The Sydney Morning Herald logo
The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Unlicensed

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
Joris Zhao (standing) opened the shop with her retired parents.

Eight seats, three staff, impossibly light dumplings: Tiny shop leaves a big impression

There are dumplings and then there are Aunty’s. Squeeze into this family-run shop for a dreamy experience where everything is made fresh that day.

  • Emma Breheny
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
Heebi focuses on coffee and matcha specialty drinks, plus shiopan and other baked goods.

Heebi

Stay-a-while spot for specialty coffee drinks and shiopan.

  • Emily Holgate
Traditional Taiwanese egg crepe at Meet Taiwan in Bexley.

Haven’t tried Taiwanese brunch? You’re missing out on this cheesy crepe-omelette

The cheesy, delicious egg dish is hard to find in Sydney, but it’s on the menu at this family-friendly cafe in Sydney’s south.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Advertisement
Layer cake by the slice at Raya.

Raya

Where Malaysian flavours meet French technique.

  • Claire Adey
Knafeh at Adandi Cafe.

It’s one of Sydney’s most exceptional desserts, and it’s in Punchbowl

This western suburbs cafe keeps the lights on, the coffee pouring, and the pans frying until after midnight.

  • Bianca Hrovat
Breakfast board loaded with fried eggs, ful medames, zaatar manoush, labneh, cold-cuts, assorted pickles, fresh vegies and village cheeses.
14/20

Merrylands’ hot brunch spot serves a breakfast board loaded with the lot

Kabul House is still hugely popular, but young families and Zoomers are flocking to impressive modern Middle Eastern restaurant Iftar.

  • Callan Boys
Portside prepares seafood as it would at a restaurant, such as Hervey Bay scallops and half rock lobsters.

Portside Market

A fishmonger with a fine dining difference.

  • Emily Holgate
Vietnamese egg coffee and iced coconut cacao drink.
13/20

Try Vietnam’s viral coffee at this new Sydney restaurant opened by a Mad Max stuntman

Michael Tang was repeatedly blown up in Furiosa, but now torches his popular beverage until brulee-like.

  • Lee Tran Lam