Top Venues for 2018

2018 has been an epic year for me personally which has come with it's challenges and also personal pride and fulfillment. What always brings more colour to life is delicious food. So what were the food highlights for 2018? I sit down my partner in crime Matt to come up with my favourite venues of 2018. 

Your mouth is going to water reading this... so let's start.

Glacage Cafe in Bankstown

Taste Baguette, Darling Park

Taste Baguette in Darling Park is a popular eatery by local office workers during the week. It serves up delicious coffee, delicious pastries, Vietnamese Salads (if you get lunch early) and drool worthy baguette sandwiches for take away. It also has a pub/bar area where you can sit in for your meals and cocktails if you are thirsty.

Bistro Mekong, Castlecrag

Bistro Mekong has a delicious South East Asian menu and currently have a delicious sharing menu which is inspired by the flavours of Myanmar.

Bay Vista, Parramatta

Breakfast hot dog anyone? More recently I have found out Bay Vista is now open in Parramatta and is serving breakfast. It's been some time since I've been to Parramatta so I was happy to check out a new venue in my old hood.

Blackbird Cafe, Darling Harbour

3.5/5

Blackbird Cafe is located in Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf. It's been there for a long time since I can remember from my high school days. It's in a spot with a nice water view so it's ideal for a casual drink or a bite to eat.

Mamma Teresa, Kingsford

Matt and I head to Mamma Teresa in Kingsford for Friday night date night. It's been sometime since I've been in Kingsford and I notice all the Asian eateries. Mamma Teresa is one of the few non-Asian restaurants in the area which is a point of differentiation. 

Hunter and Barrel, Darling Harbour

Matt and I often walk along Cockle Bay Wharf and on this particular Saturday, we visit Hunter and Barrel in Darling Harbour. As I walked along Pyrmont Bridge, I couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful Sydney is. I love Sydney!

La Favola, Newtown

I haven't ventured to Newtown for some time. The Australian Good Food Guide recently introduced me to La Favola, a new Italian eatery in Newtown. 

Vino E Cucina, Paddington

On a sunny Saturday, I head to Italian restuarant, Vino E Cucina. I've been craving Italian food as well so I am looking forward to the meal at Vino E Cucina. I'm sitting in the court yard at the back of Vino E Cucina with my partner and the sun is shining, it's a good day. 

Dare Delicious and Responsible Cafe, Maroubra

Do you dare eat delicious and responsible food? That's the motto of Dare Cafe in Maroubra. Matt and I head here to Dare Cafe for some brunch on this particular Sunday afternoon.

Pizzeria Da Alfredo, Glebe

It's Friday night which usually means date night. Tonight we are looking forward to some traditional Napoli flavours at Pizzeria Da Alfredo in Glebe.  I immediately notice the huge pizza oven as I enter and I also notice how good looking the staff are. 

Cedrus, Ryde

I had the pleasure of joining my foodie pals from FCBA at Cedrus, a Lebanese restaurant in Ryde. It's located right across from a body of water and a park in between Meadowbank and Ryde. I had been here once a few years ago for a friend's birthday.

Marukame Udon, Chatswood

I have walked past Marukame Udon several times and kept making a mental note to check it out. So several months later, I check it out. 

Restaurant Plage, Cremorne

Restaurant Plage is a hidden gem despite getting a hat from the Australian Good Food Guide in 2018. Restaurant Plage is fine dining quality food in a casual setting and at a reasonable price point. I'm a big fan of Restaurant Plage. 

Cooking Classes at Sydney Seafood School, Pyrmont

Have you ever attended a cooking class? The Sydney Seafood Cooking School is located within the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont. The cooking class is a great opportunity to pick up some new cooking skills, learn some recipes and meet new people.

I Love Pho, Crows Nest

Matt and I head to I Love Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant in Crows Nest recently. It's an overcast day and Pho is on my mind. I've been to I Love Pho a few times and am looking forward to a high quality, flavoursome lunch.

Radley's, Sydney CBD

Radley's is now open at Met Centre in Sydney CBD near Wynyard. If you haven't heard of Radley's, their original store is in Chatswood and they are well known for their chicken. I stop by after work to check out their latest venue.

Averry Cafe, Sydney CBD

Averry Cafe is a new cafe located in between Chinatown and Town Hall. It's got funky decore and I notice the fluffy pink pillows and the pink pather.

