Izakaya Umina, Cremorne

Izakaya Umina is located in Cremorne. It has a simple shop front so you may not realise this hidden gem exists. While the name “Izakaya Umina” sounds Japanese, the restaurant is best described as Modern Japanese with a splash of French technique. Owner and Head chef Tomo is Japanese but is trained in French cooking. I love this combination.

Sho City, Lane Cove

I recently visited Sho City which is a new Japanese Restaurant in Lane Cove. It's located upstairs in the shopping strip of Lane Cove and has seating inside and outside.  Sho City is probably best described as modern Japanese.   From the outside, I was unsure whether this was a casual eatery or a upmarket venue. I would say Sho City is more upmarket. So upon reflection, perhaps not the best venue if you have a toddler (like mine who won't sit still) but I did see other families with older children. 

Mangiasti?, Roseville

Mangiasti, an Italian restaurant is located in Roseville Chase. I head here on a weeknight along with some foodies to check out the food at Mangiasti which is best described as Modern Italian.

The Dining and Co, North Ryde

The Dining and Co is well known for being a suburban gem in North Ryde for breakfast/lunch. More recently, they have decided to open for dinner.  Matt and I decide to check it out on a cold Thursday night.

Plage Restaurant, Cremorne

Plage Restaurant is casual fine dining with Japanese flavours infused with European taste and technique. This venue is fabulous as it show cases fine dining technique at a reasonable price point. I've been here several times and intend on having a function here. They regularly update the menu so let's see what's new. 

I am a big fan of Tomoyuki Usui's work, he's such a talented chef, very much worthy of the hat from the Australian Good Food Guide.

Borrusos, Crows Nest

It's date night for Matt and I. On this particular night we head to Borrusos in Crows Nest which is a new Italian restaurant for the area. Borrusos also has an established restaurant which has been in North Bridge for some time. 

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.

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. 

I Love Pho, Crow Nest

I Love Pho is a great authentic restaurant located in Crows Nest. Beyond the classic noodle soup dish of Pho, the menu at I Love Pho is quite extensive and has a lot of my favourite Vietnamese dishes. I order all my favourites as part of their new signature menu.

Restaurant Plage, Cremorne

Tomoyuki Usui has worked at many top restaurants in Sydney and has recently decided to opened up his own venue called "Restaurant Plage" in Cremorne. Based on his previous stints, there is incredible technique and creativity in his cooking. So how has he designed the menu at Restaurant Plage?

Yasaka Ramen, Neutral Bay

On a random night, QHL and I catch up as he's been overseas for some time. He's eager to check Yasaka Ramen which has recently opened up in Neutral Bay. I've been to the one in the city (Blog post here).

Mamak, Chatswood

I hope Mamak is paying their staff correctly because their food is so amazing. I am guilty of regularly ordering my favourite dishes again and again at Mamak!

Bo Thai Restaurant, Crows Nest

I am excited to visit Bo Thai restaurant at Crow Nest for dinner on a weeknight, having heard the owner is also part of the super successful Home Thai in Chinatown.

Moody Chef, St Leonards

WHY IS THE CHEF MOODY? HEHEHE The Moody Chef is located in Crow's Nest but has two other stores in St Leonards as well. I check out the original location on Atchison St.

I Love Pho, Crows Nest

OH YEAH It's PHO WEATHER! Who can resist a big warm broth of pho? PHO SURE!!! "I Love Pho" has operated in Crows Nest for the past five years, serving authentic Vietnamese. No fusion here. Yes!! PHO-tastic

Bonjour French Patisserie, Wahroonga

Bonjour French Patisserie is a little eatery in Wahroonga which has many locals visiting on the weekend.

Teta's Lebanese Restaurant, Roseville

Teta's Lebanese Restaurant is located in Roseville and specialises in Lebanese cuisine.