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‘You’re meant to slow down here’: The day-to-night cafe bringing country vibes to Newtown

Former Rolling Penny chef Robin Butler swapped King Street for the Central Tablelands over a year ago. Now he’s back with a new cafe by day, restaurant by night.

  • Lenny Ann Low
14/20

Big flavour meets happy chaos at the legendary old Steki’s site in Newtown

Dinner feels like a rambunctious party at this friendly family-run Greek restaurant.

  • Myffy Rigby
Mango chicken.
14/20

After 35 years, Canberra institution Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant is more vital than ever

This 90s-era time capsule has locals travelling to pop BYO Penfolds and pet-nat to pair with life-affirming curries that taste like home.

  • David Matthews
Chicken salt and thyme doughnut.

Chicken salt doughnuts? These plush, herby snacks are so much better than they sound

Find hand-rolled rings fried to order and bulging jam-and-cream-filled doughnuts at this new hot spot in Potts Point.

  • Erina Starkey
Pho tai lan (Hanoi-style soup with wok-seared steak) at Huong Xua.

Huong Xua

A no-frills Vietnamese diner for noodle soups and congee.

  • David Matthews
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Phnom Penh in Cabramatta.

Phnom Penh Mini Restaurant

A local favourite for num banh chok – Cambodian noodle soup.

  • David Matthews

If you’re looking for new, fun and exciting date night options, this bar nails the brief

Live jazz, a friendly crowd and a crisp, briny and savoury spin on the daiquiri are the order of the day at Odd Culture’s brand new York Street bar.

  • Myffy Rigby
The covered courtyard is reminiscent of a 1950s Californian drive-in or a 1980s McDonald's.
14/20

Where does a food critic take his baby for her first big day out? This retro diner, of course

While this new venture shares DNA with its Haberfield sibling, it has a new menu starring Philly cheesesteak, house-made Cheez Whiz and tallow-fried hash browns.

  • Callan Boys
14/20

Word’s out about this 16-seater, so queue early, fly solo or bring ‘one well-chosen friend’

The restorative cooking at Glebe’s new BYO Korean gem is worth the wait, from simmering broths to kimchi udon and home-style bibimbap.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Hotcakes.

Keith

Find “coffee, booze and really, really good things” at this Murwillumbah cafe.

  • David Matthews