Sushi Kaido, Chatswood

Sushi Kaido is located in Chatswood and is a small sushi train. The staff are super friendly and attentive which I immediately notice. The owner seems to hover over most of the patrons but you can tell it's because he wants to make sure all the customers are looked after. It's a good tactic to get people to order more dishes as well as he spruke the fish of the day.

Salmon and Bear, Zetland

Salmon and Bear is located in Zetland. Salmon and Bear is best described as a restaurant that has cabin feel which serves up mostly fish and seafood dishes. It might even get you in the mood for venturing out into nature. I've been to Salmon and Bear in Newtown a few times however unfortunately it has now closed down. I always thought the food was delicious so I was looking forward to see whether the food at Salmon and Bear in Zetland was comparable.

I Maccheroni, Woollahra

In association with the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG), I check out I Maccheroni. I Maccheroni has relocated from Rose Bay to Woollahra. The new cosy location makes for a great venue for Friday night date night. It's rainy and windy and I'm glad it's warm inside Maccheroni.

Echo on the Marina, Roseville

Echo on the Marina is a little piece of serenity in Roseville. There's no way I would of found this place without recommendation from my fellow foodies. As I descend on a series of stairs, I can see the great view.

Churrasco, Coogee

Matt loves Churrasco. We head to Churrasco in Coogee for a nice meaty lunch. For those who don't know what Churrasco is, it's a South American term referring to lots of grilled meat! For $43 you can have unlimited barbeque meats, salads, vegetables and sides.

Sake, Double Bay

My work was very generous and gifted a series of good food vouchers so I decided to use my voucher at Sake in Double Bay which is part of the rock pool dining group.

Kinn Thai, Castle Hill

Kinn Thai is located into the new refurbished Castle Towers Piazza. There's lots of eateries and fun things to do in Castle Hill. I drop by Kinn Thai for some drinks and dessert as we have just had lunch at Pappa Rich in Castle Hill.

Chama BBQ, Caringbah

Matt loves meat and when I mentioned all you can eat churassco for $40 - he was very much looking forward to dinner. Matt and I head to Chama BBQ in Caringbah and patiently wait until the doors open at 6pm. There's a small queue outside.

Sushi-Ya, Chatswood

I am looking for more awesome Japanese restaurants and decided to head to Chatswood to Sushi-Ya. Matt and I tend to eat dinner quite early so it was quite easy to get a table but Sushi-Ya gets quite busy by the time it's almost 6:30pm.

The Missing Piece, Macquarie Park

I head to the Missing Piece Cafe located in Macquarie Park. My friend D says she always goes to the Missing Piece for good coffee. However judging by some of the reviews, some people do not seem to rate the food at the Missing Piece.

Sushi Maru, Lane Cove

After a particularly tiring day, Matt and I head to Sushi Maru in Lane Cove. It's a small eatery with a sushi train and it's quite busy when I enter. There also seems to be a lot of school kids eating Sushi train on this particular day.

Wooden Whisk, St Leonards

I had been to Wooden Whisk a few years ago but it left a good impression on me so when my friend suggested we catch up in St Leonards - I immediately recommended the Wooden Whisk.

Pappa Rich, Castle Hill

Ten years ago, you would not have thought that Castle Hill was such a happening place. So many new things are now in Castle Hill, in particular the piazza and there's a metro line that will be there so it will be more accessible. I recently noticed there's so many new eateries including Gami (Korean Fried Chicken - famous from Melbourne), Betty's Burgers and Pappa Rich. There's so much going on in Castle Hill Piazza.

Chef's Gallery, Macquarie Centre

After a long day of doing house work and other not so fun things, I had become so hungry - I was feeling dizzy. I knew exactly what I needed so I headed off to Chef's Gallery at Macquarie Centre. 

Turka, Crows Nest

One sunny Sunday morning, Matt and I venture out to Crows Nest to Turka, a Turkish restaurant. It's been some time since I've had a Turkish breakfast and I am looking forward to a feast. 

Lot One, Potts Point

Lot One is located just off the main strip of Potts Point. Potts Point is the new location for Lot One and previously was located in the Sydney CBD. I was looking forward to a nice lunch with Matt.

Macleay St Bistro, Potts Point

I had the pleasure of dining at Macleay St Bistro recently with my other half. Matt loves french food so we both are looking forward to this particular lunch. Macleay St Bistro has been an institution in Potts Point and celebrates their 35th year in 2018. A lady at my work said it was one of her favourite restaurants ever and another lady at my work said she loved Macleay St Bistro so I had high expectations.

