delights, Bourke Street Bakery will be right up your alley. With a hands-on approach to baking, mixing in dedication, hard work and love, this once small-time corner store business has grown into a Sydney institution where bakers and chefs create some of the best baked goods in Sydney. And, as usual, don’t miss out on their classic sausage rolls because they are basically heaven in a paper bag.

Gelato Franco is the brainchild of Franco Riservato, the genius who made gelato at Leichhardt's Bar Italia for two decades… so he knows what’s up in the gelato world. This old school gelateria on Marrickville Road sells a tiramisu gelato that is an absolute life-changer (seriously). Tinged with coffee and topped with big hunks of chocolate sponge soaked in Sicilian Marsala wine (and then more coffee!), this is just a small scoop of the rich, smooth and creamy gelato on offer. The best bit? Franco makes each new flavour from scratch. Oh, and the serving sizes are something to be admired.