Ryu Kitchen, Rushcutters Bay

I stop by Ryu Kitchen in Potts Point for a quick lunch. It's a tiny hole in the wall restaurant. It's really quiet inside and there's a short lunch menu for you to choose from.

Meal Pal review

Zeus Greek Street Food is on mealpal. Have you used Mealpal? I thought I would give it a go. You basically pay for a month's worth (12 meals) of meals and the night prior you can choose your lunch for the week from a selection of venues where one special is offered for the day. The meals work out to be about $8 each which gives you a minor discount.

Hutong Hotpot, Haymarket

I recently attended the 3rd anniversary of the Food Critics and Bloggers Association which was hosted at Hutong Hotpot. Hutong Hotpot is located in Haymarket on dixon st. 

Whitewater Restaurant, Manly

I recently attended the end of winter celebration at Whitewater restaurant in Manly. Whitewater restaurant is located right across from Manly beach.

Umi Sushi, Haymarket

Japanese is one of my favourite cuisines - I love sashimi and all those Japanese flavours. It's a cold Saturday and I can't wait for some green tea. I head out to Umi Sushi which is located in Haymarket, right near the tram line. Umi Sushi has been recently renovated with a fresh seafood tank, private rooms and extensive menu to choose from.

O Bar and Dining, A Gault and Millau event, Sydney CBD

I was recently invited to a Gault and Millau (pronounced GO-MEO) dinner at O Bar and Dining. Gault and Millau is an independent french restaurant guide and gourmet food community and they are opening their wings to the food blogging community. While O Bar and Dining slowly rotates with stunning 360 views of Sydney City; I start chatting away with the Gault and Millau Australian representatives as well as my foodie friends.

Cucina Locale Revolving Restaurant, Blacktown

In association with the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG), Matt and I check out Cucina Locale Revolving Restaurant. Matt and I have previously been to Cucina Locale Revolving Restaurant and really enjoyed a taste of the good life in Blacktown. You won't see many venues like this out west. Cucina Locale Revolving Restaurant rotates so you get a 360 degree view of the horizons of the Sydney City as well as the blue mountains and the suburban rooftops of Blacktown.

The Lobby Cafe, Mascot

I am fortunate enough to enjoy the day off work and I catch up with my little brother over some breakfast at The Lobby Cafe in Mascot. My brother is in a very chatty mood but I can't seem to focus as I'm hungry.

All Hands Brewery House, King St Wharf

All Hands Brewery House is located on King St Wharf. On a sunny Sunday afternoon,  Matt and I head to All Hands Brewery House and enjoy the warmer winter day. I've been so stressed out with challenges at work and other aspects of my life, it's mostly food blogging that is helping me relax and focus on the good things in life.

Ho Jiak, Haymarket

I had to go back to Ho Jiak recently when I found out they had a new menu. I joined my foodie friend Andy for a Malaysian feast. I absolutely enjoyed my last visit to Ho Jiak so I was looking forward to the upcoming dinner.

Stable Talk Cafe, Kensington

Matt and I head to Stable Talk Cafe in Kensington for a late brunch. As you enter, you'll immediately see lots of horse artifacts. There's a small area at the front of the cafe where you can sit down but they also have a narrow walkway and back area too.

Bare Grill, Surry Hills

Bring your friends and family and get ready to taste one of the most amazing platters in Sydney. Bare Grill in Surry Hills is amazing and now they've pushed their limits even further.

Casa Ristorante Italiano, King St Wharf

Casa Ristorante Italiano is located on King St Wharf and is a popular spot for groups of people who want to enjoy the bright outside area with a water view. It's a sunny day and I aim to absorb the sunlight and views!

Ramen Manpuku, Chatswood

How are you surviving Winter so far? I'm feeling quite cold and in desperate need of ramen to soothe the soul. Matt and I had planned to go to Ryo's but after a drive to Crows Nest, we saw a sign on the front door saying they were closed until the 18th July. With my ramen feelings hurting, we decide to venture to Chatswood to Manpuku.

Vapiano, Sydney CBD

On a cold wintery Monday night, Matt and I head to Vapiano for a hearty dinner. As Matt describes - Vapiano is simple and homely food. I'm happy to hear they have a winter special - fondue. As I walk in, I notice lots of friends, families and tourists sitting down with big bowls of pasta and pizzas.